The aNueNue UT1K is a bit of a hidden gem. The Taiwanese company aNueNue are most well known for the spruce and rosewood UT200 Moon Bird model, which is universally loved. Yet this one is made to the same pattern, from Hawaiian koa (which is more expensive than spruce), and yet it’s not as pricey as that flagship model. In fact, for a Hawaiian koa ukulele in general it’s well priced, and for one as good as this it’s a bargain. And yes, I know a uke at £1,000+ being a bargain sounds a bit odd - but get something this good from Hawaii and it’ll be a good deal more expensive.

The UT1K has a solid koa body, as mentioned, with a spalted maple soundhole decoration. The fingerboard and bridge are rosewood, with that fingerboard being 36mm at the bone nut. There’s a koa faceplate on the slender headstock too, and a set of Gotoh geared tuners - which are rear facing, lightweight and well… excellent. It is fitted with aNueNue black water fluorocarbon strings which are highly thought of.

The UT1K has a lot of character in the sound, with some lovely sparkling trebles and a characteristic strenght in the the mids too, in common with many other Hawaiian koa ukes. It’s not lacking in depth either, and while it doesn’t have the extreme booming lows of the UT200 Moon Bird, the sound is crisper, sweeter and has a nice balance across the strings, which I find particularly impressive when fingerpicking.

Like other higher end aNueNue models, the UT1K is supplied with a classy looking blue hard case. For a selection of added extras, like strap buttons and low G fitting, scroll to the bottom of the page.