Populele Ukulele Review || Novelty or The Future?

[@RockClass101]

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[@zakmasterman]

Thanks for a fantastic review. I am a beginner looking for an acoustic-electric ukulele. I have really fat fingers so I want something with a wide neck and small action. I tried learning the guitar for 2 years but my fat fingers really made it hard to move past some basic chords. I am hoping that moving to Ukelele will allow me to get back into learning music. My budget is $200 for the ukelele (I am also getting a $100 fender Amp). Do you have a recommendation for what Ukelele I should get ( I am 34 years old) Thanks in advance.

[@BernadetteTeachesMusic]

3:24 couldn't agree more. I like your review of this. You played it, showed accessories, and gave your honest opinion about all of the features. I used this ukulele with my elderly students and they had a hoot! They really needed to remember chord shapes in order to be successful playing the game on the app. I don't think it would replace human interaction and playing together, but I think it does make reviewing fun :)

[@RockClass101]

That's awesome Bernadette! Glad to hear it is helping them learn :)

[@nembuss]

Thank you for the review. I was thinking of buying a Populele, but now I think I'll get a regular one.

[@RockClass101]

Good call!

[@beckyp9633]

They have a good idea. Inlay super bright leds into a wooden fretboard for each note, hook the software to a programmable metronome to slow down or speed up songs. user Make it so the user community can add songs, or variations of songs (free or paid-for perhaps?). You could still get the cords library etc., maybe the ability to loop tricky parts. Add in a few different game skins maybe, but for user added stuff, the sheet music and tabs, with just a cartoon that directs/sings to/ or cringes at you, (lol) and you have a real "ukulele hero" thing going on. The beginning of each thing could be a "tune your ukulele" game so it can recognise what you're playing or something. I can totally see someone doing this as a raspberry pi maker challenge too with a build your own ukulele kit teamed up with some music minded programmers if it's possible. So yes, I can see this as a forerunner of the future for kids and adults. of Also with a community, it would probably turn into a race on who could add the music to the best version of "whatever song just came out and is hot!" the fastest, to move up the community boards. /Get most loves/ whatever score system. Heck, could even link to approved teachers Skype style, for lessons with some kind of screening so you don't get sickos Skyping kids ... Or it could be something like Pellaton? Style where users could request a recorded lesson from a teacher teaching music theory or something the game aspect could plan and build for too. (Wish I wasn't stupid or I'd totally make this happen.)

[@creatingbeauty5522]

Thank you for being so in-depth in this review. Other reviewers have left out so much of what you covered and doing as they did leave me thinking this uke would do things it really won't. Like I'd thought this could be a good way to learn more advanced things. Obviously not. I'm also disappointed that another reviewer who usually talks about action and doesn't hesitate to mention when a uke comes with great action or not, didn't mention this at all in her review of it. Now that I've seen your review I know I'm doing better just learning the old-fashioned way: by applying myself because I genuinely want something.

[@RockClass101]

Action may vary on ukes if consistency isn't in place in the manufacturing process. She may have received a better playing one. I'm glad you found the review helpful. I have to be honest with my reviews and unfortunately Populele misses the mark.

[@therockinghousewife4241]

how about when your using the app use earphones that way the music will not interfere.

[@kamilkrol8256]

I bought it like 9 months ago for ~75 USD accessories included (except for capo), but probably wouldn't if i stumbled upon your review. The app feels kinda clunky, also I hate that I have to connect it every time I want to just illuminate the fretboard, so I guess now I have smart uke that I use just as regular one. But it looks cool and I enjoy playing it overall, it's also my first serious take on an instrument, as you said I'm learning on a bit too high action and too big frets, so at least any future change of the uke will be for the better :)

[@MrRockstar1968]

When lowering the action by filling down the back of the bridge, if you fill too low to the point it creats a fret buzz, then this can be resolved by packing underneath the bridge with layers of strips of paper. You can use one layer or paper, or two layers and so on untill you fin the lowes point without any fret buzz. The buzz may also only appear on one or two strings rather than all the strings and if this is the case you may only need to put layes of paper uner the bridge in line with those strings.

[@KittyBeeViolinT]

I really loved this review. I’m purchasing one of these because I’m a kid at heart. It takes me back to playing guitar hero. I was playing the app with my ukulele. But I can’t play in the library without one. It does say to use 1 headphone for best results now. I hope they ad more advanced things to it eventually. Finger picking is my jam but I struggle with strumming.

[@RockClass101]

Check out our beginner's course. We have some lessons on strumming there :) rockclass101.com/definitive-beginners-guide-ukulele/

[@gabrielgarayhairextensions5139]

thank you for your very honest review of the populele. I only now found it. Do you feel that in the time since you posted the video any of the desirable changes have occurred. I'm an adult and have been practicing for 6 months on my own, and find this instrument desirable, but as you mention, perhaps too beginners. thoughts?

[@RockClass101]

I haven't kept up with its development. Instead, I'd encourage you to take a look at our guide for developing your musicianship and ukulele skills: rockclass101.com/learning-paths/

[@tesscod2561]

You could.make a stringed popsicle stick sound good!

[@AnitaLife27]

Tesscod and then he would show is step by step how to do it!!!

[@peterryan6550]

how do you start it up

[@RockClass101]

Hi Peter, I think it turned on when you connect to the bluetooth app. I don't recall an on/off button. It's been 4 years since I've played this uke so it's hard to remember. I'd recommend visiting their website as they have a chat feature where you can ask them this question :)

[@RyKnocks]

Sounds like a tin can, but I like the idea. Don’t like the plastic fretboard, but I get why they had to do it. Like you said, cool for children, but ukulele is so easy to learn that this may be expensive overkill. Would rather get a nice soprano with a solid top and give that to my kid along with some stickers to put under the frets to learn C, Am, F, and G.

