A few weeks ago I received one of the Cocobolo ukuleles from Nicaragua. At the price, approximately $350, curiosity got the better of me. I was also attracted to the very pretty wood. I was given a choice of several ukes via pictures, and I picked the one that I liked. But it was hard to choose. I got one with a Cocobolo top. I'm not sure that's the best choice for a top wood from a sound perspective, but it sure is pretty.
This is kind of an odd uke. It is shaped more like a Charanga than a typical concert uke. I would prefer a more standard uke shape, just for aesthetic reasons. It comes with grover geared tuners that work well. I know a lot of people prefer direct tuners for the look, I do too. But geared tuners are easier to deal with and cause fewer problems over the long run.
The fit and finish is excellent. Set up was perfect. The neck is radiuses and easy to play. However,I can feel the frets extruding when I run my hand up the sides. It does not cause me a problem when playing but could be improved upon.
It plays great up and down the neck. It comes with Aquila strings which I have not changed. Volume is good but slightly to the quiet side. The tone is very very warm. To some extent this is a result of the Aquila strings. The lower end of the sound spectrum tends to predominate and there is not a lot of sustain on the high strings, but they are not dead either. I think the sound might be brighter with fluorocarbon strings but quieter.
It's a nice uke for the price solid wood, playable, nice looking. I would pick it over a similar Kala or Ohana because it has more of handmade unique look and feel. But is is a bit of an oddity due to the shape and deeper sound. I think my sound sample gives a pretty good idea of what it sounds like.
sound file:
https://app.box.com/s/lz5se5hvzpoxcpi1lpe7
This is kind of an odd uke. It is shaped more like a Charanga than a typical concert uke. I would prefer a more standard uke shape, just for aesthetic reasons. It comes with grover geared tuners that work well. I know a lot of people prefer direct tuners for the look, I do too. But geared tuners are easier to deal with and cause fewer problems over the long run.
The fit and finish is excellent. Set up was perfect. The neck is radiuses and easy to play. However,I can feel the frets extruding when I run my hand up the sides. It does not cause me a problem when playing but could be improved upon.
It plays great up and down the neck. It comes with Aquila strings which I have not changed. Volume is good but slightly to the quiet side. The tone is very very warm. To some extent this is a result of the Aquila strings. The lower end of the sound spectrum tends to predominate and there is not a lot of sustain on the high strings, but they are not dead either. I think the sound might be brighter with fluorocarbon strings but quieter.
It's a nice uke for the price solid wood, playable, nice looking. I would pick it over a similar Kala or Ohana because it has more of handmade unique look and feel. But is is a bit of an oddity due to the shape and deeper sound. I think my sound sample gives a pretty good idea of what it sounds like.
sound file:
https://app.box.com/s/lz5se5hvzpoxcpi1lpe7
