Thank you for the review, and for addressing the strap arrangements, which I've always wondered about since the first time I saw this ukulele. It has a different look for sure, and I appreciate that the frets are metal. Also I think its case reminds me of Eve from Wall-E. Happy Easter and please take care!
Yup to everything you said, especially the price. I will also say that when I first saw one with the space pod coffin thing, I was completely turned off. Seeing it here outside of the case I think it could grow on me visually. But at that price I would go with a soundwave.
It is good to hear your comments on this ukulele. I Purchased one a month or so ago and I’m undecided. At times, I want to sell it. I don’t have a strap and it’s difficult for me to hold. I think I may have been better off getting a different uke. I’m going to see how it works when I plug it directly into my recording device. If that doesn’t make me feel better about this purchase then it will definitely have to be put in the classifieds.
Am sure it will work well plugged in - you can overcome a lot of sound issues with a bit of modelling - but, of course - that's not the main purpose of a transacoustic system
@@GotAUkulele oooh... nope, have not seen the strap yet... "GOT A LINK"? - 😃... i am curious! Now the price seems awfully high indeed... although i must admit i have a (high quality branded spanish leather) handmade strap for 53,-€... (plus shipping)... but that is w/o the LOXX system i installed... so i guess in the case of LAVA you pay for the locking system, the general idea and ultimately for the patent...
I get that most would buy this for the plugged in sound. I have found that on composite instruments the acoustic volume has no head room. It doesn't get louder the harder you strum or pick. Found that to be true on the HPL instruments as well.
I just got mine this morning and I love the lava u tenor because I had just a concert before but this is definitely a step up can’t wait to try it with an amp! Great review also👍🏽
This is one of the most out-there, bizarre, hipsterish ukes I've ever seen and I've got to say, I'm kind of into the looks, flaws considered Hope you and your family have a good Easter, Barry!
I have my Sparkle Gold (really, Champagne) concert right by our tv on a uke stand. It's beautiful to look at. The case is only good if you join Jeff, Elon or Richard on his next vacation. They might object to the weight, though.
Happy Easter Barry to you’re family and all your viewers for those that celebrate this weekend Good review I’m 57 and it doesn’t work for me but I’m sure they didn’t design it for you and I Thanks As always
Definitely a marmite uke. I like marmite but not spread on with a trowel. Soundwise it comes across pretty well until the effects are introduced, then the sound that results is, well...... overprocessed. Kind of like a Minah bird imitating a ukulele, yes bizarre as that is. I get why the shape and depth as it certainly doesn't suffer from the feedback howl of the nova u but it's still not going to be everyone's cup of marmite. As ever , a thorough review of a product that will no doubt sell well whatever you or anyone else says about it. I have a Nova U with the effects which needs the actuator sorting and if you want it for a comparison and can fix the actuator your welcome to it for free. That is if you can collect it or arrange for collection. Having now heard all three my money is on the flight ukes incidentally.
Not placing any fault, but somehow his mic is picking up much stronger reverb and effects than are actually there when present. And I haven't heard the peculiar hum on any other review. I wish I could get effects that strong on my Lava guitar. I could dial them down.
Hello sir, well it’s four years gone from this review and I have seen the 23 inch Freeboost model on sale on the LAVA website for $199, and the 26 for $219. Based entirely on the sale price, do you think this is worth picking up? I really want to get a uke with built in electronics that sounds all-purpose when plugged in, so the acoustic tone isn’t as important to me except in terms of how it gets picked up by the saddle. FWIW I have a LAVA ME 2 guitar that is easily my most played and most admired instrument so I have a special love for this one, but curious if you would recommend a different brand over this. Thank you for your detailed review :)
That's a FAR more reasonable price - looks like they chipped price down to match the Enya Tenor Pro uke which is just as good and for a while was half the price!
I’m new to ukuleles, and own a mahogany Kala, very traditional, but I like the looks of this one. I’m going to buy one of these composite carbon fiber ukes, this one or the one made by Enya. Haven’t decided yet. Very helpful review, thanks!
