With this Uma Pulse SC concert ukulele the first thing to address is the strange frets - which are angled, or 'fanned'. There's a reason to this, as the Uma Pulse is designed to work best with a low G (which is it supplied with). The strings are different scales, which gives more tension to the lower notes, allowing them to ring out more truly and for longer (so no more baggy, overly vibrating low G's).

Playability would naturally be a concern too - after all, if you play ukulele already you don't want to have to re-learn your technique, but again, no issues (although I was surprised how easy it was to adapt). Although the fingerboard looks unusual, the angles aren't that great and honestly, you just pick it up and play normally - it doesn't even feel weird! And in fact, the angles allow, in theory (and for me) easier barre chords too.

The Uma Pulse SC has an all solid body, with Englemann spruce on the top and walnut for the back and sides. It has dark hardwood binding and a very unusal soundhole decoration made up of different inlaid woods (I guess if the fanned frets aren’t enough to make you stand out, then this will!) Another feature is the striking and clever 'pulse' motif inlaind in the fignerboard which also marks out the 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th frets - with more regular dots down the side too.

There's a slotted headstock too, nice quality tuners and fluorocarbon strings (with wound low G). You don't need different strings with it, a regular low G concert set will do when it comes to replacing them.

The tone is crisp and clear in the upper register, with very punchy high notes. Then, the low G adds rich bass, but not in an over-dominant way, thanks to the extra tension. It really works well, to give a well rounded and balanced sound, with plenty of volume, without any muddiness.

The Uma Pulse SC, which comes equipped with a nicely padded bag, is an innovative and unusual instrument, but not a novelty - there's a reason for the different format and it is very effective.

For a video demo of the Uma Pulse SC concert ukulele, click additional info below. You’ll also find a video explaining the concept of fan frets too.

For common accessories and customisations (like strap buttons / low G fitting) scroll down to the bottom of the page where you'll be able to add these common items to your basket.