Carbon Fiber Travel Concert Ukulele Nova U 23 - Blue for Travel

In this review of the Nova U 23 concert ukulele, the bottom line is simple: players who want a weatherproof, lightweight travel instrument with a bright, clear tone will appreciate this model. The reviewer found the carbon fiber composite body gives a noticeably brighter sound than many wooden ukuleles while remaining durable and easy to care for, making it an excellent pick for campers, commuters, and anyone who needs an instrument that ignores temperature and humidity. Our review highlights practicality and portability as the main reasons to choose this uke.

Key Features

• Carbon fiber composite body: Provides a durable, waterproof surface that is easy to wipe clean and stands up to travel wear.
• Bright acoustic tone: Produces a clearer, more projecting sound compared to many wooden ukuleles, useful for casual performance and practice.
• Side sound hole: Enhances self-resonance and directs sound for better projection when playing unplugged.
• Super lightweight and thin body: At about 1.25 lbs and a 2 in body thickness, it is easy to carry and comfortable for long practice sessions.
• Arched back and cutaway: The arched back with a radius fretboard and cutaway body improves ergonomics and upper-fret access for players of all levels.
• Travel-ready design: Built to resist temperature and humidity changes and comes with a sturdy case and beginner kit for immediate use.

Who It's For

This ukulele is ideal for travelers, outdoor players, and beginners who want a low-maintenance instrument that stays in tune through changing conditions. The included case, strap, capo, extra strings, and online lessons make it a convenient package for someone starting out or for an experienced player who needs a reliable travel backup.

Players who prioritize a traditional wooden tone or who want to use wound or metallic compound strings should look elsewhere, as this model is not compatible with wound strings or strings containing metallic compounds. Studio musicians seeking a very woody, vintage sound might prefer a wooden concert or tenor ukulele.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable, waterproof construction that tolerates rough handling and outdoor use.
• Bright, clear sound that carries well for a small concert ukulele.
• Lightweight and slim profile makes it highly portable for travel.
• Comes with a robust case and a beginner kit for out-of-the-box playability.

Cons

• Not compatible with wound or metallic-compound strings, limiting string choices for tone customization.
• Plastic-based tone differs from traditional wooden ukuleles, which some players may not prefer.

Specifications

Body material	Carbon fiber composite polycarbonate
Weight	Approximately 1.25 lbs
Body thickness	About 2 in
Sound hole	Side sound hole for enhanced resonance
Design features	Arched back, radius fretboard, cutaway body
Compatibility	Not compatible with wound or metallic-compound strings
Included accessories	Case, strap, capo, strings, online lessons

Our Verdict

The Nova U 23 is a practical, travel-focused concert ukulele that delivers a bright, resilient sound and excellent portability; it represents strong value for travelers and beginners who need a low-maintenance instrument and a ready-to-play kit. Those seeking a classic wooden tone or broader string options should consider alternate models, but for durability and ease of use this uke is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this ukulele waterproof?
Yes, its carbon fiber composite polycarbonate body is waterproof and easy to clean, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Can I use wound strings with this model?
No, this ukulele is not compatible with wound strings or strings containing metallic compounds.

Does it come with a case and accessories?
Yes, it includes a sturdy case, strap, capo, extra strings, and online lessons as part of the beginner kit.