Personally think these are too close to the Enya for this to be the price it is. OK, one or two nicer appointments, but they are totally over the top on money. Enya options are great value Incidentally - it would be the Enya Nova Tenor pro which compares to this, as only that one has metal frets
@@GotAUkulele Yes I’ve watched some videos on the Pro model (actually yours was the first, and best-not trying to flatter you, it just is. I just watched it again.) That’s the one I think I’ll buy. I don’t mind spending the money, I’m retired and single so I only have me to worry about. I’m not rich by any means, but I’m comfortable enough to buy what I want. It also means I have time, lots of time. 😊 That’s why I want to learn the ukulele. It seems easier, but it can be challenging if you want, and I want. Okay, since I’m on a roll here, maybe you can answer this question: why are there so many good ukulele players in England, especially male ukulele players? I’ve discovered many since I’ve been learning about ukuleles. I’m hoping it’s a genetic thing since my family roots are firmly in Britain. 😁
Hi Frank - nice of you to say! As for the amount of uke players here - Whilst the global boom that started in the 1920's kind of stopped in most places when skiffle and rock and roll happened - the ukulele carried on being popular in the UK (still on the sidelines, but popular). I believe it was down to the ongoing George Formby Societies that kept that style of uke alive - that then kind of developed into the current wider boom. That's a very particular style of play, and not really my thing, but all credit to them for keeping the flame alight! I think the videos circulating re George Harrison when he died (the documentaries and the tribute concert in the UK) helped too - that was certainly what made me first pick up a uke about 20 years back. I think that had an effect on USA of course too, but certainly re-ignited the UK. Actually though - if you look at the make up of people in uke clubs in the UK, i'd wager that females easily outnumber the men! Of course, the uke has always remained popular throughout in Hawaii! @@fbales
The amps sound the same (they ARE the same), but the core ukuleles are so different (one wood, one plastic) that it would be unwise to compare them. I personally prefer the Flight though.
the design isn’t new though. this is just a reworked Populele 2. granted with new transacoustics, but not worth the price given the Populele 2 is still offered on Aliexpress for $190 CDN.
I really have a thing for non-traditional ukes, so I’m quite biased, I think, but I like it. I think the biggest difference I’m seeing and hearing is the quality. I have an acoustic Nova U and I find it darling...until it’s fingerpicked. This sounds much better while being fingerpicked. How’s the intonation up the neck? It’s expensive. I wish it were only $100 (or less) more expensive than it’s closest comp. I’ve been waffling about whether I want this or not and you’ve been no help. 🤣 I think we have same gripes and concerns and yet like it so I’m still left thinking, should I? Although, I like the idea of the case, it doesn’t seem quality. I think it goes very well with the aesthetics of the uke.
Intonation is good and, even if it wasn't - easier to adjust than the Nova. I like it too `and think it sound better than the Nova U. As I say though - do I think it is $230 better than the Nova U - no, I really don't. Not even close
GotAUkulele I guess it’s a perspective thing. I bought the Leolani tenor with the FX attachment from The Ukulele Site and it was $375 and with shipping was over $400. Same idea, one is wood, one a composite. You can argue the materials justify the price difference, the Leolani is a better uke, etc., so that cost is justified. That to me is completely perspective. Honestly, I think it’s just a matter of what you can/are willing to spend on your fun. 😀. Thanks for the review!
Ah ok - maybe there is. Makes zero difference unplugged. Wonder why there isn't one in the concert model, and why the manual and website are totally silent on the feature.
Got this uke this week! It sounds nice and plays comfy. But the only downside is the narrow frets! Overall, the tuners, build quality and the case is awesome!
Advised today that the only straps that work with the uke (the ones that should have been part of the asking price for THAT reason) are now available to buy.. for between £39 and £45... For a uke strap... Incredible.... www.lavaofficial.co.uk/product-page/platted-ideal-strap-u-lava-u-compatible
GotAUkulele Yeah the Nova U concert is a bit longer than a typical concert , but I think that extra length is a result of a larger headstock than normal. The body is concert sized it seems. If they made a true tenor the sound might be a bit fuller. Still I enjoy playing the Nova U.
