This is a Peerless ukulele, a Japanese-made ukulele produced by Kiwaya - generally for their domestic market. I've managed to get this (I had to beg), as usually the small number produced, and the demand for them in Japan, means there's no need for Kiwaya to send them overseas. I am delighted to have this PUK-T, as it's a real stunner of a ukulele.

I am generally fairly happy with my product photos (aside from reflections, perhaps, now and then). I have a pro-level camera as I am a keen photographer outside of World of Ukes. But I can tell you now with this ukulele I have failed to do it justice. In the flesh it's even more lovely, I promise. The quilted maple top is completely stunning, it's ripples almost as if it's a moving, shifting desert. (OK, OK... I'm getting all flowery, let's move on to some facts before I start spouting poetry).

Moving on from that solid quilted maple top, the back and sides are made from solid Honduran rosewood, which is pretty in its own right, like a wood that belongs on the dashboard of an old Jaguar, with chocolate brown hues and wavy, curving grain. The PUK-T ukulele has Gotoh UPT tuners. What is the perfect pairing for a perfectly made Japanese ukulele? Perfectly designed and functional rear facing geared tuners of course!

The nut width is 36.5mm, which is paired with relatively slim neck profile. I am guessing Kiwaya expect these to go to stores that set them up as it arrived with a fairly high action. Let's just say that is now a super slick, low action after a spell on my workbench! It's supremely playable.

The tone is rich, warm and sweet. It seems to echo and reverberate, with each strum or note picked punching through deep tapestry of warmth woven into rounded lows. Ah... you see, I've succumbed to the flowery text after all. How about I just say, while not a powerhouse of volume, it is really, really, really nice.

This Peerless uke is supplied with a hard case, and is fitted with Fremont Blacklines. These seem to match the soft shimmer of the maple top to deliver a lovely, dark sound. They're not my own string of choice perhaps... but they seem to deliver in spades in combination with this Peerless tenor ukulele.

It takes a bit of confidence to call your top line of ukuleles 'peerless', but I don't think it is over-confidence. This is a brilliant bit of kit. It costs a lot, that's true and justifyingit is going to be hard to do. But then you look at it. And look at it again. And it calls out your name. And if your wallet could weep? It'd let out a little tear. It's a high end price, that's for sure, but it's one of a handful of ukuleles out there that delivers such a special tone.

At the bottom of the page there are a number of extras you can easily add to this uke, like a strap button or low G. You'll also find more things in the accessories section of the website. But remember there's already a hard case, so you're covered in that respect. You'll also find a video demo of this Peerless tenor if you click additional information, alongside a comparison with one of its stablemates.