Came broken the first time but they replaced it in a timely manner and ultimately the product is beautiful. My boyfriend hasn't put it down for weeks.

Came broken the first time but they replaced it in a timely manner and ultimately the product is beautiful. My boyfriend hasn't put it down for weeks.

I have always been interested in trying different type ukuleles "“ and, over the past few years, "˜hybrids' of ukes cross-bred with guitars ("Guitarleles") have become increasingly available and now, in a kind of resurrection of a novelty instrument from the 1920's and 30's, a crossbreeding of a ukulele and a banjo, the "Banjolele." I have been dying to try one and this is the one I chose.

Strung and tuned like a ukulele (4-nylon strings,) the sound is a definite reflection of the crossbreed. It sounds something like a ukulele, but the sound is shifted to the more ringing-like tones of a banjo. The end result is a small instrument built for fun!

BTW: In case you did not know, there is no "You" in Ukulele. There is no "Y" sound in the Hawaiian language. The correct pronunciation is "OO-KAH-LAY-LEE" "“ though even I forget that sometimes!

The wood is sapele "“ a variety that creates nice tone and is often used for the sides and backs of less expensive guitars. The fingerboard is rosewood "“ a quality component, the tuners are sealed and tight. The drum is just over 8" in diameter and the entire instrument is just over 23" long and weighs in at demure 2.62 pounds. The fret wires are copper and are pretty finely placed and smoothed. I found no outstanding/obvious flaws in the construction of this instrument. The set-up at delivery (height of the strings above the frets, etc.) was entirely OK and the banjulele did not require any professional set up, as new instruments frequently do and comes delivered with top quality ukulele strings.

I have seen issues raised about the bridge not coming attached. The bridge on ANY banjo (or violin, cello, etc. for that matter) is never permanently attached to the face of the instrument. It is held in place by the pressure of the strings only. I found that setting it up about 3" from the bottom of the round drum-frame of the banjulele worked perfectly! If you can't get this part easily, I suggest bringing it into a local guitar shop and having someone do it for you.

The one I received looks precisely like the one pictured in the ad "“ and it is pretty interesting "“ and very sharp looking!

It is especially fun, for me, to play some of the songs on it that I have heard old recordings of. Attached is my effort to play and "sing" an old number called "Ukulele Lady." The song was a popular standard, an old evergreen song by Gus Kahn and Richard A. Whiting. Published in 1925, the song was first made famous by Vaughn De Leath.

I am having a great time with this banjolele and think that you will, too! It's a great deal of fun in a small package.

I have always been interested in trying different type ukuleles "“ and, over the past few years, "˜hybrids' of ukes cross-bred with guitars ("Guitarleles") have become increasingly available and now, in a kind of resurrection of a novelty instrument from the 1920's and 30's, a crossbreeding of a ukulele and a banjo, the "Banjolele." I have been dying to try one and this is the one I chose.

Strung and tuned like a ukulele (4-nylon strings,) the sound is a definite reflection of the crossbreed. It sounds something like a ukulele, but the sound is shifted to the more ringing-like tones of a banjo. The end result is a small instrument built for fun!

BTW: In case you did not know, there is no "You" in Ukulele. There is no "Y" sound in the Hawaiian language. The correct pronunciation is "OO-KAH-LAY-LEE" "“ though even I forget that sometimes!

The wood is sapele "“ a variety that creates nice tone and is often used for the sides and backs of less expensive guitars. The fingerboard is rosewood "“ a quality component, the tuners are sealed and tight. The drum is just over 8" in diameter and the entire instrument is just over 23" long and weighs in at demure 2.62 pounds. The fret wires are copper and are pretty finely placed and smoothed. I found no outstanding/obvious flaws in the construction of this instrument. The set-up at delivery (height of the strings above the frets, etc.) was entirely OK and the banjulele did not require any professional set up, as new instruments frequently do and comes delivered with top quality ukulele strings.

I have seen issues raised about the bridge not coming attached. The bridge on ANY banjo (or violin, cello, etc. for that matter) is never permanently attached to the face of the instrument. It is held in place by the pressure of the strings only. I found that setting it up about 3" from the bottom of the round drum-frame of the banjulele worked perfectly! If you can't get this part easily, I suggest bringing it into a local guitar shop and having someone do it for you.

The one I received looks precisely like the one pictured in the ad "“ and it is pretty interesting "“ and very sharp looking!

It is especially fun, for me, to play some of the songs on it that I have heard old recordings of. Attached is my effort to play and "sing" an old number called "Ukulele Lady." The song was a popular standard, an old evergreen song by Gus Kahn and Richard A. Whiting. Published in 1925, the song was first made famous by Vaughn De Leath.

I am having a great time with this banjolele and think that you will, too! It's a great deal of fun in a small package.

Arrived intact and earlier than expected. Seller is friendly and helpful. Was afraid I couldn't place the bridge, but did so easily after reading a few online forums. Measure distance to 12th fret, from nut. Put bridge the exact same distance, from 12th fret onto the head (drum surface.) That worked for me, but forums say you can make tiny adjustments if needed. It sounds good and feels good to play. I'm very happy about this purchase. I have an all-wood tenor Makala ukulele and an all plastic purple Waterman soprano. The banjo-ukulele sounds plunky, good for picking and strumming. Not too loud, but louder than the ukes.