Got A Ukulele Reviews - Luna High Tide Exotic Mahogany Concert

[@chrisfreter3629]

I bet the dot is a full moon, since it is a Luna series and the waves are just below.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah - makes sense. Looks really odd though

[@chrisfreter3629]

@@GotAUkulele It would have been nice if it looked more moon light.

[@dhenderson195961]

Personally I would buy the Anueue concert colour series, a great uke for roughly the same money.

[@GotAUkulele]

Totally agree

[@dinakennedy9515]

"strangled" for the sound is a perfect description. Like it wants to come out blooming and wider, if that makes sense. Weird. What a bummer. It's a pretty ukulele.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep!

[@howiekeegan8804]

I have a Luna High Tide 8 string electro tenor, I love it! The setup was the same but I lowered the saddle and nut, and it plays very well. The width at the nut is 38mm , which is great for my sausage fingers! A couple of flaws on the finish but for the price (£199) I reckon it isn't too bad. It sounds huge through an amp which would be my preferred way of playing it. Great honest review as always, Thanks Baz.

[@tommorrisey3999]

I do have friends who love their Lunas. I don’t know why. Luna is headquartered about a one-hour drive west of me. I really, really want to like their instruments. I went so far as to buy a handsome-looking solid-mahogany concert model last year (the one with the crane inlay) asked the shop to give me the best-looking one they had, and then took it to my luthier for a setup (I know how to do it myself, but wanted a luthier’s once-over). He found several things wrong, including a warped neck, and I had to return it. Luna supports my uke club, I want to support them, and I will pay a fair price for a high-quality, playable instrument. Maybe they are getting better, but this doesn’t sound good enough for me. I wonder if that first-fret “marker” is covering a screw.

[@GotAUkulele]

And owners tend to be staunchly defensive about them too. I just think they are distinctly average at best.

[@drpkmurphy]

I have a Luna Sahara with a solid spruce top. I was lucky and it would have cost $200 American. I paid $ 100 on a one day special. It had a full set up from the company that sold it to me so that was not a problem. 35 at the nut. The sound is very nice. I really do not like the brand but I couldn’t pass up this offer😂. Especially with a set up and solid top. At the time I only had a Vangoa soprano. Played the Guitar years ago and was just learning the Ukulele. Anyway… very good review. I like the fact you tell it like it is! Have a great week….DOC

[@hopefulhyena3400]

What I’ve learned about Luna is that the most noticeable thing is their quality control. I’ve never had an issue with them but I suppose I just got lucky. I’ve heard several people complain about sharp frets or this or that. All the ones I encounter in stores seem fine, but of course that’s because a store would probably fix it up before trying to sell it to you.

[@GotAUkulele]

I’ve got an album on my computer - asked readers to send me pics of ukes with problems. About ten Lunas all with bridges that came off

[@KB-ks8jv]

For 150.00, I shouldn’t have a fixer upper !!!!

[@GotAUkulele]

Quite!

[@KB-ks8jv]

@@GotAUkulele yes sir , go to the pub and drink another for me please!!! Then maybe a prayer or two !!!

[@manuelfresco6879]

Great T-Shirt 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks - he was a great man!

[@chuckvt5196]

When I first started playing, I had a couple of Lunas. Not a good ukulele, at all. They always need a good setup and for 150, it shouldn't need that much work. I tell anyone that asks, give Luna ukuleles a hard pass. Much better options on there for the same or less money. Thanks, Baz!

[@happykittenmeow]

Sounds like all Lunas... Dull and shallow with short sustain. But what's up with that neck joint?!

[@GotAUkulele]

Ugly isn’t it!

