The distinctive Tiny Tenor body shape might be more familiar to people these days, as these instruments have been around for some years. But, still, the body shape is unusual, allowing you to get a tenor scale instrument with a smaller body that’s more akin to a concert. But that’s not the most striking thing about the ‘Ekolu, which means ‘Three’ in Hawaiian. The fact it has three strings is definitely the most unique thing about it. The theory here is that it is easier to play three strings than four.

This instrument does sound nice, with a pleasant clarity, good sustain and a fairly rich tone – but there’s no escaping from the fact that without a G string (it has just C, E and A), it sounds thinner than a regular ukulele. Making a uke with three strings inevitably leaves it sounding three quarters as good as the same uke would with four strings, after all. That said, the tone is does have is sweet and pleasant. 

This model is made from all solid phoenix wood. That’s something I had to look up! It is also known as Paulownia, a wood that has traditionally been used in Japan, Korea and China for the manufacture of stringed instruments like the koto and guzheng. It certainly looks pretty enough. The strings are Romero fluorocarbons, the tuners are brilliant Gotoh UPT’s and it has an excellent gig bag.

Being used to a four stringed instrument it took a few moments to get to grips with the ‘Ekolu and resist the temptation to put a finger down when playing chords that would normally use the G string. However, it didn’t take long at all to start to realise how easy it is to play, especially when exploring the dusty end. Even the E chord is straightforward with this!

Three stringed instruments aren’t uncommon, and there have been ukuleles with this format before – but to my knowledge it’s the first from a major brand. It’s a well-made instrument that’s got great specification and a price tag to match. The lack of a G string means it has to have some limitations tonally too. The fact that it’s easier to play means it could well benefit people with hand issues, or co-ordination problems - as well as making it easier for anyone, to play! It is a lot of money perhaps, but then if it works for someone who currently struggles with four strings, why shouldn’t they have a nicely made ukulele?

There are some easy to add options below, but some aren’t appropriate. For example, it comes with a brilliant gig bag AND is an odd shape, ruling out both the hard case and gig bag options. You also can’t add a low G as… well… there’s no low G! Strap buttons and straps are there too, so they are valid extras you could get!