I've had a few chances to play them. As far as I've seen, they've all suffered in the looks and fit and finish departments. Tonally, they sounded nice, but IMO, not nice enough to overcome the price, especially considering their appearance.
I think that's how they've always looked, but the walnut fretboard doesn't provide the contrast and distraction that the rosewood (?) did. They've always had that soft finish and inexpensive koa, as Raffrox said. But maybe the wood on that batch is lighter than usual, too.
The C1K and T1K fretboards and bridges are made from Sipo (an African Mahogany), not Walnut.
Scooter
That's a good point about the walnut fretboard Ziret. Mine had a rosewood fretboard that I think does look a bit nicer.
Here's a couple, a newer one on the left, and on the right how I've seen many in the past, a nice golden koa color.
View attachment 115903
...C1K is not a uke to buy for the looks but as an entry level uke of good quality and sound.
The uke on the left is in a more natural state as opposed to the other which has been enhanced during the finishing. It could be the latest Koa they are using doesn't enhance as well so they leave it natural or they think a darker Koa would make the lighter fretboard stick out.
John