I was soooo curios about this uke! Great and honest review Rachel! I couldn’t buy one anyways because I’m broke but I might have considered this uke in my future. Now I don’t want one anymore. Just get a solid body electric ukulele with effects and I feel that would give better results.
Definitely the way go with the solid body Chris, this is fine but as I mention, very underwhelming and just very glad I didn't pay full price. Glad I've got it though. Look out for some very cool comparisons coming up VERY soon.......
Hi from Canada. I recently bought a blue Lava U. Perhaps I would have hesitated if I'd seen your video first but overall I do like it. I too found the action quite high both at the nut and at the 12th fret. So far I've removed the saddle and lowered the action to about 2.5mm from 3mm. It's quite a bit more playable at 2.5 though I may lower it closer to 2.0mm. I haven't done the nut yet but I want to do it before I lower the saddle any further. I'm also mostly a low G player so I put a wound low G on. I agree about the effects being underwhelming but since I mainly wanted a little reverb without plugging in, I'm reasonably happy. The strap is also a point of contention. Amazon Canada didn't have any although a 3rd party seller put some on at a ridiculous $350 or so. I have since ordered one from AliExpress for a much more reasonable $64. I usually buy leather straps for my Ukes at $35 - $55 so not outlandish. In the meantime, while I wait for the proper strap to be delivered, I was able to rig up a regular strap to work. It's fine around the house. All-in-all I'd say I'm happy with it but I'm glad I have experience adjusting action, etc. It makes a cool addition to my collection.
Thanks for sharing your opinion too sam. Yes a lovely instrument to play and look at but the strap......... yes, I saw the $300 odd as well. Glad to hear you've got a cheaper (but still silly price) strap on it's way.
I like my enya acoustic plus. It has the extra sound effects also. It gives it some extra volume and sound effects. Ya this lava does not impress me. Glad I got the Enya. Thank for an honest review. I don’t think you were too critical. I would rather have the truth. 👍🏽
Hello again. Thanks for a fantastic review. This is the most comprehensive review of this ukulele available. Although I think it looks great In it’s coffin as a display, but I’m not sure if I would buy one at this time. I’m not a huge fan of built in effects. All my amps already have them. It’s a very interesting ukulele to be sure. Thanks again for your excellent review. All the best to you and your family.
Thanks Michael and very glad you liked the review. I'm still I glad I bought it as i can at least share my thoughts with others and completely agree, amp / pedal effects are far superior.
I just bought the tenor version of this ukulele on sale for $120 Canadian or just over 65 pounds. Not sure about the electronics and colour but I'm hoping it's at least a decent ukulele otherwise. Even the cheapest ones on Amazon Canada are close to $100 for a tenor so I figured this ones got to be better than those and I would like one that lasts a while.
Love the colour, love the case, but was just thinking of the very same word Rachel...bit underwhelming. Thanks for another great review. Happy New Year to you and yours. x
Yes, I totally agree. I really wanted to love mine, as well. I traded it in towards a Yamaha digital piano. . I really should’ve stopped at the checkout counter with this one when they told me a strap wasn’t included in that one wasn’t yet available for it. Great review!
The strap really is outragous! I did play it so was aware of the cons before I bought it so no regret but glad you managed to get a digital piano instead.
You are so correct Rachel when you said 14-15 year olds would say it is a must have. And the word gimmicky describes it perfectly. Not on my want list. Thanks for the review.
Thanks. The clock is a decibel reader for volume levels. I generally only use it these days when I am really testing how loud something is but Thanks for the feedback. 👍
You were honest Rachel that's all anyone can ask I have one of those plastic Waterman uke's and I don't really play it much (I could play it in the bath but I have other toys for bathtime!)... stop sniggering may the back! (I'm referring to my plastic ducky!!) I don't like the Waterman I don't like the frets being plastic it is playable but I wouldn't recommend getting one I had a plastic "Beatle's" guitar in the sixties that played much better still sounded crap that I prefer. So keep being truthful and honest ..thanks👍👏🇫🇴☮️
I'm watching all your videos before I decide whether to buy a new ukulele with my christmas money as all I have atm is a cheap amazon one and the tone kinda bugs me lol so thank you for making these really comprehensive reviews
Great review, Rachel. As you say, it's underwhelming in its performance. Lovely to look at, lovely to hold, but lacking in utility. Happy New Year, from Australia.
