excelsior tenor ukulele review
tenor 5 string tenor baritone Low G sets for concert and tenor Here is a quote from Living Water. Your email address will not be published. I touched on it in the article- What Makes an Ukulele Good? Mahogany: This is one of, if not the most common wood used for musical instruments. Thanks, Hi Dan, I do a video comparison and we discuss the three models here- http://www.maryland.cochranfirmcriminaldefense.com/2015/04/12/listening-to-ukuleles-online/. We carry quality acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums and amplifiers. New and secondhand Ukulele Shop. Does it mean one is thicker and/or harder than the other? The tenor size is the second largest, and the biggest with standard ukulele tuning, so it is popular among players of all sizes including those with larger hands. If this is the case with you, then the Cordoba model might provide you with a koa wood option that doesn’t cost too much money and gives a bright and traditional sound that a lot of the tenor models don’t give due to their larger size. I find that the all hard wood instruments (mahogany and loa) are more forgiving to the novice player. But the longneck will give a bit more punch, clarity, and sustain with the longer scale. Önerilen sıralama en düşük fiyat en yüksek fiyat en yeniler en. Since then I have purchased a couple of basswood soprano ukes – priced at £20 each : for presents – and a couple of spruce laminate tops (at really reasonable prices – honestly) and am now looking at a maple top soprano and a spruce-top tenor from the same store! The rosewood fingerboard makes this easy to play, but like many other models on the market, this relies on the mahogany for its richness and tonal projection. KOA seems to project the most. In addition to teaching music, I also tut . Similarly what they call gloss can range from a more extensive french polish that hardly adds any mass on the top to a thick polyester gloss that does. Yeah, good point. Nan -. We should list it here. /Bob, What are your thoughts on a KOA side and back with a port oxford top ukulele? Thanks so much! In the case of this model, it is a good ‘all-rounder’ which can suit players of all styles and preferences. I also love the Hawaiian built ukuleles made with Koa. While the exact cost will vary depending on the teacher, type of lesson, and location, you should expect to spend between $30 and … Manufactured from hi-tech fluorocarbon, these strings give a wonderfully vibrant, crystal-clear tone to your ukulele… Im waiting for delivery for the clearwater tenor uke will review soon Mike Nightingale May 31st, 2013 12:58 pm I’ve just recieved a Clearwater Tenor Ukulele from “The Really Useful Music Company” via ebay. $29.21 shipping. The Western Red Cedar is also not a true cedar, and a cypress. You'd be much better off going for something like that than a cheap no-name uke that probably has an action like a longbow, just because the neck is a couple of mill wider. So we mentioned Mahogany and Koa that is most often used for the entire body. Never personally tried them from what I can recall. Other top choices include these woods-. 'Trial by Jury' opened at the Royalty Theatre on March 25, 1875, and was exceptionally well received. The mahogany design gives it a comfortable feel as well as good projection and a really rich and complex tone. If you are looking for the best tenor ukulele under $500 and you want the electronics included then the ACST-CET is a fantastic choice. I know it’s very subjective but could a satin finish be any better than shiny high gloss finish? I am currently arranging to have a tenor ukulele made from Khaya with a Spruce top, the luthier involved tells me that it is a good combination, what do you think? - Bb Tenor Saxophone sheet music notes and chords arranged for Concert Band. I still have a redwood topped tenor… A big, full voice many think is the best and others hear as unfocused. I won’t be able to play the other two before deciding. It’s alive, sweet, and has just the right bite. It has a solid cedar top with mahogany wood providing a bright tone with plenty of projection. Hard choice for me. I was gonna do an article on this this last year, but it’s so abstract. A tenor ukulele … Their body type is either hollow, like a standard ukulele, similar … Current Turnaround Time: Amount of time before shipping- Full Setup: 6-10 Days Full Setup RUSH: 2-4 days Basic QC Only: 2-4 days Basic Quality Control - $0.00 (Always Free) BASIC QUALITY CONTROL … Here is a Ko’olau that we had a while back with that for a soundboard- http://www.theukulelesite.com/koolau-cs-port-orford-cedar-rare-tiger-myrtle-custom.html I purchased a Lani LC70 (concert) solid spruce top/mahogany back and sides ukulele and have fallen overboard. This is the best tenor ukulele for professionals in our opinion. The uke itself is pretty good quality, but the main benefit of this is the fact that it has such a great set of accessories and all you need to get playing the ukulele. Guitar