Got A Ukulele Reviews - Epiphone Hummingbird Tenor

[@jimverrocchi2439]

" It doesn't totally suck. " I love the conclusion of this review.

[@steverowley8479]

Hi Barry, Watched your review a couple of times and wasn't put off by some of your negative comments. Love the look which is a real winner. Don't have a problem with the scratch plates. Infact it enhances it. Purchased one and was not disappointed at all. Lovely action and sound. Possibly because mine arrived with Aquila strings already fitted, which was a bonus. Gig bag is flimsy, but most are and I always purchase solid carrying cases, to compensate. Excellent value at £149, including postage from PMT. Highly recommended. Steve Rowley.

[@MattyPeq]

8.3/10 for the Ukulele, 10/10 for the moustache. Great job as usual, Baz! Cheers to the first Got A Ukulele review of 2019!!!

[@GotAUkulele]

Ha ha!

[@marieandersson5730]

I have this wonderful uke ☺ Just like you, I was not satisfied with the original strings, and tried with D'dario. Low G. It was a disaster. Then I put on Aquila strings, and now the uke sound like a dream ❤ Thanks a lot for this video. You are the best of all who make vids about ukulele on youtube!! ❤

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you!

[@justind9019]

Did you end up going with a low g on the Aquila?

[@marieandersson6655]

@@justind9019 No, I keep up with high G.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

It’s different. It’s shaped like a guitar. I like it.

[@GotAUkulele]

I do like the shape too. Same as my KM Ukuleles hand made uke

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

Well after saying I wouldn’t buy it I did. I measured the nut on a couple of my favorite ukes and found the size tolerable. I knew from your review I would have to change the strings so I was prepared for that. It arrived today and to my surprise the fret marker that should have been at the 10th fret is the 9th which throws everything off if you use fret markers. I wonder if this is just an early production error that will be corrected or if this a slavish copy of the hummingbird guitar. In any event I’m disappointed. I’m hoping for a replacement or a price adjustment and will check with the U.S. distributor before I bother with changing the strings. This is all too bad as it is the prettiest ukulele I have ever seen and I find the finish 10 out 10. I, for one, like the appearance of the scratch plate though I think it may deaden the sound a bit when played without my amplifier. Nice ukulele or near miss? The jury is still out. Can’t say I wasn’t warned though. MikeinMinnesota

[@99xara99]

I love the look of it, adorable! Really like a shrunken Hummingbird. I thought about getting a Hummingbird at first when I got my guitar, then took a fender acoustic instead... maybe that's a fun alternative.

[@GotAUkulele]

I love the guitar version!

[@clawhammer704]

I like it. I got to have one to go with my Gibson Hummingbird.

[@johngallacher]

What age is your hummingbird?

[@clawhammer704]

Only around ten years.

[@iamshake7778]

Hello again Sir Barry! Last Nov. 2018 I ordered this and it was back order, so I really didn’t care anymore if it comes or not. Fast forward April 2019 it arrives. Honestly it’s way over built, thick top, the finish is great no sharp Frets and action is considerably low. The gloss polyurethane finished added in not letting the top vibrate. The tone is okay, nothing special but I like the design of this, I literally bought this for its looks because I also own the Gibson Hummingbird. Electronics is fine , if we have a good pre-amp its usable but nothing special again.Again great review Sir Barry! Anyways I’m keeping it . Peace!

[@DIRTJS]

Eh, it plays too much on the cutesy "mini guitar" thing for me, i do have to say though i absolutely love the stache! Keep it up Baz!

[@GotAUkulele]

Needs a trim and tends to go curly when long!

[@mrswindsorlv]

I bought this Hummingbird ukulele (same color) and changed the strings so I could have a low g string on it. It sounds beautiful and it’s my favorite out of the 12 ukuleles I have.

[@GotAUkulele]

Wonderful!

[@gracieroberts4562]

This is so cute. I wish you could do another video with different strings. I can hear what you’re talking about, and I think it may actually sound beautiful with a string change

[@GotAUkulele]

no longer have it with me i'm afraid!

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

I appreciate you reviewing guitar shaped ukes that are not your cup of tea. I have a Selmer guitar shaped uke by Luis Feu de Mesquita that is wonderful. This Epiphone Tenor is a beauty and has a solid top plus pickup. I would like to try one for fun and see if the narrow nut width is an issue for me. The price on this is low and so are my expectations.

[@GotAUkulele]

As they go, this one I quite liked!

[@caocrob]

Hi, what brand of strings would you recommend to improve the sound of this ukulele? I've always watched your reviews and your videos have helped me with my choices. Thanks in advance!

[@GotAUkulele]

bikeofalltrades sorry - I never give string recommendations. It’s just too personal and subjective. We all hear differently and our playing styles affect things

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

Too many down marks for me to buy .... especially the narrow nut. BUT I think it’s one of the prettiest ukuleles you’ve ever reviewed. I like the dreadnought body, the Epiphone headstock and the scratch shield. Easy to change the strings but the narrow neck is the killer. I doubt they will change that but if they did I’d be a buyer. Thanks for another great review. Mike

[@GotAUkulele]

The narrow nut is one of those things that will affect some people but not all (but if, like you and I you cant tolerate a narrow nut then it's a dealbreaker). For me - the bigger issue is the over built nature of the body.

[@peterjones5093]

Hi Barry, I've watched lots of your reviews and read quite a few. I haven't been able to find any reference to left handed ukuleles. Could you spare a few moments to think about and comment on the possibility of switching the strings to make a ukulele left handed? I would just like to know if the instrument you are reviewing could be converted. Obviously a shaped body speaks for itself but I can't always see if the bridge is compensated or if there are any other difficulties in converting to left handed. Many thanks.

[@GotAUkulele]

It's a big topic and an area that is plagued with people saying 'you must do this' or 'you must do that'. The actual truth is there are a variety of ways to approach it and it differs for everyone. It's about finding the one that is most comfortable for you. I wrote an article on the topic here www.gotaukulele.com/2016/09/how-do-i-play-ukulele-if-i-am-left.html

[@nigeldavey1043]

I would tend to agree. A Ukulele is a Ukulele not a perishing Guitar. There is some mrit to Banjolele and resonator styles as thats more about tone and volume but no it's just wrong. If I'm honest I don't really like the Banjolele but I do actually own one of those fender Montecito tenors a nd with a change to Worth browns it sings quite nicely 😊.

[@marieandersson6655]

Normally, I'm not into tenor size, but with the Hummingbird I make an exception. A wonderful ukulele! But mine is the sunburst colour.

[@GotAUkulele]

Rock on!

[@chrismcparland5274]

Thanks for the review. I’m actually more interested in how it performs at volume through a p.a. I gig with the Uke and I like the novelty factor with this Epiphone but only if it sounds decent live. Some electro acoustic ukes are very noisy with hand movement round the bridge and that is the decider for me. Also, your advice would be welcome here. I’m looking to buy a Godin Multiuke, just the standard at around £750. From reviews it seems to be a very good one for live performance. I’d like to spend less on something as good but would I be wasting my time and money even looking. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@GotAUkulele]

Hard to be precise as it VERY MUCH depends on the amplifier. What I will say is the Hummingbird pickup is simple but clean and on the one I reviewed, was fitted well. No noise around the bridge. What it WILL need though is a pre-amp to shape the sound or a good acoustic stage before amplification. The Godin is in a different league - I played one on stage for 18 months. Sounds mans dream - can literally plug one direct into a desk and work with it. Wonderful pickups. Typical Godin

[@chrismcparland5274]

GotAUkulele Thanks. I have an A6 strung with regular bronze acoustic strings. Never liked it for the dual purpose steel strung electric/acoustic it was billed as but it’s an amazing electro acoustic through pa or acoustic amp. You have confirmed was I was thinking. The search is over, I think.

[@chuckvt5196]

Great review, Barry! I like fancy, and that has plenty of fancy! I am sure with a nice set of strings, she is a winner at that price point! Thanks!

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes, looking forward to trying a string change

[@andynew2]

Not a bad sound all things considered but whatever next? A Gretsch uke that looks like a 6120?

[@GotAUkulele]

andynew2 quite - and it’s just not necessary is it ?

[@99xara99]

I'm definitely the one to buy such unusual things. Fun to have around, in my opinion! ^^ Not everyone has to like them but I think it's nice.

[@Dadloveshazel]

I saw Norman's have the hummingbird on guitar of the day. I was intrigued by the look, but after the 1st Les Paul I was doubtful. Thanks for doing this review!!!

[@GotAUkulele]

It's far better than the Les Paul - it should NEVER be uke of the day in any shop anywhere - it aint that good!

[@Dadloveshazel]

@@GotAUkulele you talking the 1st Les Paul or the Hummingbird?

[@GotAUkulele]

Kyle Knight both - and certainly not the Les Paul. This is ok, but it’s not stellar.

[@Dadloveshazel]

It's disappointing because I love that Hummingbird look. It's a same they couldn't to a better build

[@GotAUkulele]

Kyle Knight absolutely. I’m crying out for Epiphone to go back to making a Masterbilt uke. Those were said to be wonderful.

[@roeljorna5776]

Great review! I'm pretty happy with this uke. I was wondering if anyone has tried putting strap buttons on it, I'm thinking of doing that, but I don't know if it is even possible.

[@GotAUkulele]

I can't see why it wouldn't me - so long as there is a tail block inside (which I am fairly sure there should be)

[@roeljorna5776]

@@GotAUkulele Thanks!

[@yvonnedoherty7666]

Thankyou for your honest opinion

[@GotAUkulele]

The only way to review. Whole channel would be pointless otherwise!

[@marigoldsfever1538]

This is such a difficult decision. To buy or not to buy this one? it definitely a collectors item and I agree with everything you said about it in the vid. The body is chunky as I held it in my hands too. Can strap buttons be added? Would you recommend changing it to aquilla strings or flouro carbon?

[@GotAUkulele]

Not sure it’s really a collectors item is it?

[@marigoldsfever1538]

GotAUkulele going off what I may have read that they are only making a limited amount of these.

[@GotAUkulele]

I didn't know that

[@nigeldavey1043]

Urite or however they are spelling it. Urea based hard plastic. A plastic used for ivory applications.

[@GotAUkulele]

Nigel Davey thanks Nigel

[@bgfamilychannel3913]

Hi Barry! Great review, per usual. Will you be reviewing the carbon fiber Klos uke soon? I got excited after your teaser pics last week! :)

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes - I have one here waiting to be looked at - will be 2-3 weeks

[@jervistube]

I am not looking for a string recommendation but what did you change these string too???

[@GotAUkulele]

I didn't

[@stuartgriffin3903]

I think the sad thing is, is the fact that they’ve essentially made a mini hummingbird ! Why ? Take of the scratch plate tone the binding down a bit, maybe a pale cream ? I love sunburst instruments, there should be more ukes with the finish.

[@GotAUkulele]

Stuart Griffin I have to agree!

[@tommorrisey3999]

Odd that, with a truss rod, it is heavy in the body. And, if you have to put a pick guard on a uke, I imagine it’s better that it is a dreadnaught, as that way, less soundboard is being deadened by the guard. On the whole, though, I believe I prefer my ukulele to pay homage to ... a ukulele. This appears to be an attempt to “take the stink off” ukuleles for Epiphone guitar fans.

[@GotAUkulele]

Tom Morrisey agree with all of that Tom

[@drstrangelove4925]

I kinda dig this I love ukuleles but can’t afford a real hummingbird (I want one because of Shawn James he’s my favourite single artist but shouldn’t forget his band)

[@caocrob]

Which do you think is better overall? This uke or the fender montecito?

[@GotAUkulele]

This one. But to be honest, there’s better options than both out there

[@caocrob]

@@GotAUkulele thanks for the quick revert!

