mixdown magazine uke special

PG. 42 MIXDOWN NO. 217 MAY 2012

RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists who prefer a Tenor sized uke as less of a jump in size. Otherwise advanced, professionals or players of any level wanting a quality, detailed instrument should be on the list.SOUND AND TONE: A big, bold, round sound thanks to the increased body size and depth of the Jack Tenor. The solid timbers and internal design, carving and bracing give you plenty to work with in terms of volume and tone plus the ability to plug in for bigger gigs and more volume. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Feels great. As mentioned guitarists might feel more at home on this sized uke as opposed to concert and soprano models thanks to the bigger scale, neck and fret spacing but overall she plays like a a dream anyway. With the rechargeable Faceblend pickup system you get some extra points too. CONSTRUCTION: You can see many of the same killer design and build features from the Fat Lady guitar range here and the Jack Tenor feels like a super solid ukulele. Understated and suave, it’s darker timbers, simple binding and select markings come across a treat.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Up the higher side of the uke market but a serious instrument with a pickup means you’re getting plenty of ukulele for your buck. OVERALL: Magic! Best to give it a spin for yourself.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Players after a higher end name brand uke that don’t need the extra glitz of the higher model 2 and 3s.SOUND AND TONE: Resonant and warm with an even, clear tone - Solid Tasmanian Blackwood is the wood of choice for the UL-1USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Nice body shape, comfy neck and the heel joint is smooth if you want to get into the higher registers. A straight ahead instrument the UL-1 is a piece of cake to get happening and I found the Grover tuners to be responsive and solid too. CONSTRUCTION: I like the fact that you get essentially the same build quality and design as the 2 and 3 models but a little less frills (which some may prefer anyway). A well built instrument, you get a good feeling from just looking at it and knowing the reputation of Cole Clark as an amazing sounding and aesthetically pleasing instrument maker on the whole has shined through here. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Great - you get the Cole Clark brand name, a well built uke with nice woods and tone at a reasonable price for the intermediate and pro player. OVERALL: Check out some serious aussie uke work with the Cole Clark Ukelady 1 (or 2 or 3, if so inclined).

TYPE: Tenor Cutaway BodyWOODS: Solid Tasmanian Blackwood Queensland Maple Neck PICK-UP: Optional Cole Clark Rechargeable Faceblend

TUNERS: Grover Champion Friction Pegs CASE AVAILABLE: Case included

TYPE: Soprano Traditional Body WOODS: Solid Tasmanian Blackwood Queensland Maple Neck PICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Grover Champion Friction Pegs CASE AVAILABLE: Included

DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK

SPECS: SPECS:

COLE CLARK - JACK TENOR (JT1C) COLE CLARK - UKELADY 1 (UL1)

Aloha! This month we’re surfi ng the incredible wave of interest that has spawned for the ancient 19th century

Hawaiian instrument known as the ukulele or “uke” as it’s commonly called. No longer overlooked, around the country dedicated ukulele stores are opening, lessons are booking out, festivals are selling fast, including the International Cairns Ukulele Festival (that is happening this very month) and everyone from the young to the old are getting their hands around this four stringed gem.

This Mixdown Special Feature is a buyers guide and introduction to a range of available ukuleles on the market, all styles, makes and models including the Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone and even a banjo uke were tested by our trusted team of writers. We looked at each model and recommended who it would best suit, it’s sound and tone, usability and playability including it’s construction, bang for your buck and an overall summary.

We hope you get as much enjoyment and knowledge out of reading this as we did playing each and every one at Mixdown HQ. As always with an acoustic stringed instrument it’s best to visit your local retailer and try the models you like for yourself - where you can ask those extra questions see the differences in size, weight, options such as pre-amps, pickups and most importantly hear how they sound and play live.

By and large the ukulele has made a formidable comeback into the ever changing musical landscape. They’re proving to be an incredibly fun, relaxing and easy to play instrument, surprisingly versatile with almost every genre of music now being tackled by all those inspired players looking for something different. So, without further ado, grab yourself a uke, head out into that tide of four-stringed inspiration and most importantly strum that wave all the way to your next song.