[@RockClass101]

It's def a cool idea, but I agree with you Ryan.

[@Okarkar]

I don't know about that, I tried learning many instruments in the past and frankly sucked. I just get confused with the names of chords and finger placement by watching others (I learn much better by doing than by watching) So this might be good for a person like me

[@deborahkaygoodhead8776]

I enjoy your videos!! I couldn't agree more with your review. Excellent first attempt...very appealing to Elementary students that I teach K-6. Unfortunately price is more than most of my parents would be willing to spend. Introduce Elementary students yo Guitar in summer course where they are requured to provide their own instrument. Have seen good and really poorly made Guitars because parents do not want to spend too much not knowing if they will stick with it. So cost is a little high even though some spend more for game systems. Would be better to create Ike that connects to current popular gaming system?

[@RockClass101]

I'm not aware of any uke-centered gaming platforms. Can you suggest any?

[@deborahkaygoodhead8776]

@@RockClass101 I am not aware of any at this time but I think it would be good for someone to create more in this direction. 😊

[@andresdavid]

As a note, the color scheme isn't that unique. The cuatro venezolano, which is a baritone ukulele with slightly different tuning (low G, low A instead of high G, high A) is the most popular 4 stringed instrument in South America and it is almost always painted in the same 2-tone fashion, albeit, usually in reverse.

[@sammiller9855]

Thanks for the review. There is a trade off, though, for the price--quality of sound (e.g., wood) for gadgetry. I would rather see parents limiting the time their kids spend on "smart devices".

[@creatingbeauty5522]

seriously. All the absorption into tech the way kids are doing is going to cause serious problems down the line. Parents have become so lazy though now. They don't want to bother interacting much or parenting. Tech became a great babysitter for them, but the consequences are already showing to a point. It will get worse as time goes by and these kids grow up.

[@tae-kwon-dot2987]

Does it have a aux port to plug into. External speaker

[@RockClass101]

I can't recall. Reach out to them with this question :)

[@a.fernandez00]

How can you knew if your populele is charged? Or if is low of bateri?

[@RockClass101]

I can't recall - maybe you should reach out to them with this ?

[@tetik5]

when its charging the lights flash on and og when its charged they all stop and go out@@RockClass101

[@irynamykhailenko4904]

I absolutely agree. I own populele because I'm fond of new technologies. And I believe this type of instrument can help in making ukulele a bit more popular. It's like a guitar hero just with a real instrument! I love the led lights in dazzle mode. Fun! However, the app is weak. I'm sure they can add things for intermediate level players.

[@ItaloMaiaTM]

Really good review. Thank you very much.

[@hi.mynguyen]

Hi, Did you try the populele version 2 ? What do you think about it ?

[@RockClass101]

I haven't, sorry!

[@EdindroWhitehall]

I picked up a cheap Concert Ukulele as a Novice and I gradually realized the action was too high on the one I picked up when I was trying to play barre chords. Is there any Uke's you'd recommend with a decent action within the 100-130 dollar range?

[@RockClass101]

All new uke's need to be set up. I'd recommend buying from a mom and pop shop like UkeRepublic.com. Mike runs the shop, contact him and tell him I sent ya. He can help ya out!

[@rikkardo91]

Bought it for 80 euros, I have 0 skills on chord instruments but I come from 20 years of alto sax... Let's see if I will get something out from this

[@Okarkar]

How is it so far? I am thinking of getting it

[@ventorero28]

Im also curious to know..

[@jeholloway2]

I am a sax player too. Will I be able to learn easily on this? How was your experience? There are only 4 reviews on Amazon.

[@zakmasterman]

Thanks for a fantastic review. I am a beginner looking for an acoustic-electric ukulele. I have really fat fingers so I want something with a wide neck and small action. I tried learning the guitar for 2 years but my fat fingers really made it hard to move past some basic chords. I am hoping that moving to Ukelele will allow me to get back into learning music. My budget is $200 for the ukelele (I am also getting a $100 fender Amp). Do you have a recommendation for what Ukelele I should get ( I am 34 years old) Thanks in advance.

[@RockClass101]

Reach out to Mike @ ukerepublic.com. He'll be able to recommend a great uke that is in your budget. Tell him I sent ya :)

[@danh8245]

What was that intro song? Sounds like it’s from the OST of how to train your dragon.

[@RockClass101]

An original composition. You can learn it for free at: rockclass101.com/our-first-song/.

[@TheAsstdir]

Can it be plugged into an amp? I want a populele, but I am a busker so being able to plug it in is important.

[@RockClass101]

It can not.

[@clementinefart5982]

I bought one with assceories for 75$ was this good deal?

[@RockClass101]

yes!

[@clementinefart5982]

@@RockClass101 could i buy any better ukulele for 75$ (brand new)

[@RockClass101]

@@clementinefart5982 Yes! Reach out to Mike @ www.ukerepublic.com/. He'll be able to help you find a great uke! Tell him I sent ya :)

[@jiayoutech]

I am 26 and never played an instrument. Should I get this?

[@RockClass101]

No, I'd recommend a regular ukulele. When you get one, check out our guide for getting started (watch the 3rd video on the page): rockclass101.com/learning-paths/.

[@irlrp]

If they create a guitar with this feature people are gonna be crazy about it

[@RockClass101]

They've been around since before the Populele, like this one: amzn.to/2yNVgbh

[@JodyM2]

Fluke uses Plastic Fret Board & people pay $200 for em, they love em I'll stick to wood for that money

[@mikkocruz1963]

its a 189$ starter ukulele

[@andrewcandelaria2462]

I was thinking about a video of an angry person smashing a populele.