Got A Ukulele Reviews - Martin TKE UKE Tenor Ukulele

[@ROCKINGMAN]

That's a very nice instrument, in many ways. Have liked Martin products for many years, their history, guitars and ukuleles. A very nice review bringing out the positive points. I would certainly like this, beautiful finish, sound etc., I can hear the quality of the tones. Excellent.

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed!

[@richbow42cdo]

Great review of a great uke! I think the price is fair enough. And given a lot higher proportion of people in Mexico play guitars and ukulele than in Europe, USA or China, id be thrilled to know its made by someone who can actually play and love instruments. I recently got a fender telecaster made in Mexico over the USA or Japan versions specifically because of this. Dont be shy with the not a ukulele reviews! Thanks again. 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed - Mex stuff easily matches USA stuff these days and has for come time. A US Martin in this Spec would cost you $2000 or so.. I'll take this price!

[@tracythorleifson]

My first uke was a 1930s vintage solid mahogany Martin S1, gifted to me by my stepdad. The binding is tortoise shell, but the rosette is almost identical to this instrument. It’s 90 years old and still sounds marvelous. Yes, Martins are a bit pricey, but the value for the money is real. If you want an instrument that will last your entire life and then some, you can’t go wrong with a Martin.

[@GotAUkulele]

Very nice!

[@SURFNRZ]

Great review Barry!! I never understood the Martin hate

[@GotAUkulele]

Nor me! Never seen a bad one!

[@LairdDavidson]

Don't know if people hate Martin, they've made some of the best factory acoustic guitars in the world, but a lot of us are disappointed with many of their recent offerings in the guitar world. They charge top dollar for guitars made of HPL (basically Formica) with Richlite (some kind of propriety paper and resin glue mixture) fingerboards for example and non specified "select hardwood" (whatever they have to hand). I guess because we like Martin we want better from them. A bit off topic I guess seeing as this is a review of a Martin uke.

[@keithgardner5818]

On the other hand, I have a guy at a shop near me who's always telling me, just get a Martin. He deals mostly in used instruments and had a well-priced Style O from I guess the 50s a few months ago, it was a sweet instrument. It's just that there is sooo much competition in that 500-800-1000 bracket, it's really a challenge. And it's not like the cheaper ones where you can just buy it and try it; this is a bit more of a commitment. Still, Barry, your reviews do help a hell of a lot in this regard. I honestly don't know if I would buy a ukulele that you hadn't reviewed favorably. So... keep 'em coming!

[@GotAUkulele]

@@keithgardner5818 Thanks Keith!

[@danielcrescenzo354]

I had a T1K, sold it, and regretted it as well. Best solid Koa ukulele for the money.

[@GotAUkulele]

Me too - this is a very worthy upgrade

[@danielcrescenzo354]

@@GotAUkulele Definitely nice. I already bought the Koaloha tho :) Twice the price and almost twice as nice, really veering into diminishing return land.

[@stephenilett4043]

Thanks for the review. I would definitely consider this model (if it were in my price range). It is quite an understated design, which I like, but the gloss makes it more appealing, whilst still understated. It sound lovely. There is a lot of competition though at this price level, but some of us appreciate a simple design which is well made (reminds me of a Kiwaya you did in Jan 2022). PS I love the tshirt.

[@GotAUkulele]

Totally agree

[@mikek4708]

Thanks Baz, been working away for a while and so glad to catch up. Really like the looks and tone. Definitely agree that the childish, easy damaged, headstock signage. Should be classy at this price, and last the lifetime of the uke. Other than, that I do like it.

[@GotAUkulele]

I think it's lovely!

[@raymondstebbins5904]

Everyone needs a martin(I prefer vintage) in their collection one of the ukes that pioneered the ukulele as we know it🏝️💪

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed

[@edwardpetersen4309]

I don't think the price is out of line. It's truly a lifetime . . . and beyond instrument and on par with gloss solid Koa ukes from the Far East. And Misi pickups are expensive ($160 from MIM). Martin's Mexico workers build to the same standards as the Pennsylvania folks. The heels on Martins are especially elegant and delicate. Lovely Ukulele! One caveat; I like graph tech tuners. They do look like plastic door knobs, but are light and have the best feel of any tuner I've come across. I put them on a couple of my ukes and they seem sturdy. I don't know what people are doing to make them snap. Maybe I'll find out.

[@GotAUkulele]

I've had two break on me - did nothing unusual - just snapped in the case. They are not fit for purpose.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Great review as usual! I'll keep my T1K for now as this one has got real expensive as you pointed out...if I start gigging out though I'd definitely get it for that pickup.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - nice improvements all round. And I still love the T1K

[@IanRoberts-sz8nx]

Another excellent in depth review Baz. I actually really really like this one. I don’t care one iota where it’s made either. It’s a lovely looking, well appointed, great sounding uke. Would I buy one? Absolutely not. Purely because of the pick up system. I neither want or need one and so have no intention paying for one. But, if it was available without that pick up at say £150 - £200 less pricewise, I’d definitely be interested. Cheers!

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair enough!

[@daveflatters4981]

I agree about the headstock logo. At that price it could and should be inlayed something or other. It may the angle of the lighting, but there appears to be a gap in the side joint at the strap button end !!! But overall I think it’s worth the money.

[@GotAUkulele]

No gap but all Martins are dovetailed rather than glued so usual to see a slightly different join here

[@johnchastain7890]

Do want! Beautiful and wonderful, rich sound.