UKULELE SPECIAL

RRP: $1129 or $1399 with Pickup. RRP: $699

MAY 2012 MIXDOWN NO. 217 PG. 43

RECOMMENDED FOR: Advanced, professionals or players of any level wanting a quality, detailed instrument.SOUND AND TONE Rich and warm with great sustain. The combination of woods and design give you the ability to bash out with lots of volume or hear every little nuance. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Beautiful - a light satin fi nish retains the natural look and feel making for an easy player with a super comfy neck. CONSTRUCTION: A gorgeous looking ukulele the Ukelady 3 is the top of the range for Cole Clark in this model and it’s easy to see why. Solid construction, hand carved soundboard, beautiful inlay work, high quality hardware and a classy look. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: These are not entry level ukes but you get great design, craftsmanship and tone for your money. Comes with a high quality gig bag with moulded insides to really protect your investment too.OVERALL: The higher end of the uke chain in typical high quality Cole Clark fashion with a nice aussie twist. A great ukulele that looks, sounds and feels great - easy to see why they’re the go-to uke for a host of players.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone specifi cally after a concert sized uke or those leaning towards the smaller size of the uke family that likes a little extra zing in their looks and feel.SOUND AND TONE: Mahogany top, back, sides and neck and a rosewood board and bridge work the warmer, rootsy side of the tonal equation and the satin fi nish makes for an all over natural, open sound. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Pretty straight up here - comfy neck again of the satin fi nish. Lightweight and portable means anyone should be able to get a note of it and younger players shouldn’t get frustrated thanks to the smaller frets and neck. CONSTRUCTION: The typical Eddy Finn fi n shaped soundhole is again onboard with the Concert EF-15 and Eddy and his gang have added a little extra razzle dazzle with the Fishbone binding which I love. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A good operator, good volume for a concert uke and pretty solid all-rounder. Plus you get that hint of tropical scent and indeed you get that feeling of the tropics. OVERALL: Easy on the eye, easy to play and easy on the wallet is a big win.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginner, introductory players looking for something in a smaller size with bite.SOUND AND TONE: A combination of mahogany and rosewood, the gloss fi nish in particular adds a little slickness to the mid range and tops here. Even and clear this little concert will be more than enough to get you started.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: To tune and play feels good and sounds like a concert uke should. CONSTRUCTION: Smooth edges, clean joins and fi ttings and a slick neck. No probs here, should handle many a beach party indeed... or a slightly over zealous uncle with musical aspiration.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Eddy Finn seem to have a good thing going here with their line of Mahogany ukes. Setup and ready to go, they hold their tune, feel good and look the part with a range of fi nishes and sizes to suit almost anyone.OVERALL: Another nice uke, this time in a gloss. At these prices you can’t go wrong, you get a 3 year warranty and plenty of bang for your buck.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone after an affordable, good quality mahogany soprano uke – especially those with some nautical leaningsSOUND AND TONE: Clear and balanced with plenty of mids this Eddy Finn packs plenty of punch for a soprano size whilst remaining natural and rootsy. Even and tasteful with good projection.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Easy to handle, feels nice, even neck and a smooth refi ned feel. Soprano players, those with small hands, children – just about anyone will dig this.CONSTRUCTION: Looks great, I dig the fi n shaped sound hole for something different and the construction seems solid on all counts. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A cool little soprano with plenty of gusto. This size is super compact, portable and still has plenty to offer.OVERALL: Eddy Finn have gone for their own style with their outlook, fi nishes, packaging and they’ve got a good product with sensibly priced instruments that play well.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those after a slick looking tenor with some extra touches and the extended range this size offers.SOUND AND TONE: With a gloss fi nish you get a slightly sharper and cleaner edge with the bigger tenor body resonating through the mids and lower end. Even and open sounding you also get lots of volume.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Plays great! The gloss fi nish is a nice change and gives you the feeling of being able to slide all over the neck with ease. CONSTRUCTION: Another cool model from Eddy Finn, the combination of gloss fi nish, darker woods and abalone binding on the top gives a modern take on the Tenor uke. This fella is a little glitzy without being over the top – cool.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A sweet tenor uke that stands out a little from the crowd but still sounds good like a tenor uke should.OVERALL: More individual in style from the Finn brand here, with a great glossy aesthetic. Sharp and crisp with a slick fi nish this is one to check out if you want to look a little past the standard models.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those wanting a step up from the beginner models in a tenor uke with the ability to plug in thanks to the onboard pickup/preamp system.SOUND AND TONE: Round and warm with nice sustain. The slightly bigger Tenor body size makes for some extra oomph. Solid mids and low end without the harsh top end of some cheaper ukes.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Feels great thanks to the satin type fi nished neck and comfy body size. Tuners seemed to hold up well and the pickup system is straight forward with controls for bass, treble and volume.CONSTRUCTION: The mother of pearl body inlay and sound hole stylings look great and the majority of the body joins and timber seem great. Felt like it could withstand many a luau.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Pretty darn reasonable with a light cover/slip type carry bag and pitch pipes included. OVERALL: Warm, plenty of volume, the ability to plug in if you really want to shake things up uke style. As mentioned this tenor is a few rungs up the uke food chain and you’ll appreciate the extra tone and features.