Lessons. Which one do you recomend? We’ve provided a list of the best tenor ukuleles and full reviews so that you can choose which is the most suitable for your own requirements and where you are on your ukulele journey. That being said, how much of a benefit is the long neck and should that not be the decider? Most often Rosewood is paired with a softwood top, but Ko’olau offers an all Rosewood model that sounds great. Fabulous ukulele, an upgrade on my previous tenor. How much of a difference in sound and intonation is there between the two? Reply Delete. Ukuleles specialists Hobgoblin Music, established 1976. You also mentioned that if the mango wood is not cut and dried properly, it can have issues. By Chad Palmer: Video Review of the Fender Excelsior Pro Limited Edition amplifiers available in antique blush, sonic blue and surf green. They manufacture a lot of different sizes and makes of uke and can always be relied on for decent quality even at the budget price point. We carried them for a while. Ukulele … What are your thoughts on a Tenor POC top with Birdseye maple b/s. between the two same models, the acacia is a little more expensive than the spruce and mahogany combo. Especially the more figured mango needs to be cut and dried properly or it will have issues. The bass ukulele is intriguing miniaturization. Thank you for great information!! So I ordered the Applause UAE148-M Tenor … Thank you. You could easily mistake this for a smaller model of uke. They’re relatively modern, certainly not traditional, but still, draw on centuries of ukulele manufacturing and innovation. It’s quite a bit harder than mahogany or koa also, but a good builder will adapt to the density and I have heard some real nice all maple ukes. This makes it more comfortable to play chords. They’re made in the same factory as Ohana and these instruments are a good value. I’m currently interested in 2 instruments on your website, 1. All components are good, the ivoroid body and fingerboard binding show that there is much quality on offer with the binding and build of the uke. Can you give me a basic idea of the difference in tones the other two would have? A lot of ukulele players love the tone of a koa wood. Enya has soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles that fit the need of every player. thank you!! You can’t go far in the search for a ukulele without coming across a Kala product, they are truly everywhere as this is one of the biggest manufacturers of ukes out there. Handmade, solid wood ukuleles at affordable prices. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. If you are looking for a great tenor ukulele under $100 then Kala has you covered. Again, it depends on the luthier. Excelsior Big Blonde Bass Ukulele. And it gets so much better with age! Mii. Rosewood even thickens up the higher range. Classical Tenor Ukulele … SKU: 341641. It has a fairly good quality walnut fingerboard, easy to play with large hands, and the satin finish gives a level of protection, too. First of all it depends on the type of satin and type of gloss and how well they are finished. I have been teaching music (guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, recorder, music theory, and classes for toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults) for over 20 years. Excelsior Fantastic Slim Body Travel Uke. I did, however, do a search where the okoume wood may cause allergic reactions, perhaps even severe. If you are looking to buy a ukulele or an acoustic guitar, the brand name Martin is bound to come up. It has about the same density as mahogany but can vary. For light picking I’d say a typical softwood, spruce, cedar, or redwood are better. It’s just that we have seen many mango ukes without properly quarter sawn woods and so I thought I’d mention it. Quality NuBone XB nut and saddles are great additions with a pro feel. Mahalo! Thank you. Not only is it relatively affordable (at least for those who are pretty serious about playing ukulele), but it is also a great model for chords. Hi, a few years ago I got a plastic Kohala uke as a birthday gift from my parents. Koa is the wood most synonymous with the Ukulele. The average cost of 60-minute ukulele lessons in Excelsior is $62. I purchased an applause soprano ukulele just a couple of months ago. she sings and plays guitar with our church band, and i’m wanting this for her 17th birthday. The extra-wide neck with a comfortable C shape design allows you to move between chord positions easily. I appreciate your feedback. Birdseye Maple is so beautiful. Thank you for the quick reponse. Played a Tele through it and thought "this would be cool for my Kamaka." After looking around for concert ukes, and seeing what price I might have to pay for one, I realized it might be because it is plastic but I can’t find any defendant answers so far. I’ve now owned this ukulele for about 11 months and it is extremely high quality for the price; despite the fact I only originally bought it because it was an extremely