tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post6663702108209232576..comments2024-03-26T17:50:42.904+00:00Comments on GOT A UKULELE - Ukulele reviews and beginners tips: Risa Uke-Solid Concert Ukulele - REVIEWBarry Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-45730752319191967382024-01-12T13:50:04.075+00:002024-01-12T13:50:04.075+00:00Great site. I'm playing with a s/h Risa sopran...Great site. I'm playing with a s/h Risa soprano and found that it has been restrung to the posts in the least favourable way for friction/angle from the end bar. (i.e. these ones turn clockwise, leading in from the top, viewed from the A string side) Worth checking on yours if you aren't the first owner. The point about the bridge saddle height - has anyone got ideas on why the G has the greatest height here? I can see if it were a low G then that might make sense, but the G is smaller than the C next to it. Worth altering if one doesn't play low G? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-40088608107173069012023-05-21T16:44:08.386+01:002023-05-21T16:44:08.386+01:00I have had one of the tenors for almost a year and...I have had one of the tenors for almost a year and really love the action but the neck profile is my favorite so far of any of my ukes. I just bought a Flea which seems to have a similar neck profile (albeit smaller). I am looking to purchase a good quality tenor between $500-$1000 with a similur neck profile. Right now I have my sights set on a solid top Fluke but didn't know of you have any other suggestions with that type of profile and wide nut width? Unfortunately I have no way to get my hands on anything so I have to just order and hope for the best. Thank for all the info!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-21004148800834246072022-02-12T14:53:55.432+00:002022-02-12T14:53:55.432+00:00This photo interests me as I've had multiple b...This photo interests me as I've had multiple breakage. Unfortunately the photo "isn't available"Rove Traconihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08494312994361977693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-286285959717549222019-05-05T22:00:46.029+01:002019-05-05T22:00:46.029+01:00I posted my thoughts on my then-new Risa Solid ten...I posted my thoughts on my then-new Risa Solid tenor back in December 2016, and I'm still "in love" with this instrument - I'd want to save "Rod" from the proverbial house fire (which of course, I hope will never happen!).<br /><br />One thing I *would* (and have) changed since my last post: string-wise, I went off Worth Browns, as I personally found their intonation sometimes went "off", and somehow they felt a bit high-tension for my liking. I've switched to Living Waters (fluorocarbon; unwound low G) for the Risa, and am considerably happier with their feel and sound. Of course, strings are very much a matter of personal taste, but I think LWs are worth (pun not intended) a try on this uke.Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14865503170641058013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-72693567695381841032018-02-06T10:44:12.123+00:002018-02-06T10:44:12.123+00:00No I think you are describing a wound string - sti...No I think you are describing a wound string - still has a nylon core. I’m warning against fully steel stringsBarry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-13667450518336446032018-02-06T09:30:03.622+00:002018-02-06T09:30:03.622+00:00You mentioned not being meant for steel strings. I...You mentioned not being meant for steel strings. I have a soprano Risa solid and had it restrung with a steel C strong (the rest normal strings) and it sounds great. It's been good for 5 years; should I be concerned?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15976734935223147539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-69077142506278520802017-05-09T08:39:51.374+01:002017-05-09T08:39:51.374+01:00As stated by some players above, I also have probl...As stated by some players above, I also have problems with Rijk from Risa regulalrly when I contact regarding my tuning buttons splitting (apparantly I'm the ONLY person in the world that ever has this problem) he is VERY defensivr and its always a battle to get more parts even when I offer to pay....he is VERY VERY VERY defensive..I have 3 risa..2 stick and one steel string LP, wont ever buy another one because Rijk is so unhelpful and defensive and rude and you cannot get parts anywhere else...