Aloha! Welcome to our annual ukulele special where we present and review the latest and greatest in these small but perky and personality filled 4 strings. No longer overlooked, around the country specialised stores are opening up, ranges and availability are growing, lessons are booking up, ukulele bands and events are popping up everywhere and everyone from young to old are looking to surf the ukulele wave! The past 5 years has seen the ukulele surge in popularity and with world renowned Cairnes Ukulele festival only 2 months away and the new annual Emerald Ukulele festival at the end of this month, now is the perfect time to start looking for an upgrade, new addition or uke for the beginner. Our team of expert writers have summarised each model, looked at all the key features and with the included specs and prices of these models side by side, comparisons should have you well on your way to making a decision towards your next uke. So chuck on a bright shirt, don a wreath of plastic flowers and have a browse.
MARTIN CONCERT C1K
RRP: $849
MARTIN SOPRANO 0XK
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRICAL FACTORY UKULELE TYPE: CONCERT
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORYv UKULELE TYPE: SOPRANO
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone looking for a superior cream-of-the-crop concert uke and those seeking a uke with a particular emphasis on Hawaiian musical styles. Intermediates upgrading to professional uke jammers will all see the value in this uke.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Soloists, selfaccompanists and anyone looking for an affordable but high-quality uke with a versatile and commanding tone. SOUND AND TONE: This is a bigsounding little uke! The fullness of the low frequencies is very impressive, not just for a soprano but for a ukulele in general. The notes and chords seem to blossom forth from the body with a confident, bold voice.
SOUND AND TONE: This is a particularly sweet-sounding ukulele with some beautifully three-dimensional harmonic overtones. It carries the ability to stand out loud and proud, and is a beautiful soloists’ instrument.
PLAYABILITY: This model although tiny has a really accomadating strum hand action. Being very comfortable to play, I think it is best suited to playing chording.
PLAYABILITY: The satin lacquer makes it especially easy to wander around the Morado neck, and the upper fret access is exceptional. The neck shape itself is very comfortable too, and the fretwork is top-notch which makes it an even more enjoyable playing experience.
CONSTRUCTION: Aside from the couple of slightly rough frets and nut, it’s a well-constructed instrument that feels reliable. The Stratabond neck looks unusual but feels great and will have you strumming in no time.
CONSTRUCTION: A beautifully made uke with a deep, rich shimmer visible in the solid Hawaiian koa top, back and sides. The cosmetic touches aren’t particularly flashy, but they let the wood tell the story. OVERALL: Thanks to its sweet, yet loud and bold tones, this is a versatile uke that’s particularly at home centre stage rather than in a supporting role. Single note pickers and strummers will really get a kick out of recording ith its fluid projection too.
OVERALL: Sure, in terms of price it’s a lower-cost Martin, but it’s still a Martin, and the tone and playability are more than good enough to forgive any small and easily addressed finishing quirks. A truly beautiful-sounding ukulele that deserves to be played and heard. I love the blend of Morado and Rosewood neck too. Small but packs a punch.
SPECS NECK: SELECT HARDWOOD FRETBOARD: MORADO BODY: ALL SOLID HAWAIIAN KOA PICKUP: NO CASE INCLUDED: GIG BAG MADE IN: MEXICO
PG. 34 / MIXDOWN NO. 241 / MAY 2014
RRP: $549
SPECS NECK: STRATABOND FRETBOARD: MORADO/ROSEWOOD BODY: KOA HPL PICKUP: NO CASE INCLUDED: GIG BAG MADE IN: MEXICO