Aklot Banjo Ukulele Review - How Good Is It For Just $110?

In this video I review the concert scale Banjo Ukulele from Aklot. I was looking for another Banjo Uke to replace my Gold Tone but didn't really want to spend $300 or $400 - is the Aklot worth it for just $110?? Should it be a candidate to help ease your Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome?
Check it out!
Keep Strummin' and Have Fun!

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hey everyone! This banjo uke comes with a good list of accessories. One I didn't mention was a gig bag. It has a lightly padded gig bag included - it has a carrying handle as well as two backpack straps and a small pocket on the front to put your tuner, extra strings etc in. Accessories included are 1) the gig bag, 2) picks; both felt and plastic, 3) a strap, 4) a tuner, 5) strap button on the neck 6) a cleaning cloth 7) a hex key for adjusting the neck angle and 8) an extra set of strings. You get everything you need to get going and keep going for a while.

[@KevRyanCG]

I just bought a Kmise off Amazon in the Black Friday sale, an it doesn't have the armrest, is it something you would notice being without? I've never had one or a banjo before. I don't mind if it's a bit rubbish I just want something to keep me going until I get to a point when I can sink a couple of hundred into one.

[@fourstringstrummer]

@@KevRyanCG Hey Kev - congrats! You're going to love it! I wouldn't worry about the armrest at all. Give it a whirl as is - I'm sure it will be fine. Check out my Playlist for banjo tunes and techniques if you like - i have a few on there. - Kelly

[@KevRyanCG]

@@fourstringstrummer Will do, thank you!

[@congerscott6064]

Great review thanks, i have been wanting one for a wile now, this will be my solution to not wanting to spend a lot of money 👍.

[@craftlover9702]

Just ordered one, can't wait!!

[@acterene1]

Thanks! Good straight forward review!

[@SpaceSkeletonDragon]

Got one of these coming to me today, I'm pretty excited about it

[@fourstringstrummer]

You are going to really enjoy it I think! I have lots of banjo uke content on the channel if you want to play along. Have fun! Kelly

[@lyricberlin]

This is the one I bought.I love mine.

[@rmt400]

Great review. Just bought one. $86.00 on Amazon. Thanks.

[@fourstringstrummer]

That's great! Be sure to check out the Banjo Uke playlist on the channel - lots of good banjo uke tunes and techniques on there! Kelly

[@PhilUSAFRet]

I have quite a bit of experience with banjo ukes, and in my opinion, this is the best deal on a banjo uke anywhere near it's price range. Most don't come with an armrest. I love it's ringing pluckyness and looks. I use small carabiners to attach my strap to the lugs.

[@fourstringstrummer]

I've been pretty happy with mine - good idea on the carabiners!

[@BanjoPicker]

I have had GAS But thinking of going over to one of these UAS looks fun...

[@wandam3295]

Gonna pick one of these up for hubby!

[@fourstringstrummer]

I'm sure he'll like it Wanda - lots of fun!

[@gausscone]

On the different-looking banjo head, I think these dirty-looking ones are called Fiberskyn. I've read it has a softer tone among Remo heads. Really not sure though, and of course, the printing really doesn't help. I've window shopped the cheap banjo ukuleles a little. As far as these AKLOTs go, I see the neck is notably similar to the Gold Tone Little Gem (also reportedly made in China), ignoring the apparent truss rod (Not sure if the cover is only there for looks or if it actually allows for the use of metal strings.), and wonder if it says anything. There's lots of style to be found looking beyond the strangely-popular Kmise. Plated headstocks, alternate neck designs, and the use of Remo heads over "Kmise" heads, that's a big one. The Little Gem's completely unmarked head... Imagine if it ever needed replacement. jerry rig

[@Yarunika]

This might be a silly question - I don't have any musical experience but will be getting one of these soon to learn - but why is it that when you strum, people tend to strum right at the base of the neck rather than over the drum? Is that standard for all ukes/banjo ukes? In my mind, I think of when you strum a guitar, over the "body" of the instrument. Is there any reason, or is that just how it's done? I appreciate it!

