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Pros:
- Great price
- Available in multiple colors
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Comes with a gig bag
Cons:
- Not the highest quality uke
- Bad tuners
- Tuning issues
While you might want to learn more about ukuleles and maybe get yourself into playing one, investing a lot of money while not sure how serious your “infatuation” is, probably not the best idea. That is why, fortunately, there are hundreds of ukuleles that will not cost you more than your weekend brunch (yeah, I might be assuming that you do brunch but you get the point). While low price is an amazing thing. it also comes at a cost.
With ukuleles that cost is under, let’s say, $50 and you will not be getting the same quality of craftsmanship and sound as with something more pricey. So if you go into buying something like Hamano U-30BR expecting a top-notch ukulele that will last you years and years, you might be disappointed. On the other hand, if you are looking for something that will give you the ability to learn a bit and then move on to something higher in quality, then this is a great, cost-effective option.
Build
This is a soprano size ukulele. A lot of beginners (and others, of course) prefer soprano ukuleles because they are smaller in size and thus easier to handle (not to mention how cute and quirky they look). The U-30BR has maple top and neck for a nice, clear sound. The high-gloss finish allows for the uke to vibrate and have clear sound. Overall, while this uke might not be the pinnacle of craftsmanship and technology, it brings a lot to the table (especially considering the price range).
Hardware
This uke comes with while ABS nut and NuBone saddle. The tuners are not the best quality so you will have issues with tuning, especially in the beginning. The bridge is one of the nicest assets of this uke, it is sturdy and easy to use for restringing. This is especially important for beginners who have probably close to zero experience with restringing. This uke also ships with Learn to Play chord chart and a gig bag. Although the bag is not the sturdiest one, it is nice for transportation and storage.
Hamano Ukulele Sound
To be honest, I did not expect much from this ukulele. While one of the biggest advantages of the U-30BR is its great price and playability, the sound is not lacking at all. I mean, it is not a pro-level nuanced sound and balanced tone but for a beginner uke, it is goddamn good. The volume, especially for a soprano ukulele, is really good. The choice of tonewood and finish also intensify the overall sound and make it more clear.
Conclusion
Hamano U-30BR comes in multiple colors so you get a choice of your style. Apart from that, this is a solid beginner ukulele. While the U-30BR might not compare too well with more pricey models, it definitely holds a good spot in its price range. Probably the most important factor in entry-level instruments is playability and overall comfort which is definitely something that this instrument is not lacking.
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