After watching your review for months about four years ago, I purchased a Kumu tenor thin body. I saw it on the UkeRepublic site and even though it wasn't on my radar of what I wanted, I purchased it. I love it. I have always hoped that you would review a Kumu so it was really fun to see it today. I was even happier that you liked it. 😁It really is a beautiful instrument. Thank you!
Have that exact model which I purchased from a good dealer in the US about four years ago. It's a winner. Have more expensive solid wood models which don't sound as good or play as well. Your review is right on the money - again. Thank you.
My only issue with laminate is it’s what-you-hear-is-what-you-get; it doesn’t get better as it’s played over the weeks/months/years, the way a good solid instrument does. I only own a single partial laminate instrument (my solid-cedar-top Kala 5-string), and it will probably be sold or given to a friend in the next year or two. On second thought, one other issue: I am not fond of tie bridges on laminates. I have seen too many cases in which the bridge pulled, taking the laminate veneer with it. Not an issue with a well-constructed laminate, but how many makers construct their own laminates? I’m vaccinated, BTW, so my chances of getting sick have diminished. Getting the booster next month.
This is true, but I've always thought the whole issue of opening up to be a moot point. When you think about it - absolutely impossible to impartially test whether it's changed for better or worse. How do you know how much of the difference you hear is down to your own playing style changing? For me, if they play well 'out of the box' that's 99% of the boxes ticked.
@@GotAUkulele I debated on the vax. I thought shop workers and others who deal with the public should get it first (I work from home). But our governor thought otherwise and a friend in healthcare reminded me that every vaccination helps to slow the spread of the virus. So, I got my first shot on Thursday. Felt tired and achy for two days following: fine now.
Very nice, Baz! Love the sound, but the price is a bit on the pricey side. Still, as you said, if you don't tell someone that it is a full laminate, they would not know! Cheers!
Excellent and detailed observations, thank you. Am hearing a mild "mutter" or slurring, which is not somewhat distracting. Veneer pronunciation perhaps? Thanks, Baz. STAY WELL.
Nice uke Baz...I just wondered whether you've ever reviewed the Aklot Tenor?...they seem to be getting rave reviews on Amazon yet are cheap as chips . Solid mahogany top, bone nut & saddle, aquila strings, perfect intonation, bag full of goodies and case etc etc...I'd love a review by your good self as to what you think....is it the find of the century or just hype?...:)
Thanks for another good review Barry. One question, could you remind me what reconstituted Rosewood is. I know you’ve mentioned it many times in the past but I can’t remember what it is. Cheers Keith
Basically off cut strips of real rosewood bonded together into a new block and then cut. Kind of a laminate. Eco friendly as it uses up the rosewood that would otherwise be burned. And as it's not used in elements that have tonal properties, I have no issue with using it at all. Better than using virgin wood.
Thanks for another great review, Barry. Quick, general buying advice question. My Aqulia red series low G just snapped after very little use! Any recommendations for a replacement? Cheers Kelsey
I despise the use of solid tops just for marketing though. They are used to draw people in to buying something that is not necessarily better and in fact, often worse (as they are done to a budget and usually too thick). I'd take a nice thin laminate over a 'solid for the sake of it' ukulele every day of the week.
To my ears, the laminate seemed louder than the cedar which is unexpected . . . at least over my tv. Many tenors sound tight to me. These didn't. I'd bet fluorocarbon would even bring out more of the sound.
After watching your review for months about four years ago, I purchased a Kumu tenor thin body. I saw it on the UkeRepublic site and even though it wasn't on my radar of what I wanted, I purchased it. I love it. I have always hoped that you would review a Kumu so it was really fun to see it today. I was even happier that you liked it. 😁It really is a beautiful instrument. Thank you!
Great to hear!
Always look forward to Sunday morning with your reviews.
I appreciate that!
Thanks for this review!!! I am having a hard time finding reviews on Leolani and their Kumu's.
Glad I could help! They are nice ukuleles
Love the tone of this one. Thank you for great review 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Yes I thought so too!
Thanks Baz! Stay safe, be well!
Thank you, I will - and you!
