I love this uke!!! After watching your review I bought one without electronics to take camping and kayaking with me. I love so much that I bought another one with electronics for performing. It has such a big sound for a little uke!! I put the Pepe Romero baby baritone strings on it and tuned it DGBE, my favorite tuning. Thanks for your review!!! So helpful!!!
I’ve never commented on a video, but I’d like to show my appreciation! You were very honest, and I love how you showed the dynamic between the two styles. I’m about to buy my very first uke, coming from guitar. I’ve watched all your reviews, and this one has sold me. Thank you!
Another brilliant review. Thank Baz, this channel is truly a gem. I personally can't wait to get my fingers on one of these. Cheers, from Ontario, Canada.
Hi, Barry. I need to thank you for inspiring me to change strings in all my instruments. First of all I changed super nylguts in kala tenor travel to fluorocarbons, then I replaced strings in kala soprano, too. Difference is amazing. But I achieved the most spectacular improvement in my classical guitar after replacement d'Addario nylons by fluorocarbons (also d'Addarios). Brighter sound but also much greater sustain (I didn't expect this). Best regards! 😊
Great review! I just received my new Enya Nova U Pro (White) today. I wasn't expecting it until July. So far it meets my expectations for a $119 Uke. The White is very stunning, sound loud and rich. I was considering adding a low-g but I think the high-g is nice and crisp so I'll probably take my Kala tenor to a low-g instead. Thanks much for your channel!!!
Glad you have an early copy to review. I've received an email from them announcing it and have been patiently waiting to hear your thoughts. It's as I feared, my resistance to ordering one is all but gone😂 But even worse, hearing the soprano next to it might mean I'll nee room for 2 ukes😱
People have complained to me about their Nova U concert ukuleles being unplayable after a few months due to fret wear, so I'm very happy to see metal frets on the new Nova U Pro Tenor. Personally, I love the size of the Nova U concert so I won't upgrade unless my white concert frets wear out, if ever they do. Great video. Thanks, Barry, for providing all details! Rich
I’m genuinely intrigued at what they’ve done to them to wear them. I have one that is two years old, a LOT of play - zero fret wear. I play with a light fretting hand and don’t use Aquila reds or wound strings. Either way - this removes all worriea
@@GotAUkulele I'm wondering the same. People often say they don't know that they shouldn't use wound strings with the plastic frets - I can only presume that's much of the problem.
@@GotAUkulele No fret wear on mine, but honestly I don't play them much. I like them, but I have quite a few others I seem to grab first. Anyway, as you say, this puts that question to rest.
Thanks for your videos bratz videos. I had already tried the concert model and had a love hate relationship, but after seeing the comparison of sounds you made I ended up deciding to buy it and I couldn't be happier. Another Enya for the collection, after the EUT-MAD and the Islander AT4. Happy Christmas in advance
Fantastic ... so excited. We have 3 concerts and a soprano hanging about, can't wait to add this to the lineup. I love having an instrument that I can leave in the car without worrying about it and they have such great action.
I absolutely LOVE the colour, I hope they keep it. The soprano is still my favourite but the 38ml nut grabbed my attention, given that I have fingers that turn vegans green around the gills. They may sound 'jangly' but it's in a very good way; nothing sounds muffled and every string turns up for duty. The more I see and hear these instruments, the more they appeal. I really, really like them! Thanks as always for the class review. 👍
Thanks, There was something about the balance of the sound of that soprano that I really liked even though it is a bit thinner. I can't explain it but I think I liked it the best for some reason.
Great job on this ukulele review. You have me rethinking my original plan. I'm currently thinking of purchasing either the Enya Nova Tenor or the Outoor Tenor, to take down to the Gulf coast (Texas) for the winter and to drag along on camping / fishing trips through the year The humidity and sand down on the Gulf was hard on my Oscar Schmidt tenor (OU6) and would prefer to leave that one at home in Canada. (It's currently my only uke as I'm still in the beginner phase of my ukulele journey.) I was pretty much sold and settled on the Outdoor Uke because it came in tenor and had a fret board more to my liking (wider and less cramped) and I liked the sound a bit better ...but now we have the new Enya tenor coming out..and it looks like it's addressed my own concerns. It sounds nice, too. I also like the fact that it comes with significantly more (case, buttons, metal frets, etc) than the Outdoor tenor. (and its a bit cheaper, too) Now what? I can't make up my mind!!! Will you do a comparison of both these ukes any time soon? Now that both have tenors, I'd be interested in your opinion and comparisons.