beautiful and unique looking instrument. Okoume is like a really lightweight mahogany, maybe between mahogany and cedar. I started playing a few different softwood tops. The solid acacia combines with the brilliant preamp for a mellow but clear tone. Redwood has much of the quality of cedar but very unique. It’s coloring is heard in almost every ukulele made in Hawaii. Free preview. And it’s physical attraction is strong. Maple sides and back are on some of the best sounding ukes you will find. $57.99. So that’s the basics, the most common woods you will see when looking for an ukulele. The 15TM is a decent sized model for bigger hands, too, it’s great if you are transitioning from playing the guitar. Most builders recognize the top, or the soundboard is responsible for over 90% of the sound. Replies. Excellent for recording and often paired with Spruce. Applause Soprano Ukulele UAE-20 Review. Young Band. Could sound be temperature related? I’m pondering between two Kala Tenors: Pacific Walnut KA-PWT and Mahogany KA-TG. I don’t have any experience with Douglas Fir beyond house and furniture use. Kala Soprano Long neck Solid spruce top with Mahogany back and sides They’re comparable to Baritone ukes and measure up at 31 – 32′. I spotted a Fender Excelsior, the new 13-watt, 15" speaker tube amp from Fender, at the local Guitar Center yesterday. Barry Maz 3 December 2018 at 13:40:00 GMT. Known for being bright, and loud , yet still full and warm. In spite of being one of the budget choices, it has a mahogany body which projects nicely and is up there with some of the intermediate models rather than cheaper, beginner ukuleles. TyMusicCenter is a retail and repair guitar and drums shop. For this reason, we’ve included a model specifically for the koa lovers, the Cordoba 28T, which is a fantastic ukulele under $300, so for those in the market for affordability as well as quality this could be worth considering. I’m surprised it’s not listed above due to the Hawaiian historical connection with mango wood. Both are laminate so woods are not the biggest factor. Some aren’t too bad, but most sound…plasticy? looking at an Okoume wood uke for my teenager. The only difference I can find between the two other than the long neck is that one is Mahogany and the other Maple. item 8 Excelsior Tenor Ukulele, with Solid Spruce Top and Zebrano body + free gig bag 8 - Excelsior Tenor Ukulele, with Solid Spruce Top and Zebrano body + free gig bag. I’m looking to buy an Alvarez brand tenor ukulele that has either a solid acacia body or a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. You must mean Port Orford Cedar? Ukuleles specialists Hobgoblin Music, established 1976. What do you mean with a setup? A lot of people are dead-set on koa. I previously owned a Pono Koa and now have a Kanilea Koa. £69.00 + P&P . What do we mean when we describe sound as warm? In this guide, we’re looking at the best tenor ukuleles in 2021. or maybe it is heat related warm, because of how that makes you feel good. How long would it take for it to arrive? I will let you know my thoughts on this selection. It takes about a week for the setup to be completed and it to be on the way and about a week in transit. The sound is more direct with less overtone but good sustain and great attack strumming or picking. This is the sort of instrument that is aimed at the real pros, and the build quality and components back this up. Hi Andrew, I have been reading your posts and found the information helpful. TyMusicCenter is a retail and repair guitar and drums shop. I recently saw one that I like. So, the question is: is it the wood that is better or the varnish finish also affects the sound or both? Kala Ka-ktg Hawaiian Koa Gloss Series Tenor Ukulele. Of course, a sound being good or bad is ultimately decided by the listener, and their bias/illusion could also be noted. The slightly wider top nut (37mm)allows for players with larger fingers or for those players that like a bit more room between the strings. The sides on both are laminate with a solid spruce top so not much difference there. Generally, many people who are looking to get an acoustic-electric model have some idea of what they want. 2. Rosewood sides and back (seen above with the cedar top) is often used for the flagship models of acoustic guitar brands. Would it possible to ship my purchase to an Australian address? The Kala has a great projection to it, which the manufacturers attribute to the solid spruce top. This is the material that is transmitting the vibration that makes the sound. lol. Free shipping. One cool addition is that you get access to lessons with Harvey herself when you buy this ukulele. The southern ukulele store, for example, have a nice Kala tenor for £ 79. Cherry…sometimes.. Kala has a solid pacific walnut tenor, I noticed you guys don’t carry it, but have you played it? The tenor size is the second largest, and the biggest with standard ukulele tuning, so it is popular among players of all sizes including those with larger hands. If you are looking for a tenor ukulele that isn’t going to break the bank, but aren’t quite ready to go for a handmade model, this is a great bridge between. Played a Tele through it and thought "this would be cool for my Kamaka." This is a popular tenor ukulele among beginners just looking to get started or those who want a full package rather than just buying a uke and all the accessories separately, you can save money this way. I like walnut a lot. It is not often seen in the uke world but when it is, you can often be impressed with the added mid range and low overtones. A good builder builds to the wood and can take almost any tone wood and make it sound good. But I have seen some pretty good builders use it. That’s great because if they’re too small, they’ll feel tiny for bass players! If you are transitioning from guitar, the larger scale of the CDST-T is bound to be a great option for you, but it isn’t just the wide neck that is beneficial for players. This time we’re looking at the best acoustic-electric tenor ukulele. If used correctly it can be even sweeter than koa and even warmer than mahogany. Makai are good, we carried them for years but mostly in store because they often have cosmetic issues. The abalone rosette looks great, too. There is no denying that this is one of the louder tenor ukes. James Curnow Excelsior! A low G tuning can be used for any size or wood and will just add some range on the lower end. a hui ho. What do you think of the brand Makai? I went to go get the Kamaka from home and when I got back twenty minutes later the Excelsior was sold! As well as lessons, it has a gig bag, chromatic tuner and Kala app that you can access. Most relevant reviews. A “satin” can be anything from a few coats of tru-oil to a sprayed lacquer where the final coats have a dulling agent to take out the reflective aspects of the finish and make for a more natural woody look. Hi, I have a question about varnish finish.. The bindings are Bolivian rosewood and the bridge is carved from Australian blackwood. They cater for all budgets, and the MK-T is a fantastic model for beginners or for those who want the best budget ukulele that still has the scale of a tenor model. Tenor Ukulele Excelsior RU-60 Ref: Ukulele RU-60 The Excelsior RU-60 is Ideal for a step up instrument or for those that want a bit a bit more quality to start with. If you want a clear tone, loud projection, and a silky smooth playability, this could well be the option for you, plus, the ‘Martin’ badge is bound to impress musicians everywhere. This tenor ukulele has an acacia body. Am I correct? If you’re a bigger ukulele player and you want something with a pro feel to it that doesn’t cost the earth then this could be worth considering. Sorry I can’t shed more light on that option. These removable graphic fingerboard protectors are designed to fit standard 4 string ukuleles. May I know will this combination make a good ukulele? At first I thought the reason it sounded different was because most of the ukes in the tutorials were concert ukes, and mine is a soprano. The design of the KA-STG has a simple elegance to it. Hobgoblin Music has provided musicians with otherwise hard to find folk instruments, celtic instruments and acoustic instruments for 40 years, and has grown to be the largest source in Europe, and probably … There’s a walnut fingerboard, and the model is a tribute to self-taught deaf musician Mandy Harvey. In the ukulele world almost everyone uses it for their neck. Our guitar service center has the biggest guitar and drums service team in Singapore. It’s worth mentioning that the 1T IZ is a tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, a Hawaiian pioneer of music who was an incredible uke player. I started playing a few different softwood tops. I think it is too late to change the top now but I suspect it will still sound good. I am very interested to watch it and in particular find out more about the mango wood that makes a uke. Our guitar service center has the biggest guitar and drums service … Great review – thanks for all the info. Some baritone ukulele reviews need slightly different judging criteria, and this is definitely one of those. http://www.theukulelesite.com/koolau-cs-port-orford-cedar-rare-tiger-myrtle-custom.html, http://www.maryland.cochranfirmcriminaldefense.com/2015/04/12/listening-to-ukuleles-online/, https://www.theukulelesite.com/ukulele-setup/, http://www.theukulelereview.com/2015/04/12/listening-to-ukuleles-online/. Some baritone ukulele reviews need slightly different judging criteria, and this is definitely one of those. The largest completely impartial ukulele and musical instrument review listings online. ih ear it’s like cedar, but your review did not specifically cover it. Personally I would pick a regular cedar top if I was commissioning a custom. With it's ovation style round back and solid spruce top, it looks a little different and sounds good too. Ben is a writer, musician and former studio engineer from the UK with qualifications including music technology. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Like I said though, a good builder will make it sound nice either way. Mahalo. Early on it became the ukulele sound. by Ben Jacklin Last Updated August 27, 2020. It’s Kala again. Baritone Ukuleles, Tenor Ukuleles, Concert Ukuleles, Soprano Ukuleles, browse our Ukuleles range at Hobgoblin … The tenor design combined with the acacia wood means a fairly mellow tone but one that projects pretty well. I haven’t seen anyone with a plastic uke so I decided to ask here, does it sound different because it is made out of plastic, not wood? Lots of great woods and wood combinations. A friend of mine has a Mahogany and I really like the sound. Transpose, download, … I have had a Melody Uke (circa 1930/40’s) since 1982 which my good lady wife Lynda bought for me in Castleford (West Yorkshire – the birthplace of my father incidentally) but, until recently have forgotten about. The finish on mine is flawless I can't find a single fault. When there is a soft wood top, like the ones we just looked at, there is often koa or mahogany sides and back, both of which are very responsive and excellent choices. It’s comfy and easy to play, and coming in at under $100 it is hard to argue against the value on offer here. I started playing a few different softwood tops. New and secondhand Ukulele Shop. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It has the best of both worlds, if you are looking for the best sounding tenor ukulele then you don’t have to worry about this model losing it’s acoustic qualities, just because it includes a preamp and output for connecting to an amplifier or PA system. Yeah, plastic ukes definitely sound different from wood ukes. I’ve been thinking of getting a ukulele to begin my musical journey. I find that the all hard wood instruments (mahogany and loa) are more forgiving to the novice player. As you might expect for an electric model, it is great for solos and has a cutaway design, so that you can access all of the frets easily. If so, opinions? Our list of the best tenor ukuleles on the market can provide options with many different designs and at different price points, with something to suit every budget. We regularly send to Australia but I am not sure it would be there in time. eBay item number: 333752956999. -veronica’s mom-. Are some woods better for tenor than concert or soprano? Hi Amy, here’s the link – http://www.theukulelereview.com/2015/04/12/listening-to-ukuleles-online/ Since then I’ve bought a Stagg solid mahogany top/back and sides soprano which has a lovely warm sound even now and in 6-12 months will sound even be better. That is what I like. The harsher tones are not there. Walnut is beautiful and has nice tonal character on the sides and back though. A self-confessed audiophile, Ben can also play multiple instruments. All in all, I prefer KOA to any other wood. Expert Advice and The Guaranteed Lowest Price! Gilbert's absurd plot concerns Angelina, who sues Edwin because he broke their betrothal and fell for … In this guide, we’re looking at the best tenor ukuleles in 2021. This lively march is a muscial blast of energy from beginning to end! So yes, that is true of all woods. Check the reviews here! Consordini is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program. Spruce: is a softwood but very strong, crisp, and vibrant. With over 90 years of serving musicians, Sam Ash is proud to be part of your musical journey! I have been thinking about upgrading my ukulele. Video Review: Fender Excelsior Pro Limited Edition Amps. Even laminate (plywood) ukes can sound good. Spruce excels across the range of frequencies and it’s dynamics are arguably the best. Noah Ukuleles is an independent UK company supporting a family of Vietnamese luthiers. You can’t answer that question with science or math. 461 likes. Pyramid Excelsior Silver Wound 3rd .028 Medium, 383 003 Single Classical Guitar String 383 003 G 3rd wound - medium tension ... share ' Share Review by Anonymous User facebook facebook Share Review by Anonymous User twitter twitter Share Review by Anonymous User LinkedIn linkedin Share Review by ... Aquila Tenor Ukulele … Very mid range. as I will be in the Gold Coast next weekend. You will get a bigger projection but I can’t assume that’s what you want. Enya ukulele is known for its innovative design and incredible sounding. Most with a quest for amazing tone on the ukulele will end up contemplating which wood for the soundboard. ... quick question have you come across Excelsior Tenor Ukulele … … consistently providing relevant information … thanks to all the Staff @ HMS …, Thanks for the detailed descriptions. ... Ratings and reviews… This is a step up from many of the beginner ukuleles on the market and is a very popular tenor ukulele for those making the step up. Lowest Prices in UK and Europe Guarantee! Ukes have come a long way. I was fortunate enough to catch a classified ad and pick up the ukulele, a small practice amp, a gig bag, and a digital tuner for just over a hundred dollars. You'd be much better off going for something like that than a cheap no-name uke that probably has an action like a … You would rarely find a Maple top guitar because it is known as being more optimal for sides and back and softer woods are more often used as soundboard or top tone woods. Young band Young Band - Grade 2 Composed by William Owens (1963-). It has Aquila Nylgut strings which are industry-standard, sealed tuners and beautiful binding. Which is better? Thanks. These removable graphic fingerboard protectors are designed to fit standard 4 string ukuleles. Baritone Ukuleles, Tenor Ukuleles, Concert Ukuleles, Soprano Ukuleles, browse our Ukuleles range at Hobgoblin Music, online or in our UK shops in London, Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, Canterbury and Manchester I am also a band/show director at the School of Rock! Not an over the top design or anything to complicated or confusing, but it does have a great sound and that Kala reliability, which you may come to expect from one of the biggest manufacturers on the market. If you are looking for the best tenor ukuleles and have a $200 budget then it might well be the Kala brand that gives you the best choice once again. The southern ukulele store, for example, have a nice Kala tenor for £ 79. This high-end manufacturer has been making ukuleles and guitars for over 100 years and the 1T IZ is a great example of what they can offer. That link is broken. Does the density of the wood in the back and sides affect the tone as much as the top? However, I’ve picked it up again and retuned and re-stringed it again from a old-style D6 tuning to a more modern C6 tuning with Aquila strings. More info on setups – https://www.theukulelesite.com/ukulele-setup/ Between those two I’d say the KA-TG is a better value, that’s my personal opinion. £179.00. It’s an inexpensive option generally and is heavier than other soft woods that I would think would sound better. The shorter scale regular soprano will be a little warmer and more mellow which is nice too. Any thoughts on these hard woods. He has been making these Ono ukes since 2010 and had previously been involved in boat making and … Many thanks and Merry Xmas.... Zeb.. As noted, it isn’t only the wood it is also the builder but having great wood is a nice start. by gerrmccan9 31 Jan, 2020. The indigenous wood has become the indigenous sound. Otherwise pair rosewood sides and back together with a Cedar or Spruce top and get tones many consider to be the best. Any thoughts? Kala Soprano Solid spruce top flame maple. Moreover, I have accumulated recently, a nice tidy sum of cash of birthday and Christmas money and went along to The Music Room in Cleckheaton (West Yorkshire – again) where I fell in love with the Lani range of ukuleles. Redwood, cedar and spruce in particular seem to make mistakes more apparent. I’m not too fussed by the neck length either way so for me the deciding factor will be the Ukulele with the better sound. Ono ukuleles are made in Ashland, Oregon by David Ingalls. I personally love the tone of some mango ukes. No necessarily. A youtube interviewer said his Koa wood Uke sounded better because it was mat/satin finish compared to a Mango wood high gloss Uke. A spatial feel but not as cutting in the highs. £10 delivery fee on all non-UK (international) orders. Tenor Ukulele Excelsior RU-60 Ref: Ukulele RU-60 The Excelsior RU-60 is Ideal for a step up instrument or for those that want a bit a bit more quality to start with. Thicker in the low mid and high mids. Mahogany is a hard wood but in the middle of the spectrum. Only the best materials are used, and the koa gives a traditional Hawaiian feel and tone. I’m having mya-moe build me one currently with walnut binding. Excelsior OKOURNE Ukulele in Concert, Tenor & Electro-acoustic Left/Right Handed. This is a custom 18" scale tenor from Ono. A tenor ukulele can be comfortable to play and give plenty of projection. These three are the most loved.. If you have any questions about the products we sell, our … Excelsior Ukulele Music. At about the same density though, their is a more exotic wood, an alluring island tree vibrant in look and sound…. I’m looking to order a Pono in either solid Acacia, Mahogany, or Mango. Port Orford Cedar is not actually cedar, it’s a cypress wood and is a higher density than the western red cedar. It is much less dense than other hard woods like rosewood and most exotic dark woods, and more dense than softwoods like spruce and cedar. I’m in the process of setting up to build my first uke – a concert with Kasha bracing style. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Compact and portable, the instrument’s size allows you to store the instrument in small spaces, like in airplane holds. I have played many other ukuleles with different wood and I still like the Koa best. All UK mainland Ukulele orders before 3pm GMT will be delivered to you for free the next day.