TYPE: Soprano Traditional BodyWOODS: Solid Tasmanian Blackwood or Solid Indian Rosewood, Queensland Maple Neck.PICK-UP: Fitted with Cole Clark’s

Rechargeable Faceblend System. TUNERS: Grover Champion Friction PegsCASE AVAILABLE: Included

TYPE: ConcertWOODS: Mahogany Body and NeckPICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Chrome Klusion StyleCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: ConcertWOODS: Mahogany Body and NeckPICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Chrome DiecastCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Mahogany Body and Neck PICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: GearedCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: TenorWOODS: Mahogany Body and NeckPICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Chrome DiecastCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: Tenor WOODS: Solid Spruce top; Rosewood body; Mahogany neck; Rosewood Fingerboard Abalone Binding.

PICK-UP: 2-band EQ and VolumeTUNERS: Vintage Kluson-StyleCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK

DISTRIBUTOR: F. PAYTON & SON




DISTRIBUTOR: GALACTIC MUSIC

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COLE CLARK - UKELADY 3 (UL3)

EDDY FINN - MAHOGANY CONCERT (EF-15C)

EDDY FINN - CONCERT (EFTS-10-C)

EDDY FINN - MAHOGANY SOPRANO (EF-5S)

EDDY FINN - MAHOGANY TENOR (EF-20T)

PALM BEACH – HS TENOR (PBHST)