Hey Barry! I had asked for a Tenor recommendation and you showed me your page with all your reviews. I saw some that looked really attractive to me but now I have one question: I want to get a tenor because I want a ukulele with low g strings. Are there any tenors that are better for being low g stringed than others? Or does it matter at all? Thanks!
No - any tenor will take one - in fact many people put them on concerts too. Just bear in mind that if you change the gauge of the g string (which can happen with non-wound low G strings), you may also need to adjust the saddle and nut to dial the intonation back in.
@@hanswurst7817 Sorry - I NEVER recommend individual string brands. We all hear sound differently so what one person tells you sounds nice, you may not get the same experience.
I wouldn't say so - when I say it's a bit quiet, it's not THAT quiet. It's also expensive and comes witha load of features a beginner just does't need.
A chord is not a tuning. The uke is tuned GCEA with a high G. The chords played in the review are linked in the description. In standard tuning uke strings are different gauges. The 3rd C string and 2nd E strings are normally the thickest in normal tuning.
Nice review! I agree with some of the gripes you have, as I just received mine. The strap issue is ridiculous. Maybe I will reach out to the company and ask if they can just send it for for free when they are made. Can you recommend a good amp for this uke? I am not too impressed with the volume! :-)
Rachel Marshall amp choice is more subjective than ukes - just dont go too cheap and stick to good brands. Roland make good small amps I would recommend
Ugh. The more I look at this, encounter it at various groups, and listen to it, the angrier I get. I hate it that people are getting ripped off by buying it, and I absolutely despise the way this is marketed, and the predatory business practices Lava engages in.
The tone is quite nice, from this side of the world anyway. I like the simple short design of the head stock, but the rest of the design and the case I don't fancy. The strap should be included and be able to fit in the case (which I doubt it does).
Have to say I had this ukulele. Today I was going for my first attempt at ukulele string changing .. had it since May this year. But when I took the strings off the nut by the headstock fell off and I noticed its only hold on by glue. Im quite sad about it since I bought this ukulele as a milestone reward to myself for overcoming alcoholism earlier this year.. thankfully amazon was very decent and today I have sent it back for a refund. Any tips on another lovely ukulele Baz that could replace the title this held for me?? Ive been thinking of perhaps getting Enyas trans acoustic uke but not sure about it .. their other ones are far too pricy .
The headstock fell off?? Wow - yes - only the Enya would be my recommendation if you want another plastic - the nova Pro Tenor is great - cheaper than this too
@@GotAUkulele I did get the super Enya tenor mad blue and its Amazing but I want one that i could plug in with Effects. Not the whole headstock just the White bit that has those deepenings where the strings go .. cant remember what thats Called but refuse to super glue something that shouldnt be superglued to begin with
Was wondering have you seen the xiomi (think that’s spelt right, the phone people) huge company into everything. They have a couple of entry level ukelele’s one is about 110€ euros. It’s made for beginners in wood comes connected to an app to teach you how to play. They also have a new composite version a bit more expansive and futuristic, like the lava you reviewd.
I'm trying desperately to pick between this one and the soundwave. Anyone have any thoughts?? Would really appreciate it. Also are there any other ukes with those kind of effects built in?
There are a few instruments that use this tech out there - the Flight Soundwaves, a couple of Enya and the new Populele. To be honest I don’t have one as prefer effects pedals to the sounds these give, but they are a bit of fun if you don’t have / want pedals
I appreciate the thoroughness of your review, though the constant return to price wore me down. It's an entirely reasonable talking point, and the proprietary strap cost is ridiculous, but for an instrument which appears well-conceived and well-built and one you appear to enjoy playing, I'm left feeling like I'd be a chump to buy it because it's expensive. But...it's not like I can choose from 20 of its cheaper siblings. And the Enya is a concert so not the tenor-size I prefer. Just a reaction, not meant as a slam. Your reviews are certainly appreciated.