Tough decision. Personally I think the Enya edges the Outdoor tenor now for the following reasons ENYA U PRO Positives 1. Metal frets - no worries about string choice 2. Cheaper 3. Comes with a case and buttons as standard 4. Sounds (a subjective thing, but to my ears at least) as good as the Outdoor OUTDOOR Positives 1. More colours 2. Actually tougher. The Outdoor has been stress tested for temperature and I don't think the Enya has. Plus I've read reports that the outer coating on the Nova 'can' be chipped and scratched 3. Better tuners 4. More colour choices However, hard to ignore the price of the Enya and those frets I can't do a comparison on video now as I had to move the Outdoor I owned on, and this Enya will likely be going back to them. Still - both are very good ukes. They Enya received a better score though.
@@GotAUkulele Thank you for the swift reply. You actually confirmed what I was thinking. Up until today, I was solidly sold on the Outdoor, but since this review and your input, I'm going for the Enya. The only thing stopping me before was the fact that I really wanted a tenor. Add to that those metal frets, case and at a lower price... who can resist? Thanks again!
@@GotAUkulele The order is in!! Now just have to wait for the Canada / US border to open. What's another month or two wait...or maybe three. Had it send to my mothers house to avoid border delays and added costs.
Looks amazing! I’ll wait for your review on the acousticplus version of this tenor, since that’s what I am more interested in. Please do a review if you can. Your videos always help me decide.
Rewatching this while playing my new Uke :-) It really is a lovely instrument. The case is astonishingly thin (not the padding - the size) so I think this may end up being my preferred choice for travelling. Thank you for the reviews - they are hugely helpful :-)
🙌YES!!! I knew I could come here, search, and find a review on the Enya's tenor Nova U! Excellent review as always. I was looking for a purple tenor for my purple instrument collection, and Enya had added PURPLE to the line since this video. Guess who just ordered a purple acousticplus 😁😆 Thank you for your time, energy, and expertise in creating these reviews. 💜👍
Wow! Happy this was made... and I think I’ll wait for the trans acoustic version. I was hoping for this :) Is the fretboard slightly curved again? Thanks for bringing this to our attention. :)
Wow this one has some pop in its sound! I really like it. I have a Enya Nova Concert and I love it, but I must say this Tenor offers more then expected. Love the new color and changes…. As always great review. …..DOC
I love ur honest reviews! This Enya is one of those i’m considering to get (i already hv 2 ukes, but hey, U.A.S.). Looking forward to ur reviews of other ukes. Love ur website too!
Enjoyed your review as always you always give such a clear and honest review :) Good to see all the upgrades they have made on the Tenor they have upped the anti :). Being a very outdoors type I can see a place for this as sure when camping it is not the best environment for wooden ukuleles, especially two-piece solid tops. Shame they do not do a baritone or would consider one for my collection for sure.
Boy, I'd like an Enya Nova U tenor in red... but I might settle for the concert if they don't make one 😎 As an aside: I just wish Enya would make "inbetween" Nova U models, with a pickup but without all the fancy FX capability. The "jump" in price between the acoustic and "acoustisonic" (sp?) is more than I can comfortably justify, but retrofitting the acoustic Nova U with a pickup looks like it would be a nightmare. I'll probably bite the bullet in the end...
I’m sure other colours will come along in time. It’s the way it’s worked with all other Nova models. Re the pickup - it works as a regular pickup if you don’t turn the trans acoustic effects on, so doubt they’d do another for that reason
Hi Barry! Why the tuners a in gold style? :( Would like to see them in silver, would be a better finish in my opinion. But very nice sound. Is it "possible" to travel with this one? Is it robust? Have a nice weekend!
I love the review, I’ll have to wait till I am able to buy one this ukulele I want to buy the tenor 😇😇 and I will also change my strings on my concert ukulele and see how it sounds
Great side by side comparison of the Enya carbon fiber ukuleles! I have the soprano and concert and have been eyeing this one for awhile. It is on amazon early prime today for $111.99. I am also looking at another Enya deal today - EUT-MS Enya Tenor Ukulele 26" all Solid Mahogany with Cherry Blossom Pattern on glossy black headstock now $103.99. The concert version is on deal for $85.99. I'm leaning towards the Nova U Pro. Your thoughts?
