Ginny-
I purchased mine off the shelf from Dusty Strings in Seattle last summer so I didn't get to make any decisions about it. It's a Style O-S soprano in a matt finish. Mine is a rather plain one in terms of asthetics - all Koa including the neck and fret board. Just a little detail around the sound hole. It came with Peghead tuners which are wonderful. Looking at the pictures on the Donaldson group, they look amazing. I know I would have much preferred a contrasting fret board and gloss finish and/or some other asthetic upgrades. However, the price cannot be beat for a hand build all solid koa uke. I love playing it, period. The Donaldson almost has a "bark" to it. It's very bright and resonant and much louder than my Mele. The strings look to be Aquilla Nylgut. I know you will be happy with whatever style and finish you end up getting.
I purchased mine off the shelf from Dusty Strings in Seattle last summer so I didn't get to make any decisions about it. It's a Style O-S soprano in a matt finish. Mine is a rather plain one in terms of asthetics - all Koa including the neck and fret board. Just a little detail around the sound hole. It came with Peghead tuners which are wonderful. Looking at the pictures on the Donaldson group, they look amazing. I know I would have much preferred a contrasting fret board and gloss finish and/or some other asthetic upgrades. However, the price cannot be beat for a hand build all solid koa uke. I love playing it, period. The Donaldson almost has a "bark" to it. It's very bright and resonant and much louder than my Mele. The strings look to be Aquilla Nylgut. I know you will be happy with whatever style and finish you end up getting.