[@Yoda_Lover12]

I have the epiphone guitar so i bought this to match which i thought was cool. I love everything about it except the strings and i can't find replacement strings for a tenor with the metal ball at the end. I feel like i'm going to have to rig something up which is not acceptable to me. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[@GotAUkulele]

No need for a ball end- either just tie overly large knots or tie on a small bead.

[@ukuleleangela6153]

thanks for the review. at the end you said " it's no enya." and i got a little confused. do you think enya is better or worse than this one?

[@GotAUkulele]

UkuleleAngela when do I say that?

[@ukuleleangela6153]

its at minute 10:57

[@GotAUkulele]

UkuleleAngela you misheard me - I was referring to their Les Paul ukulele and say ‘this isn’t perfect but it’s nowhere near that quality’

[@ukuleleangela6153]

@@GotAUkulele oh ok. thanks.

[@iamshake7778]

Another great review Sir Barry👍. Thank you!🔈🎙🎶🤙🤙🤙

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@johnbuffett5650]

Yup. I bought one and the strings are garbage. I took your advice and changed the strings. It's a whole new instrument for $10. Thanks for your review.

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure. Yep - I have no idea why Epiphone go with these strings

[@braillynn]

I wonder what your opinion would be on the Brian May tenor ukulele.

[@GotAUkulele]

Several people have asked them to loan me one for review - they've never replied

[@braillynn]

@@GotAUkulele I'll give it a try.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@handle1974]

Fret marks is at 9.....I do not know why but I think due to the hummingbird style to give, but this is a ukulele...doesn't should be at 10?

[@GotAUkulele]

David I’ve never personally considered it matters. They vary on guitars too depending on country. Personally if there was just one at the 5th or 7th that’s enough for me to get orientated

[@stevenm.gerardi3506]

Thanks for the review. Ukulele or not, I think it looks nice. By the way, I love your new mustache. Very stylish! 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Something about it I quite like too!

[@Dr.Turkey]

I agree about the guitar shaped Ukes but this is kind of an exception to me with the body shape, I'd put a low G on one of these though. Another example of a uke with a truss rod for some reason (unless that's more common on tennors? Can't imagine why). Even weirder on this one since I'd think that bridge would have worse problems than the neck with heavier strings

[@GotAUkulele]

Dr. Turkey unlike on that banjo there no real need on an acoustic. I’ve never understood them. Kamaka and Kanile’a don’t fit them

[@Dr.Turkey]

@@GotAUkulele Interestingly I just checked Epiphone's page and it lists it as having no truss rod (and some further research confirms), so I guess it's just for show.

[@GotAUkulele]

Dr. Turkey ha - i did wonder - though it wasn’t my uke so didn’t unscrew it. Guess that figures. Show like the other appointments

[@jojoberrypie6580]

I like it, my dad would have approved, since he only played gibson. I love the look, and sound of a hummingbird, but they are just too big for me.

[@GotAUkulele]

It is a chunky uke - for sure

[@andrewpaterson8375]

What strings would you recommend to restring this with?

[@GotAUkulele]

Sorry - have a strict policy of never recommending strings. Not to be difficult, but because we all play differently, and more importantly, perceive sound differently - so what i like you may have the opposite experience with. Strings are cheap though - suggest buying a few distinct sets and testing them - trust your ears - only you can decide!

[@andrewpaterson8375]

Grand thanks for the reply 👍🏼

[@yahuchanonyakov]

You say you don't see the need for scratch plates, but if someone uses a pick when playing their uke, and they wish to protect the finish, then there is too a need for one...

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah, I guess. And whilst I’m not against the use of picks, I know a LOT of uke players, and the number of pick players is a tiny majority.

[@yahuchanonyakov]

@@GotAUkulele I hear you on that one..I play my 8-string with a pick, play my four strings with bare fingers..I don't think a pick sounds all that great on 4-stringers...but other players might think differently from me on that one.

[@jeanmorix]

Hello, Does this ukulele contain a Truss Rod?

[@GotAUkulele]

I don't believe so - not really necessary on a ukulele to be honest

[@jeanmorix]

@@GotAUkulele OK, thanks! But then why the presence of the small plate on the head?

