"Large" is a word seldom used to describe an Ukulele. Now Pono has built just that: An extra large Ukulele. At an overall length of 90 cm, the BN-10D (or TGN) is as big as a Guitar, but has only four strings, so you could consider it to be a Tenor Guitar, although instead of steel strings, the Pono has been designed for Nylon strings and can be tuned like a Baritone Ukulele, which is just like the bottom four strings of a regular Guitar (DGBE). So really, this is a crossover instrument which might appeal to Ukulele players as well as to those who favor Guitars.
This model has been announced a while ago:
http://theukulelereview.com/2013/12/12/new-pono-tg-model/
Apparently, only a few have been made so far. I ordered mine directly from John Kitakis at Pono Guitar & Ukulele, who always responded quickly to my e-mails. It took a while to get one, but now it has finally arrived and I am absolutely thrilled.
As with my other Ponos, the quality is excellent. Basically, it has all the features of their Pro Classic line, like Koa binding, Abalone rosette, Gloss finish, truss rod, radius fretboard, and a slotted headstock. This one is made of all solid Acacia with beautiful dark stripes, but from what I've been told, they will also produce a Rosewood/Spruce model. It comes in a stylish black case from Ko'olau/Pono.
The strings provided are the Mahana and Alohi from Ko'olau. Apparently, you can just use regular baritone strings, but I wonder if tension might be a bit high at this large scale? I suppose that you could also tune in Fifths like a real Tenor Guitar, although I am not sure if different strings are required for that.
Of course, at this size, the Pono BN is a lot louder than any other Ukulele and really sounds more like a Guitar. In fact, I hardly notice the two missing bass strings.
I think this would be great for people who'd love to play the Guitar, but can't handle six strings. And for Ukulele enthusiasts who enjoy variety, the baritone has just received a big brother.
To give you an idea of its size, the picture shows the Pono BN-10D in comparison to my Pono ETSHC Tenor Ukulele:
This model has been announced a while ago:
http://theukulelereview.com/2013/12/12/new-pono-tg-model/
Apparently, only a few have been made so far. I ordered mine directly from John Kitakis at Pono Guitar & Ukulele, who always responded quickly to my e-mails. It took a while to get one, but now it has finally arrived and I am absolutely thrilled.
As with my other Ponos, the quality is excellent. Basically, it has all the features of their Pro Classic line, like Koa binding, Abalone rosette, Gloss finish, truss rod, radius fretboard, and a slotted headstock. This one is made of all solid Acacia with beautiful dark stripes, but from what I've been told, they will also produce a Rosewood/Spruce model. It comes in a stylish black case from Ko'olau/Pono.
The strings provided are the Mahana and Alohi from Ko'olau. Apparently, you can just use regular baritone strings, but I wonder if tension might be a bit high at this large scale? I suppose that you could also tune in Fifths like a real Tenor Guitar, although I am not sure if different strings are required for that.
Of course, at this size, the Pono BN is a lot louder than any other Ukulele and really sounds more like a Guitar. In fact, I hardly notice the two missing bass strings.
I think this would be great for people who'd love to play the Guitar, but can't handle six strings. And for Ukulele enthusiasts who enjoy variety, the baritone has just received a big brother.
To give you an idea of its size, the picture shows the Pono BN-10D in comparison to my Pono ETSHC Tenor Ukulele: