Sometimes all you need is a second opinion – or at least a different opinion – to lean you one way or the other on an issue!
Here is a collection of ʻukulele reviews I’ve done on products I’ve had pass through my life. Most reviews were initiated by my love for an item. Some items were provided for free for me to try. I’ve tried to disclose all of these for transparency sake. That said, I generally don’t post ʻukulele reviews that are negative. Provided review items that just weren’t up to snuff aren’t on here. Better to pursue the best than avoid the worse, in my opinion.
Beware though! It’s easy to fall into the trap of taking opinions as gospel – especially when the review reflects positively on your preconceived notions. A review is nothing more than that: an opinion. I try to cover all bases here and represent pros and cons in an objective way, but my ʻukulele style is likely to be very different than yours.
ʻUkulele Reviews:
A high-quality, feedback-resistant performance machine.
A slick archtop ʻukulele with dual humbucker pickups for the rocker at heart.
A high-end ʻukulele made from Ekoa and perfect for demanding environments.
A big budget baritone with a cutaway and a pickup.
Plastic durability like never before.
Hands-down, the largest and highest quality source of ʻukulele reviews is Barry Maz’s site, Got a Ukulele. How he manages to write so much about so many ʻukuleles is really impressive to me. If you’re in the market, give his site a peek.
Gear Reviews:
Loopers allow you to record and play back your instrument or vocals for layering tracks.
A beautiful hardshell case that looks slick and provides ample protection.
One of the best ʻukulele amps for the money. Loud and portable.
A compact gigging effects pedal solution for acoustic players.
A simple, but inovative strap that allows you to support your ʻukulele hands-free without altering your instrument.
A lo-fi sounding delay that sits back in the mix…mix…mix…
The best-sounding acoustic amp I’ve ran across.
If you like to program patches, you will love this pedal. Options for days and days in a compact package.
Book Reviews:
Daniel Ward’s 16 fingerpicking studies get you in tune with your uke.
Four of my favorite reads written for guitar, but still infinitely useful.
THE Hawaiian songbook. If you don’t have it and you play Hawaiian music, well…
Victor Wooten’s masterpiece on the spiritual side of music. Absolutely fascinating.
Album Reviews:
Elof & Wamberg
K-Town Heroes
Daniel Ward
Victoria Vox
Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole (Bruddah IZ)
Brittni Paiva
Jake Shimabukuro
The Paul Hemmings Uketet
Jake Shimabukuro
James Hill
John Nash
James Hill
Jake Shimabukuro
Brittni Paiva
Herb Ohta Jr.
Herb Ohta Jr.
DVDs:
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro
