PG. 34 / MIXDOWN NO. 241 / MAY 2014

MARTIN CONCERT C1K RRP: $849

NECK: SELECT HARDWOODFRETBOARD: MORADOBODY: ALL SOLID HAWAIIAN KOAPICKUP: NOCASE INCLUDED: GIG BAGMADE IN: MEXICO

SPECS

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.

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: 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: 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 fl ashy, 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 fl uid projection too.

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRICAL FACTORYUKULELE TYPE: CONCERT

MARTIN SOPRANO 0XK RRP: $549

NECK: STRATABONDFRETBOARD: MORADO/ROSEWOODBODY: KOA HPLPICKUP: NOCASE INCLUDED: GIG BAGMADE IN: MEXICO

SPECS

RECOMMENDED FOR: Soloists, self-accompanists and anyone looking for an affordable but high-quality uke with a versatile and commanding tone.

SOUND AND TONE: This is a big-sounding 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 confi dent, bold voice.

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.

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.

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 fi nishing 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.

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORYvUKULELE TYPE: SOPRANO

Aloha! Welcome to our annual ukulele special where we present and review the latest and greatest in these small but perky and personality fi lled 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 fl owers and have a browse.

MAY 2014 / MIXDOWN NO. 241 / PG. 35

KALA ARCH TOP TENOR KA-JTE/HB RRP: $450

MARTIN SOPRANO S1 RRP: $699

KALA CONCERT TRAVEL KA-SSTU-C RRP: $285

MARTIN TENOR T1K RRP: $899

NECK: MAHOGANYFRETBOARD: ROSEWOODBODY: LAMINATED SPRUCE AND MAHOGANYPICKUP: SHADOW ACTIVE NANOFLEXCASE INCLUDED: NOMADE IN: CHINA

SPECS

NECK: SELECT HARDWOODFRETBOARD: MORADO/ROSEWOODBODY: SOLID GENUINE MAHOGANYPICKUP: NOCASE INCLUDED: GIG BAGMADE IN: MEXICO

SPECS

NECK: MAHOGANYFRETBOARD: ROSEWOODBODY: SOLID SPRUCE TOP / MAHOGANY BACK AND SIDESPICKUP: NONECASE INCLUDED: PADDED GIG BAGMADE IN: CHINA

SPECS

NECK: SELECT HARDWOODFRETBOARD: MORADOBODY: ALL SOLID HAWAIIAN KOAPICKUP: NOCASE INCLUDED: GIG BAGMADE IN: MEXICO

SPECS

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginners through to more advanced players looking for a slightly different look, feel and tone in a Tenor Uke. Looks smashing hot and would suit anyone from bedroom bandits to stage slayers.

SOUND AND TONE: Whilst every bit a ukulele the JTE–HB has some added honk in the midrange that really cuts through, the F hole and archtop design play a part in this for some added bite and the ability to be plugged in for louder settings and gigs make this really versatile. The Shadow Active Nanofl ex pcikup is simply killer!

PLAYABILITY: Smooth and easy to play, the arched top and back feel nice against your body and the Tenor neck will be a treat for those that struggle on smaller sized ukes.

CONSTRUCTION: A real head turner, its Honey Burst fi nish, archtop and F holes make this uke a cut above the rest in the looks and build department. Clean and solid the abalone styled body and neck binding add to the overall look and the palm tree fi ngerboard inlay is the icing on the cake. Rockerbilly, bluegrass and jazz all begging to be played.

OVERALL: This is your go-to tenor uke, or one in the collection for something a little different in the tone department. I love this uke for its boldness and take my hat off to Kala for looking outside the “box” so to speak.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Those looking for a good all-rounder that can handle all types of playing and at an intermediate-semipro level with Martin quality craftsmanship and simple features.

SOUND AND TONE: Don’t expect this little soprano to be overly loud, but it makes up for its limited volume with its bright tone. The note attack is nice and crisp, the sustain is great and there’s more body and richness than you might expect from such a small instrument.

