Tenor Ukulele Professional Series by Hola! Music (Model HM-427SSR+), Bundle Includes: 27 Inch SOLID Spruce Top Ukulele with Aquila Nylgut Strings Installed, Padded Gig Bag, Strap and Pick

This ukulele is almost perfect, I’ll explain why it’s so great, and at the end, explain why “almost”.So, first, I had to return my first purchase. It had a very small dent on the front, which was barely noticeable, but noticeable enough that it did bother me. It sounded great though, so I still wanted to get another one.Now, as far as the ukulele goes. This is not a “good for the money” ukulele. This is a good ukulele, period. For many reasons: first, the features: on any stringed acoustic instrument, having a solid top is a semi luxurious feature - something you wouldn’t expect at this price point for sure. In addition, this has bone but and bridge, is a very luxurious feature on ANY stringed instrument. And finally, the abalone inlays, which is very uncommon for an instrument at this price point. I checked other instruments with similar features, and I did not find one that was below 400 usd (check the Kala ka-fmtg, which didn’t even have bone but and bridge). Finally, the roled edges are a huge plus, makes it very comfortable to play, and again, not common at this price point.Second, the sound. This is purely subjective, but I love the way this ukulele sounds. It’s bright enough that it shines the way a ukulele should (despite the fact that it’s a tenor). But warm enough that it doesn’t pierce your ears when you play it. It’s an overall nice little instrument. To me, it fit the bill in what I was looking for, which is something that is loud, bright, and big enough for my big hands.Finally, the whole “package”. I love the little case it comes with, and the strap and picks are a good plus as well.As for the “almost” perfect piece. I find that the height of the bridge is quite high, this impact the action of the overall ukulele, but especially the action on the notes that are on the higher frets. For those who don’t know, “action” means the distance between the frets and the strings, the higher they are, the harder it is to play the note. I found this to be an issue with both the ukes I got (remember I returned my first one). Now, I’m not an expert uke player, but I am a guitar player for 18 years. And I know that a high bridge is typically more common with lower end instruments. So it may be a craftsmanship issue. Or it may be that ukes are normally like that, once quarantine is over I’ll head to a instrument store and find out myself haha. This is not something to return the uke for though, as it’s a very easy fix: you just take the bridge out and sand/file it to the desired height. This is something I’m planning to do if I can’t get used to the action. I plan to post an update to this review after a while of playing with this to let people know what I did.Overall, my first impression is that I’ll be very happy with this instrument, and I will be posting an update to let people know if that opinion changed.

I’ve owned a few ukuleles before this that I did not take the best care of. From throwing it in my car to not humidifying it in a super arid environment, I went through some cheaper ukes.I bought this one specifically to replace a concert sized uke who’s neck cracked and bowed.Out of the box, it is like any new instrument. The strings need to be stretched and there will be a lot of tuning. On the second day these strings at least stay within a note of being in tune, which is impressive.I love the sound: clear, warm, and rich notes. This was certainly enhanced by putting a humidifier in it overnight.Playability is a bit harder than expected. My last concert made achieving clear tone seem far more effortless. But the higher frets and harder chords are still easier to play compared to my soprano.Very small detail, but the fret board goes over the hole a tiny bit and catches my finger. Still better than sharp frets, and this uke did not have sharp frets out of the box and that’s fantastic.I had already had a wall mount for a concert sized ukulele installed, but it does not provide enough clearance for the pegs so it slides out. I have a 3D printer so that’s an easy fix for me. I store my ukuleles in my bathroom to help maximize humidity in a super dry environment. Luckily, I have an uke-specific humidifier I can use until I can design a new mount.I would rate this as a top beginner ukulele if it weren’t for the restringing process. If it were a simpler setup, I would have already restrung it with a low g lava set. It is more of an intermediate setup, so I’ll wait till I have ample time as I don’t like rushing the knots because vibration risk.The placement of the pegs I do like as it makes tuning more of a breeze rather than a chore.The strap that came with is great for little people who can’t find the right size for anything.Overall, I am comparing this to my mahogany soprano whose sound improves over time with good upkeep and care.If it does not hold quality or get better over time I will have to come back and take a star.The most important things to consider in buying this ukulele are: 1. How it’s stored, the pegs require more clearance for a wall mount. 2. Get a humidifier. One night alone enriched the sound. 3. It has strap posts for those who like that. 4. When restringing, don’t just wing it. Look it up and take your time. 5. That beveled edge where your arm goes is a must for those who plan to play often. Or if you have sensitive skin like me.