This was a one-off instrument that has now sold.

This is a beautiful tenor ukulele made by Chris Perkins in Staffordshire, a really fine instrument that showcases how good instruments made in the UK can be, with this combination of fine quality materials, brilliant build-quality, well honed design and building expertise. There’s a lot to talk about with the materials and how it is put together, but it’s important to get out straight away that this tenor uke sounds wonderful, with harp-like qualities that really sing.

The top is made from solid cherry, and this has been paired with quite lovely flamed solid walnut. These are separated by ebano binding and the body is given a satin finish. If you’re not sure what ebano is, and it’s used for the fingerboard too, it’s an eco-friendly composite that feels like ebony. If I’d been told it was actually ebony, I doubt I’d have spotted the difference. On that fingerboard, there are delicate titanium aluminium position markers, which is a nice point of difference.

This Chris Perkins tenor ukulele is fitted with gold coloured Grover geared tuners on the simple, but elegant headstock, and it has clear fluorocarbon strings fitted. The bridge is made from 5,000 year old bog oak from the Lincolnshire fens, with walnut inlays. The mahogany neck has a 38mm nut width - a little wider than I’d personally say is my own optimum, but a) not at all hard to adapt to and b) it’s more and more common that people like this small amount of extra space. Adding to the ease of play is the comfort edge that’s fitted to the top.

There’s a lot of versatility in the sound, which has a dreamy, harp-like sound, which rings out really nicely when picked. Dig in and that sound punches out even more, more like a piano perhaps. Then dial it back for some gentle strumming which oozes with warmth, before giving it more power for a folky, clear tone. Lots to like. Lots of versatility. Lots of volume if you need it and subtle beauty if you want to play more gently.

Chris is a one-man operation and as such, these are rare instruments because he produces so few. Speaking to him before this tenor arrived, he described his design process, the bracing and the top thickness - going into detail about how the thinness of the top and lightness of the bracing allows to the sound to burst forth explosively. Certainly this is correct and it is a powerhouse, but I really enjoy the softness and sparkle when playing it gently too. It’s a lovely thing!

I will supply this instrument with a good quality hard case too.

For a video demo of this Chris Perkins tenor ukulele, click additional info below.