I have a Pono tenor made in 2009. Model PTES (Pro Tenor Ebony Spruce). The ebony back and sides are gorgeous.
The thing is built like a tank. I think I could drive my truck over this thing and it would survive.
The neck feels great and plays sweet up and down the neck.
What it lacks is projection and vibe. While the tone is good, you have to really thump it to get it to sing.
I think that's the price you pay for a heavy build.
This was my first uke bought just a few months ago. Have now had the chance to compare it with other brands; Kanilea, Koaloha, Anuenue, Kala Acacia, Ohana and Mainland.
Once I got the right strings on them, they all have more projection and vibe than the Pono.
The new mahogany series Pono's are supposedly built lighter and thus more open sounding. I just ordered a new Pono baritone so we'll find out in a few days.
Sometimes I think about selling the PT but it does have that deep rich sweet sound..... the kind of thing I can play on the couch without driving my wife up the wall.
Very well built. No quality issues.
There you go. Hope this helps.