[@markheenan5312]

When I bought my first uke I nearly bought a “pretty” Luna but I’m glad I didn’t. Instead I spent half the money on a cheap (£40), naff, but perfectly functional Kmise uke, on the understanding that if I stuck with it I’d buy a ‘proper’ one later. You bang on about quality control and you’re absolutely right to do so: I own two ukes and couldn’t justify a third, and any blemish once seen is never unseen. My cheap uke has plenty wrong with it but after a little adjustment the “musical fundamentals” (setup, etc) are sound so that’s fine, my more expensive uke (Kai solid acacia) has just the one flaw, a very slight misalignment of one of the tuners, and apart from that it’s immaculate. I really can’t see why a uke manufacturer would be happy to send out an instrument that’s got such a bad setup that a player as experienced as you finds it hard to play. I just hate to think of a first-time player getting one of these and being made to feel it’s their fault they can’t play better.

[@GotAUkulele]

You did the right thing. Luna are totally overpriced for what they are.

[@markattardo]

That's a looker. I have the Koa tenor model strung dgbe for those times I want something different. I bought it used for a good price and have no complaints as it was setup decently. I wouldn't pay full price for one without first doing a QC check and play. Even then I'd definitely see what else is available. I also have a Tattoo Concert. It's been my learn to modify and setup instrument. It's like old reliable, almost always in tune with M600s and puts a smile on my face when I pick it up. All that said, the neck on both are a bit too narrow and I wouldn't necessarily recommend either uke to anyone sight unseen. I'm not sure if I'm more aware of other brands or there are more options now than a few years ago. Those other options seem to be better bang for your hard earned buck.

[@GotAUkulele]

I’d love to be able to recommend Luna to my readers -but…. That’s in their hands.. unlike some reviewers I won’t be paid to gush and fawn over them!

[@markattardo]

@@GotAUkulele I agree completely, hope my post didn't come across as recommending them.

[@chrisbirrane6071]

I love the look of the instrument but it has to sound good and it doesn't. Tbh, the nut width alone would immediately be a deal breaker. Maybe it's the setup but [to my ear] the first string seems lost 🤷🏻‍♂️ It's as if, strings 2, 3 & 4 are being played through one speaker and the first string, is being played through another, with the volume lowered. At the £150 price point, there is SO much really good stuff out there, that this seems VERY expensive, by comparison. Both SUS & World Of Ukes, have some really good stuff available for even less. Great review, as per usual. 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Chris. Yes agree - think all the strings seem a bit dead

[@alanwhitney3263]

Looks great, such a shame quality control has let it down, compare this with Enya, Snail even Flight you get better value

[@GotAUkulele]

The QC is better here than i've seen on many Luna's to be honest. What I don't get is why it sounds so limp!

[@alanwhitney3263]

@@GotAUkulele still think the set up should be much better at that price

[@GotAUkulele]

Oh indeed.

[@audreypaulus3571]

The big circle on the neck is the moon, I guess, the 'luna'.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - figures. Looks really odd

[@angelalee7012]

I thought it was a very beautiful looking uke until I saw the inlays. Not for me. Thanks once again for an honest review!

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair enough!

[@daveadriffield7296]

I think I'll steer clear of Luna. Thanks Baz.

[@GotAUkulele]

This is better than other Lunas I have looked at, but not by enough to recommend the brand

[@joephillips4082]

I've never seen a Luna in person, but their appearance in print ads and online pictures were never appealing to me. Superficial? Perhaps, if there were mitigating favorable offsets (but I didn't hear any from you, or for the most part, in the comments below), I could find something to redeem it. I like the flame in the mahogany and the walnut binding, but as you pointed out, other design or construction choices could have given a stunning appearance and performance. This seems to be a pricing sweet spot, a half-notch up from entry level, but there are a lot of interesting ukes in that range. Thanks for a good review; we need these too.

[@GotAUkulele]

Agree - seem to be all about the decor and not the musical instrument

[@eisenesel]

Thanks very much I enjoy watching your reviews very much since I started to learn playing uk. My first one was a Century Mahagony from Thailand. Do you ever heard about this brand ?? They are about 70 Euro and I think well made.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks! Sorry / not heard of that model

[@joeobyrne3189]

They always seem to fall short, Luna.