PLAYABILITY: As a teeny soprano you’ve got to accept a smaller playing surface but that’s just par for the course: it’s still a very playable, satisfying uke.

CONSTRUCTION: The fretwork could be a little nicer and the traditional tuners take some getting used to if you’re more accustomed to geared models, but it’s a very traditional-sounding and playing uke, and this is expressed in the workmanship too. It’s not too fl ashy, but it’s very soulful.

OVERALL: This little instrument is quiet and gentle but with a very musical, rich and beautiful voice. And it feels very sturdy, free of the ‘it feels like a toy’ vibe that some smaller ukes have, and the tone is more complex than its looks give it credit for. Very suprising, nice one Martin!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Intended for travellers but will suit anyone looking for a smaller bodied concert sized uke that fi ts to your body.

SOUND AND TONE:Although super slim in body depth size the SSTU sounds great. Full and big the sound almost bounces off the back and out the soundhole for plenty of volume. The shallow body size also makes for some great snappy ‘quack’ when you really dig in on single lines.

PLAYABILITY: Slim and lightweight the SSTU still feels like a proper uke and not just a gimmicky toy.

CONSTRUCTION: Clean and concise I liked the smooth neck edges and frets, clean fi nish with no marks or blemishes and the SSTU held its tuning well even after some pretty vigorous strumming and jamming!

OVERALL: Coming with a carry bag the SSTU is skinny enough to slip into your bag or backpack for travelling and has enough volume to be heard for sing alongs around the campfi re, dinner table or bar. I was really surprised with its projection and know this will be a hit with anyone from backpacking players to the slimbody lovers.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Tenor players who appreciate the sweet, singing sound of Koa and are looking for a uke that is particularly well-voiced for strumming techniques rather than more arpeggiated ones.

SOUND AND TONE: The note envelope is relatively abrupt, which means you won’t quite get the sustain from this one that you might wish for if you’re playing more intricate fi ngerpicked compositions as your main stock in trade, but it has a beautiful percussiveness which makes it a great strummer with a second line in melody.

PLAYABILITY: The extended size of a tenor always makes them easier to play all over the neck, but of particular note here is that the upper fret access is very good and the nut is cut well so you won’t slice your fi ngers. The string height is ideal too, with a great action.

CONSTRUCTION: A well-made uke that avoids fl ashier touches like intricate binding or gaudy neck inlays in favour of elegant understatement. The fret ends are not fi nessed and rounded, but they are cut at a comfortable angle that won’t impede playability.

OVERALL: A great quality ukulele that seems to be especially suited to accompaniment, but can still handle a decent amount of melody work when required. It really opens up when strummed hard which I loved.

DISTRIBUTOR: JACARANDA MUSICUKULELE TYPE: ARCH TOP TENOR

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORYUKULELE TYPE: SOPRANO

DISTRIBUTOR: JACARANDA MUSICUKULELE TYPE: CONCERT TRAVEL

DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORYUKULELE TYPE: TENOR

PG. 36 / MIXDOWN NO. 241 / MAY 2014

ELECTRIC FACTORY(03) 9474 1000www.elfa.com.au

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

JADE AUSTRALIA1800 144 120www.jadeaustralia.com.au

YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA(03) 9693 5111www.au.yamaha.com

YAMAHA GL-1 GUITALELE RRP: $139.99

TIKI CONCERT TCC-7 NST RRP: $279 TIKI SOPRANO TKS-9 NST RRP: $249

NECK: NATOFRETBOARD: ROSEWOODBODY: SPRUCE TOP, MERANTI SIDES AND BACKPICKUP: NONECASE INCLUDED: SOFT CASEMADE IN: N/A

SPECS

NECK: MAHOGANYFRET BOARD: ROSEWOODBODY: BUBINGA-SOLID CEDAR TOPPICKUP: BELCAT UK-400T (WITH PICKUP RRP $329)CASE INCLUDED: TIKI PAISLEY HARD CASEMADE IN: CHINA