[@GotAUkulele]

@@jeanmorix AH - you are right - there might be. Still, don't see ever needing to use one on a uke!

[@jaywooable]

I put martin premium strings on mine sounds way better , it not the loudest uke but new strings make it better the setup is good

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah, not a loud uke, but I do like the tone

[@Vegvísir7]

I would enjoy more ukes with dreadnought body but more with a natural satin finish.

[@GotAUkulele]

I prefer satin myself though hummingbird guitars are also gloss

[@handle1974]

Nice moustaches :) I was looking at Aiersi website and discovered you are on their main page as their American "spokesman"...Chinese never chase to surprise me,always looking a way (mostly bad) to make money exploiting the others resources. Coming to this review, i was waiting for, and now I did my considerations, Thanks again for doing man,appreciated

[@GotAUkulele]

Ha ha! Am I? They never asked me!

[@handle1974]

@@GotAUkulele Pretty sure,have a look :D

[@davidhelling5968]

A tenor hummingbird guitar would make A lot more sense thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

I think I have to agree!

[@MCDreng]

At least this one makes sense being based on an acoustic guitar.

[@jarrettfinney4882]

How awesome!!

[@Zeddicus_Zorander]

Lol@ it doesn’t totally suck 😅. It sounds nice for what it is tho I have the same one

[@brentevans6923]

Phooey on the uke 👎🏻, but I ‘m diggin’ the beard ( a bit longer than usual it seems to me) and the “ Tache is kickin’ !” 👍🏻✌🏻Looks like you may have been looking At Mahesh Hayward videos from Beardbrand. Com.

[@GotAUkulele]

Just needs a trim!

[@cherylrajewski3390]

My god, it's cute. New strings it would be awesome to play. So what it looks like a guitar, I find that charming and easy to take on an airplane. It doesn't fit your hands or your personality, so of course you are not going to like it. I can't wait to get one for myself.

[@GotAUkulele]

Cheryl Rajewski it doesn’t fit who’s hands or personality???

[@cherylrajewski3390]

i.e....it's not for everyone. Not everyone is going to be a pro...music is for fun. Overall I feel you definitely give it a thumbs down which is kind of sad.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@cherylrajewski3390 Music is for fun indeed. If you think this got a thumbs down I don't think you know how my reviews are scored. It got 8.3 out of 10 and a recommendation....

[@GotAUkulele]

@@cherylrajewski3390 (And it fits my hands just fine!)

[@FrankDudgeon]

Meh on the uke, like the mustache. Thanks for another honest review.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Frank!

[@suzetteroberts9072]

pretty to hang on a wall.. I will never buy another gloss uku.

[@GotAUkulele]

Why? That would rule out the likes of the Kanile'a glosses which are some of the nicest finishes i've ever seen on a uke!

[@ChrisOttoMusic]

Nice review. My eyes kept going back to that God awful scratch plate. Am I seeing that wrong, or is it actually purple? It looks tacky and cheap. Maybe it looks better in person, but it just jumps out and assaults the eyes, in my opinion.

[@GotAUkulele]

Reddish brown - but very like the guitar

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

Oh look-a baby guitar! If you feed it and care for it and give it warm milk, it might grow up to be a big guitar. But I don't think it will ever be a ukulele. It sounds okay, but just okay-not stupendous. I also love Gibson guitars; but if Gibson made a saxophone, would it somehow be made to look like an SG?

[@GotAUkulele]

Lyndsey MacPherson completely agree!

[@reasons4ukulele128]

fuck you

[@erichuff6945]

I have seen Fender ukus and Les Paul ukus. This is sad just throw in the towel and pick up a guitar already. By the way it is call a pick guard.

[@GotAUkulele]

I’ve reviewed both. It’s a pick guard it’s a scratch plate - its both over here.

[@Wobbz9413]

I love when Amaricans try to tell the english how to speak english....🤣🤣

[@d.c3003]

This dude hates everything

[@GotAUkulele]

No he doesn’t. And he doesn’t hate this for example.