I just recently upgraded to the Enya Nova Pro tenor but mine is a light Purple. and I also have the red enya nova concert, the only one I am missing to complete my lil enya collection is the mini
Go back 10 years and say "the community is very excited about the latest from Enya and the anniversary Flight models" and the response would be "who?" So happy to see the bar for entry models raised again
It's nice. :) I like the improved neck. The metal frets are great. People were installing those, DIY style, on their Nova U concerts and sopranos for a while now. I wish Enya would allow the option on those as well. Sounds fine as well, better than the smaller ones. Cute. I wish I'd need it. As it stands rn I have no reason and no need to buy it. But I wish I had.
@@GotAUkulele Right? But I guess the need for such thing exists, seeing as Enya decided to do it on this one. :-) DIY metal frets voids the warranty, though. :-/
@@partyontheobjective Not sure I agree (personally) - I have a 2019 Nova with zero fret wear. i did see the stories about wear, but couldn't understand the reason. Sure, wound strings (dont use them) would cause it or compound added strings like Aquila reds might (don't use them).. but for me - had no wear at all. What I mean is the concept of re-installing frets on a $100 ukulele is an insane waste of money. Just get a different uke.. If I am honest, whilst I applaud them putting them on this, it's a shame they had to.
Curious how you feel this compares to the Outdoor tenor in terms of sound/playability? I know that you compared the Enya concert to the Outdoor tenor and I believe preferred the fuller/less bright sound of the Outdoor then. Listening to the reviews side by side, the Outdoor sounds a little mellower to my ears. Your reviews are always a highlight of the weekend. Thank you!
@@GotAUkulele is the Outdoor really tougher than the 40% carbon here? FYI - you may get a kick out of this - I dropped a 4lb anchor on the soundboard and strings of my red Nova U a few weeks ago, and there's not even scratch on the coating, nevermind no damage to the uke! I need to decide whether I'm going with a glass composite Outdoor or the grey Nova U Pro for my paddleboarding tenor. Decisions, decisions.
@@sup_413 I’d say so for a couple of reasons. Outdoor have stress tested theirs and I don’t believe Enya have. By mainly that the Enya has a paint coating that does and will chip if dropped. The outdoor won’t do that
@@GotAUkulele understood, in theory. But, for the record, my Nova U has been stress tested personally - dropped an anchor on it, point down, from 2' above, dropped it on pavement, strummed it while partially submerged, played it filled with various amounts of lake water, and leave it hanging from the backseat of my car, even on a recent week+ of 90°+F... no scratches to be found and plays as well as ever. I love the translucent OU colors, but the upgraded features of Nova Pro.
I like the color too, but I don’t like the gold color hardware. I’d rather have them match the Uke. I wonder how easy it would be to change them-if it’s even possible.
I know a couple of people who changed them - a case of finding similar enough tuners where the screw holes match the same locations. They are pretty generic tuners, so shouldn't be impossible.
Thank you for this video. I have a conzert size (orange) myself, and a couple or my students have bought themselves a conzert size Cascha Carbon, which looks and sounds the same ( It is a bit difficult to get the original Enyas in EU-area) I think it is great beginner and all-around-instrument. It does not sound like an ukulele, but it sounds good - it sounds it´s own, and for some styles greatly. So - I am happy to know there is a tenor with metal frets, too. One of my students has seeking problems, so the concert and soprano size does not have any contrast to help her. In tenor there is good contrast in the frets. So - maybe "my herd" will one day get those, too? But one question: The compensated saddle (it is good, though!) makes it impossible to be changed to linear = low-g-instrument, right?
The Cascha is the same brand I believe - just a different name for some territories. The saddle wouldn't make a change impossible, but likely would require an adjustment at the nut or saddle to re-intonate. But that can be said of any ukulele - compensated saddle or otherwise.
Man! That color is really nice! I love the look of these! I may need to look at the soprano... how is the action on these? I’m disappointed with the action and tuners of the Waterman I bought.
