The Hummingbird concert ukulele from aNueNue is a work of art. Like all works of art, some people will like and others won’t be as keen, but there’s no denying the quality of the inlay work that gives the uke its name. Both on the headstock and the body, there are inlaid mother of pearl, abalone, hardwood and turquoise hummingbird and floral motifs that are intricately done. Aside from that, the classy, modern-classic looks of a Moon Bird soprano, with it’s asymmetric shape do plenty for the overall visual appeal.

There’s a sweet, bright and well-projecting tone from the spruce top, with the back and sides offering an excellent warmth and lovely overtones that give this uke a complex, rich and beautiful tone. It has a bit of everything, with singing highs that carry your melodies and a warm backdrop that fills out your strumming. It is a fine-sounding uke indeed, with surprising volume for a petite instrument too.

The top of the UC-200HB is made from solid Swiss moon spruce – wood harvested according to the lunar cycles so that the trees are cut when there is the least moisture inside the wood, helping to make it harder and better able to carry the vibrations that produce sound. The back and sides are solid rosewood. This concert has a 36mm nut width, superb Gotoh UPT tuners and aNueNue’s own, well-respected Black Water fluorocarbon strings.

With a slightly radiused fretboard and immaculately polished frets, the UC-200HB feels light and easy on your fingers. With volume retained really well further up the neck, and the clarity of individual notes, you’ll want to explore the fingerboard in its entirety and it is a pleasure to do so, with lovely playability.

This aNueNue UC-200HB concert ukulele is a show stopper. It plays great, looks extremely striking and has a great specification. For that you do have to pay a pretty penny! Fundamentally, while it is a uke that has a lot to say in the visual stakes, the sound is superb, meaning if you are swayed into opening your wallet by the looks you are at least getting a true high-end sound to match.

This uke comes with a fantastic hard case, but for other common extras like strap buttons and low G fitting, scroll down to the bottom of the page.