UKULELE SPECIALRRP: $1,299

RRP: $285

RRP: $165

RRP: $75

RRP: $415

RRP: $179

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RECOMMENDED FOR: A good quality instrument a few steps up from entry level. The small ‘Concert’ size might be more accessible to small hands and younger players too.SOUND AND TONE: Warm and earthy with a nice pronounced mid range. The solid acacia body resonates well without any strange overtones and I liked the volume and projection from the Palm Beach Concert model.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: The concert ukulele is the second smallest size meaning this is very easy to play – this particular model being super light to boot. Straightforward to navigate and good action should get you on your way in no time.CONSTRUCTION: Build quality seems good in terms of a solid, usable instrument. A few little blemishes in the neck joint but nothing really noticeable and wouldn’t put me off the instrument at all especially for its great price tag. The body, headstock and sound hole binding looks great!BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Comes with a lightweight carry bag and set of pitch pipes for those wanting to have a crack at tuning by ear. OVERALL: You’ll notice the clean, warm tone as a step up from cheaper ‘entry level’ ukes. Those with fat fi ngers might struggle up the neck a little on Concert Ukes but that’s a size issue nothing to do with Palm Beach. A solid little model.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Players looking for a little more than your basic beginner uke that won’t break the bank.SOUND AND TONE: Clean and woody thanks to the mahogany body. Mid range focussed this M series has enough volume to be heard yet can handle subtle touches too. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Good feel and small enough for anyone to get their hands around some chord shapes. As easy as tune and play! CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany body with dark styling, for a refi ned look. Everything seems to be in its right place here with no nasty sharp edges or marks. Ripper!BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: At this price you can’t go wrong and you might enjoy the slightly more natural sound from the stained/natural wood fi nish as opposed to a crazy coloured or glossy model.OVERALL: A good instrument from Palm Beach with a 2 year guarantee and an included cover/carry bag. For a very reasonable price you’ll be getting a very natural sounding uke.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginners and dabblers. A good quality ukulele with nice woods, no bells or whistles here suited to a player who’s after a nice entry level model. SOUND AND TONE: The tone sounds a little thin and hollow, but strangely it sounds great with chords. In fact, it sounds better with chords than it does with single notes or arpeggios. You would think it would be the other way around, given the particular tonal emphasis here.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: A very strummable little uke with no fl ashy features, but made of nice woods and well balanced. Easy to change chords.CONSTRUCTION: Well built, with plenty of natural mahogany and a nice rosewood fretboard and bridge. Comes with a soft case, which doesn’t offer the greatest of protection from knocks but will help to keep the fi nish nice.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Would rank higher if the case was a little tougher or if it had a preamp, but great for the price point. A very straightforward uke for a wide variety of players.OVERALL: A good uke for chordal players who dabble in the occasional single note line or arpeggiated part. The tone is pretty unique and won’t be to everyones’ taste but some will love it.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those looking for something a little lower in range, bigger in body or maybe in size and not just your beginner instrument. SOUND AND TONE: Round and woody with the combination of nylon and steel strings making for some extra zing and volume. The balance and clarity of this bari’ uke was great and the increased range and neck make for some nice alternatives note wise. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Some will enjoy the longer neck, increased range and bigger feel and sound of the baritone ukulele. As mentioned previously the feel and tone of steel and nylon strings is a different sound again to the soprano and concert shaped instruments but a change is as good as a holiday.CONSTRUCTION: I really dig the rope sorta styled binding around the body, soundhole and headstock and it really sets off nicely against the darker grained back, sides and top. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A good priced bari’ uke with an even and clear tone. Won’t break the bank and can still hold up well against a host of similarly priced instruments.OVERALL:Playing baritone can open up some other ideas with tunings that match the highest four strings on guitar (handy for those with some axe knowledge) and the lower range suits some other styles of music too.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Soloists and those who need to play uke in a band from time to time. A great choice for guitarists looking for some ukulele vibe but who fi nd sopranos too small.SOUND AND TONE:This one has a very full tone with great sustain. It’s defi nitely capable of being a solo instrument, presenting plenty of detail and richness. It also projects its volume quite powerfully, and you can achieve a wide range of tones by varying picking techniques.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: As a concert-sized ukulele it’s a little larger, and it has exceptional clearance to reach the higher frets, so it gives you quite an expanded sonic range to move about in.CONSTRUCTION: This uke has a natural matte spruce top and mahogany back and sides - traits you’d typically fi nd on an acoustic guitar. As a result it sounds almost like a nylon string guitar: sweet and complex.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: A well-made and great-sounding instrument that will give you years of use, and very adaptable for different styles and musical situations, so it scores quite highly here. Soft case is included.OVERALL: A great uke for those moving to the instrument from guitar or bass, especially fi ngerpicking guitarists looking to expand their range of sounds without too much of a physical adjustment.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginner, intermediate and semi-pro players. A high quality uke that doesn’t try to be too fl ashy, but does ‘simple’ very well. SOUND AND TONE: The US-70S sounds a little fuller than its US-60S sibling, and this translates to more willingness to play melodies and solos. A great all-rounder, whether it’s for solo or uke-plus-vocal work, or in the context of a band. Sounds great with the blues.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: A simple little uke. It’s easy enough to string if you’ve ever restrung a classical guitar. The tuners are easily accessible and fretting is a breeze. And chording is easy and smooth.CONSTRUCTION: Well made, with particularly good work around the tuners, bridge and neck joint. Stays in tune very well, which is a testament to the attention to detail. Natural matte mahogany top, back and sides.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Comes with a soft case, but at this price you’d be forgiven for expecting at least a more padded soft case. No preamp either. Could be better bang for the buck, but you do get a lot of tone for the moneyOVERALL: A cute little uke with a very Hawaiian vibe thanks to the particular wood colours chosen. A nice all-rounder for those who need a soprano that can handle single notes and complex techniques as well as more simple ones.

TYPE: ConcertWOODS: Mahogany Body and Neck with Rosewood FingerboardPICK-UP: N/ATUNERS:

Geared Kluson-StyleCASE AVAILABLE: Available Seperately

TYPE: Concert WOODS: Mahogany Body and Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard

PICK-UP: N/ATUNERS: Vintage Kluson-StyleCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Mahogany Top, Body and NeckPICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Geared PegsCASE AVAILABLE: Yes

TYPE: Baritone WOODS: Mahogany Body and Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard

PICK-UP: N/ATUNERS: Geared Kluson-StyleCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: Concert WOODS: Solid Spruce Top, Mahogany Body and Nato Neck. PICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Geared PegsCASE AVAILABLE: No

TYPE: Soprano WOODS: Mahogany Top, Body and NeckPICK-UP: N/A

TUNERS: Geared PegsCASE AVAILABLE: Yes

DISTRIBUTOR: GALACTIC MUSIC

DISTRIBUTOR: GALACTIC MUSIC DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

DISTRIBUTOR:GALACTIC MUSIC

DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD. DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

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PALM BEACH - MC CONCERT (PBMC)

PALM BEACH - MH CONCERT (PBMHC) STAGG – SOPRANO (US-40S)

PALM BEACH – MH BARITONE (PBMHB)

STAGG – CONCERT (UC-60S) STAGG – SOPRANO (US-70S)

UKULELE SPECIALRRP: $65

RRP: $129 RRP: $49.99

RRP: $159

RRP: $149.99 RRP: $79.99


RECOMMENDED FOR:Great for players who do a lot of chording. It’s especially good for beginners, but a good all-rounder for accompanists too. Stage-ready thanks to its pickup and preamp.SOUND AND TONE: The A grade mahogany body offers up sweet midrange as well as nice treble defi nition which helps to enhance note attack. This makes chords sound quite three dimensional, and with great volume projection. A very sweet-sounding uke. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY:Straightforward from a tech perspective - easy to restring, easy to tune. Very playable, and nice and easy to switch chords or zip around the neck. Nice comfortable tuners.CONSTRUCTION: Mostly good - very sturdy - but the nut is cut a little roughly with sharp edges, and this may become apparent with certain chord shapes at the very bottom of the neck.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: The pickup extends its rating here and makes up for the slight negative of the sharp nut. A good stage or recording uke as well as great for home use.OVERALL: A solid choice for most players. Could use a little refi nement, but it’s already most of the way there. Especially great for chordal players rather than melody players.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bass players wanting try something portable and uke like or uke players wanting to try something portable and bass like.SOUND AND TONE: Resonant and warm the U Bass has a nice even tone to it thanks to the polyurethane strings and solid spruce top with rich mahogany back and sides. You’d be surprised at the range of tones you can muster from this little beast and then amplify thanks to the genius inbuilt Custom Shadow Electronics pickup system.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Although small in scale you still get the feeling of playing a real bass instrument due to the thicker gauge polyurethane strings. The tension is a little on the loose side but 3 seconds into playing you won’t even notice it and your playing will adjust accordingly. Bends can be done with ease here too. CONSTRUCTION: Feels solid, nice edges and joins, defi nitely not a toy and as designed will easily hit the stage for all applications of live work. An absolute work horse and from what I can fi nd with it’s quality craftsmanship, one of a kind in design. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Considering it’s a Uke bass you get a ‘bass’ instrument that is has that unique “wow” factor about it and can cut it for both bashing around at home and seriously onstage. Wherever you take this musically, whoever plays it, will love it! . OVERALL: brilliant little instrument that opens up a heap of new possibilities for the low end players. Good tone that’s not just gimmicky and easy enough to navigate for anyone to have a play. Simply awesome!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Intermediate players who want to graduate from the cheaper ukuleles after fi nding an affi nity for the little strumbox. A solid improvement for those starting to get more serious with the instrument.SOUND AND TONE: This little Mojo is surprisingly bassy for such a small instrument, but with a beautiful ring in the treble region too. There’s plenty of fullness for chord work, whether accompanying vocals or playing an instrumental, but the high end maintains plenty of detail too.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Very comfortable to play and a good straightforward, no-nonsense uke. It took a while to get in tune due to tuners that were maybe a little more precise than they needed to be, but once it was in tune it stayed there. CONSTRUCTION: Nicely made, and with an attractive grain in the wood it’s build quality is impresive. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Comes with a deluxe padded ‘Mojo’ gig bag. A well-made, reliable little uke that maintains tuning well and sounds surprisingly full for the size.OVERALL: This solid mahogany beauty is a great ukulele for strummers and chorders rather than those who play a lot of melodies and arpeggios. It’s easy to play and it sounds big and musical for such a small instrument.

RECOMMENDED FOR : The trusty traveller needing something small or those after a little soprano uke.SOUND AND TONE: Even with the more slim line body thickness (travel style) this baby sounds clear and clean with an even tone. Surprisingly loud for its size it’s got quite a bit of kick for a little instrument.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: With 12 frets you still get room to move and although it’s a Soprano size this Kala still feels easy to play with no problems bashing out your favourite island version of anything from...The Beatles to Black Sabbath.CONSTRUCTION: More Kala goodness here - clean edges, smooth frets, nice fi nish, tasteful fi nish and not a mark to be seen.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Great tone and feel for a little fella and again coming with a solid, padded gigbag you’re getting added protection for your money here. OVERALL: I dig this little Kala uke. Yes it’s small, and yes it’s considered ‘travel’ but more than that it’s a well constructed soprano that sounds and plays like a good soprano uke should.