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hi there - it's just the way it affects the sound. If you strum close to the bridge it will make a different type of sound than a bit further up the neck. It doesn't really matter too much where you strum to be honest. As long as it's comfortable and it sounds good to your ear go for it! Thanks Kelly

[@JoyNShalom]

Do you keep your strings set on GCEA or do you go banjo style of GCEG?

[@fourstringstrummer]

GCEA is what I use. Thanks

[@karent.8245]

Hello! And so its been 3 years since this Aklot review. Do you still like it? I'm considering purchasing it. Thanks so much!

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hi Karen! For the money they are pretty hard to beat. If you want to get started in banjo uke and want to keep the cost down the Aklot and the Kmise are both good options. I did a comparison of the two models (Aklot/Kmise) in a video and did sound samples as well. Here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZfTamRvqJ2cZ8Usi=HuyfHf3TpD6YLbBn

[@doloresduke158]

Are there other better strings you recommend for this instrument? Thank-you.

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hi Dolores - I've used the stock strings on the Aklots and they seemed to work alright (not sure what they come with). I generally use Aquila NylGut strings on most of my ukes and have no complaints with them at all. They seem to have a good sound and they certainly hold up well.

[@mooveeman57]

Did you lower the string action on that or just left it alone

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hi there - I have not lowered the action on this at all. It was set up pretty well right from the facotry. The only thing I had to do was dress the ends of the frets as they were sticking out and sharp. Thanks! Kelly

[@jaybird6790]

Hi.. I bought this...should I removed the round plastic behind the drum head??...not sure..thanks

[@fourstringstrummer]

Sorry I'm not sure what you're referring to...I don't remember anything being on mine...

[@jrockisjoujou]

Did your Aklot come with the armrest? I can't find one that does. If not, what did you buy to add on? I would really like one with it.

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hey Danica. Yes mine came with one attached. As far as I know they come standard on them. I ordered mine from Amazon.

[@fourstringstrummer]

Btw I like your cover of "Grow Old With You"! Nicely done - I like that song. Kelly

[@jrockisjoujou]

Thank you.:)

[@kelleymiller5820]

I received my Aklot Banjolele today and it also had an armrest. When I placed my order through Amazon the pictures did not show one on them.

[@fourstringstrummer]

@@kelleymiller5820 hope you're enjoying your new banjo uke! They are a lot of fun!

[@williamwynne1112]

I discovered this and for the price it is Great! UAS...it was under $100 with the accessories...Amazon ugh...it paid off this time.

[@fourstringstrummer]

You're gonna love it!

[@craigmitchell8892]

Just grabbed one of these on ebay for 50 bucks, looking to practice clawhammer before i attempt to seek out a banjo

[@fourstringstrummer]

You're gonna love it

[@Banjoliope]

Hello. In the banjo world, what you called a truss rod is actually called a coordinator rod.

[@fourstringstrummer]

Yep - you are so correct ...I'm such a guitar goof - Thanks! Kelly

[@annajones2165]

I have one. Ps yes IV hade my for a year now.

[@fourstringstrummer]

Hey Anna - That's great! Hope you are enjoying yours - I love mine! Kelly

[@kelleymiller5820]

Did yours come with the armrest also? I am waiting on mine to be delivered but the pictures on Amazon did not show one on it. Thanks, Kelley

[@fourstringstrummer]

@@kelleymiller5820 yes, mine came with an armrest installed. Someone else was asking the same thing a while ago...as far as Iknow they come with them...

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Tuners are so cheap these days and they come with damn near anything. I've got a few apps on my phone. Most amps have them. Most instruments that have their own electronics have their own tuner right in it. So, I'd say more like $5. Thanks for the review though. I'm considering this one. I like the look of it. The Kmise doesn't look as banjoey.

[@fourstringstrummer]

Agreed Paul! Take a look at my recent video where i do a comparison between this Aklot concert and the Kmise tenor. Some interesting differences! Either way, they are both pretty good. Thanks Kelly

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

@@fourstringstrummer Cool. I will.