Ukulele purists will probably poop their pants at the very mention of this eight-stringed tenor beast – it’s practically a guitar for God’s sake. The G and C strings are tuned in octave pairs, while the E and A are high pairs. This is one handsome mo-fo with a high gloss spruce top and ovangkol back and sides, though the brass slotted headstock and pearl tuning pegs look slightly naff, like a smooth talker in a shiny suit and Poundland aftershave. Those eight brazen strings deliver a rich, bright, layered sound which is almost lute-like in tone. And it’s loud too, for this bad boy eats sopranos and concerts for breakfast. Whether plucked or strummed, the notes ring out with neighbour-baiting volume and amazing clarity. Even the purists will admit it’s a joy to create such phat sounds on a humble uke.

Clara