This is a lovely example of the work of UK luthier Dave Morgan, who has been making ukes under the DJ Morgan Ukuleles name since 2013, prior to a working life as a cabinet maker. It's fair to say that Dave knows a lot about wood and making things with it! And you can see how his ukulele making skill has benefited from that knowledge, with this very neat, tidy and attractively voiced concert uke.

It is made from solid Hawaiian koa and has a mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and bridge and corian nut and saddle. The nut is a slightly wider 37mm in width, larger than standard for a little extra space, without feeling cumbersome on a concert body. With a sprayed lacquer, semi-gloss, open pore finish, it has enough shine to bring out the koa grain, while still retaining a classic, understated look.

Dave has chosen Der Jung open geared tuners and has used white abalone for the fretboard markers as well as fitting side dots to both the left and right of the neck - meaning a conversion for a left hander is especially effective as the sides dots will be in place (while for a right hander, those extra side dots won't be noticed as they're pointing at your toes as you play).

Summing up the tone of this DJ Morgan concert uke is a complicated process as there's lots going on. But if you could sum it up in two words, those would be 'warm sparkle'. With clear fluorocarbon strings teasing more volume and projection from the solid koa, your melodies are crisp, while there's both a pleasing warmth that then comes to the fore, as well as some nice, traditional-sounding 'bark' going on. It feels easy to play and the sound is smooth, sweet and easy on the ear too.

When you consider this is handmade in the UK by an experienced, well-liked and respected ukulele maker, and it's made from solid koa (which brings its own expense), the price is definitely reasonable. Yes, it's an investment but it's great to support such a craftsman and in return, you get a stylish, great-sounding concert ukulele.

At the bottom of this page you'll find some easy to add on extras, like strap button fitting, and bags and cases (this DJ Morgan uke isn't supplied with one).

There’s a demo of this DJ Morgan concert ukulele (compared with another from the same maker), if you click additional info below.