This was a limited run of instruments, now sold out and discontinued.

The Uluru Sedera II concert ukulele is an exclusive model that I have designed with Uluru to my specifications. Having always been a fan of good quality solid cedar as a tonewood, I opted to pair this with a high grade solid African mahogany for a good balance between cedar's even brightness and a bit of added mahogany warmth. With cedar being a softer wood, the body has a gloss finish to protect it, while I have kept the neck with a satin finish so it is nice and smooth when moving up and down.

It is a bit of an international story. Uluru are a Taiwanese company that make their instruments by hand in Vietnam, in a workshop set up by an Australian luthier (hence the Uluru name). Together we've added some decorative, but classy touches. The binding around the body is ovangkol, which also binds the fingerboard, headstock and sits either side of the abalone soundhole decoration. The colour of this wood is a little darker than than the mahogany, but even so, just to highlight that difference, the binding and the sides are separated by delicate maple purfling. There's a rosewood heel cap and a rosewood veneer on the front and back of the headstock. That is inlaid with Uluru's logo in abalone on the front, and my own logo discretely etched on the back. The satin neck features a maple and ovangkol 'skunk stripe' down the back because... well, because my own Uluru (a Lehua IIICX) has that and I think it is pretty!

Each ukulele is set up here with an action between 2.5 and 2.75mm, making it straightforward to play, but not so low that those (like me) who fingerpick, will find their nails striking the ebony fingerboard as they play. The nut width is an average 35mm... (28mm G to A) a tricky choice, as everyone has their own preferences. I have always played 35mm and it suits me, and 'average' covers most people by definition, so that's what I went for here. The tuners on the slotted headstock are good quality chrome gears made by Der Jung. (I have used this set for 6 years at the time of writing with no issues - so no reason to change those!) The ebony bridge is smooth and compact, and houses a bone, compensated saddle. There are side dots on the neck to mark out the common positions, but not on the smooth ebony fingerboard itself. I think this looks good and might just train me not to crane my neck trying to see markers on the fretboard when the side dots should really be more than enough!

Before advertising the Uluru Sedera, I investigated string options, and tried several sets. In the end, my favourite choice was Ken Middleton's Living Water strings, so that's what I've gone for. (I had to like the ones that I can only buy at retail price didn't I!). These emphasise the natural chiming quality of the cedar top, give good balance and well-defined note separation. The tone has something for everyone, with some good richness in the mix, and some sparkling high notes. It is loud when strummed, with that chime I mentioned, but is equally if not more suited to chord melody because of that 'all-rounder' quality. As someone who predominantly picks, the clarity when employing this style is lovely too.

These are very well made ukuleles, hand-built and finished to a very high standard. There's some decoration to demonstrate their skills, but not so much that it overawes the eye. I think it looks great! I would have to say that as I picked out every aspect of how it looks myself!

Each individually serial numbered ukulele is part of a small run, which by the nature of the project (individual store, small production workshop) can never be made in large numbers. I can testify to the level of input and detail that Uluru allowed me to have - every possible factor has been discussed, the various options examined for pros and cons, and a decision made. Just to give you an idea, the initial plans were discussed in September 2019, and this description was written in August 2020! In some way, the Sedera doesn't make sense - the amount of time taken to bring it to fruition could probably have been better spent (from a financial point of view) advertising and selling ukuleles that are available from distributors in the UK. Not putting so much attention into a small run of instruments that tied up my cashflow for nearly a year! But, you know... I just like ukuleles and am passionate about making the best possible instruments available. I am delighted (and more than a little relieved) that this model lives up to amount of work taken to produce it.

This Uluru Sedera II concert ukulele is a ukulele for those who want something a little different, and beyond the intermediate level instruments. Bringing some high end sound without getting quite into the high end price bracket (though, I understand it isn’t inexpensive!). The up to £500 and over £1,000 price ranges are well stocked with excellent options, so I wanted the Sedera to sit in that part of the market between the two.

Initially these instruments included a bag, but due to a problem with the zips, I’m not including one. However, the discount should allow you to choose one if you wish.

For video demos of the Uluru Sedera II concert ukulele, click additional info below. There’s a quick sound sample there to get a feel for it, plus another video with a review and extensive demo.