Since Millar burst onto the ukulele scene in the UK with their excellent value, extremely high quality instruments, there have been comments from customers who prefer a wider, 38mm neck, wistfully reflecting that they wish the small Taiwanese workshop produced a tenor uke with that neck width. With that in mind, I put together the Millar Taroko.

Before I go on, let me just say that I put it together on paper, I didn’t make it. Anyone who saw the tent peg it took me three terms to make in woodwork in school will be relieved to know! However, I asked to the specification, having always been a fan of the nice, balanced sound you get with a cedar top. It’s become something of a theme in my 12 years (as at 2022) as a ukulele specialist, with custom and exclusive models I’ve designed/specified like the Omega Zedro, Eden Origin, aNueNue Light Bird, World of Ukes Zedro and Uluru Sedera ALL having cedar tops. Yep, I like cedar!

In this case, the biscuit brown cedar looks great under the gloss, highlighted as it is by bright abalone inlays. I know abalone is usually bright but this is the good stuff which really catches the light! I know there are people who aren’t keen on abalone as they think it adds a lot to the cost - but you’d be surprised at how little it costs - so adding a bit of sparkle seemed like a justifiable indulgence!

I also like mahogany, and find it ideal for the back and sides of a ukulele, given it’s not as expensive as, say, rosewood, so can make the overall uke more reasonably priced than other materials. And it’s on the back so there’s not so much emphasis on needing it to look great - though I have to say that Millar have chosen some very nice mahogany for the Taroko.

Just a note on the name - Taroko is the name of National Park in Taiwan, where this model is made. I always like a ‘name’ for uke - rather than a confusing series of letters, and find they stick in my mind much better. A previous model I designed, the World of Ukes Pioneer, now has competition in the naming stakes from the Flight Pioneer, so I figured using a name that connects the instrument to the location it was crafted would be fitting… and not a name likely to be used by anyone else!

All of my previous exclusive models have been made to fit me - a committed member of the 35mm/36mm nut width club - but this one was put together specifically for those with larger hands who want a wider, palm filling neck. As well as the width, the rounded neck profile is on the larger size, which will suit, in the main, larger hands.

The Millar Taroko tenor ukulele is fitted with Der Jung’s aged bronze look geared tuners (which look great and work really well too), and Worth Browns fitted. I’m not sure if I just like the models, or the strings, but I’ve always enjoyed the Millar models that use these strings the most, so saw no reason to change things here. I am also a fan of their great looking slotted headstock so opted for that as well.

I’ve already mentioned the balance across the strings this uke delivers, with that evenness being a key feature - without the C string dominating the mix as can be the case. I often play with an open C, using it as a drone, and I can do that with this one and still hear fretted noted clearly on the E and A string, while that C string rings out. Onto ‘ringing out’, and yes, there’s really good sustain too. It’s a good all rounder - with good volume for chords, and a sparkling clarity when picked. Play some chord melody all it feels tight and controlled (precise might be a better word). It’s versatile and effective and very pretty, to the eyes and the ears, in my eyes! (There’s a sentence that needs some thinking through!).

For a video demo of the Millar Taroko tenor ukulele, click additional info below.

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.