Umm / no - the former might be right, but fluoro are not the only strings that are water resistant. If strings are not wound with metal any other strings are just as waterproof
@@GotAUkulele nylon absorbs water. For those of us playing while we go paddling, that means issues for nylon strings. They may not be permanently injured, but they don't play as well when wet. (Fluorocarbons are waterproof, while others are *resistant*.)
I must agree with you Baz, the colour is perfect. If i might ask your opinion, what difference in strength do you think there is, if any, between the enya's carbon and the flight travel (don't remember the name of the material). Is there any singificant issue on that (apart from the top laminate)? Take care, happy weekend!
Somewhat unfair to compare as the back on the Flight is regular polycarbonate and the top is wood. This Enya is tougher - the carbon addition to the polycarbonate also strengthens it. I don’t believe Flight have ever claimed they use carbon?
@@GotAUkulele nop, two different materials all togather, but since i have never experienced none of them (they are non existent in Uruguay), i was wondering about their quality/resistance differences.
I started with the Enya Concert and now have the Tenor.. love the weight and sound of the Tenor but the strings sit so high on the nut that any chords that have me pressing down on the strings in the first fret are quite painful! Because it all one piece of plastic do you think I should find a Lutherie to file the grooves a bit lower - or am I asking for trouble?
Yes, they can be lowered that way. But just bear in mind that the nut is integral - so if you go too far it's then very difficult (though not impossible) to raise them again
Kiora. Great review thanks. I'm pretty keen on one of these in the U pro tenor acoustic plus with the pic up. Trouble being I just carnt seem to find that available to buy. I'd ask Enya directly but they don't seem to have a contact email address. Maybe I just can't find it. Anyway. Do you know if the tenor is available is available with the acoustic pic up. Cheers
Hi Barry thanks for this review . I have ordered one of these ukes yesterday as a 60th birthday present to myself, (Any excuse to have another uke 🤪). I'm thinking on changing it to low g string what do think of that idea good or bad lol. I have a magic fluke tenor fitted with low g so this new one has some going to match up with it very hard to put it down! anyway thanks again and enjoy your coffee cheers. John
@@johns4962 It depends on how much of a gauge change on the G string there is - if it's great, you may need to adjust the nut slot width and break point - quite fiddly. Some low G strings don't need it and you may want to try and see if you get away with it. Being metal frets on the pro you can go with a metal wound low G which tend to be similar gauges. The problems come in with unwound low G strings which can be much fatter.
Are the D'addario strings *titanium*, or fluorocarbons? Also, the saddle appears to be a separate piece, like the Nova U, as opposed to molded, like the mini - or is this just a visual trick in coloring?
Titanium is just their brand name - no titanium in them. They are flouorocarbon. The saddle is same as the other Novas - and removable. Don’t think the mini saddle i moulded in?
@@GotAUkulele i have titaniums on one of my sopranos - they sound great but aren't as easy on my fingers as the fluorocarbons, both from D'addario. Are the strings purple? My mini (light blue) has a molded saddle, but my red concert has a black saddle that appears to be separate.
I'm wondering how the Tenor Nova u goes with fret wear? I have had a concert nova u since about 1 year, and even without heavy playing (I also have wooden ones I play, and i don't play long/hard sessions), I see obvious grooves worn into frets 1,2 & 3, and I'm hearing some buzz when playing. I've only ever used the original strings or Worth medium clears. I am sooo disappointed ! I hadn't thought this was a temporary/disposable uke, and especially as I'd paid the extra for Accoustic Plus version, thinking that sometime down the track I might plug in to an Amp. I don't know if my Concert is from a bad batch, or if it's a common problem with the Enya carbon fibre ukes ?? . Perhaps the frets in the tenor are real metal, and so wouldnt /shouldn't suffer this same defect?
If i'm looking to try out a tenor size uke and already have the Donner DUC-100.and don't have ton of money to spend....do you think it would be better to just get the same Donner uke, but in a tenor size or would it be better to try out this Nova U Pro. I like the Donner and I've not had any issues with it, but I'm just curious about the tenor size. More reasons that this one might be a better choice is that I live in Florida and it's always humid here especially during summer months like now and I like the outdoors and going hiking and plan on doing some camping when the weather cools off down here so there is a chance that I would take it on a trip at some point. Once again....I've not had any issues with the Donner......this one just seems like it might be a slight step up in all facets according to your review/ratings and it sounds like it's quite a bit sturdier and able to withstand the humidity better so maybe it'll last longer.
