This is a handmade tenor ukulele from the Republic of Korea. And just to be clear, that’s the official name for what we’d call South Korea. This instrument has been made by the company’s head luthier, from Tasmanian blackwood, which gives a very pleasing, mellow, full sound. Fitted with Worth Clear strings with a low G, this tenor uke delivers plenty of richness, with a lustrous chime.

It is fitted with very good quality Grover geared tuners on a very interesting looking headstock. The brand name ‘Locomango’ probably sounds better in Korean… but it doesn’t appear on this smart ebony faced headstock, whcih I think makes it look extra sleek, so I am glad about that! Around the body there is hardwood binding, and a simple, classy maple soundhole decoration is also in place.

With that headstock shape, it would struggle to fit in some hard cases (including my regular ones), but not to worry as it comes with a very good quality padded gig case, a rectangular one with two backpack straps and plenty of protection.

Where did I find these? Well… it might not be your ideal Sunday, but I like to trawl the internet, translating Korean and Japanese ukulele forums to find out what people there are saying good things about! So, this is the result into one of my exploratory forays into Far Eastern digital ukulele communities!

The build quality is very good, witha nice thin top which adds resonance, and the balance feels good too - despite that slightly enlarged headstock. The nut width is a standard 35mm and the neck profile is quite average, so it feels unchallenging. It arrived with a 3mm action at the 12th which isn’t bad, but I’ve lowered this… When trying a new brand for the first time you never know how they’ll respond to lowering the action but no problems with this model!

It won’t fit one of my hard cases but there are other extras you might consider at the bottom of this page, like strap buttons or a strap. It comes with a low G fitted and has a lovely gig bag already.

For a video demo of the Locomango custom blackwood tenor ukulele, click additional info below.