Glyph Soprano (5A, Rosewood)

wearymicrobe

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 13, 2008
Messages
647
Reaction score
1
Location
San Diego
Features

  • Made by Dave Mean
  • http://www.glyphukulele.com
  • Solid-Top?
  • No Pickups.
  • 5a Koa Body, Sides, Back. Rosewood Neck, Koa Top Plate, Ebony tuners
  • French Polish
  • (Soprano)
  • Traditional tie bridge.
  • Builder made ebony friction pins
  • Neck extremely thin, almost to thin.
  • No, Buy a custom case please at this level
Action, Fit & Finish

  • Its a glyph and a custom, better then any of the big K's by a long shot. Polish is done correctly, all frets level and action set correctly. All purfling done correctly, tuners are great.
  • For the cost these are amazing, the ability to get one though is vexing
Reliability/Durability

  • Will this ukulele withstand live playing?
    • YES
  • Does the hardware seem like it will last?
    • YES
  • It's french polish I would not GIG with this regularly or
  • This is s special occasion ukulele or for recording.
  • Would you use it on a gig without a backup?
    • Yes

Customer Support

  • Check the website for the war. but I have never heard of a one going back for anything other then humidity issues.

Overall Rating

  • How long have you been playing?
    • A while
  • What other gear do you own?
    • Almost every major modern builder
  • Is there something you wish you had asked before buying this ukulele?
    • I wish I had kept it longer.
  • If it were stolen or lost, would you buy it again or get something else?
    • Due to time-lines for his builds I would not.
  • What do you love about it?
    • Tone
  • What do you hate?
    • I have footballers hands, can only play extended length sopranos
  • What is your favorite feature?
    • Tone, drop dead old martin sound
  • Did you compare it to other ukuleles? Which ones?
    • MooreBetta for construction, vintage martin for tone
  • Why did you choose this one?
    • Flat out only one I could get my hands on they are rare.
The short answer is if you can afford it, and you want the vintage tone in a soprano, and you have patience this is the builder to track down. Personally I cannot play them as well as a extended soprano but if you have the dexterity and skill go for it. These are not for beginners they are extremely sensitive to playing style and technique. If you a single strummer and cannot vary your level of attack on the strings you will fight this ukulele.


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