SPECS NECK: MAHOGANYFRETBOARD: ROSEWOODBODY: SOLID KOA TOP-KOA BACK AND SIDESPICKUP: BELCAT UK-400T (WITH PICKUP RRP $299)CASE INCLUDED: TIKI PAISLEY HARD CASEMADE IN: CHINA

SPECS

RECOMMENDED FOR: Modelled on a uke with sound and design, but in reality a 6 string intruder, the Guitalele is actually one awesome little cross-breed. Perfect for youngsters with small hands or as a travel option for guitar players on the road.

SOUND AND TONE: To be strict, this is not really a ukulele, but a uke-sized guitar. However, it does have a hybrid uke makeup to its sound making it super innovative and that illusive one off instrument. Being tuned like a guitar and with a lower note range, it is a little more complex in tone than many ukuleles, making it really versatile. I’d love to get a pick-up on board and see where this little bad-boy could go!

PLAYABILITY: Straight out of the box, with a quick stretch of the strings and tune up, this instrument is really playable. It soon becomes very comfortable in the hands of most guitarists and has a nice and smooth strum hand action.

CONSTRUCTION: The satin fi nish is smooth to the touch. It has a bit of weight to it, making it feel like there is a solid frame. Built to last and built to be played.

OVERALL: This GL-1 is an unusual beast, one I thought over the top at fi rst. However, when you actually start applying all the different ways it can incorporated into your life and how this clever little instrument bridges the gap between ukuleles and guitars, you’ll be convinced that you need one. From a couch surfer, road trip traveller or uke style jammer, the GL-1 has a place almost in every strummers life. I’m sold!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bedroom bash-ers through to more intermediate players who are looking for value for money, a versatile-sounding and a great-looking uke.

SOUND AND TONE: Clear and punchy the TCC 7 Concert Uke has a nice full mid range. The Aquila strings which come standard are a nice touch and add to the instrument’s strong tone.

PLAYABILITY: A step up in size from the Soprano, the Concert uke adds some extra neck and body size which is great for bigger hands and less nimble fi ngers. The TCC 7’s body and neck shape feel comfortable and bode well for plenty of jamming.

CONSTRUCTION: Using Cedar and Bubinga the 7 line of Tiki ukes are a little lighter in colour which highlights the swirly wood grain beautifully. Timber binding on the back, top, sides and neck add some extra class for a uke that feels and looks good.

OVERALL: A nice playing Concert Uke the TCC 7 also has the option of a preamp/tuner for a slight up charge. Either way this Cedar and Bubinga baby is a great value instrument especially when you factor in the Deluxe Paisley Hard Case. Sweet, so sweet!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Beginners stepping up a few notches through to intermdeiate players. Good for a range of styles and settings. Players after something a little different.

SOUND AND TONE: Woody and resonant the TKS-9 rings clear and true with a nice thick mid range when you dig in deep. Slightly darker overtones in places which I love.

PLAYABILITY: Good for smaller hands this Soprano belts out a lovely mid range tone great for sing alongs and a range of styles. The natural satin fi nish is a good choice for the neck with no sticky gloss to worry about. Real smooth and easy to play with a great strum hand action.

CONSTRUCTION: Towards the top end of Tiki’s range the darker solid Koa top and Koa back and sides look great in the natural satin type fi nish. Lighter coloured timber binding then sets off the whole instrument nicely for a darker, classy refi ned look.

OVERALL: From the 9 series of Tiki Ukes the TKS-9 looks great, sounds good and comes with a deluxe paisley styled hard case. The upgrade with UK-400T pickup will easily see you take this stagebound in no time. Top job Tiki!

DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIAUKULELE TYPE: GUITAR/UKE

DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIAUKULELE TYPE: CONCERT

DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIAUKULELE TYPE: SOPRANO

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