That full on back shot is pure uke p*** -- as is the headstock! What gorgeous wood.
It seems that some of the new higher-end Asian imports have really upped their game!
Congratulations on a beautifulmi instrument. I have been impressed with Rebel, had a chance to play one at a Uke Jam. These Neo series are espiecally nice and I fully agree with you on the tone. The sound samples on HMS of these had me reaching for my wallet.
Very nice uke. I've been impressed by the the rebel's, and own a alchemist, and a hog. Your's sounded great in the clips, and I was tempted, but I think it would be along the same vein as the alchemist, so I didn't go for it. Nice score!
I never thought you’d ask !
For the purest ukulele players, The rebel will be more satisfying because it has a traditional shape a very balanced ukulele tone, although exceptional in nature. Loud, warm, and crisp at the same time with a great deal of sustain.
The moon bird is a freak. It doesn’t look, smell or act like any ukulele you played before. The fingerboard is outstanding and the tone is more like a baritone and a tenor. Some ears might find the bass notes more prominent than the trebles, making it less balanced than the rebel.
With standard fingerpicking chord melody repoitoire, both work very well.
At this point I would take the rebel for my performances with a clip on pick up sooner than the moon bird due to the enhanced treble response of the rebel, and the tendency for bass notes to amplify better.
I would not want to give up either at this point but if I had to I would keep the rebel
Ron
I never thought you’d ask !
For the purest ukulele players, The rebel will be more satisfying because it has a traditional shape a very balanced ukulele tone, although exceptional in nature. Loud, warm, and crisp at the same time with a great deal of sustain.
The moon bird is a freak. It doesn’t look, smell or act like any ukulele you played before. The fingerboard is outstanding and the tone is more like a baritone and a tenor. Some ears might find the bass notes more prominent than the trebles, making it less balanced than the rebel.
With standard fingerpicking chord melody repoitoire, both work very well.
At this point I would take the rebel for my performances with a clip on pick up sooner than the moon bird due to the enhanced treble response of the rebel, and the tendency for bass notes to amplify better.
I would not want to give up either at this point but if I had to I would keep the rebel
Ron
Ron, thanks for the comparison. I would have never guessed that the Rebel with a cedar top would have better trebble than the spruce top Moon Bird. Just proves once again, the builder is more important than the wood.
Ron, interesting to hear your thoughts on how the two compare and look forward to the sound sample. Do you happen to know what strings are on the Moon Bird? Have you tried any others to see if that improves the higher notes?
Hi Eddie,
I put my “go to” strings on, Oasis warm, low G. I think the lower bout design favors more base response in the Moon Bird. It has a unique voice, different from all the other tenors I own,
Ron