RECOMMENDED FOR: This baby soprano banjo ukulele is defi nitely for professional players who need volume, tone and fl awless playability. Also a very visually engaging uke, one little fi ngerpickin shredder. SOUND AND TONE: The banjo style construction plays a huge role in the character of this instrument. It sounds lively, midrange-heavy, vibrant and loud. The loudest uke I’ve ever played, in fact. There’s a beautiful three-dimensional quality to chords, while single notes are almost electric guitar-like.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: One of the most comfortable uke necks ever. It’s very round and large, which helps to balance the hefty body and makes it a pleasure to play. I wish all ukulele necks felt like this.CONSTRUCTION: A really well built instrument with every consideration given to tone and playability. It feels like you could use it to hammer in a nail or fi ght off wolves without so much as dinging the body.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: For tone, playability and build quality this one would be worth it at twice the price. A hard case (instead of the soft one provided) is all it’d need to really push it over the edge into an essential buy.OVERALL: One of the real standouts of this shootout. The liveliness of the tone, the solid construction, the incredibly comfortable neck - it’s all here and it’s all great.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Well-heeled beginners or intermediate to semi-pro players who need to amplify their uke, and those who are ready to step up to a much nicer instrument. Great for advanced techniques. SOUND AND TONE: This uke has a beautiful midrange-heavy ring which makes it especially great for arpeggios and single notes, giving them the same weight and dimension as chordal work. There’s beautiful note separation, which is great for more intricate bass/melody/harmony styles. Simple but effective preamp.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: The preamp has a tuner as well as bass and treble EQ controls, giving you a fair range of control for different styles of playing. The uke itself is well balanced and easy to fret, and it supports advanced styles well.CONSTRUCTION: Killer build quality. It feels uncharacteristically solid for a ukulele, an instrument that usually feels kind of boxy and delicate. Defi nitely a stage worthy uke.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Comes with a very solid padded softcase, and the preamp certainly extends its usability too. It’s ready to travel and it’s ideal for the stage and studio as well as the campfi re or beach.OVERALL: A solid ‘fi rst serious uke’ for stage use. The electronics are easy to control and quite useful, the case is a big plus, and the uke itself sounds and plays great.

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Solid A Grade Mahogany Top, Body and NeckPICK-UP: UK-2000 Active

Onboard Preamp w/ 2-band EQ & Volume ControlTUNERS: Geared PegsCASE AVAILABLE: Yes

TYPE: BaritoneWOODS: Solid Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides.

PICK-UP: Custom Shadow ElectronicsTUNERS: Chrome DiecastCASE AVAILABLE: Gig Bag

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Mahogany Top, Back and Sides. PICK-UP:Pick-Up / Built-in Tuner options available in all ‘Mojo’ models.

TUNERS: Chrome open back with white buttons.CASE AVAILABLE: Included Gig Bag

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Solid Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides

PICK-UP: N/ATUNERS: Chrome DiecastCASE AVAILABLE: Gig bag

TYPE: 4-String Baby Soprano Open-Back Banjo-Uke.WOODS: Mahogany Neck and Rim with Rosewood board. Chrome Adjustable Coordinator Rod.

PICK-UP: N/ATUNERS: Open Geared Tuners.CASE AVAILABLE: Includes Gig Bag.

TYPE: Soprano (also available in Concert and Tenor with Pick-Up / Built-in Tuner options)WOODS: Daowood Top, Back & Sides and Rosewood fi ngerboard

PICK-UP: Belcat 2-band PreampTunerTUNERS: Chrome open back tuners with black buttonsCASE AVAILABLE: Deluxe padded gig bag (introductory offer).

DISTRIBUTOR: INTERMUSIC PTY. LTD.

DISTRIBUTOR: JACARANDA MUSIC

DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA

DISTRIBUTOR: JACARANDA MUSIC



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STAGG – SOPRANO (US80-SE)

KALA - U BASS (KA-UBASS2)

MOJO – 60 SERIES (MSU-60S)

KALA - TRAVEL SOPRANO UKULELE (KA-SSTU)

MARTINEZ – BABY SOPRANO BANJO (MBU-6-NST)

TIKI – SOPRANO SERIES 4 (TDS-4P-NST)

