Fender Ukulele
RatingsFender are, of course, the biggest name in guitars. So they caused something of a stir when they moved into ukuleles with the release of three ukuleles: Pa’ina, Nohea and Hau’oli. Their biggest supporter (by some huge margin) is Ukulele Ray who seems to be continuously pimping them. The word from the rest of the ukulele community is not so enthusiastic. A number of people who posted a comment on my Fender interview found problems with their ukes - there seems to be a particular issue with the bridge. They did only start making ukuleles in early 2009 so let's be kind and say they are still working out a few kinks in the production process.
Despite the problems they have found there way into the hands of a number of professionals including Train and Billy Corgan.
If you're looking for a more reliable tenor ukulele in the same price range, take a look at Kala or Lanikai.
On Video
Train using a Fender ukulele for their smash hit song Hey, Soul Sister.
Models
Fender Hau'oli - Tenor, laminated mahogany.
Fender Nohea - Tenor, laminated koa.
Fender Pa'ina - Tenor, solid mahogany, electro-acoustic.
On Musician's Friend
Hau'oli Price: $149.99
Nohea Price: $199.99
Pa'ina Price: $299.99
£157.41
4 Comments
My first Ukulele, i love it and i play it almost non-stop. I’ve had it for about a year and it keeps its tuning EXTREMELY well. I’ve had no problems with the bridge (knock on wood) so far. I love the fender head howver it makes it difficult to find a case because the head is longer than average ukes. Overall great Uke
I’ve owned two of these ukes, The Hau’oli and the Nohea. I lost the bridge on the Hau’oli after about 3 months, and was sent the Nohea as a a replacement. I found the quality and sound to be decent, but not great. As noted the first one had the bridge rip right off the body, I’ve had the Nohea for about 8 months following this, though I don’t like the high gloss poly finish that much. The necks on both ukes are straight, the action is good, if a little “tight” on the Nohea. The sound quality is decent,though I feel like there are much better instruments out there for the money.
I got a Fender U’uku for Xmas – the soprano with the non-standard fender shaped head. Very plain and functional in design
My first uke and I’m pretty pleased with it.
It’s a laminate uke, so although it sounds fine to me, it’s probably not top-notch tone.
Open geared tuners feel and perform well. Stayed close to in-tune after a few days of strumming.
More than happy with this uke and would recommend to any beginner with £90 to spend.
I have had my Nohea for a few months now and I love it. full of bright tones, action is great. I bought it from Hawaii Music Supply and they set it up perfectly. Not to mention Andrew was really helpful through the whole process and recommended the Nohea for what I was looking for.
I have a low G set up and wow does this thing have bass. Sometimes it’s a little overwhelming but I have found ways to use it so for really pretty sounds.
The uke is solid, very pretty, the abalone shimmers in the light and makes me pick it up and strum a few every time I see it. The headstock is just really cool, too. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to upgrade from their first uke.
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