specialk13
Well-known member
Pepe Romero Jr. has been making ukuleles since last year. He already has an impressive following for his guitars and he has been a luthier for about 15 years. I was very excited to try one of his ukes! Here's a quick review....
Features: 10
Tenor Koa made by Pepe Romero in San Diego, CA in 2011.
12 frets to the body, 18 frets total.
Solid Koa top, back, and sides with classical inspired fan bracing on the top. Rosewood binding and bloodwood purfling.
Mahogany neck with Madagascar rosewood fretboard and string-through bridge. CSA rosewood peghead overlay.
The finish is shellac with a French polish, very thin and very hard.
Peghed brand tuners. The neck width at the nut measures a rather wide 38mm and the fretboard is not radiused.
Sound: 10
This is easily one of the best tenor ukes I have played, period. It has a loud voice and projects very well. The Koa adds a sweet warmth but it's still nice and bright overall. It just sings when played, and I would say it excels at classical or fingerstyle style playing the most. It actually puts a Collings UT1 to shame volume-wise (and that's saying something). It sounds good everywhere on the fretboard and plays just as well.
Action, Fit & Finish: 10
OK, so the finish shows some application marks and is not perfect but really, just holding the uke you can tell how good the build quality is. I love being able to tell that it was all handmade by an individual and not a factory. If I wanted perfection, I would have bought a Collings
Other than the finish, everything looks and works very well. It's light as a feather and extremely responsive. I probably wouldn't take it out to a gig just because I never want to lose it or have anything happen to it!
Customer Support: 10
I didn't purchase this uke directly from Pepe but I have been in touch with him. Let me just say that he is a pleasure to deal with. He will take the time to answer any questions and he really wants his customers to be happy with one of his instruments. He's ben more than accommodating to me. He's top notch in my book.
Overall Rating: 10
I can't give this uke anything less than a 10, it's just that good. If you want beautiful workmanship as well as a gorgeous sound, you might want to consider one of Pepe's ukes. I'm still amazed at how much sound comes out of this little box! I know I rated this uke a 10 out of 10 in each category but I really think it was earned. I have played and owned many, many ukes over the years and this one stands at the top. I think Pepe has loads of talent and I can't wait to see more from him.
Cheers!
Features: 10
Tenor Koa made by Pepe Romero in San Diego, CA in 2011.
12 frets to the body, 18 frets total.
Solid Koa top, back, and sides with classical inspired fan bracing on the top. Rosewood binding and bloodwood purfling.
Mahogany neck with Madagascar rosewood fretboard and string-through bridge. CSA rosewood peghead overlay.
The finish is shellac with a French polish, very thin and very hard.
Peghed brand tuners. The neck width at the nut measures a rather wide 38mm and the fretboard is not radiused.
Sound: 10
This is easily one of the best tenor ukes I have played, period. It has a loud voice and projects very well. The Koa adds a sweet warmth but it's still nice and bright overall. It just sings when played, and I would say it excels at classical or fingerstyle style playing the most. It actually puts a Collings UT1 to shame volume-wise (and that's saying something). It sounds good everywhere on the fretboard and plays just as well.
Action, Fit & Finish: 10
OK, so the finish shows some application marks and is not perfect but really, just holding the uke you can tell how good the build quality is. I love being able to tell that it was all handmade by an individual and not a factory. If I wanted perfection, I would have bought a Collings
Other than the finish, everything looks and works very well. It's light as a feather and extremely responsive. I probably wouldn't take it out to a gig just because I never want to lose it or have anything happen to it!Customer Support: 10
I didn't purchase this uke directly from Pepe but I have been in touch with him. Let me just say that he is a pleasure to deal with. He will take the time to answer any questions and he really wants his customers to be happy with one of his instruments. He's ben more than accommodating to me. He's top notch in my book.
Overall Rating: 10
I can't give this uke anything less than a 10, it's just that good. If you want beautiful workmanship as well as a gorgeous sound, you might want to consider one of Pepe's ukes. I'm still amazed at how much sound comes out of this little box! I know I rated this uke a 10 out of 10 in each category but I really think it was earned. I have played and owned many, many ukes over the years and this one stands at the top. I think Pepe has loads of talent and I can't wait to see more from him.
Cheers!
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