UKULELE SPECIALRRP: $199.99

RRP: $795

RRP: $149

RRP: $225

RRP: $299

RRP: $249


RECOMMENDED FOR: A great all-rounder. A perfect starter uke for beginners willing to spend a bit more or a nice uke for intermediate players looking for great tuning stability. It’s also solid enough for pro players on a budget.SOUND AND TONE:A very musical, pretty-sounding uke with great midrange overtones and a complex high end, and plenty of bass too. It works great for single notes and arpeggios, plus sounds big and supportive for chordal work too. A great all-rounder.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: A very playable ukulele with exceptional tuning stability. Tuning up was a breeze and once it was in tune it simply would not budge. It balances nicely in the hands and that helps make chording very easy.CONSTRUCTION: Simply put, it’s a really well made uke both looking and feeling solid. No preamp in this one.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Comes with a very roadworthy hardcase which almost feels worth the price of the uke alone...brilliant!OVERALL: A nicely made uke which comes with a great case and which also has exceptional tuning stability? Sounds like a winner to me.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Designed for the intermediate player a solid little uke and potential string burner. A better than “nice” entry level uke. SOUND AND TONE: It has it’s own little voice and a really nice well rounded tone. Great for the typical strum and when fi nger-picking will really highlight it’s achievable dynamics in sound. Nice and bright when picking notes in the higher registers. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: All round its easy to use, neck feels great and all twelve frets are easily accessible. CONSTRUCTION: Looks a lot more expensive than it is with nice dark Nato wood all around, rosewood fi ngerboard, matte fi nish, bronzy frets and solid joins. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Pretty bangin’ for how much you have to hand over. Really dig the simple fi nish and rich looking woods with the snow white retro looking tuners. OVERALL: A solid little uke that would be an impressive entry level model or one that your intermediate player will love. Go the casual strum.

RECOMMENDED FOR: An intermediate and semi-pro player ready to take their songs to the stage and perform with one versatile well rounded tenor. SOUND AND TONE: A really warm tone and fi nger picking response can be dialed in here when plugged in, it’s naturally like that with the use of Nato woods but enhanced with the addition of the Belcat 2000 preamp. Being able to adjust the lows, mids and highs allows you to can shape your sound accordingly which is a big bonus here. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Easy to play, relatively fast neck and although not a cutaway, it’s easy access to the higher frets and simple to chord. CONSTRUCTION: Really well built with Nato Top back and sides and a nice rosewood fi ngerboard. I like the chrome and ivoroid tuners and the fi tting of the pickup/preamp is perfect. No complaints here. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Pretty impressive with the additional pickup. Obviously not the most overstated of ukes but for the money you will certainly walk away wanting to sing ‘Under The Rainbow’. OVERALL: A ripper tenor with features well worth the price tag and well worth looking into for taking your playing to that next level.

RECOMMENDED FOR: The discerning ukulele player who knows great tone and wants quality craftsmanship, or the intermediate player who wants to upgrade.SOUND AND TONE: Acoustically, this uke is lively and features a brilliant full bodied tone. You can hear the wood resonate with every note and the projection creates a sound that is bigger than one would expect. The pickup system reinforces that to complement the overall sound and blasts through your amp and PA.USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Being a concert size with large frets, it is very easy to get around the neck. Each uke like most guitars will be slightly different though, so you’ll need to try one out yourself to fi nd the right one for this price.CONSTRUCTION: All solid Blackwood top and sides with beautiful fi nishing makes this a stunning instrument. It just oozes with the class of Maton guitars.BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This uke isn’t a toy, and is priced accordingly. But it is worth every penny for the woods, the quality in sound, it’s built in tuner and high quality hard case that is included.OVERALL: This is one of the nicest ukes I have ever played and I suspect on the market. It’s damn fi ne looking and sounds even better. Once you hear it, you will completely understand why this instrument deserves fi ve stars.

RECOMMENDED FOR: The all in one perfect introductory kit for a beginner or upgrade for the intermediate player. If you’re interested in the uke and want to start in an easy and affordable way you’ll be strumming in no time with this all inclusive pack. SOUND AND TONE: The chamber of this Concert produces a nice warm resonance with single picking notes and the Hawaiian Koa top is the real deal with it’s tone of voice. Ridiculously good for a so called “pack” uke – I don’t even think it can be called one. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: It has a nice smooth neck and easy access to the frets. Great for chording and single note work. CONSTRUCTION: The neck, body and sound hole inlays highlight the fi ne craftsmanship and build quality. Thrown back by its attention to detail and tuners, it’s built with longevity in mind. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: This would be a ten out of ten if it came with an inbuilt pre-amp, but even we know that’s wishful thinking for a uke that already comes with a padded soft case, song book and tuner. Absolute bargain here! OVERALL: A ridiculously good value ukelele that comes with almost all the bells and whistles. If you won’t fi nd the need to plug in live and you like the sound, we think we’ve found a winner here.

