Got A Ukulele Reviews - Populele 2 Pro Concert - 4K

[@mnwormhickok4487]

Hello! I'm a new subscriber, and I'm brand new to ukes! I'm learning lots through your channel, and I appreciate your expertise. Thank you and stay safe!

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you!

[@wylancslass]

Welcome to the family Mnworm.

[@godlikemonolith]

I bought the Populele non pro….it’s a lovely travel uke. Pack in a suitcase, no problem. No issue with rain etc. action does make those strings a bit sharp. I got mine on sale for £65 and for the money I was really happy with the sound. I can’t see getting the upgrade unless it comes down in price significantly, I can’t see wanting one of these.

[@GotAUkulele]

For £65 - the original is a total steal - i'd get one for that price!

[@joseville]

What's the difference between the non-pro and pro version?

[@billyaitken1713]

We've come a long way since Bugs Gear in synthetic ukes. This wouldn't be my fave though, I still prefer the Nova. 🤔👍. You shouldn't be looking to repaint a Uke of this price point 😑, some cheap laminate ukes benefit from a repaint & lacquer though because it adds resonance. As a boat owner & camping- kayaker my eye is still on the Nova for a warp-proof uke, for life on the water.

[@troykulele]

Thanks!

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure! That's very kind!

[@hilltop1845]

I understand the demographic they're going after and it's a nice concept. They make a pretty capable uke in general ( as best you can tell from internet info) and if I was adding to the wish list...by adding a couple of things here and subtracting a few things there, they have everything in place to make a really nice straight forward composite travel uke.

[@GotAUkulele]

Certainly think the core uke is capable. The smart features are not for all.

[@hilltop1845]

@@GotAUkulele Innovation is good and if it gets more people playing... the uke has nice lines, a pretty good looking head stock, and that body puts out. Keep doing what your doing Populele but Baz, I can't help wondering without the electronics how good this uke might be as a no worries, throw in car kind of instrument. Think slightly nicer version of the Flight TUC

[@MsNickie1001]

@@GotAUkulele when smart crashes, the robot floor sweepers do too, as well as the smart kitty litter boxes that tell you when your cat poops! I want as few apps as possible.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@hilltop1845 Well without the electronics - it takes you back to the original non pickup version - (link in description) - I scored that higher! mainly because it's much cheaper and sounds great

[@braddeicas5708]

I bought one. I got it for my wife to learn on. It is really cool and has nice sound. We have played with it a bit, but looking forward to playing it more.

[@GotAUkulele]

Hope she enjoys it!

[@godlikemonolith]

Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

That's very kind! Thank you!

[@detoast1197]

Hello old chap. I’ve just got one of these for my son and agree with all your grips , I’m fairly sure I can retro fit the batteries set up and mat the neck , I lost find it real quiet without an amp , just see yours is fairly loud ? I can’t take my lads part but if anyone has an❤ old banging I can do I can get it back to you after. Ta for good review. Ta d

[@wylancslass]

Hiya Baz! I think this would be a lot of fun. The smart features, probably a novelty for a short time. Not for me really, especially at that price. I think your score is fair. As always, thank you for everything you do! Much appreciated. x

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Wendy

[@partyontheobjective]

I was always fond of these. I don't own a Populele, but they always make me smile when I see them un use. I like the equalizer on the fingerboard. But I'd still pick Flight Soundwave for the transacoustic system.

[@GotAUkulele]

I really liked the first and this is the same for that basic uke function. The pickup here is a nice addition, but it just doesn't come together as a whole for me as a 'Pro'. It's just the same uke with a pickup in it!

[@pertinux8902]

Thanks for another great review! - Did you add a second aNueNue UC10 (background)…? Same tuning? My own Blue Arona is a favorite favorite, across pricepoints. Tho’ I did remove the “picnic tablecloth” strike guard. A flat (one layer) linen-look decal would have been just the thing; I found the layered squish thing atrocious…. Cheers!

[@GotAUkulele]

I did - wanted one with the maple board

[@mrmisfit635]

Great review, Baz! Populele though...not sold. ✌🏼

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@chuckvt5196]

Not my cup of tea, Baz, but interesting. They call it the Pro because you need to be a pro so after you get it, you can correct the horrible set up yourself without having to farm it out to a shop. ;)

[@GotAUkulele]

ha ha!

[@kenzuleisti2779]

I see what is behind you! Have you reviewed that one too? I think I spotted that brand when i was checking what do the americans choice have that we that live in the UK dont.. and to be honest they do feel like they have a wider range of ukuleles there.. but might be mistaken.. Then when I almost picked one up to buy all the sudden I realize ebay sells them for cheaper.. UkeCraze in my head can get bad sometimes.. I dont need more ukes, .. What even is it? Its just a cute craze.. With guitars it was never like that though .. I dont quite yet comprehend it, the ukefever. BTW I have never liked populeles.. NEver touched one but there is something so unappealing about them that I have never wanted one xD

[@GotAUkulele]

The red and the blue ukes - yep - already reviewed - and they are available in the USA. several USA friends I know have them. Link here - www.gotaukulele.com/2021/03/anuenue-uc10-color-series-concert.html These are about the best bargain I could recommend in ukuleles at the moment. My humber one!

