Summary:
I would have love to keep this Uke because of the 8-string which is special and sounds nice, but the quality and finish is so bad compared to my much lower priced Lanikai Soprano I had to send this Baton Rouge back to Thomann.
Full review:
Since I own a Lanikai U21 Soprano I wanted to size up a bit and go for a tenor. After doing a lot of research online I fell in love with this 8 (!) string tenor which would defiantly been a size up in many ways. A YouTube review got me even more exited and I finally ordered one. I was a bit afraid that 8-strings would be a problem with finger picking, but it's actually no problem at all.
But man, I can't understand why everyone is so exited about this Baton Rouge, maybe that's why I'm so disappointed, I had high expectations.
The sound is nice, although the 8 strings are not so great for every song because of the high C, I do love the low G a lot and would have love to keep this uke because of it. But what really disappoints me is the poor finish and the bad look of the body. I know the price range is considered as "low end". Compared to my soprano however - which was way lower in price - this Baton Rouge is just plain bad. The body has lots of white stripes in the wood and the neck is rugged which is very irritating the index finger while sliding and even holding the uke. The overal look and feel is cheap. Especially compared to my much cheaper Lanikai Soprano. So I've send it back and probably go for a Lanikai or Kala 4 strings tenor. Maybe spend a little more money on it as well and I would recommend other to do as well, although everyone else seems to love this Baton Rouge...
Pro:
- Nice warm sound
- Love the low G, makes it sound special
- 8-strings
Cons:
- Cheap look and feel
- Body finish is bad
- Rugged ages on the neck, which is annoying while playing
- 8-strings doesn't sound nice for every song due to the high C I guess
I would rate this uke 2,5 star
