Description
SOLD
From Martin –
“Martin has built the world’s finest ukuleles since 1916, and tenor ukes since 1929 that have long been prized for their full-bodied voice and great volume. The T1K Koa Tenor Ukulele features top, back and sides crafted of solid Hawaiian koa, a wood native to Hawaii and a favorite of island players. Entire body is finished in high quality satin lacquer, and features an applied dovetail neck joint. The T1K Koa Tenor Ukulele is a beautiful example of why Martin is still the name in superior quality ukuleles.”
Features –
Full tenor ukulele sound
Solid Hawaiian koa back, sides and top
Dovetail neck joint
Select hardwood neck with solid morado fingerboard
17″ scale length with 20 frets
White Tusq nut and saddle
Satin finish
The T1K is a couple of steps up from the entry level models in the Martin Ukulele range. It has a sharp price point because it is not made in the USA, but takes advantage of cheaper labour in Mexico … at a facility that is just over the border and run by Martin directly.
This is a standard shaped Tenor with a wider lower bout. The wood is a light coloured Koa. For this money don’t expect any curl or flame in the wood, but this one is still attractive.
The top is book matched as is the back, and the grain is nicely straight on the sides. The finish is a hand rubbed satin (possibly an oil finish) which means the Koa doesn’t exactly shimmer but it does show some colour change when looked at from different angles.
The construction is flawless (not a mark on it) and it feels very smooth and tactile, particularly around the edges where the top and back meet the sides. The shape feels good and it is extremely light. The back it is slightly curved to help sound projection.
The Morado bridge is a simple tie bridge with a very low profile, finished with a compensated saddle made of Tusq (bone substitute).
The kerfling inside is nicely applied and notched, with no glue spots, and the bracing looks fairly standard and also nicely finished.
The one piece is also satin finished, with 20 nickel frets (14 to the body) set in to a Morado fingerboard which has a delightful stripe in it. The tuners are the excellent open geared Grover models finished with cream plastic buttons not metal.
This uke is comfortable, light and nicely balanced, with an easy action and no fret buzz.
And it is LOUD – an extremely bright and powerfully sound. That volume does not come at the expense of a muddy sound however and the strings are crystal clear and evenly matched.
This T1 K has been used onstage professionally and it has an after market pickup installed. We cannot identify the brand, but it sounds mighty good.
This uke is in excellent, pretty much as-new condition. There are no dings, dents, marks or evidence of wear anywhere.
It’s a high quality instrument with a great sounding pickup in virtually new condition, at a rather better than new price.
Comes in its quality padded Martin gig bag, made by TKL, in new condition
