LuLu Ukukleles
I've never officially reviewed a product before, so please bare with me as I attempt to be as articulate and descriptive as I can be!
I was at the NAMM show on July 14th and was able to check out the LuLu Ukes. They were actually nice enough to allow me to go in a remote corner to play their concert Mahogany and Koa tenors. Both instruments were all solid (top, back and sides). I agree with "Steedy" that the attention to detail was really great, but the sound actually impressed me the most. OKay.....I'll back up!
The detail work was super cool. Well above that of most anything I saw at the show or have seen in all my travels. (For sure in this price range!)
The headstock matches the back, the heel has a nicely contoured cap that also mimicks the back. The bindings were done really nicely and the tonehole has an inlay (somehow attached to the inner most area) of Rosewood. Super handsome and a very cool (extra mile) detail....really ties the whole thing together for me!
The mahogany instrument used what appeared to be a good quality mahogany with pretty grain. The headstock has a super nice edge that also keyed me in to the fact that these were not your "run of the mill, cheap ukuleles!" They use Grover open geared tuners, a Graphtech nut and compensating saddle, D'addario "Nyltech" strings and comes with an absolutely beautiful hard case complete with hygrometer and planet waves small instrument humidifer. (very cool)
Finding a quiet spot on the show floor was difficult, but the sales rep "product specialist" was super friendly and for a nobody (me) went way beyond the neccessary. We found a quiet hallway nearby and I spent the next 15 minutes comparing the Mahogany and Koa tenor models.
I must say that I was super impressed. The sound was terrific....seemingly exploding from the instrument (especially the Mahogany) Super even and easy to play.....difficult to put down. I went back and offered to buy it later in the day, but was told they were waiting for a bunch of containers to arrive and couldn't part with them.
In a nutshell....(in my humble opinion) For under $500 retail the LuLu Mahogany tenor rivals that of almost any tenor I've ever played. (And I own and/or have played them all. The Koa model was very nice too, but had the D'addario Titanium strings on it (not my preference) and I think they may have thinned-out what otherwise was a great playing / looking instrument too!
Ah, Vision Musical Instruments, LLC - booth #437
Thanks for the tip!
Also, almost overlooked Luna Guitars (& Ukes?) - booth #511
I'll add both to my list.