I like Donner ukes, but it's difficult to compare to something like the Nova - totally different construction and feel to hold. I love the U Pro for what it's worth
Have been looking for a tenor ukulele for a few months, and after watching this review I was convinced to get an Enya Nova U pro tenor in black. When it arrived i was confused as the frets are black and not metal (use a magnet on it to check). It was advertised as Enya Nova U Pro Tenor and I was wondering if the metal frets where just painted black???
Nope - definitely NOT a U Pro - the U Pro has regular metal frets. In fact they make a feature of them. Sounds like you bought a regular U (Concert) - plastic frets. If it was sold to you as a U Pro - i'd arrange to get it returned.
Hi, in Belgium everything is much later or not able to buy. Over here it's Cascha instead of Enya. Some people claim that Casha is Enya do you now or that is true please? Thank you in advance and thank you for all the reviews! :-)
Hello Barry I bought a nova u concert but I don't really like its colour...a light blue...I should have bought it black Is it possible to dye it without damaging it? In case could you explain to me which products to use? Thank you 🙏
Looks cool and love the metal frets but I read in your written review that the nut is integral. Wont that be as likely to wear down just like plastic frets would? I know many havn't had problems with that but I do wish they made a removable nut or installed a zero fret.
Sadly they dont ship to my country :/. Tried to buy from a reseller but got stuck at customs, they didnt want to tax it, just didnt let it enter the country.
Hello, i got this piece 2days ago, but I'm not really enjoying the strumming.. I like the individual string sound, fingerpicking is good, chucking is also good but strumming is not much loud. My 40$ uke sounds much louder than this.. is it going to get better with more playing ? What do you think ? Thanks in advance 🙂
I found it loud enough, but it's never going to be as loud as a deeper bodied wooden ukulele I am afraid. Won't change with more playing as there is no wood to open up.
The d'addario titanium strings also seem to require a pretty heavy hand imo. If you're finding it muted, I'd recommend trying a fluorocarbon string. I put Fremont black lines on mine and I enjoy the sound much more and it fits mjy play style
I would highly suggest playing around with string choices. I finally settled on Worth Browns and Fremont soloist low G and I love the feel and the sound is rich. Not sweet but more percussive.
Got mine yesterday £139.00 from Amazon and it is great I was going to change it to a low g but I love it the way it is. Your review was spot on Barry Thanks again 👍🪕😃
😳 The tone sounded the same to me as the Concert which is disappointing. That and when you said it sounded brighter than, I'm presuming, conventional wooden tenors, albeit this is plastic - but this is bigger. Maybe it's just my hearing. I prefer a "dark" sound. I bought a plastic brand recently which I think is modelled on the transparent Watermans, in Soprano sized from a place that apparently make or source from the same factories that make well known branded ukes. I did settle as I wanted Concert size minimum but where I'm at, it's very hard to find non wooden ukes at walk-in stores let alone have further specifications.
Certainly brighter than a wooden instrument, but to my ears this is far fuller and rounded in tone than the concert. Stands to reason, a lot more body to resonate
@@GotAUkulele Thanks. Good to know and of its brightness compared to wood which makes me like wood better but then, I prefer plastic/carbon for durability. I was thinking of getting a concert but also considered a tenor and actually now preferring a low G tenor but without wound strings. Harder to find one without having to put new strings on it I believe.
Hi - Barry (not Basil) but close enough! Enya do make a concert but not with metal frets - that is the original Nova. I hear rumours they will be making a Concert 'Pro' but not seen any pictures yet.
@@GotAUkulele Yeah, I've looked at a few of them but I guess I mean more of a comparison overview of the electro acoustic options... or even just organising them in a playlist so it's easier to compare models... there's just so many options out there I'm suffering buyers fatigue #firstworldmusiciansproblems
as someone who keeps their finger nails extremely short I'm sad about how muffled the Nova pro sounds. with a pick or even with what ever little bit of nails I can occasionally get while strumming it sounds gorgeous. I've found that with my wooden ukulele the muffled sound isn't anywhere nearly as pronounced as the nova is
@@GotAUkulele Would changing the strings from the Dadarrio titanium to another pair of strings help with that? I'm not sure if you still own the Nova pro but I've read that a few people have noticed that the neck starts to bow over time