[@GotAUkulele]

Indeed Joe

[@mcbroseph69]

Hello! New subscriber thanks for doing these reviews! I just unboxed a Luna Black/White Ebony model... It's quite alright. I wanted a looker since I have a few great to play ones. I do think that Luna could do different bridges, the plastic bridge is a bit silly and I think the action is too high because of the silly bridge. That's really my only gripe! The rosewood on my fretboard doesn't have any imperfections which is nice for a more expensive of a model, could be a bit better quality rosewood. In my opinion I think Luna could do some fantastic models if they focused on getting better bridges at least for their more expensive models.

[@GotAUkulele]

Personally think the bridges are only part of the problem with Luna..

[@richardsnow7299]

Great review again but there are better quality instruments out there.

[@GotAUkulele]

Certainly are!

[@HarumiSCANimE]

I just bought this uke for its looks… as a beginner sound wise I have no idea what should be a great quality for the price point… can you recommend a good uke for that price point? considering that I am a beginner

[@GotAUkulele]

Lot's of brands spring to mind that I would recommend above Luna (Kai, Uma, Flight, Enya, Baton Rouge etc), but individual models would depend on your tast for looks - check out my full review list in the price bracket you are working to and go for the highest scores. List here - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html Other key bit of advice though - don't buy from places like Amazon or regular high street music stores - check real uke specialist who only trade ukes. List of my recommended stores here www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html Those sort of shops don't carry Luna for a reason... too many returns.

[@troykulele]

Am I crazy to think a person could add a gloss finish to this themselves? It would look 10x better

[@GotAUkulele]

Could be done - big job though and I’m not sure the return would be worth it

[@johnchastain7890]

...and if it already sounds "bottled up," adding more topping might just cork it for good!

[@edwardpetersen4309]

Couldn't tell you were hot. Had the weather moderated? If that first fret dot is supposed to be the full moon it should be bigger IMHO. Don't like Lunas in general. I think they spend their capital on decoration rather than materials or set up. But, as Billy Crystal says, "Eets betta to luke gude, than to feel gude."

[@GotAUkulele]

Not at all! No word of a lie - I had a towel in the office before recording and had to dry my head before pressing record!

[@edwardpetersen4309]

@@GotAUkulele may the frost be with you.

[@tekoahcollini7771]

What uke would you recommend for a beginner?

[@GotAUkulele]

Highest scored models in the first couple of price categories - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html

[@johnchastain7890]

I'd call the sound "tubby." Must be the thick top.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah that works too - seems like there is more to give, but struggling to get out

[@MatthewQuilliamMusic]

Really interesting as usual. Luna have never impressed me either though not seen one yet that downright offends me. I think the looks on this one improve on their previous attempts though the sound is not anything I’d really enjoy

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair comment

[@janlesinski4719]

Your right, it's not the best for the price.

[@GotAUkulele]

Nope!

[@Ijcarter1962]

Great review! Looks nice but there are definitely better options in the price range.

[@GotAUkulele]

Quite agree

[@rehamkcirtap]

Not a fan. And I have a Luna guitalele that I kind of love

[@AppStateYosef99]

Could do without that giant sticker/label staring at you from the inside out as well. Decent Uke though.

[@GotAUkulele]

The makers label? Most ukes have them surely? I didn't think it was really that decent though.

[@patrykfisiak5107]

This dot supposed to represent the moon. High tide is caused by the moon 😉

[@MariUSukulele]

get a pro setup and you have a fair enough uke …

[@GotAUkulele]

Then it costs too much. Shouldn’t have to pay extra to get a uke that works

[@MariUSukulele]

@@GotAUkulele true - but if one sucks for the abalone waves … 😉

[@GotAUkulele]

Even with a setup the sound is strangled. Why bother?

[@markossrarkos2729]

good review, bad uke. ive never seen good luna uke.

[@GotAUkulele]

Best one i've seen, but still doesn't live up to the hype.

[@liveordieiconic2350]

I unsubscribed and subscribed again!

[@liveordieiconic2350]

I also joined Patreon👀 😜