When first trying this Millar JA-260GB jumbo tenor ukulele, as I played it the words ‘mellow’ and ‘smooth’ constantly entered my mind. The ‘jumbo’ nature is the larger than normal body on a tenor scale instrument - with a wider than normal upper and lower bout. This gives it a really pleasing shape, which combined with a superb grade of solid acacia, makes for a really handsome instrument.

Around the edge of the JA-260GB is some purple heart binding, which matches nicely with the acacia on the body, and abalone purfling, accented with delicate black and white inlay. There’s a lot of abalone on show, but the larger body and the striking grain of the wood means it isn’t overbearing. The thought that has gone into the design continues with the darkly stained acacia headstock cap on the slotted headstock, which makes the Millar logo inlay stand out nicely. The headstock is quite large but with the bigger body on this uke, that makes it balance out nicely and feel comfortable in the hands.

The tuners are robust, smooth-turning and geared, finished in a gun metal colour with a hint of copper colour - different and yet they work well with the overall look. The uke is fitted with D’addario EJ87T strings, very smooth feeling monofilament strings which give a nice accent to the trebles without detracting from the overall mellow tone. The fingerboard and bridge are rosewood, while buffalo bone is used for the saddle and 35mm bone nut. Some may prefer a wider nut, but as someone who is 6 foot 2 with fairly large hands - who plays a 35mm nut-width tenor myself, it is comfortable and familiar.

There’s definitely a harp-like feel to the sound, a shimmer and an ebb and flow of silky smoothness. You can get a decent bit of volume if you crank it up, and yet when you play with more subtlety, the shimmering nature of the sound shines as prettily as the perfect gloss finish.

The first customer to receive one of these said the following - “Matt, the Millar got here today, the pictures did not do it justice, what a beauty!!! Sounds good too. This should be a great seller for you. Use my recommendation if you like from a collector with over 65 ukes.”

For a video demo of this JA-260GB from Millar, click additional info below. You’ll also find a low G ukulele demo there, using this model.

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.