This is the KLOS Hybrid tenor ukulele, an acoustic tenor uke with a carbon fibre body and a hardwood neck (the neck strengthened with carbon fibre rods). It's a different looking uke, that's for sure, but while it looks sleek and modern, it's the sound and playability that elevate this model even further.

The body of this one is a carbon fibre composite - as opposed to the more expensive full carbon models... but boy, does it sound good. I always think something could be made of cheese for all I care as long as it sounds good. Plus, I like cheese. But, the composite body is stiff, strong and not overly heavy, and the sound it produces is bold, clear, loud and full.

To be honest, the KLOS brand exists primarily for the US market, with lots of customers there living in areas where there's long dry spells, low humidity and extreme cold. Concerns about wood in these conditions prompts lots of debate about how best to care for instruments and making a carbon fibre uke makes a lot of sense there. Here, in the damp United Kingdom, that concern is far, far less... so you have to look at it as an instrument in its own right. Does it look good? Yes. Does it sound great. Certainly. It is exceptionally nice to play? Definitely. Do you need to a carbon fibre instrument because your town in Somerset, Lincolnshire or Argyll is in the desert? Well, no. But perhaps the first three questions are more important!

The KLOS Hybrid tenor ukulele comes with a branded gig bag, fluorocarbon strings (mine do anyway, as opposed to nylon as advertised on the KLOS website). It has geared tuners and a mahogany neck, and a hardwood fingerboard. The nut width is 35mm, and it is set up really well, with an easy action. KLOS use a PLEK machine to check and level frets - a hi-tech system that results in playing perfection (that's me saying that, not the PLEK machine people!)

Just one little note on the price. It looks cheaper on the KLOS website but you’ll be charged VAT and import duty when it arrives in the UK, so it works out better to get it from me (honest!).

For a video demo of the KLOS hybrid tenor ukulele, click additional info below.

KLOS install two strap buttons as standard. For other accessories like straps or a hard case, some common options are available at the bottom of this page.