Have that exact model which I purchased from a good dealer in the US about four years ago. It's a winner. Have more expensive solid wood models which don't sound as good or play as well. Your review is right on the money - again. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing
Love the sound hole, looks a classy uke, sounds great, would like a bag and strap button for the money though.
Yes - fair point Alan
Glad you reviewed the Kumu. :) it seems to be a nice instrument. I love the look and sound of the gloss instruments too. :)
I do like satin ukes, but prefer no grain pores. Just me - minor point
Great review! I like the looks and it sounds great.
Thanks!
My only issue with laminate is it’s what-you-hear-is-what-you-get; it doesn’t get better as it’s played over the weeks/months/years, the way a good solid instrument does. I only own a single partial laminate instrument (my solid-cedar-top Kala 5-string), and it will probably be sold or given to a friend in the next year or two.
On second thought, one other issue: I am not fond of tie bridges on laminates. I have seen too many cases in which the bridge pulled, taking the laminate veneer with it. Not an issue with a well-constructed laminate, but how many makers construct their own laminates?
I’m vaccinated, BTW, so my chances of getting sick have diminished. Getting the booster next month.
This is true, but I've always thought the whole issue of opening up to be a moot point. When you think about it - absolutely impossible to impartially test whether it's changed for better or worse. How do you know how much of the difference you hear is down to your own playing style changing?
For me, if they play well 'out of the box' that's 99% of the boxes ticked.
Well done on the vax by the way - think i have 2 or 3 months to wait.
@@GotAUkulele I debated on the vax. I thought shop workers and others who deal with the public should get it first (I work from home). But our governor thought otherwise and a friend in healthcare reminded me that every vaccination helps to slow the spread of the virus. So, I got my first shot on Thursday. Felt tired and achy for two days following: fine now.
There aren’t may ukes with wide nuts in this price range. That’s a plus, IMO.
True!
Very nice, Baz! Love the sound, but the price is a bit on the pricey side. Still, as you said, if you don't tell someone that it is a full laminate, they would not know! Cheers!
Very true!
Excellent and detailed observations, thank you. Am hearing a mild "mutter" or slurring, which is not somewhat distracting. Veneer pronunciation perhaps? Thanks, Baz. STAY WELL.
Excuse me?
Nice uke Baz...I just wondered whether you've ever reviewed the Aklot Tenor?...they seem to be getting rave reviews on Amazon yet are cheap as chips . Solid mahogany top, bone nut & saddle, aquila strings, perfect intonation, bag full of goodies and case etc etc...I'd love a review by your good self as to what you think....is it the find of the century or just hype?...:)
Yes - long story but I put a review up and pulled it. Not a brand I want to give ANY airtime to. Make of that what you will.
@@GotAUkulele .....OK Baz...thanks for the reply.
Thanks for another good review Barry. One question, could you remind me what reconstituted Rosewood is. I know you’ve mentioned it many times in the past but I can’t remember what it is. Cheers
Keith
Basically off cut strips of real rosewood bonded together into a new block and then cut. Kind of a laminate. Eco friendly as it uses up the rosewood that would otherwise be burned. And as it's not used in elements that have tonal properties, I have no issue with using it at all. Better than using virgin wood.
@@GotAUkulele Thanks Barry, makes a lot of sense, I’m all for recycling. Have a good day.
Thanks for another great review, Barry. Quick, general buying advice question. My Aqulia red series low G just snapped after very little use! Any recommendations for a replacement?
Cheers
Kelsey
Never give string recommendations. Totally personal and subjective. What I WILL say though is I never use reds as they snap!
@@GotAUkulele Don't buy another red - That'll do for me :)
A very beautiful instrument. Too nice to not have made it solid top, marketing-wise.
I despise the use of solid tops just for marketing though. They are used to draw people in to buying something that is not necessarily better and in fact, often worse (as they are done to a budget and usually too thick). I'd take a nice thin laminate over a 'solid for the sake of it' ukulele every day of the week.
To my ears, the laminate seemed louder than the cedar which is unexpected . . . at least over my tv. Many tenors sound tight to me. These didn't. I'd bet fluorocarbon would even bring out more of the sound.
Similar to my ears - but the laminate is a bit fuller sounding so maybe it's that? And certainly quite open sounding as you say