Build Quality: | |
Hardware: | |
Sound: | |
Value: | |
Average: |
Pros:
- Quality tonewood
- Good sound
- Sturdy, durable gig bag
- Quality extra strings
Cons:
- Might have a bit of buzz
- Sharp frets with some of the ukes
There are a plethora of affordable ukuleles on the market. Apart from that, there are dozens of dozens of bundle deals that offer you ten different accessories (most of which you will never use). While a lot of the entry-level, budget-friendly ukes are pretty decent quality, you have to be aware of the lack of quality control that comes with inexpensive instruments. That is why I always try to be a bit more cautious with bundle deals and choose only the ones that are actually worth the money. On that note, let’s talk about whether Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany DUC-1 Bundle is worth your money.
Build
The construction and tonewood are the major part of any ukulele (and any instrument, pretty much). That is why, if you want to know more about the sound, tone, and playability of an instrument just look at the build section. Donner knows that pretty well and that’s why they use a mahogany body that produces natural sweet and bright sound. The neck is pretty sturdy and with the rosewood fingerboard, this model becomes even more comfortable for beginners. Donner claims that they have a very elaborate wood selection process for their ukuleles. They dry their woods for three years and select only the good batches to process. This sort of small but intricate production details are pretty important for the final product and it definitely shows with this model.
Hardware & Bundle
Donner patented chrome-plated tuners that will give you know issues with tuning. Tuning is a big problem with a lot of affordable ukuleles, with a lot of people complaining that the instrument needs constant tuning. That will not be the case with the Donner uke. The bundle includes the strap, carbon nylon strings, digital clip-on tuner (DT-2) with a battery and, of course, a ukulele bag. Two of my favorite things about this bundle are the strings and the bag. Unlike a lot of the strings shipped with the instrument, Donner uses high quality, easy on fingers strings which will be a great advantage for beginners. As for the gig bag, it is nicely manufactured, made from sturdy material. The bag is great not only for transporting the instrument but also for protecting it.
Donner Concert Ukulele Sound
Due to good construction and well-chosen tonewood, this concert uke has a rich and clear sound with nice resonance. It is also pretty easy to play and provides quite a bit of comfort. The strings on this model are nicely chosen. They complement the sound and intensify it which cannot be said about a lot of other strings shipped with ukes. Despite the good quality sound, there are still a few problems with a bit of buzzing. Some people have also said that they got this model with pretty sharp frets which really destroys the comfort factor. While that is the case with some people, I don’t think it is that widespread.
Conclusion
Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany is a nice entry-level instrument BUT the bundle is really what makes it such a great deal. The gig bag along with the strings and other accessories makes this one of the best deals on the market. That on top of the nice sound, good tonewood, and comfort add up to create one of the best affordable, beginner-friendly ukuleles.
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