Totally agree - the internal pre amp is next to useless but an external amp is ok with it. Absolute rip-off without a strap, and the fact that they aren't readiily available makes it more of a rip off. However, I do like the shape and build of the ukulele. Excellent review and spot on in every thing she said. Glen (from Australia).
The marketing hype somehow failed to mention that the U in "Lava U" stands for Underwhelming. Or maybe UDon'tGetaStrap. I bet they didn't mention in the documentation that your finger could get clipped by the case, either. 😆 Like you, I might be too cynical at my age to enjoy this one, even if they did offer a baritone version. And, to be brUtally honest, I think the space-age sound is yUcky.
Nice that you bought it at a discount. It’s pretty and cool-nice for your collection. It’s kind of like a Populele-unusual looking, and it works, but expensive, and never was a go-to uke.
I bought the blue tenor lava u Barry maz reviewed, the effects are I agree are subtle but I can hear them and they're noticeable in group, I don't care for the delay but I like the sound of the reverb and chorus. I hate how hard the buttons are to press and that you can't tell what position they are in. It feels solid and very hard. Strap price is agreed a rip off, i prefer not to use a strap on this uke although a normal strap will go on the Button and stones music sell a stick on strap button to put on the lower bout, I bought one but not tried it yet. Mine has a"mic" sliding button that I've no clue what it does, do you? Case is unique agreed but I think a normal pod case for this space uke wouldn't look right 😂 Tuners are fantastic and is one of the few ukes I own that came with nice strings, they suit the uke well and make a change from generic aquilla nylgut strings,. It's an unusual looking fun uke,although maybe overpriced but I got mine on a good deal from Barry, I think the flight D I a n a uke is prettier and probably better effects but has more of a traditional look, where the lava looks more modern,
Nearly all my combo amps have built-in reverb, some with chorus (the Boss CE-2 is the finest) and I can use an AI with an iPad to connect any instrument. If I were you I’d hang a picture of it on your wall and get your money back.
Totally agree with you but I did know about it and tried it before buying so very glad I didn't pay full price. Underwhelming but still a very cool looking (and nice to play) uke.
I bought a tenor for a friend and she dropped it when the strap wasn’t attached properly. The neck broke clean off and Lava says it cannot be fixed. With the strap, almost $500 gone…..
Hi Dot, not loving the content but appreciating your comment. Totally agree with Loree, that sound awful and even worse that Lava didn't respond appropriately and look into the issue further. I am very sorry for you and your friend, dreadful!
Great question. As far as I can see, the only way to recharge it is via a USB slot inside the uke. I don’t there are any batteries that can be changed. Hope this helps and if I ever discover more, I’ll let you know. 👍
I've got the tenor. Pro: amplification, acoustic sound. I don't like the strap attachment, the case, the shape because it is hard to fit it on my stomach. The tuning keys are a scandal. They are glued and one of it has gone out. Which the sense? They sell a space case and then they put glued tuning keys???
I haven’t had problems with the tuner but yes, totally agree, not a very well made instrument and you are right, get the instrument right before any fancy case!
Yep, underwhelming for sure. Agree it was pricey but I did play it before I bought and even though it's not what it's cracked up to be, glad I got it to show everyone.
Looks good and the case is at least protecting the instrument properly. But the out of this world marketing mambo jambo of it is just a turnoff for me.
TBH, if you like it, keep it. £180 is a great price considering the original prices on these but it is of course up to you. Sorry it’s been a little while, did you make a decision?
I feel like Lava should have avoided the Uke, their guitars are phenomenal, just opens up guitar playing to another level but this Uke is not on the same page.
