The Uluru Lehua IIICX with Mi-Si pickup is the exact model that I use myself. Made from all solid premium koa, with a gloss finish and a host of beautiful visual features, it looks luxurious - but crucially, sounds beautiful too. I have tried hundreds of models of ukulele, and this is the one I own myself, which must say something about it! For one, I like it!

Click additional info below for a video demonstration of the Uluru Lehua IIICX tenor ukulele.

I have recreated the exact set-up of my own uke with these models, including the active Mi-Si pickup, which I rate exceptionally highly. I've played live using this in some big venues and the quality it delivers is superb. On one occasion in Austria, with a phenomenal sound system, I did my soundcheck and when asked by the engineer what I thought. I replied 'well, it sounded fantastic, but who was playing!?' - it can cope in any situation, to the point where I couldn't believe it was me playing, it was so good!

The Mi-Si is an active pickup, but is battery-free, as it has a supercapacitor. It is provided with a mains adaptor, which gives twelve hours active play with just a minute's charge. I had a customer tell me they'd used theirs for sixteen hours before it ran out of charge, but given it is just a minute to charge - I've just topped it up from time to time.

The nut is 35mm, which is paired with a fairly shallow neck profile and generous string spacing. Factor in the Clear Water strings I've fitted (which don't have very high tension), and it is extremely playable. In some ways I suppose having earned my spurs as a ukulele player with this uke - I have adapted and got used to it until it feels like an extension of my own body - but the fact I have large hands and can manage it really well counts for something.

The koa used is really gorgeous, and glows with an almost 3D effect under the gloss. There's abalone around the Lehua IIICX's body too, as well as a soundhole rosette of the same material. While these look great, the most amazing feature is the comfort edge, which is chamfered in a smooth curve. A comfort edge is, as suggested, very comfortable - but isn't an essential feature. That said... if you're going to go for comfort - they don't come better looking than this! It is made from red padauk, which also binds the body and the fingerboard.

The ebony fingerboard is smooth and hardwearing. I know this as, at the time of writing, mine is in perfect condition after five years of daily playing. Access to the upper frets is eased by a cutaway, which has the same chamfered edge to it. I can't say I've ever felt I've needed the 'comfort cutaway edge', but it is good to know, were I to engage in a two-hour shredding solo on the 14th-20th frets, I can do so in luxury!

Either side of a well fashioned slotted headstock are good quality chrome geared tuners. Again, I can vouch for the reliability of these as mine are smooth and functional still. Once, I had to tighten the screw that holds the button on - but that's not a bad return in terms of maintenance in five years!

I love the melodic, harmonically rich nature of the sound. There's great note separation and a really sparkling quality to the sound. It is crisp and well-defined in the trebles, with good projection (ideal for solos and fingerpicking work). Strummed and there's a nice, driving warmth coming through. Strum with the pad of the thumb and The Uluru Lehua IIICX delivers a gorgeous, mellow richness.

The ukulele is provided with a very good quality rectangular hard case. This is heavy duty and quite large (well... it is rectangular so it naturally bigger), and has a really good sized accessory compartment. You can get a ukulele clamp in there, which I have found handy.

When you get to this level of ukulele price range, I have heard people say, 'for that money, I'd buy a handmade one'. This is all handmade. Uluru's parent company, Ayers Guitars, make these by hand, with no CNC machines used.

What I like about this uke is that it has grown as I've grown. As my skill levels have increased it has handled what I can do with ease. I've never once thought 'I need something better'. OK, since I got mine I've tried more expensive ukuleles that arguably are better in one way or another (though ALWAYS more expensive if I've thought that), but I've never once felt tempted to change. It's my ukulele. It's my favourite. And now it can be yours.

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.