When price is one of the four main categories of how I have scored every ukulele review since 2010, I'd say it's understandable it's going to feature heavily, particularly if it seems out of line. The price issue is the standout fault for me i'm afraid. Don't think it's all that well conceived either to be honest - it's not actually a 'new' concept - take a look at this one released a good 12 months earlier (same material). Notice the similarity? It all leaves me feeling a bit sour about it. And of course the strap price (About £50 apparently) just re-inforces that. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UEsus-pj0bs.html
Hello great review. I have the 23 inch one. The on/off button seems to move slightly under my finger. It just wiggles slightly. Is that normal as I have never had one of these with buttons inside? Thank you.
Didn't realise there was a 26 inch size now I think should inhave gone for that 🤔 Is there a huge difference between the 2 as I can't seem to find any comparison videos of the 2 sizes on RU-vid.
That’s what John Cleese says. :) Long time Python fan. The look of that ukulele is growing on me but I still don’t like the shape of the sound hole or it’s position. The case does look dumb. Reminds me of some sort of deep sleep capsule from an Alien movie. I also wouldn’t be caught dead walking with it. And I’m 54. :) Sounds neat though :) Happy Easter :)
Can someone help me please? What kind of strings do i need for a semi acoustic ( E/A) soprano ukhlele. Fluorcarbon is fine or would i need something else btw awesome review again and verry indept !! Keep it up
Love love love the look but hate the effects. I don’t need my mistakes reverberated. Metal frets appeal but my acoustic nova was 80 quid. I’ll stick with that for now.
It comes as cheaper acoustic only as well. But I would get it with built in effects if I was you. I already have Lava Me 2 (their guitar). It just adds more variety and fun to your instrument which you will have for the rest of your life. Ask for a 10% or 20% and maybe they will offer you something
I like the look of it but I don’t like the sound or the price. I have an Enya Nova with Worth strings on it, which I love and wouldn’t swap it for this one. Maybe it is the speaker I was listening to it on, but to me the effects sounded tinny. As for the case, no comment. Stay safe.
The effects are no match for an effects pedal - more a bit of fun. Also to be fair to it, I did crank them up - they are nicer used subtly - but yes, still - the Nova price does make think carefully about these.
I find the electronics option pretty cool with the sound effects. For the money I would rather have a nicer Kala, look in to the options for a Ukulele luthiers or save some more and get a Romero Grand Tenor.
Interesting review, Baz! Definitely a divisive look. I don't find it offensive, and I love the metal frets, but the cost...yikes! Too expensive for what it is and the last straw...the strap. Are they kidding? That is like a kick in the pants for everyone that shelled out the big bucks for this uke. They should send it to buyers for free! Happy Easter, and stay healthy!
please upload video of review on xiaomi populele 1 and populele 2. these two are latest and quite famous for xiaomi lovers. would love to know if they are perfect for intermediate players.
@@GotAUkulele thank you for your kind reply.. could you tell me which one is better among ENYA EUC and ENYA NOVA carbon Ukulele without changing its original string? am looking forth to buy a compatible Ukulele with good (or great) sound within the size of 23 to 26 inch within Kathmandu during after getting your guidelines. thank you for reading this text.
@@pemba2211 That's impossible to answer - they are not really comparable. One is HPL, one is polycarbonate - so not fair to compare them. I like both instruments, but for different reasons.
ps - I think the Lava is a better ukulele than the Nova. But it's drastically more expensive. The EUC has things like a wooden neck which the other two dont
@@GotAUkulele beside nova and euc, is there any other ukulele under 100 usd that you would like to recommend me to try out with? i would prefer any concert or tenor ukulele with good sound recommended by you if that's available in Kathmandu, Thanks!
Lava messed up... The sound volume on this would be better with a larger body....The larger body Uke could have been made modular with optional necks for tenor/baritone....
