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UNO Standard
List: $590
We are bent on calling a singlecut design a Les Paul but this name is Gibson propriety. Throughout the years, Gibson’s Les Paul model had carved a reputation for itself all owing to very high standards of production, coupled with that unmistakable tone. A common reference may be harmless but it gets delusive if we associate the Les Paul attributes to all guitars of this outline, especially the competitors’ low-end selections. UNO’s Standard is definitely no Les Paul in this light, but do not let this exclusion makes you think it’s a lesser guitar.
Construction/ fit/ finish
There is a simple admonition in understanding what UNO has to offer in this department- fantastic. The Standard may be the most affordable take in UNO’s singlecut range but there were no concessions when it comes to quality manifestations. Long gone are the days when the most affordable selection hides the manufacturer’s shoddy workmanship. Upon handling the Standard, we get to feel its sturdy construction & witness the fine treatment in terms of finishing & binding application. The only visible cause for concern here is a minor scratch at the fingerboard-nut area, quite possibly due to a stray string end upon stringing this instrument (be assured it’s not a constant blight on other UNO models). This is a very high standard of workmanship illustrated by the manufacturer so that we understand the amount of dedication put in by the production hands, regardless of its market worth.
Rating: 90%
Playability/ tone
As mentioned earlier in this appraisal, the Standard isn’t an easy take on the original Les Paul, there shouldn’t be any associations of any kind to the latter instrument save for the likeness in its physical outline. In terms of dimensions, UNO’s Standard bears more similarities to ESP’s Eclipse range of guitars than any other makes in the market. The primary notifications here are the instrument’s thinner body depth & slimmer neck profile so upon handling, we do not feel the bulk which has become a Les Paul signature of sorts. The Standard sits well-balanced on the lap & provides a manageable mass when strapped on. This acknowledgment is important in understanding why the Standard is not a boomy instrument but let’s leave this for a later discussion. Like a typical singlecut guitar, playing the upper frets could be a challenge for some of us, which would be compounded by the neck’s lacquer finish. However, the smooth ebony fingerboard would somehow compensate the other setbacks. It’s wonderful hearing the rather bright tones coming from the Standard’s unplugged resonance so let’s get it plugged into an amp.
This is another reminder that the Standard isn’t one to churn out any Les Paul voicings so if you are expecting any, please be warned. The non-massive nature of this instrument gave way to some bright tones on offer in both pickup positions. This is further accentuated by the uncovered Tesla Custom pickups which some of us would consider a little too bright especially in the bridge position. The mahogany body & ebony fingerboards are other ingredients of this brightness. The absolute plus points here are the Standard’s palette of clarity; there’s much definition in individual notes so all you solo mongers, this might prove to be a serious alternative to your current locking whammy bridge guitar. So is there any respite for us Gary Moore fans who prefer some classic tones & not an all out distortion assault? You’d do well to look elsewhere then, for the Standard is quite devoid of the vintage voicing.
Tone test equipment:
Amps: Marshall JVM410/ Peavey XXL/ Sound Drive SG-612R
Rating: 85%
Conclusion
Is the UNO Standard a one-trick pony; one specializing in superb contemporary tones with much absence in the vintage department? From a certain perspective, it definitely qualifies as one but we must not overlook the over-riding consideration that it is a well-made instrument with a strong tonal response for this much money. It is inevitable that a guitar of this outline be associated with all things Les Paul, the mindset of the average players have been attuned to this association so telling them it’s a contrary offering could prove to be difficult. The UNO Standard is simply just a member of the singlecut range, check out the other models for a variation in tone. This guitar is highly recommended for the budget conscious among us who are on the look out for a worth-every-cent consideration.
Final rating: 89%
Product availability: Standard Value/ SV guitars
Likes:
• Not a heavy instrument
• Fantastic build, finish
• Tesla Custom pickups
Dislike:
• Pickups might be too bright for certain applications
Worthy alternatives:
• Ibanez: ART120
• LTD: EC-100
