Pirate Jim
Well-known member
I don't usually get around to these but there are precious few threads on Bonanza ukes so I thought it might be useful. Yesterday I took delivery of my Flatlander concert uke (delivery was only 2 days from the US to the UK - that's faster than domestic post!). I haven't put it down since - even had it standing on its end on the kitchen worktop as I cooked dinner last night!
I'm hoping to do a full review once I've had some more time with it. I am very impressed, though, sounds lovely and has great sustain - I barely lose any volume when hammering on notes. Intonation is very good. Doesn't have the same level of volume as my main tenor uke (Uluru solid mahog) but I have had complaints at drowning out singers with that one so a bit quieter is no bad thing
Photos below, any questions let me know. One of the main things to note is that Shelley and Pete were fantastic to deal with. From choosing the materials to specific setup points (such as having the strap pin on the back so it would still stand on its end) they were very fast to respond and really friendly. They even put fret markers on the side of the fretboard for me - first time ever as a lefty I've had that with a uke! I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. The setup they did was just perfect as well - I have a real annoyance with fret edges, whether it's feeling them as I play up the neck or catching my nails on them as I pick. Not a rough edge in sight on this one, effortless to play. If you want the bombproofness of a Clara but don't have all the money it's a great alternative.
Oh, and even though it's an odd shape it still fits in a concert pod style case!
I'm hoping to do a full review once I've had some more time with it. I am very impressed, though, sounds lovely and has great sustain - I barely lose any volume when hammering on notes. Intonation is very good. Doesn't have the same level of volume as my main tenor uke (Uluru solid mahog) but I have had complaints at drowning out singers with that one so a bit quieter is no bad thing
Photos below, any questions let me know. One of the main things to note is that Shelley and Pete were fantastic to deal with. From choosing the materials to specific setup points (such as having the strap pin on the back so it would still stand on its end) they were very fast to respond and really friendly. They even put fret markers on the side of the fretboard for me - first time ever as a lefty I've had that with a uke! I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. The setup they did was just perfect as well - I have a real annoyance with fret edges, whether it's feeling them as I play up the neck or catching my nails on them as I pick. Not a rough edge in sight on this one, effortless to play. If you want the bombproofness of a Clara but don't have all the money it's a great alternative.
Oh, and even though it's an odd shape it still fits in a concert pod style case!