This is the 5-string version of the signature series made by Enya in conjunction with Hawaiian virtuoso Taimane Gardner. It is a tenor ukulele with 5 strings (who knew, a 5-string with 5 strings, how novel!) However, this one is unusual as it uses two low G’s, as Taimane uses herself in her performances. It’s a well made, all solid mahogany ukulele, with Enya’s AcousticPlus system - which gives you effects that can be used either with or without an amplifier.

I’ll tell you something now though… you’ll not be able to play this like Taimane (unless you’re reading this Taimane, in which case, you definitely can). In fact, the comparison between her and me is so stark that I’m not going to attempt to make a demo video. But if you click additional info before, you can hear Enya’s video of Taimane playing one of these ukes, so you can hear what it would sound like if you were her!

The double low G really gives a lot of bottom end - while the C, E and A (D’addario) strings give a decent account of themselves in competition with all that bass. They do give a good burst of initial projection which marries up well - and while they don’t have the longest sustain, if you’re playing rapidly like Taimane then it’s not an issue. And the thin body seems to accentuate that bright burst of volume too - with the all solid mahogany body not delivering an overly warm tone that might leave it without any definition and crispness.

The EUT-Moon Taimane signature 5-string comes with a gig bag and strap, both with matching Polynesian patterns, geared tuners and two strap buttons. The pickup, as mentioned, allows you to use onboard effects (chorus, reverb and delay) while plugged in, but also, impressively, without an amp too.

This instrument has a 38mm nut and, as someone who prefers 35mm, I did find I really felt that width. In fact, this instrument is not for me! Some are fine with them, but other people (like me) find pairs of strings a little trickier to play. Some love them, but the D’addario string have quite a chunky feel which make my fingers seem a bit cumbersome. And then there’s that wide neck which, while I’m fine with it on other instruments, with the 5 strings and the D’addarios as well it’s too many things that aren’t my personal preference in one go! There… if ever you wondered if my website descriptions were all sales talk and marketing hype, hopefully this tells you I’m honest.

But… the thing is, this isn’t for me but could well be for you. It’s well made, it’s been well reviewed and on Got A Ukulele it scored 9.2 out of 10. It’s perfectly possible to put a high G in place of one of the low G’s (like a regular 5 string would have). It’s perfectly possible to change the strings to fluorocarbons if like me you prefer a thinner, smoother string. And you might just be a massive Taimane fan, which is fine too. In fact, I once spent a week in the back of a van with Taimane (on a tour) and I’m a big fan too. I’ve no problem selling this instrument… it’s a good one. But as all I’ve got to go on is my own tastes, I suppose I have to be honest with those tastes too.