It's difficult to know what to say with the Uma UK-30ST Evo tenor ukulele. On the one hand, I want to go on about how good it is... how it's excellent value, how it shimmers and shines and plays like a dream. On the other hand, I almost don't want to go on about how good it is too much in case it sounds like I'm going overboard in a 'sales pitch'.

Ukuleles like this, from Taiwanese firm Uma, show how some companies are pushing the boundaries and trying to improve - and hitting great heights while doing it. A ukulele of this quality ten years ago would have cost twice as much, if not more. For such a playable ukulele (it's fantastic to play, needing only the lightest touch), with all solid (and very pretty) acacia, it's excellent value. And that doesn't even get into the tone.

The Uma UK-30ST sounds much livelier than many solid acacia instruments, which can sound mellow and almost muted. This one sings nicely, with powerful highs and lovely sustain, with a chiming quality that fills out with that mellow signature acacia warmth after that initial pop of well-projected trebles.

There's a nice maple soundhole decoration, a slotted headstock and fluorocarbon strings, with good quality tuners and a really nice padded gig bag too. The nut width is a wider 38mm, but that’s paired with a neck profile that’s not too thick, so I find it comfortable even though I usually play 35/36mm.

So, you'll just have to take my word for it - yes, I want to sell these... that's what I do. But I want you to buy it as much for you as for me - you'll not be disappointed!

For a quick video demo of the UK-30ST, click additional info below.

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.