It is in good shape but it is much quieter than my Gold-tone. The bridge of my GT is much farther back than the 12 inch you suggest for the Duke? I tightened the skin only ¼ turn as suggested, … should I tighten more? Could the strings be too old? The case is awesome but that is not why I bought it…It lacks resonance. Any suggestions?
Reviews
- Adjusting to its soft resonance…
i love playing this instrument: Ordering went smoothly, other that an address error created on my part, but Jamie managed to get everything resolved (from his holiday in New Zealand, no less!!). I highly recommend this fine instrument - tone and action are spectacular and it's fun to play. :)
James S.Verified buyerVanier, Canada
Glad it finally arrived at the correct address James! And really pleased you love playing your new DUKE10-V3. Appreciate the 5 Star review, too.
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles- 2 photos2 photosDuke 10 and I are FAMILY now!
Friends you have much more experience than me played my new Duke 10. They absolutely loved the build, sound, tone, design, etc. They have played other banjolele and like this the best...even design over the Deer.... The fret board is easy for me to handle with small hands and so easy to hold. The case is extremely well-made and solid. I won't include a video but will show you my smile holding my very special Duke 10.
Cecilia H.Verified buyerWest Melbourne, United States
So wonderful to receive your happy and positive 5 Star review. Thank you so much Cecilia! Love your smile :-)
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - 1 photo1 video1 photo1 videoEvery Instrument has a story
Every instrument has its own story and Adventure. I already have 3 Banjo Ukuleles, but I do not have a Tenor Uke. Katie with One Music School said nice things about Jamie & Duke Banjo Ukulele. When I saw the tweed case, I was inspired to write. Jamie did a great job working with me overseas, given that we live 14 time zones away from each other. The delivery was very efficient overseas, until my Duke Banjo Uke arrived in my neighborhood. The Friday Night my package arrived, I was in a clinic being diagnosed with COVID. Being home on sick leave on a Monday, I went outside and saw a box in my front door. I dragged the box inside and the telephone rang. It was Jamie who inquired if I received my Duke Banjo Uke. For obvious reasons, I have been slow to write this review, but I believe it was worth the wait. Any news about my Size 5x+ T-shirt arrival? The instrument sounds effective and ready to support more stories....
Dave M.Verified buyerBoca Del Mar, United States
Thanks so much for your 5 Star review Dave, much appreciated! Your T-Shirt is imminent :-) Sorry for the delay.
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - 1 videoDuke 10 V3 Sound sample
Great quality instrument and case. It arrived quickly! The sound is great - nice mellow rich tone.
Kelly T.Verified buyerBrampton, Canada
Thanks Kelly, so appreciate your feedback and for all your help and encouragement behind the scenes. Really excited for the future!
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - Well worth the money.
Received this as a Valentines present from my wife. I am delighted with the looks, finish, and really impressed with the light weight. I'm not used to the Aquila strings and may end up trying Worth Brown like I use on my other ukes. I'll update if the difference in strings makes a noticeable difference. By the way, Jamie could not have been nicer or more professional throughout the process. It is so nice to experience good communication!!!
David C.Verified buyerLansdale, United States
Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback David. Please do let me know how you get on with the Worth Brown strings. I'm always interested in checking out different options. Appreciate the 5 Stars!
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - Highly recommend
I’m over the moon with my Duke 10. Having never played a banjo ukulele before I didn’t know what to expect. Right from the off I was blown away by how loud it is! It has a really beautiful banjo twang and is as easy to play as any ukulele I’ve ever owned. 10/10 would recommend. A quick note on the company itself: I’m really impressed by Jamie’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Having spoken with him personally on the phone I can say his dedication to doing a good job is second to none.
Ryan H.Verified buyerNorth Walsham, United Kingdom
Goodness Ryan, you are very kind and I really appreciate your 5 Star review. I'm also thrilled that you love your DUKE10 so much! Happy twanging...
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - Perfect
Great instrument, outstanding customer service. If anyone is looking for a new banjouke this one rocks.
Lisa K.Verified buyerChampaign, United States
Really appreciate your kind words Lisa, happy strumming! 😎
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - Love it!
Sounds wonderful! Great looking, and easy to play! A lot of fun!
Ellen B.Verified buyerOak Forest, United States
Glad you love your DUKE10 so much Ellen. Many thanks for the 5 Star review.
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles - Yea for Banjos by the Bay!
The bright sound of my new Duke 10 banjolele is a wonderful improvement over the small banjo ukulele I was using. I have my Banjos by the Bay band leader, Michael, to thank for encouraging me to make this step up!
Jane B.Verified buyerLive Oak, United States
Wonderful Jane - thanks for your 5 Star feedback! :-)
Jamie Houstonfrom Duke Banjo Ukuleles
Thanks for your honest feedback Denis - I appreciate your input. With regard to the bridge, it is where it is due to the physics of where it has to be fitted. If your GT has a smaller pot (drum) then the bridge will be closer to the tail because it must be the exact same distance from the nut to the 12th fret as the distance from the 12th fret to the bridge. So the DUKE10 having a large 10" pot means the bridge does sit more in the middle of the head. I would give the head more of a tighten. Perhaps another 1/4 to 1/2 a turn and see what that does to the tone. The strings are brand new and straight from the Aquila factory in Italy. It's OK that you prefer the brighter (and louder) tone of the GT. With the DUKE10-V3 having a richer and less "in-your-face" tone, maybe you could think of it as a way of getter a nice blend of a ukulele and a banjolele...? I am just disappointed that you haven't "fallen in love" with your DUKE10 - maybe you will enjoy it more as you play it over time. I would love you to come back and change your review from 3 stars to 5 stars one day, but that is totally over to you :-)