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This is the Enya EUT-X1, a high pressure laminate tenor ukulele, with lots going for it in the looks department. However, I am in two minds about it a little. Yes, I like it and am happy to say so, but it is a ukulele that periodically is available direct from Amazon. It seems they use it as a loss leader or a promotion, as the price can be lower, certainly lower than mine. It might seem a bit odd to mention that, but a) I want to make it clear that I certainly don't make a great deal of profit on it at my price, and b) that I will set it up and inspect it so it's at its best.

From the box, this 38mm nut tenor ukulele had (and I'm speaking of the first one I had - you could get lucky) an action of 3.5mm at the 12th fret. I don't mind a higher action particularly, but that's with a decade of experience - I wouldn't want someone to have to play this if they were a beginner. This, and the fact I pay tax accounts for any potential difference in price!

This ukulele is made from high pressure laminate - if you recall the now discontinued Martin OXK model, it seems a very similar construction. If you've ever had a formica worktop in your kitchen, this is the same sort of material! Enya (and Amazon) describe it as a koa laminate - but I am certain it is a graphic, a photo of koa. Using a real koa veneer would add not a great deal, certainly in terms of tone, so this doesn't bother me, apart from the inaccuracy of descriptions elsewhere. It is exactly the same as the aforementioned Martin, which also used this technique.

In terms of specifcation, there's a Richlite fingerboard (smooth and hard-wearing), with the same material used for the bridge and fingerboard. The latter has radiused frets (very slightly curved), which can aid some in forming barre chords as it follows the curve of your fingers. There are two strap buttons and fluorocarbon strings. The strings aren't very high tension which makes fretting a little easier, but doesn't add a lot to the volume - something with a touch more tension could tease out more volume there, but they can't be faulted by me for playability.

On to the sound, which is very interesting. After what I've just said, it won't be a surprise that the volume is only average, but unless you're in a ukulele group and sit next to the banjolele section, this isn't a major issue! The X1 from Enya is certainly one that will spring to mind when customers ask me for a mellow sounding ukulele. This one is definitely warm, mellow, smooth and strong when strummed in particular. There's quite a lot going on, but it doesn't become muddy - and actually, you can pick out the trebles in a melody quite nicely.

It comes with a good gig bag, a capo, tuner, strap and cleaning cloth all in an Enya branded bag (think of a washbag, that's what it's like!). All in all it is an interesting ukulele, tough, durable and idea for travel. It is the right price, if you ask me. If you want to take an Amazon gamble, I think that's fair enough... but if you get it from me I'd be happier, of course!

The sound of the EUT-X1 may well divide opinion, based on this non-standard construction and materials. So, why not check out the Enya X1 Tenor ukulele video demo by clicking additional info below.