This is one of those ukes that just makes me smile. This LoPrinzi 16 inch scale tenor ukulele sounds so even and well balanced, in every way. The sound has a bit of everything. It's incredibly clear when picked, with a beautiful chime when strummed. And while it is bright and full of clarity, it isn’t at all thin, with plenty of body. It’s hard to describe in words, but there’s a ‘drive’, a strength in the mids that complements the singing trebles so well.

I’ve jumped straight in there with the sound of this uke, but I’ll recap with what this ukulele is, and who made it. It has a tenor sized body, delivering a ‘tenor sized’ amount of volume and tone, but with a 16 inch scale, which is about an inch shorter than a regular tenor, and an inch longer than a concert. Why? Well, why not! As a tenor player myself this isn’t small enough to unfamiliar, and I doubt concert players would find it overly large either.

The LoPrinzi Model A is handmade in the USA, in Clearwater, Florida, by Donna LoPrinzi. She moved into the family business at an early age, learning from her father Augustino, who was a long-time maker of guitars and ukes. She clearly knows her craft as this instrument sings and sings. And yet, for a luthier made instrument, they are extremely competitive in terms of price.

The Model A LoPrinzi ukulele is made from all solid maple, which has some nice ripple and pattern in the body. This is adorned with an abalone soundhole decoration, and a petite rosewood bridge. LoPrinzi’s own (very good) clear fluorocarbon strings are fitted, and this uke has good quality Grover friction pegs, which are very effective.

There’s isn’t a bag or case included, but if choosing one, a tenor is the best size given the body shape is very ‘tenoresque’. You can find bags and cases and common add ons at the bottom of this page.

As these instruments are made by one luthier, there’s not too many about. This is good opportunity to purchase a uke made entirely by a very talented woman, who knows how to make wood really sing.

For a video demo of this LoPrinzi Model A short scale tenor ukulele, click additional info below.