With this Uma Pulse KC concert ukulele the first thing to address is the strange frets - which are angled, or 'fanned'. There's a reason to this, as the Uma Pulse is designed to work best with a low G (which is it supplied with). The strings are different scales, which gives more tension to the lower notes, allowing them to ring out more truly and for longer (so no more baggy, overly vibrating low G's).

Playability would naturally be a concern too - after all, if you play ukulele already you don't want to have to re-learn your technique, but again, no issues (although I was surprised how easy it was to adapt). Although the fingerboard looks unusual, the angles aren't that great and honestly, you just pick it up and play normally - it doesn't even feel weird! And in fact, the angles allow, in theory (and for me) easier barre chords too.

The Uma Pulse KC has an all solid acacia body (the 'K' in the name stands for 'koa', but that's Asian koa, or simply acacia - no need to beat about the bush with marketing talk here, there's nothing wrong with acacia!) It has dark hardwood binding and a nice contrasting maple soundhole decoration, together with a striking and clever 'pulse' motif inlaind in the fignerboard which also marks out the 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th frets - with more regular dots down the side too.

There's a slotted headstock too, nice quality tuners and fluorocarbon strings (with wound low G). You don't need different strings with it, a regular low G concert set will do when it comes to replacing them.

The tone is crisp and clear in the upper register, with the low G adding rich bass, but not in an over-dominant way, thanks to the extra tension. It really works well, to give a well rounded and balanced sound, with plenty of volume, without any muddiness.

The Uma Pulse KC, which comes equipped with a nicely padded bag, is an innovative and unusual instrument, but not a novelty - there's a reason for the different format and it is very effective.

For a video demo of the Uma Pulse KC concert uke, click additional info below. You’ll also find a video explaining the concept of fan frets too.

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.