[@kenzuleisti2779]

@@GotAUkulele Hi thank you! for some reason youtube is a bit bugged and it wont notify for comments anymore to me so have to check up manually.. Oh you should do "Ugliest ukulele ever video" one day that would be fun xD

[@troykulele]

I also wonder why - if you’re adding a pickup that takes up so much real estate, you don’t also include tuning capability too.

[@GotAUkulele]

I guess they would say that the app has a tuner

[@troykulele]

@@GotAUkulele sure. But the pre-amp is already a stand-alone. And, we probably all have other tuner apps that we can use with ANY uke. The built ins are nice precisely because they don’t require you to pull out your phone. ;)

[@GotAUkulele]

@@troykulele I get you - but what I mean is - I think they are WANTING to push people to their app rather than not. Take your point though.

[@juliespeaksout]

I liked the original Populele but I was looking for something that would help me learn scales but at the time they had not added that function to their app. Do you know if that has changed? The one thing I wish the carbon-composite manufacturers would do is use metal frets. There's a lot less wear and tear on metal. BTW, the lack of side dots don't bother me too bad. On my Nova U I VERY CAREFULLY drew them on with a permanent Sharpie. Lastly, what is the make and model of the black uke behind you in this latest video? I know it's one of your favorites but I just cannot remember the name! In the video it's just above your right shoulder (the viewer's left). Thanks much! 🙂

[@GotAUkulele]

There is something they 'call' scales - but they are not scales - more just finger exercises

[@juliespeaksout]

@@GotAUkulele Oh, I see. Thanks!

[@tommorrisey3999]

Powder coated? Doesn’t that need to be baked to about 400 degrees F? Curious how one does that to a polymer uke without reducing it to a melted lump. Doesn’t matter to me in the end, though; “free” would be too high a price to me for this uke. It smacks to me of “Storm Trooper meets Teletubbies.”

[@GotAUkulele]

I prob used wrong term - but that is what it feels like. I think it's a kind of paint - quite thick too - same as on the Enya Nova and Lava

[@MrSimonwatling]

Hi I've been learning to play a ukelele using yousician for a few years I was wondering what you used to learn as I don't seem to be progressing quickly enough

[@GotAUkulele]

I didn't - I came to uke after having played guitar for 20 years, so transitioned easy from that

[@tiger_vii]

Im still one for removable batteries, cant imagine how im going to replace the preamps battery when it stops holding charge

[@GotAUkulele]

That's a fair point - though i'd still want cell batteries rather than heavier ones

[@Ijcarter1962]

Great review! Definitely not for me, it should at least come with a gig bag and have side dots. And those batteries must really add to the weight.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - batteries AND pickup - always going to be a heavy one

[@johnchastain7890]

The lights and actuator probably draw too much power for a little USB-charged battery, hence the relatively heavy AA-sized cells. BTW, replaceable lithium AA cells are much lighter than alkalines.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@johnchastain7890 Maybe, but can't believe there wasn't a way around it. The lights and Bluetooth are on the batteries - the actuator and active pickup on the re-chargeable. I don't think it's the batteries that are making this body heavy - it's the massive pickup system. The original had batteries and wasn't body heavy.

[@colson8327]

@@johnchastain7890 Mine uses AAA batteries and doesn't feel heavy and I am an old out of shape lady.

[@juliuschas]

@@colson8327 I'm from the guy side of the same demographic!

[@colson8327]

I just got mine and I can't get the side marker lights to come on and others are reporting the same thing. How did you get the side marker lights on? Surely they did not remove that? I did buy side markers so may just stick them on but I'm wondering how to get the lights to work.

[@GotAUkulele]

There are no side markers. There weren't any on the original either

[@richardsnow7299]

I like the shape but Enya win hands down. Keep well Barry

[@GotAUkulele]

I'd agree! (though i do like the sound of this one a little more)

[@tomco.9973]

Baz - if cost is no object, where would you rank this in the pantheon of non wood ‘travel’ uses?

[@tomco.9973]

*ukes

[@GotAUkulele]

Tough one and, just dealing with concerts for now - I genuinely like the sound more than the Nova U (but not by much) and it's on a par for me with the Lava. The Lava has better appointments though like the metal frets, but.. I despise the cynical pricing of the Lava, so hard to put 'cost no object' - their strap button system demands you buy THEIR strap!! The reason I said 'concerts for now' is that I would take the Nova U Pro (tenor) over this. But that's not fair fight as a tenor. In short, I think the Populele Pro could have won it if they made it a tenor with metal frets. Comparing the Nova U Concert acoustic to the Populele 2 Acoustic (no pickups) - I think they are damn close and for my ears the Populele is fuller sounding. But the price differences are there and real

[@GotAUkulele]

Though if you really want to rule out price - it think the Outdoor Tenor sounds better than any I mentioned

[@drpkmurphy]

I really don’t like the shape and looks of this one. The sound is loud but dull to my ear. The Nova has a sweeter sound to me. The smart features are great for learners, but I personally am more of a Martin type guy. The price is high for such a bad setup. My Enya Nova came with a beautiful set up and sound. As always I really enjoyed the review. Stay safe my Friend we are all in this together… DOC

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Doc!