Totally agree with you, I’ve heard great things about the Lava guitars. I think with the uke, the quality and look are great but the actual electronics and the strap issue are major problems, especially for the price! 👍
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A great honest review and not blinded by the gadget tech look. Keeping it real 💯
Thanks Clive, glad you enjoyed.
I was soooo curios about this uke! Great and honest review Rachel! I couldn’t buy one anyways because I’m broke but I might have considered this uke in my future. Now I don’t want one anymore. Just get a solid body electric ukulele with effects and I feel that would give better results.
Definitely the way go with the solid body Chris, this is fine but as I mention, very underwhelming and just very glad I didn't pay full price. Glad I've got it though. Look out for some very cool comparisons coming up VERY soon.......
Appreciate your honesty. Thanks.
Thanks. I really try to be as honest as I can because I'd hate someone to be disappointed and also it might encourage makes to improve too.
Hi from Canada. I recently bought a blue Lava U. Perhaps I would have hesitated if I'd seen your video first but overall I do like it. I too found the action quite high both at the nut and at the 12th fret. So far I've removed the saddle and lowered the action to about 2.5mm from 3mm. It's quite a bit more playable at 2.5 though I may lower it closer to 2.0mm. I haven't done the nut yet but I want to do it before I lower the saddle any further. I'm also mostly a low G player so I put a wound low G on. I agree about the effects being underwhelming but since I mainly wanted a little reverb without plugging in, I'm reasonably happy. The strap is also a point of contention. Amazon Canada didn't have any although a 3rd party seller put some on at a ridiculous $350 or so. I have since ordered one from AliExpress for a much more reasonable $64. I usually buy leather straps for my Ukes at $35 - $55 so not outlandish. In the meantime, while I wait for the proper strap to be delivered, I was able to rig up a regular strap to work. It's fine around the house. All-in-all I'd say I'm happy with it but I'm glad I have experience adjusting action, etc. It makes a cool addition to my collection.
Thanks for sharing your opinion too sam. Yes a lovely instrument to play and look at but the strap......... yes, I saw the $300 odd as well. Glad to hear you've got a cheaper (but still silly price) strap on it's way.
Beautiful demo
I like my enya acoustic plus. It has the extra sound effects also. It gives it some extra volume and sound effects. Ya this lava does not impress me. Glad I got the Enya. Thank for an honest review. I don’t think you were too critical. I would rather have the truth. 👍🏽
Very glad you enjoyed Joe, I haven't personally played the Enya but have heard similar from other uke players.
Hello again. Thanks for a fantastic review. This is the most comprehensive review of this ukulele available. Although I think it looks great In it’s coffin as a display, but I’m not sure if I would buy one at this time. I’m not a huge fan of built in effects. All my amps already have them. It’s a very interesting ukulele to be sure. Thanks again for your excellent review. All the best to you and your family.
Thanks Michael and very glad you liked the review. I'm still I glad I bought it as i can at least share my thoughts with others and completely agree, amp / pedal effects are far superior.
I just bought the tenor version of this ukulele on sale for $120 Canadian or just over 65 pounds. Not sure about the electronics and colour but I'm hoping it's at least a decent ukulele otherwise. Even the cheapest ones on Amazon Canada are close to $100 for a tenor so I figured this ones got to be better than those and I would like one that lasts a while.
Love the colour, love the case, but was just thinking of the very same word Rachel...bit underwhelming. Thanks for another great review. Happy New Year to you and yours. x
Thanks Sue, I'm so glad I'm not the only one to think this. Happy New year to you too. :-)
@@UkuleleWales ❤
Yes, I totally agree. I really wanted to love mine, as well. I traded it in towards a Yamaha digital piano. . I really should’ve stopped at the checkout counter with this one when they told me a strap wasn’t included in that one wasn’t yet available for it. Great review!
The strap really is outragous! I did play it so was aware of the cons before I bought it so no regret but glad you managed to get a digital piano instead.