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-16902255294755161532017-05-05T00:10:45.748+01:002017-05-05T00:10:45.748+01:00Hi Barry! Thanks for all of your reviews. They wer...Hi Barry! Thanks for all of your reviews. They were so helpful in making my decision for a new ukulele... the RISA US-C Ukulele Solid Concert. I ADORE this thing. I wanted a new ukulele that I could plug into with headphones but felt that the ones with pickups took away some of the "acoustic charm" from the instrument. The RISA is perfect – it's quirky looking so plugging into it makes sense to me (crazy I know). Mine shipped with Aquila strings, and the logo is now silver screen print. I agree with you about the logo, a bit horsy for such a little instrument! The Belcat sounds great with it, but I wish it wasn't so bulky. (sigh. first world problems) I tried the Bravo Audio Headplug Mini Rechargeable Guitar Headphone Amplifier but found it disappointing. The volume and sound quality is inferior to the Belcat, and much more expensive. I returned it, and am sticking with the Belcat.Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12847265554066442576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-78401256632002300232017-02-20T10:26:37.731+00:002017-02-20T10:26:37.731+00:00Thanks Barry. The Belcat is certainly the cheapest...Thanks Barry. The Belcat is certainly the cheapest! For the price it's definately worth a pop. The other popular one is the Nux GP-1 Electric Guitar Headphone Amp. BTW just ditched my 'buzzy 'Marshall mini amp for a Blackstar, which has amazingly clear sound. Put my Micro Cube's nose out of joint! CheersAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02496409378939598156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-25440484850969609022017-02-20T10:11:45.401+00:002017-02-20T10:11:45.401+00:00Keith - a lot of people like the VOX ones, but to ...Keith - a lot of people like the VOX ones, but to be honest I think they fall apart easily - had a couple that just didn't last. I think the Belcat ones are much cheaper, just as good and last longer.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-47015241222620603832017-02-20T09:59:26.787+00:002017-02-20T09:59:26.787+00:00I'm taking the risk on holiday for three weeks...I'm taking the risk on holiday for three weeks and need a plug in Headphone Amp for it. Any recommendations? There's quite a few on the Net, wondered if anyone has had good/bad experiences? TaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02496409378939598156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-45528699270113546612017-02-11T13:28:45.477+00:002017-02-11T13:28:45.477+00:00I've had a Risa Tenor for a few years and it&#...I've had a Risa Tenor for a few years and it's a lovely instrument. Good fun to play and great for travelling. If anyone is interested I have a YouTube video playing mine through an iPad with a Sonuus midi converter. https://youtu.be/orRpES5pXewAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14892071381284115408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-2009190254658390432017-02-09T13:17:45.941+00:002017-02-09T13:17:45.941+00:00I've just taken delivery of the Tenor version ...I've just taken delivery of the Tenor version of this, after much deliberating... Totally blown away. Probably the easiest Uke I ever played. Beautiful made, arrived in tune (DPD didn't even screw that up!), amazing action, perfect! I've bought this to replace a Stagg LP copy thing which was fun but awful to play (high action, tiny neck etc). Thanks for the review Baz, "it was you that won it" LOL.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02496409378939598156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-71400650484632713732016-12-05T14:12:28.649+00:002016-12-05T14:12:28.649+00:00Ever since I found your review of the Risa Solid h...Ever since I found your review of the Risa Solid here (2014?), I've been coveting one, and was finally in a position to "make a move" a few weeks ago. I decided to go for the tenor model, partly as the soprano looked *too* tiny, but also I wanted a decent scale with a low G tuning (basically, to be able to use the uke as a travel-guitar substitute).<br />My Risa came with strings I didn't like - clear (fluorocarbons?), too high-tension for my liking, and high G - so after some advice-seeking I ordered a set of Worth Brown WT-LGs, with an unwound low G. I found these a *big* improvement in feel, sound and even looks - if you're looking for strings for a Risa Solid, I'd splash out a bit and try Worth Browns. <br />Yes, I have a feeling I'll be sticking with my Risa, until I find myself in desperate straits and have to eat ;-)Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14865503170641058013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-54427180270495446362016-10-05T18:06:56.618+01:002016-10-05T18:06:56.618+01:00Thanks Alan - good aint they? And it will be a uku...Thanks Alan - good aint they? And it will be a ukulele you stick with. I've used one on a very large stage in front of a crowd of over 100 people plugged in to a big rig. Didn't miss a beat!Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-89815339014814717892016-10-05T18:01:51.056+01:002016-10-05T18:01:51.056+01:00Barry, I've just received mine, bought from Da...Barry, I've just received mine, bought from Dangleberry Music via Amazon. I absolutely love it. Maybe this is a newer version because the Logo you mention IS large, but quite grey and not to blatant. Played silently, it's magic for practice with a great action. Very comfortable to hold and play. As a first test, I passed it through one of my old Zoom FX boxes. (I always have the first channels set to 'clean'). It played perfectly with clear, bell-like tones. But it was when I added a touch of reverb, and then delay and then some of my more bluesy or obscure settings (including a powerful organ effect) that I nearly fell off my chair! Uke meets Peter Green meets Hank Marvin meets Roy Buchanan .... well maybe not quite, but it was amazing how well it coped with anything I threw at it. For a nylon-strung instrument this was WAY beyond what I hoped for. So for uke purists who want a means to practice silently with the option to amplify without feedback it seems perfect for the price. For those who want that and a means to push boundaries, it's a dream come true.<br />Have you guessed that I really rather like it?<br />I've uploaded a preliminary review for Amazon but will return in a week when I've had a lot more time to explore the Risa. I'll add some photos but I've already included a reference to Dangleberry and a pointer towards this ukulele.com review.<br />Thanks for uploading it.<br />Now I'm off for another noodle - and it won't be in a Bachelors packet.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01774185709820186897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-9961906470517544272016-10-03T13:33:22.053+01:002016-10-03T13:33:22.053+01:00I think they are oustanding Alan. For some people,...I think they are oustanding Alan. For some people, players often opt for the cheaper Eleuke models, but seriously - with an electro its ALL about the pickup. There is no comparison between the two brandsBarry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-33478436020357952002016-10-03T13:31:50.926+01:002016-10-03T13:31:50.926+01:00Another top-notch h review Barry. I've been lo...Another top-notch h review Barry. I've been looking for a good 'silent' electro uke for some time and landed on these Risa models during the search. I found an especially good, detailed and yet concise review and demo on Youtube. Look for 'Risa Concert Travel Ukulele Review' uploaded by Ukuquayle. If this comment box allows me to post URLs, it's at<br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMZ1OilhjM0<br />Between that demo and your own review, I'm convinced. Many thanks.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01774185709820186897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-43088157865784758922016-04-27T20:16:50.957+01:002016-04-27T20:16:50.957+01:00Not really Jim - they are solid as rocks. Sometime...Not really Jim - they are solid as rocks. Sometimes string knots can get stuck in the holes at the end of the neck, but a tap through with a jewellers screwdriver will release them. Check the jack socket as I've seen them work loose, but other than that - not really!Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-65556711278162087022016-04-27T19:40:05.796+01:002016-04-27T19:40:05.796+01:00Any reason you'd be hesitant to buy a used one...Any reason you'd be hesitant to buy a used one?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08166337040363340361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-35125511724150418942016-02-19T08:20:59.176+00:002016-02-19T08:20:59.176+00:00Hi Barry, my replacement ukulele arrived 2 days ag...Hi Barry, my replacement ukulele arrived 2 days ago. I'm really happy with it. :)Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08009671319952472069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-79755287916423152092016-01-18T09:58:29.203+00:002016-01-18T09:58:29.203+00:00Yes, there is nothing specific about these Risa uk...Yes, there is nothing specific about these Risa ukuleles that means they need special strings - any strings of the right scale will work.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-84142423655623544882016-01-18T00:33:22.251+00:002016-01-18T00:33:22.251+00:00sorry my previous comment.. was to say CAN you re...sorry my previous comment.. was to say CAN you replace the strings with aquila/other if they break?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-10217952027086772812016-01-18T00:29:41.849+00:002016-01-18T00:29:41.849+00:00what strings are used on these wonderful ukeleles ...what strings are used on these wonderful ukeleles (aquila/stock)? are they easy to have replaced if they break?<br /><br />ps.. excellent review (as always)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-66230618230153790572016-01-01T10:57:59.575+00:002016-01-01T10:57:59.575+00:00Jennifer - personally - if it's new I would se...Jennifer - personally - if it's new I would send it back. At the end of the day, it's not right!Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.com