Famous FS-1 vs Martin S1

[larauke]

Hello,
Does anyone with experience with both the Famous FS-1/Kiwaya KS-1 and the Martin S1 care to share which they like better? Regardless of cost, and I don't mind the sipo fretboard on the S1. I've viewed the Uke Stuff Info KS-1, KSU-1, S1 comparison video and the S1 seems to sound better to me for the sound I'm interested in.

Thanks in advance!

 

[man0a]

Both are nice instruments for the price (as long as you're not paying a huge importing fee for the Famous/Kiwaya). The Famous/Kiwaya is brighter and louder. The Martin has a richer sound to my ears. While you are looking at these 2 instruments, I suggest that you also look into the Martin 0X laminate soprano ukuleles, that are somewhere in between, both in sound quality and price.

 

[EDW]

You may be able to get an idea here. The Martin tone may have a bit more complexity but I would probably lean toward the Kiwaya overall

 

[Farkvam]

You may find forum members steering you towards Kiwaya, at least based on what I‘ve seen in past threads. I have not had the chance to compare my Martin S1 to a Kiwaya KS-1, but I have had the chance to compare it to a Kiwaya KTS-4 which is quite a bit more expensive than the Martin. The Kiwaya was impeccable in build (and no sharp frets like on the Martins). But I still happily walked away with my Martin

 

[hendulele]

I owned an FS-1 and the soprano 0XK and sold both. (I still own two Martin concerts: 0XK and C1K. No complaints. Full stop.) I regret selling the soprano Martin and haven’t played an S1.

I adored the FS-1 until a few months ago, when the already-low action seemed to get even lower. I could not strum it without it buzzing loudly, even as I adjusted my playing style, raised the saddle, replaced the saddle, and made multiple string changes. I have no explanation other than my general way of playing (ham-fisted strumming) has gotten sloppier with age … or the top started dipping slightly, just enough to reduce the action at the bridge further. I also never measured the action before it began causing trouble, so there’s no way to compare before and after.

It’s a puzzle. In several private and public conversations here, I’ve gotten a similar reaction from a few other FS-1 owners. If you primarily pick and/or are a gentle and precise player, the Famous/Kiwaya may be great for you. I know I loved mine the first five or so years I owned it.

Perhaps if you find a brand new one, it’ll be a gem. Mine had been.

 

[man0a]

I owned an FS-1 and the soprano 0XK and sold both. (I still own two Martin concerts: 0XK and C1K. No complaints. Full stop.) I regret selling the soprano Martin and haven’t played an S1.

I adored the FS-1 until a few months ago, when the already-low action seemed to get even lower. I could not strum it without it buzzing loudly, even as I adjusted my playing style, raised the saddle, replaced the saddle, and made multiple string changes. I have no explanation other than my general way of playing (ham-fisted strumming) has gotten sloppier with age … or the top started dipping slightly, just enough to reduce the action at the bridge further. I also never measured the action before it began causing trouble, so there’s no way to compare before and after.

It’s a puzzle. In several private and public conversations here, I’ve gotten a similar reaction from a few other FS-1 owners. If you primarily pick and/or are a gentle and precise player, the Famous/Kiwaya may be great for you. I know I loved mine the first five or so years I owned it.

Perhaps if you find a brand new one, it’ll be a gem. Mine had been.

I had the buzzing problem with my FS-1, too. I bought it used and do not know what strings it originally came with. I had been using thin fluorocarbon strings. I switched to thicker nylon strings and the buzzing went away and I'm happy with the ukulele now, so I did not further explore the cause of the buzzing.

 

[larauke]

Both are nice instruments for the price (as long as you're not paying a huge importing fee for the Famous/Kiwaya). The Famous/Kiwaya is brighter and louder. The Martin has a richer sound to my ears. While you are looking at these 2 instruments, I suggest that you also look into the Martin 0X laminate soprano ukuleles, that are somewhere in between, both in sound quality and price.

Hi Man0a,
I've heard nothing but good things about the Martin OX soprano. If I can find one locally I'd love to try one out. I regret not getting one when Martin was still producing them.
Thank you!

 

[larauke]

You may be able to get an idea here. The Martin tone may have a bit more complexity but I would probably lean toward the Kiwaya overall

Hi EDW,
Thanks for your reponse. I've viewed the UkeStuff video several times and I agree that to my ears the Martin tone is more complex (although I didn't think so at first). I kind of like the kiwaya sound as well so not an easy choice.
Cheers

 

[larauke]

I owned an FS-1 and the soprano 0XK and sold both. (I still own two Martin concerts: 0XK and C1K. No complaints. Full stop.) I regret selling the soprano Martin and haven’t played an S1.

I adored the FS-1 until a few months ago, when the already-low action seemed to get even lower. I could not strum it without it buzzing loudly, even as I adjusted my playing style, raised the saddle, replaced the saddle, and made multiple string changes. I have no explanation other than my general way of playing (ham-fisted strumming) has gotten sloppier with age … or the top started dipping slightly, just enough to reduce the action at the bridge further. I also never measured the action before it began causing trouble, so there’s no way to compare before and after.

It’s a puzzle. In several private and public conversations here, I’ve gotten a similar reaction from a few other FS-1 owners. If you primarily pick and/or are a gentle and precise player, the Famous/Kiwaya may be great for you. I know I loved mine the first five or so years I owned it.