You are so correct Rachel when you said 14-15 year olds would say it is a must have. And the word gimmicky describes it perfectly. Not on my want list. Thanks for the review.
Thanks Loree and very glad you agree. Hope you are well.
Love your studio but the clock doing some sort of random numbers is a bit distracting. But love the cool blues and purples.
Thanks. The clock is a decibel reader for volume levels. I generally only use it these days when I am really testing how loud something is but Thanks for the feedback. 👍
You were honest Rachel that's all anyone can ask I have one of those plastic Waterman uke's and I don't really play it much (I could play it in the bath but I have other toys for bathtime!)... stop sniggering may the back! (I'm referring to my plastic ducky!!) I don't like the Waterman I don't like the frets being plastic it is playable but I wouldn't recommend getting one I had a plastic "Beatle's" guitar in the sixties that played much better still sounded crap that I prefer. So keep being truthful and honest ..thanks👍👏🇫🇴☮️
Laughing again at one of your comments, Thanks Bill!
Wow !!! You got a nice one . This time . It’s beautiful
Thanks! I agree, very nice to look at and indeed play, just the tech side of things isn't as impressive as the price should suggest.
I'm watching all your videos before I decide whether to buy a new ukulele with my christmas money as all I have atm is a cheap amazon one and the tone kinda bugs me lol so thank you for making these really comprehensive reviews
My pleasure and I hope you are happy with whichever uke you decide on, please feel free to ask though if yo have any further questions. 👍
Great review, Rachel. As you say, it's underwhelming in its performance. Lovely to look at, lovely to hold, but lacking in utility. Happy New Year, from Australia.
I totally agree Tobias, glad you think the same way. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and a happy new year to you as well.
Totally agree - the internal pre amp is next to useless but an external amp is ok with it. Absolute rip-off without a strap, and the fact that they aren't readiily available makes it more of a rip off. However, I do like the shape and build of the ukulele. Excellent review and spot on in every thing she said. Glen (from Australia).
Completely agree with you Glen, great looking and quality instrument BUT the strap issues makes it very difficult to recommend. 👍
The marketing hype somehow failed to mention that the U in "Lava U" stands for Underwhelming. Or maybe UDon'tGetaStrap. I bet they didn't mention in the documentation that your finger could get clipped by the case, either. 😆 Like you, I might be too cynical at my age to enjoy this one, even if they did offer a baritone version. And, to be brUtally honest, I think the space-age sound is yUcky.
Spot on as always Jules! Glad I bought it but VERY glad I didn't pay full price! Don't get me started on the strap again! LOL
Nice that you bought it at a discount. It’s pretty and cool-nice for your collection. It’s kind of like a Populele-unusual looking, and it works, but expensive, and never was a go-to uke.
Nicer with the amp.
Thanks Allyn, agree, I'm glad I bought it and at least it was in the sale, just not as impressive as it's price!
Not for me Rachel, my little Roland battery amp does all that and better!! Happy New Year!
the roland cube? XD yes its fantastic!
Absolutely fair comment and agree with you. Happy New Year to you guys too.
I bought the blue tenor lava u Barry maz reviewed, the effects are I agree are subtle but I can hear them and they're noticeable in group, I don't care for the delay but I like the sound of the reverb and chorus. I hate how hard the buttons are to press and that you can't tell what position they are in.
It feels solid and very hard.
Strap price is agreed a rip off, i prefer not to use a strap on this uke although a normal strap will go on the Button and stones music sell a stick on strap button to put on the lower bout, I bought one but not tried it yet.
Mine has a"mic" sliding button that I've no clue what it does, do you?
Case is unique agreed but I think a normal pod case for this space uke wouldn't look right 😂
Tuners are fantastic and is one of the few ukes I own that came with nice strings, they suit the uke well and make a change from generic aquilla nylgut strings,.
It's an unusual looking fun uke,although maybe overpriced but I got mine on a good deal from Barry, I think the flight D I a n a uke is prettier and probably better effects but has more of a traditional look, where the lava looks more modern,
Totally agree, there are some REALLY nice features with this ukes, just the strap is a ridiculous option for the price. Lovely to play too.
