Got A Ukulele Reviews - Fender Zuma Concert 

A T I’m aware of that. Still doesn’t look right on a ukulele..

Think you could be right. I know a lot of people who bought the quiet Enya HPL ukes for same reason. Quiet acoustically but nice recorded

Yes I hear that a lot and they are good enough reasons. However, Fender don’t own the concept (only the shape) - if it was so invaluable, why do 99% of instruments employ a side by side tuner arrangement? I’ve never personally had any issue with tuners moving in different directions myself

Didn’t totally dislike it but personally think there is MUCH better value for beginners out there

@@GotAUkulele like which ones?

@@Kamuyamial All the ones on this list with higher scores - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html

They are not in the UK yet. Will need a break from Fender for a while now.

I would love to see this too Philip! I actually have one coming tomorrow so will be able to compare to this one! :)

Philip Vega-Ramirez, I now have both in hand, a red Zuma and the Grace VanderWaal Signature concert! I can honestly tell you, the sound quality is VERY different. As I said, the red Zuma has an almost banjo-like sound to it, whereas the Signature has a far more regular ukulele sound to it! It projects well - that said, it isn't as loud as some other ukes I have, but is more than loud enough! I took the red Zuma to a group last night with about 40 other people and it held it's own admirably in fairness to it! Several people commented on it, both for it's looks and for it sounding like a banjo! So if the Zuma could hold it's own, I am in no doubt at all that the Signature will too. It has a lovely, rounded sound to it which I really love. Fittings and finish are pretty much identical to the Zuma, although obviously, not red! The in built tuner works just fine too. I can't comment on it plugged in to an amp yet as I haven't tried it out, but I will! The ONLY thing I wish was done better, and I am being REALLY picky, is the finish around the inside of the soundhole. The sapele wood is stained to the walnut colour (which is stunning by the way) but just on the inner edges of the soundhole, it hasn't had sufficient stain applied to quite cover the original wood colour perfectly. I mean really, if you look at it from most angles, you would never notice - but for the sake of this review I went over it with a fine tooth comb! That is the only thing I can fault it on. The Zuma is obviously painted on top to candy apple red, but there are no such issues with the paint on that one, and the inner of the soundhole is perfect. I'm really glad I have both to be honest. I love the looks of the red one better, just because it is so stand out different, but the Signature does have better sound in my opinion. You also get the pick up installed, and the gig bag too, which is nice quality and looks smart. The Signature is a beautiful looking thing for those who like a natural wood look, and I think it's a really great deal for £159 (UK) Hope this helps? :)

krissii74 thank you I’m getting mine today you have helped me so much

@@PhilipVegaR did you get your Signature? What do you think?

Hmmm - can think of better ukes for this money - lots of them - which makes me question how great the value is

@@GotAUkulele well thing is that after anyone uses 2 to 3 thousand dollars instrument 100 to 200 dollars will always be of value even if it makes decent tones, its all relative how we perceive stuff .

@@akshaysharma2786 Very relative and all subjective. But my scoring matrix tries to take that into account. A cheap ukulele can do much better on the scores on 'value for money' than a 3 thousand dollar uke can. The 3k uke may beat it on 'sound' , but not always on value for money, and not always on looks either.

Tobias Ljøkjel they don’t make them any longer.

That’s a very good point - and on occasion they do ukes without them too!

Thanks Todd!

Yep - that's probably the reason - though weirdly I hear people struggle to make these fit in some standard concert cases as it is! I see a lot of people saying the inline tuners make sense, but always reply as follows. Kamaka have been making the worlds most revered ukuleles for over 100 years - they never felt the need to improve theirs with inline tuners.

Curtis Hansen indeed - it’s kind of almost there. The lack of volume rules it out for me.

That 'being lucky' is a huge part of why I wouldn't recommend it - why play russian roulette when other brands at the price point are far more consistent in my experience

Thank you!

Possible future review. Not launched in U.K. yet though.

Yeah, they are pretty rotten.

Hope so - good luck. I believe new Fender ukes have moved to Aquila strings

GotAUkulele I thought so too, but they don’t look like Aquila strings, they didn’t come with a tag saying they were Aquila, and on the website it says the strings are “standard concert ukulele”

Standard - re-entrant GCEA

@@GotAUkulele thank you :)

I took this uke to a much larger group last night with about 40 other people playing, and it definitely (and admittedly, surprisingly) held it's own! Several people commented on it, both for its stunning looks and for it's banjo like sound! What probably surprised me most, was that people LOVED the sound of it! They loved that it didn't sound the same as every other uke in the room and had a presence all of it's own. They felt it added something extra to the band! It's an absolute keeper for me!

Which is fine if you like a ukulele with a lack of sustain - not to my taste, but I do understand why some would like the tone

Glad you enjoyed it!

Agreed on the Donner

I don't give individual recommendations I'm afraid - all the reviews are scored - and anything 8 out of 10 or above is recommended. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html

That was my very first ukulele and it was wonderful!! Truly the best quality for that very low price, I’ve had it for two years and it still sounds amazing, I’m only getting a new uke because I want something that looks more unique

Pretty lousy to play though

@@GotAUkulele LOL, I bet.

Link in the video description!

