philxbx
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2010
- Messages
- 83
- Reaction score
- 0
Hey Ukers!!
Given the option of either buying a nice solid wood Soprano or two half decent Ukulele's in different sizes, I opted for the latter. Following various reviews and watching youtube, I decided on the Lanikai LU-21 series.
My rationale for this purchase was based purely on reviews, how they sounded in the shop, and quality of build. I had heard that this series were hit-and-miss regarding quality, but glad to say mine are fine.
Starting with the LU-21P (Pinapple),
Made of Nato. No tree I've ever heard of, but looks quite pretty. I'm unsure if it's a laminate, but whatever it is it has a lovely tone. Other reviews state that they are built in China, but the only mark on mine to determine origin says Hawaii?
Intonation, as with many cheaper soprano's it isn't fantastic, but adequately does a good job almost to the highest fret. If playing alone, I find tuning it high helps the intonation. This may be remedied by lowering the action? It comes with Aquila strings, which saves re-stringing. Winders are geared, and seems to stay in tune pretty well.
Build is very nice. Feels solid and of good quality. Simple white banding around the edges and pearl inlays on the frets. No scruffy bits on either uke, except for a spot of glue on the body.
All in all, I'm happy! A lovely sounding uke at a good price. £60.
LU-21T (Tenor).
As with the Pinapple, the quality is equally as nice, but the intonation is spot on. The winders on the Tenor are of all metal construction, and quite small considering. Lovely chrome finish, and no problems staying in tune.
The sound is stunning for a cheap Uke, (£90) lovely bright tone, with a good level of sustain. Folks at my club are surprised, as it sounds better then ukes around the £200 area.
Two great ukes for £150, and one very happy ukulist with a growing collection!! I'm a happy man.
Given the option of either buying a nice solid wood Soprano or two half decent Ukulele's in different sizes, I opted for the latter. Following various reviews and watching youtube, I decided on the Lanikai LU-21 series.
My rationale for this purchase was based purely on reviews, how they sounded in the shop, and quality of build. I had heard that this series were hit-and-miss regarding quality, but glad to say mine are fine.
Starting with the LU-21P (Pinapple),
Made of Nato. No tree I've ever heard of, but looks quite pretty. I'm unsure if it's a laminate, but whatever it is it has a lovely tone. Other reviews state that they are built in China, but the only mark on mine to determine origin says Hawaii?
Intonation, as with many cheaper soprano's it isn't fantastic, but adequately does a good job almost to the highest fret. If playing alone, I find tuning it high helps the intonation. This may be remedied by lowering the action? It comes with Aquila strings, which saves re-stringing. Winders are geared, and seems to stay in tune pretty well.
Build is very nice. Feels solid and of good quality. Simple white banding around the edges and pearl inlays on the frets. No scruffy bits on either uke, except for a spot of glue on the body.
All in all, I'm happy! A lovely sounding uke at a good price. £60.
LU-21T (Tenor).
As with the Pinapple, the quality is equally as nice, but the intonation is spot on. The winders on the Tenor are of all metal construction, and quite small considering. Lovely chrome finish, and no problems staying in tune.
The sound is stunning for a cheap Uke, (£90) lovely bright tone, with a good level of sustain. Folks at my club are surprised, as it sounds better then ukes around the £200 area.
Two great ukes for £150, and one very happy ukulist with a growing collection!! I'm a happy man.