This brand is particularly easy on the wallet, which may explain why I have 3 of them. Or it may just be my UAD aka Ukulele Acquisition Disorder.
Just because that are cheap does not mean they are junk – rather they are value priced. If you are looking for quality finish, look elsewhere. If you are a beginner, these are have a nice sound and are easy to play due to their low action. This is great for beginners as well people with limited hand strength as not much pressure is required to make chords. If you like to take a ukulele with you – I take one everywhere – these are a good deal as you don’t need to worry about bumps and dings because at their price-point you could just replace the instrument.
None of mine arrived with set-up issues nor sharp frets. All three are concert sized. The Kadence logo on the head stock looks like vinyl stickers and unfortunately cheapens the overall appearance. Each on came with a case which is quite flimsy and basically a dust cover. If you play a lot, they won’t have time to collect dust. Each has 14 frets on the neck plus 4 more on the body for a total of 18 frets. There are fret markers on the fingerboard at 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 but no side markers.
Let’s start with my less favorite and then move to middle one and then to my favorite of this bunch.
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Spruce wood
This one is advertised as having a spruce wood top. It appears to be pressed wood with a spruce colored paint job. This sound hole is not cut well and is rough and jagged. There is a tastefully simple rosette around the sound hole. The black trim and fret board are painted black as I can see some minor paint drips. The back is quite pretty. Most of the finish issues are only seen upon close inspection.
The sound is decent and better than expected. I am happy overall with it.
Would I buy it again? Probably not. I bought it because of it’s low price and while I do not regret my purchase, I think the next 2 are a better deal.
Construction & Finish
Set-up & Playability
Sound
Sustain
Value Priced
for this class
Both of these next two ukes have the electric option which works fine. The only complaint I have is that they use a 9-volt battery which adds unneeded weight to the instruments. Pictures/Videos coming soon.
Ash Top – Walnut Back
I selected this one for the ash walnut wood combination. The finish is so much better on this model. It has the same sound hole decal but the hole is well cut and no jagged edges. I did not find any paint drips either. The walnut back is very nice. The ash top has one arc shaped area where it appeared to be over sanded and thus it is missing continuity of of grain. I was able to draw in the grain with sharpies and pencils.
I love the low action and the sound of this one. It also has impressive sustain.
Would I buy it again? Yes. I bought it because of it’s low price and wood combination.
Construction & Finish
Set-up & Playability
Sound
Sustain
Value Priced
for this class
Solid Spruce Top – Rosewood Back
This one features a solid spruce and a laminated rosewood back for stunning contrast. To get a solid top at this price is pretty much unheard off. The is white binding and the fret board is also bound. The head-stock has a crown shape. Two strap buttons are included – one on the body tail and the other on the bottom side of the neck. The sound hole has an etched design. The bridge is different than advertised. It is a pin style bridge as opposed to the typical tied on style. The are actually zero finish issues on this one.
Long sustain and low action plus good tone makes this one a winner.
Would I buy it again? Definitively yes. Solid wood top, great sound and at this price…what’s not to love!
Construction & Finish
Set-up & Playability
Sound
Sustain
Value Priced
Stay tuned as I will be adding videos and pictures soon.