Nearly all my combo amps have built-in reverb, some with chorus (the Boss CE-2 is the finest) and I can use an AI with an iPad to connect any instrument. If I were you I’d hang a picture of it on your wall and get your money back.
Totally agree with you but I did know about it and tried it before buying so very glad I didn't pay full price. Underwhelming but still a very cool looking (and nice to play) uke.
Ultra Useful Review. Many Thanks!
My pleasure Cate. Hope you are well, happy new year.
Basically a 00/10 due to still missing left handed version.
Great point being made! Good to see a few more ukulele makers lokking at LH models, nothing from Lava though!
I bought a tenor for a friend and she dropped it when the strap wasn’t attached properly. The neck broke clean off and Lava says it cannot be fixed. With the strap, almost $500 gone…..
That is awful
Hi Dot, not loving the content but appreciating your comment. Totally agree with Loree, that sound awful and even worse that Lava didn't respond appropriately and look into the issue further. I am very sorry for you and your friend, dreadful!
That’s awful. Not impressed with this company.
Thanks your video, i am still checking the product. Do you think the rechargable battery can replace by user ?
Great question. As far as I can see, the only way to recharge it is via a USB slot inside the uke. I don’t there are any batteries that can be changed. Hope this helps and if I ever discover more, I’ll let you know. 👍
I've got the tenor. Pro: amplification, acoustic sound. I don't like the strap attachment, the case, the shape because it is hard to fit it on my stomach. The tuning keys are a scandal. They are glued and one of it has gone out. Which the sense? They sell a space case and then they put glued tuning keys???
I haven’t had problems with the tuner but yes, totally agree, not a very well made instrument and you are right, get the instrument right before any fancy case!
I couldn’t hear the differences with or without the effects. Can you send it back? It was pricey for what you get.
Yep, underwhelming for sure. Agree it was pricey but I did play it before I bought and even though it's not what it's cracked up to be, glad I got it to show everyone.
@@UkuleleWales That’s such a good point. Thank you
Looks good and the case is at least protecting the instrument properly. But the out of this world marketing mambo jambo of it is just a turnoff for me.
Totally agree Olli, exactly my thoughts too.
Should i buy for half the price?
Entirely up to you. I’m glad I got mine cheap and still happy I bought it but would not have wanted to pay full price. Definitely a different uke!
Just ordered one for £180, do you think it's worth it at this price? I can still return it 😁
TBH, if you like it, keep it. £180 is a great price considering the original prices on these but it is of course up to you. Sorry it’s been a little while, did you make a decision?
@@UkuleleWales not yet! Still very tempted by its design, even though it's clearly gimmicky! Thank you for your advice and brill video!
How did you find a discount?
Question, what does "Scheamai" mean?
Hi, it means - hello, how are you, in Welsh. Shw Mae
I can’t seem to hear a difference in the chorus effect
There isn't a massive difference to be honest, hence the "undewhelming" conclusion. Still a nice uke to play though.
Hello, Can I use the Marshall MG10g amp to this Lava u uke ?
Yes, this will work just fine with the Marshall MG10g. Have fun playing :-)
Did they mention if its vegan friendly in the marketing😃
😂 Mind you, I *think* their size some leather 😉
Good speaker you are!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed.
Awesome! and just saved me some cash too ;) X
Glad to have helped Clive. ;-)
I feel like Lava should have avoided the Uke, their guitars are phenomenal, just opens up guitar playing to another level but this Uke is not on the same page.
Totally agree with you, I’ve heard great things about the Lava guitars. I think with the uke, the quality and look are great but the actual electronics and the strap issue are major problems, especially for the price! 👍
Not worth the money . Thanks for the review.
Totally agree! They do seem to have come down in price not enough to really justify them.
250$ q4 2023
Your paying for the case really
You want an electronic to do 1 thing not many things