Not quite true about the Lava U strap being the only strap that will work with it. Any leather strap will work with the button. I judge that because its the same button as on my Lava U pro and any strap in the shop will attach to it. I am not an expert on Uke straps. But this being Carbon fiber you can literally mount a button anywhere you like or change the bottom nut for one which will accept the banana plug. Lava has one for their guitars. I presume something like it exists. Just a tip though. If you like the Lava Strap its about 50 dollars on Ali Express, It is a secure mount and comes in all the colors. The strap issue annoys me on the LAVA Pro as well because I want a secure strap, but I don't want theirs. Theirs is designed narrow and straight. to look good in the presentation box. Not to be comfortable like a wider strap would be. Ali Express also carries the guitar straps for much less than buying it from LAVA direct. As fpr the case people love it. Its supposed to protect the instrument but if you buy a nice case for more than utility. You treat the case like you treat the guitar. Its certainly going to protect the guitar as well or better than another case. And if you want a strap buy a cheap white, black or colored strap with buttons and you are golden. Like the guitar the buttons can go almost anywhere that makes sense. You said it right though. Its more appealing for someone under the age of 37. But it is appealing and beautifully presents the Ukele more than any other case.
I tried a regular strap - yep you can force it on, but I really wouldn't trust it to not come off. Actually, drilling these is not so straightforward as a tapping screw would stress the composite and could cause cracking. It's why the buttons on Outdoor ukuleles are actually a nut and bolt tightened on the inside.
It’s not my cup of tea, but can see it’s appeal to younger players perhaps. When you got to the price, I thought it was going to be more expensive than it is. Not that it’s worth it. Thanks for a few minutes normality in a very sad world. Happy Easter BTW.
Hey - I really liked the uke and said so. Just think the pricing is utterly insane - have you seen what they are charging for the strap? (the only strap that works with the uke?) - £40... They are deranged!
I really like this smooth design, this blue colour, but this black eye on the right side makes my eyes bleed, it spoils the whole look of this uke. And I think it sounds nice but pretty flat for me.
A friend bought one, hated it. She kept at it though, and now she likes it. I really don’t care for the looks. This is gonna be a hit with young folks who can afford it.
HA! $150 - For a strap! I have been considering buying a Lava U with electronics since I first became aware of it over a year ago, I don't even know if I would really need a strap since I mostly sit and play but that pricing scheme makes me lose most of the intrest that I had.
@@GotAUkulele Funny you mentioned that, I did look at the strap 🤣. Thanks for all the reviews, I've been watching them non-stop. I just picked up a few I have had my eye on. A Flight Mustang and a Makai 5 string concert. Now I'm looking at an Ohana Pinnaple Mango concert... I need to 🛑!
@@GotAUkulele any thoughts on low g or high g first on a 5 string? There's not much info out there, and it seems people do both? Costs? Benefits? Of either approach?
@@intoitreviews totally personal choice - the difference is what rings first in a down strum - no real benefit or disadvantage - just the sound you favour
Could just be my headphones, but it sounds cold and characterless. Don't like the looks, the price or the sound. Thanks for the review and happy Easter.
It doesn't sound like a wooden uke for sure - but i've played a few composites and it's one of the better toned ones out there. Just wish it was louder (and cheaper!)
I seriously can't get over the price of this. Sure, it looks funky, ok, and can even come in purple! (a HUGE plus for me). The transacoustic system, which, let's be fair here, is the main course here, is a bit huh??? with that switch between delay and chorus, and the split controls. The rest is basically an Outdoor with a different fingerboard, painted nicely, in a ridiculous case, with a stupid strap button that enables predatory business practices. Why?! I just can't get over it, I'm sorry. Even if it sounds pretty nice acoustically. It's weird! I ordered Flight Diana Soundwave. Which is cheaper (!), has a better transacoustic system, sounds immeasurably better, and is (in my opinion), prettier.
I wish I could have watched this before buying it. It was written nowhere it was mixed with plastic, and to hear that is not worth the price difference with the enya u is disappointing 😢 I was torn between buying this or an amplifier for my lanikai and I probably chose wrong 🤯🤯
Lisa Marie Perelli bear in mind mine is just one opinion. Some people are raving about them. I didn’t actually think it was bad at all. My main issue is the price
Yes, let’s wait and see 😅 but I think the points you made were valid and I think nobody else on RU-vid covered all the specs it takes to choose an ukulele, for instance I thought it was all carbon fiber (silly I know) just because plastic in the mix wasn’t mentioned anywhere, unlike with the enya u where everyone said it in their videos. I’m glad anyways, whether I find myself to agree with or not to have watched this video. Valuable information and answering all the questions I had in mind. Thank you!