Perhaps if you find a brand new one, it’ll be a gem. Mine had been.

Thank you Hedulele,
Very interesting. I tend to be of the ham-fisted strummer type so the buzzing issue over time is a real consideration for me.
Thanks again

 

[man0a]

fyi - Barry @ Got An Ukulele (who I believe is a member of this forum) has reviewed both the FS-1 and the S1. He rates the FS-1 8.5/10 for sound quality and 9/10 for value. The S1 rates 9.5/10 for sound quality and 8.5/10 for value. The S1 costs 3 times as much, so you should expect some price/performance differences. His reviews have sound samples that you can listen to. My impression from the reviews is that he thinks the FS-1 is really great for the price, while the S1 is really great for everyone.

Famous FS-1 Soprano Ukulele - REVIEW

Got A Ukulele reviews the Famous FS-1 Soprano Ukulele from Takumi

www.gotaukulele.com

Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele - REVIEW

Got A Ukulele reviews the S1 Soprano ukulele from Martin

www.gotaukulele.com

 

[larauke]

You may find forum members steering you towards Kiwaya, at least based on what I‘ve seen in past threads. I have not had the chance to compare my Martin S1 to a Kiwaya KS-1, but I have had the chance to compare it to a Kiwaya KTS-4 which is quite a bit more expensive than the Martin. The Kiwaya was impeccable in build (and no sharp frets like on the Martins). But I still happily walked away with my Martin

Hi Farkvam,
I must admit I'm leaning slightly towards the Martin, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I really liked you how your martin looked in the photo you posted (not that looks are a deal breaker). I also like the simplicity of the FS-1 but the solid wood martin sound is (hopefully) going to sound better over time. Cheers!

 

[rainbow21]

… and the S1 seems to sound better to me for the sound I'm interested in.

seems like you have your answer here. No one is saying the Martin sounds bad. After that whether I or others prefer the sound of one or the other is irrelevant since this is not a vote of which we think you might like.

buy it and start enjoying it sooner!

 

[larauke]

fyi - Barry @ Got An Ukulele (who I believe is a member of this forum) has reviewed both the FS-1 and the S1. He rates the FS-1 8.5/10 for sound quality and 9/10 for value. The S1 rates 9.5/10 for sound quality and 8.5/10 for value. The S1 costs 3 times as much, so you should expect some price/performance differences. His reviews have sound samples that you can listen to. My impression from the reviews is that he thinks the FS-1 is really great for the price, while the S1 is really great for everyone.

Famous FS-1 Soprano Ukulele - REVIEW

Got A Ukulele reviews the Famous FS-1 Soprano Ukulele from Takumi

www.gotaukulele.com

Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele - REVIEW

Got A Ukulele reviews the S1 Soprano ukulele from Martin

www.gotaukulele.com

Man0a,
Yes, I've viewed Barry's reviews. Thanks!

 

[larauke]

seems like you have your answer here. No one is saying the Martin sounds bad. After that whether I or others prefer the sound of one or the other is irrelevant since this is not a vote of which we think you might like.

buy it and start enjoying it sooner!

Sound (pun intended) advice Rainbow21! Thanks!

 

[hendulele]

Hi Man0a,
I've heard nothing but good things about the Martin OX soprano. If I can find one locally I'd love to try one out. I regret not getting one when Martin was still producing them.
Thank you!

Complicating(?) things: Martin has just introduced a 0XK soprano that's sponsored by the Life Is Good lifestyle brand. The top is adorned?/cluttered?/ruined? by Life Is Good labels and messages. The uke should be a great player. As for a looker ... Caveat emptor!

 

[larauke]

Complicating(?) things: Martin has just introduced a 0XK soprano that's sponsored by the Life Is Good lifestyle brand. The top is adorned?/cluttered?/ruined? by Life Is Good labels and messages. The uke should be a great player. As for a looker ... Caveat emptor!

Thanks Hendulele. I had to see it to believe it. Found it on the Sweetwater site. Interesting but a bit too much "adornment" for me.
Cheers!

 

[EDW]

Complicating(?) things: Martin has just introduced a 0XK soprano that's sponsored by the Life Is Good lifestyle brand. The top is adorned?/cluttered?/ruined? by Life Is Good labels and messages. The uke should be a great player. As for a looker ... Caveat emptor!

I think they are kind of fun. I wish the graphics were on all sides rather than the top only. It is not my style, but appreciate the effort

 

[Joe Strummer]

The Martins really benefit from some setup work. The top of the frets have pretty sharp edges, and it makes a big difference to get those rounded off. The Kiwaya has a great setup out of the box.

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

I think they are kind of fun. I wish the graphics were on all sides rather than the top only. It is not my style, but appreciate the effort

I share your opinion of the “busy” logo-heavy design on the Martin ‘Life Is Good’ uke. My Yowling Tom soprano is intentionally garish but my view of garishness is ‘go big or go home’.

Martin’s placing decal-type images only on the sound board and headstock face gives the appearance that all that was added as an afterthought, which contradicts Martin’s otherwise- consistent attention to detail.

 

[Mercury59]

You may be able to get an idea here. The Martin tone may have a bit more complexity but I would probably lean toward the Kiwaya overall

The laminate Kiwaya longneck soprano, KSU-1L, also featured in the video, is no slouch either. It's my "go to", uke nowadays. Loud and clear as a bell, plus great value for money.