@@GotAUkulele Thank you!! I found that video after I posted the comment... Sorry for not realizing everyone asks that 😂

Enjoy it!

A music store is best, however a few online place do a good job, depends on your location. Read his website for some good suggestions in various price ranges.

@@botecfud Thank you very much!

Jimbo Carrino Great news! I'm sure you will love it, like everyone of us! Which one? www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html If it got 8 or more, it's recommended! You should also choose the size. Like Soprano, Concert, Tenor... Where should you buy it? www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html These are the best stores!

Dozens- but too many to list. Go to the full reviews list on link below video - everything 8 out of 10 gets a ‘recommended’ from me!

Jimbo Carrino Amazon is currently selling the Fender Zuma for $84

Happens with all ukes - strings are stretching and settling - see this www.gotaukulele.com/2017/01/my-ukulele-doesnt-hold-its-tuning-what.html

JOSEF DIRT ~ thank you! Finally you did Fender Uke review 💕 I was waiting for this for you to give a review that’s my next goal to buy. I’m only 10 y o & work hard to get instruments that I like . I play open mic night or play by the mall to earn $$. So, I like to see the review that you do before I buy Uke. I just value every $$$ I earned. 🥰 To me, You’re very honest about your reviews 👍🏻😎 thanks for doing fender Uke review. I like the way you play Uke also. 😎 hey, can you pls. Subscribe to my channel also. Really, really appreciate that! Have a great day 😍

Ah - sorry Josef - and thanks for letting me know - should be there now! Oops!

@@ColvinBrooke Finally - i've done' two other Fender reviews?!

GotAUkulele ~ I saw that Joe ❤️ it too. But I’ll go back & check it out again. But this is the one I uses concert Uke. Hey! Can you do tutorial also? 😎 if not review is fine for me also. I just like the way you play the Uke that’s why I ask you to do tutorial. I’m just a kid learning from a lot of big boys with different instruments. Thanks again Josef. 💕😎

@@ColvinBrooke I'm not Joe.. Who is Joe? Here is the tutorial ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rkk9CXQ1AZU.html

Like that one, it's like they almost got there. I love the tone of them (not the Venice though - that needed to be scrapped!) - but if they gave it a bit more volume it would be a great uke.

Really? I find them consistently underwhelming

@@GotAUkulele Not loud but I like the strings spacing my fingers can in there and the high intonation is good. Just an IMO.

can get in there.

@@mrb4886 It's all subjective of course - but i've reviewed a LOT of ukes and several Fenders - they are yet to impress me - couldn't ever see me spending money on one over other equally priced models from others that have more resonance and life. not sure what high intonation is?

@@GotAUkulele Understood. Not arguing. High harmonics on 12th fret. I found always spot on with Fender. Good talkin' to ya. I just think they are good for beginners. That's all.

no, no es muy bueno

Lyndsey MacPherson don’t get me wrong - as much as I dislike this head stock on a uke it’s not the head stock making it so quiet!

Yep. And I swear I can hear how much softer the tone is on this one, even considering the filtering and other factors. I think you're right-it's the thick top spoiling it.

Almost certainly - very little resonance in the top. Must be over braced, and certainly has too much gloss and paint.

The colour is really growing on me!

I rather like the tone myself - it's just too damn quiet!

@@GotAUkulele This is why keeping your standard test play is so good and a very valuable part of the reviews . We can compare, even with the funky things youtube does with its compression or what have you. It is a reasonable constant for comparison which is great to have. I would agree the tone is ok, just in comparison I think it falls a bit flat in my opinion. cheers!

Like everything with looks it’s each to their own. I adore the shape, just not on a ukulele. But happy that others disagree. It being quiet though is a fundamental issue that goes beyond subjective views. Sadly.

William L apologies - and it was out on first play - but running out of time to re record (and light) - but the intonation is near as damnit bang on when in tune.

Thanks Baz

Dunno Nickie - I know they apply guitar making techniques and that just aint going to work. If they compared them to similar priced competition (likes of Kala), they would see how they were behind the curve.

KAR I'm sorry, my friend, but I don't think that is true. Maybe that was the case before. Not now though. Fender acoustic guitars are not even worth mentioning when it comes to high end/professional level. But they're very good as far as beginners'/practice guitars go. The Fender CC-60S and the CD-60S are great. They always get high scores in reviews and are often mentioned among the best acoustic guitars for beginners, with the usual Yamaha's and others. And for personal experience: I own a Fender CC-60S. 150€, brand new. I'm not saying it's as good as my $3000 Martin, but it's damn good in its own right, especially for 150 euros. A great guitar to start learning. And Baz said that, albeit flawed, two out of the three Fender Ukuleles he reviewed were pretty good. If the Montecito got an overall score of 8.5 and the Zuma got 8.3... that means something. (Speaking of that: everybody, go read the written reviews!!!!) So, yeah, Fender acoustics are not always bad. :)

I'd agree - whilst I don't like Fender acoustics and they are not earth shattering, they have much improved. In fact I own a cheap one as a knockabout for play in the garden in summer months. The Montecito and Zuma did indeed do ok. The flaw with both is the volume - which would rule them both out for me. But if you only ever want to play in a bedroom for fun, they'd both be nice. You could never jam with them though, you'd be lost.

Pretty much!