[@debleeann81]

How much is it?

[@GotAUkulele]

See link below video

[@nftguyna1772]

I think that red uke was what sold me. Lol

[@GotAUkulele]

The Enya? Yep - great value

[@mdgiebel]

Thanks for the review but it’s almost pointless when they aren’t getting people who bought them the uke. The problem is people who bought one were supposed to have it back around October and as of right now they are claiming it may be February before the get it. In all reality, with their track history it may be the end of 2022 if at all.

[@GotAUkulele]

That's bad of them if true

[@markattardo]

👍😎👍

[@acterene1]

I can't stand the Frets being the same colour as the finger board. Poor eyesight, I guess but I really like to have a contrast. Metal frets would be better, aesthetically too.

[@GotAUkulele]

I don't mind them so much, but then I love the Flea - saying all that - considering this was a 'Pro' upgrade to the original, they missed a trick not putting metal frets on like Enya did with their 'Pro' tenor

[@alanwhitney3263]

Nice to see but not for me, looks bizarre, prefer the Enya , not really interested in the apps tbh, both sound OK acoustically.

[@GotAUkulele]

I do like the shape - very similar to Enya if you rule out the smart features. I’d take the Nova myself

[@alanwhitney3263]

@@GotAUkulele no bag or side dots seems crazy 😜

[@coolbudukeforever7305]

The only "pro" thing i see is the price...😅 Thx Baz

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep!

[@MsNickie1001]

Good lord, Baz, who wants to mess with those big batteries? I think it’s hideous looking too. And plastic frets? I don’t even like the headstock. I can think of about four dozen ukes for the same price, that I’d rather have. The least they could have done is set it up. It does seem to have a more well rounded tone than the Enya when strummed….the delay effects would drive my band mates up the wall, they’d toss me out! I suppose some younger folks would enjoy the electronic gimmicks. But they won’t make one a better player. I appreciate the review!

[@GotAUkulele]

Batteries AND a charger - crazy. Quite like the shape though

[@faethe000]

There's just no excuse for a really bad setup on a plastic uke that costs hundreds of $$. It's not like wood that can move and shift as climate changes between the factory and the player. Make it right at the factory.

[@GotAUkulele]

No - none!

[@johnchastain7890]

My non-amp'd Enya Nova U tenor ($139) is set up fine and plenty loud. Just sayin'....

[@GotAUkulele]

@@johnchastain7890 Yep - i'd take the Enya's myself

[@marieandersson5730]

Thanks for a very good review ❤ I'm impressed about how such an ugly ukulele can have such good sound. And I mean the acoustic sound then.

[@GotAUkulele]

I like the shape personally - but agree that is subjective. Sounds easy as good as the Lava U acoustically - which is a LOT more money.

[@judynpeterjones3307]

So, £300 for a plastic uke and then £500 for a smart phone????

[@GotAUkulele]

Not 300 - about 200. If you don’t have a smartphone this isn’t a uke you’d ever consider

[@damienlicata5968]

I just think it's ugly. Not to my liking, and too many gimmicks that have nothing to do with what I like about the ukulele. Just my very subjective opinion.

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair enough - can't argue with that!

[@biswarupmukherjee4149]

I'll rather buy a 20k fender Billie Eilish edition ukulele than this .... it's great but classic instruments are still better no jack, no app, just pure music.

[@GotAUkulele]

Better than what?

[@btlfilmmedia9514]

Nothing but an expensive consumer gimmick ….when you can buy a Kmise solid spruce top Uke on Amazon for £27….who you slag off….Get back to organic real Uke playing

[@GotAUkulele]

'who you slag off.... ' excuse me? Only ever reviewed one of them and it was pretty poor. Despite the gripes I have with this (several of them) it sounds nicer than the Kmise I reviewed.

[@btlfilmmedia9514]

@@GotAUkulele Kmise has made Uke playing very affordable for young kids and schools and also those who can’t afford the high end subjective stuff All Ukes are marketing consumer illusions most vary in tone but it’s all subjective..It’s all down to the player..

[@GotAUkulele]

@@btlfilmmedia9514 I'd agree with that completely - I would say that having reviewed hundreds and hundreds I wouldn't hold out much hope for a solid top at £27 (likely overly thick to prevent splitting) and would prefer laminate at low prices as it performs much better (the solid is 'better' argument at low prices is flawed) - but absolutely a place for value instruments for kids. I've reviewed lots I could recommend. As I say though, i've only ever reviewed one Kmise so that is hardly 'slagging them off'. I try not to review too many brands on Amazon as would always direct my readers to real shops (who often have value instruments too) and Kmise are Amazon only. They are also linked to the practice of giving people free gifts in return for positive reviews which is not something I want to be part of. But.. the only comment I can make on a Kmise instrument is one single review.

[@dominicalexander2419]

Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you Dominic!

[@Sarah4Celtic]

Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you!

[@Sarah4Celtic]

You’re more than welcome! I really appreciate and love your reviews!