This is the Lion model from aNueNue, known as a LOUT (that’s what the box says), but best known at the UT Lion, on account of the lion motif inlaid into the ebony fingerboard. The wood is all solid, with cedar on the top and attractive Hawaiian koa on the back and sides. You’ll note, without me pointing it out, that the top is finished with an orange varnish, under a gloss finish that appears over the whole instrument (with the exception of the back of the neck).

The UT Lion has a gorgeous tone, with some pleasing softness from the cedar, with rich harmonics and beautiful overtones. There’s lots of volume and sustain, and picking teases forth plenty of punchy clarity too. Cedar is regarded as quite a well balanced tonewood, and certainly this tenor ukulele offers truth to this assumption - there’s something of everything, and for everyone in the tone. Rich, clear, deep, loud, punchy, sweet - if you can think of an positive adjective, it probably applies!

Although that ‘in your face’ orange grabs the visual headlines, there’s also attractive maple binding and details, and an asymmetric spalted maple soundhole decoration. It is fitted with great quality geared tuners either side of the sleek slotted headstock, and aNueNue’s own (very popular) black water fluorocarbon strings. The nut width is 37mm, and it is equipped with a great quality hard case (in orange, what else).

The UT Lion from aNueNue is a great testament to the forward thinking design of this company, who aren’t content to copy other popular models, but rather, they’re forging ahead on their own. Yes, it’s not for the traditionalist, but it sounds fabulous, and even a traditionalist couldn’t argue with that.

For a video demo of the aNueNue LO-UT Orange Lion tenor ukulele, click additional info below. (There’s also a video demo of this uke with a low G fitted, which you can add free to any ukulele ordered in the accessories section of the website)

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.