RECOMMENDED FOR: This Lanikai is designed for the semi and pro player. A uke enthusiast who knows what they want out of their sound and is keen to hit the stage with one gorgeous looking performer. SOUND AND TONE: This uke is the real deal and with a solid spruce top and stunning quilted ash back and sides, it naturally has a deeper sound than most others with a worm tone of voice. The higher end has a nice sparkle to it too making really versatile for all genres of playing. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Being a cutaway, this is one lead-mean ukulele shredding machine. Perfect for the player who wants to hit the higher register and solo pick some oh la la notes. Easy to chord too with the neck being quick and obviously made to spec by a specialist. CONSTRUCTION: The quilted ash is jaw droppingly stunning with the back and sides just glistening like velvet and all joins and hardware is of the upper most quality. No faults here. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Included is the Fishman® Sonitone® preamp and pickup and has been designed especially for the uke, which just screams value for money on top of an already ripper ukulele.OVERALL: The perfect addition to the semi-pro to pro player’s uke arsenal and a concert uke that just beams with glistening sound, build and extra features.

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Mahogany Top, Back and Sides with Rosewood fi ngerboard.PICK-UP: Pick-Up / Built-in Tuner options available in all ‘Tiki’

models.TUNERS: Chrome open back tuners with black buttons.CASE AVAILABLE: Current offer - All (5 series) come in a Deluxe “Croc” Skin Tiki case.

TYPE: SopranoWOODS: Nato Top, Back and Sides with Rosewood fi ngerboardPICK-UP : N/A

TUNERS: Chrome/Ivoroid buttonsCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: Tenor WOODS: Nato Top, Back and Sides with Rosewood Fingerboard

PICK-UP: Belcat 2000 Pickup and PreampTUNERS: Chrome/Ivoroid buttonsCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately

TYPE: ConcertWOODS: Solid Victorian Blackwood body, Queensland Maple neck, Indian Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge

PICK-UP: B-Band U1.3TUNERS: Gotoh UK700CASE AVAILABLE: Comes with plush lined hard case.

TYPE: ConcertWOODS:Hawaiian Koa Top and Back. PICK UP:N/A

TUNERS: IncludedCASE AVAILABLE: Gig Bag, Book, Electronic

TYPE: Concert Acoustic ElectricWOODS: Solid Spruce Top, Quilted Ash Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck

PICK-UP: Fishman® Sonitone® Ukulele Preamp and PickupTUNERS: Gold PlatedCASE AVAILABLE: Available Separately


DISTRIBUTOR: PRO MUSIC


DISTRIBUTOR: MATON



SPECS:

SPECS:

SPECS:

SPECS:

SPECS:

SPECS:

TIKI – SOPRANO SERIES 5 (TMS-5-NST)

LANIKAI – LU SERIES SOPRANO (LU11S)

LANIKAI – LU SERIES TENOR (LU21TES)

MATON UKULELE

LANIKAI – KOA CONCERT PACK (LKPCS)

LANIKAI – QUILTED ASH SERIES CONCERT (LQACCAS)

UKULELE SPECIALRRP: $249

RRP: $85

RRP: $279

RRP: $649 (Acoustic), $849 (Electric)

RRP: $399

RRP: $469


UKULELE SPECIAL

UKULELE SPECS

COLE CLARK (03) 8727 5600 www.coleclarkguitars.com

F.PAYTON & SONS (02) 9439 1822 www.paytons.com.au

GALACTIC MUSIC (08) 9204 7555 www.galacticmusic.com.au

INTERMUSIC 1300 005 319 www.imd.com.au

JACARANDA MUSIC (08) 8363 4613 www.jacarandamusic.com.au

JADE AUSTRALIA 1800 144 120 www.jadeaustralia.com.au

MATON (03) 9896 9500 www.maton.com.au

PRO MUSIC 1300 880 278 www.promusicaustralia.com

DISTRIBUTION DETAILS

UKULELE SPECS

HEAD STOCK

TUNERS

FRET BOARD

CUT AWAY

PRE AMP

SOUND HOLE

BRIDGE

SADDLE

SOUND BOARD

BINDING

LOWER BOUT

UPPER BOUT

FRET

NUT

mixdown magazine uke special

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