[@jimb1138]

Nice review, Baz. You should keep this one! Treat yourself, Christmas is coming after all. 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Have to move them on and put money back into the site!

[@markattardo]

Very nice uke! Great review.👍👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad you like it!

[@patrickkerns2022]

great video you know they also have a new ox tenor new for 2024 i hope you will review it to i know you reviewed the soprano and concer but might as well do all 3 lol i hope thanks alot for all you do for the little jumping flea god bless you

[@GotAUkulele]

Trying to get hold of one!

[@richardsnow7299]

Ticks all the boxes Barry. Thanks for sharing. Its gloomy East of England too.

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@andynew2]

Great sound! The old adage of you get what you pay for certainly applies here.

[@GotAUkulele]

Very true!

[@rgarciaukes]

To me the TKE sounds very bright, but a little thin. I changed the strings to Fremont Blacklines and now it sounds great. I’m very happy the uke. It’s very beautiful and well made. I do agree with the headstock logo. I wish they would’ve done something nicer. Mine looks pretty similar to yours. Sweetwater actually photographs and lists several serial numbers to pick from for this uke. I noticed they have lighter wood tones available. I wish I would’ve have known this before I bought mine. Oh well, it’s still a nice uke!

[@GotAUkulele]

Certainly would experiment with strings too if this was mine

[@netgoldie]

Martin are fantastic value. They really know what they’re doing.

[@GotAUkulele]

I agree!

[@OlaOla-so3il]

Awesome review Braz! Any plans for doing review on uBass too? :D

[@GotAUkulele]

Unlikely - did a couple in the past, but honestly - I don't like them in the slightest!

[@connorholm6463]

Thanks for the review! How would you rate this compared other the Kanile's K1 Tenor or the Kala Elite Tenor? I'm in the market for a nice solid wood tenor under $1,000 (preferably closer to $500) that won't have me wanting to upgrade anytime soon. I'm definitely a bit overwhelmed by all the options! Though, this Martin does seem really nice!

[@GotAUkulele]

Have a policy of not doing comparisons - too subjective - they are all great instruments!!

[@connorholm6463]

@ totally fair! I’m just stuck between all the seemingly great options out there! It’s overwhelming!

[@marj1585]

I ❤ Martins, in fact, I bought one of the formica ones just to own one! However, like anything, I'm sure you must pay a premium for the name. Yes, Kiwaya and Tkitki are almost perfect copies, but who outside of Uke-nerdsville has heard of them? The gloss finish on this is mouthwatering...

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep!

[@michaelprenez-isbell8672]

great review. I have Martin 2k Tenor, have you ever reviewed that? It's a fine, fine instrument. Made in America :-)

[@GotAUkulele]

Sadly not!

[@sadie771]

Informative review as always! I had a Martin T1K I sold last last year. It sounded fine but I didn’t like the finish on it and I was having issues with sharp ends on the frets. This TKE is very pretty, I think the gloss finish is a definite improvement.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks for sharing!

[@petergeen2198]

My T1k came with sharp edges on the frets as well, the sinker on the other hand is perfect, so much so I’d buy another on if I could get my hands on one.

[@SimonPhelps-i1r]

The pickups are quite expensive and it's beautiful made I'm poor so could never afford one but if I could I'd buy one tomorrow brilliant review excellent as always

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@joephillips4082]

I'm a happy owner of several Mexico-built Martin ukes. I enjoy them, and I believe they are good value for the money. I did note the price of this one on the U.S. website recently and wondered about it, The other all-Koa Mexican Martins are still $499, regardless of size. Now I know what you're getting with this one. Sweet. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@GotAUkulele]

Certainly more money, but can see where it has gone!

[@dominicalexander2419]

I think it’s still very good value for money when compared to the competition. I have a suggestion for upgrading the ‘greeting card’ style logo on the headstock. Glitter!

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes - I was in two minds on the price - but I can see where the money is

[@riverw.1886]

try a mitchell! another controversial brand but i’ve played a lot of brands and think they are beautifully made.

[@GotAUkulele]

Never see them in the UK

[@JohnT4x4Adventures]

I’m digging that AC/DC inspired t shirt. Where does a guy get one??

[@GotAUkulele]

See link in video description - Company called Uke Tees

[@rnorburyuk]

Have you got the nut width right. I think it's 34 not 37.

[@JonHancockUK]

I can only guess that when Martin returned to full ukulele production someone accidentally ordered 1,000 times more headstock stickers than they meant to, and they're still using them up. Such an unnecessary look of cheapness added to some very, very nice instruments. Glad my "bamboo" soprano has the logo in flat black.

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed!

[@petehowlett3966]

Bit of a nit pick Baz - it's 'figure' not 'grain'.As an 'influencer' you could change this misuse of the completely wrong description of this feature :) Gr8 review as usual. FYI hardware and raw materials have doubled in price in as many years. It's why things cost what they do. And let's face it, everything has gone up in price. I think it has great value for money written all over it!

[@GotAUkulele]

Surely 'figure' is just the term for the pattern the 'grain' makes - so largely one and the same thing. Or the term 'grain pattern' would mean the same as 'figure'

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Pretty instrument, I could do without the pickup and bit lower price . . .

[@GotAUkulele]

I could, but as pickups go - this is a cracker!

[@brent__earl]

I think if the body is gloss then so should the front of the headstock, even thought back of the neck is satin - just looks weird. That also would've fixed the stick on letters issue on the logo. I went over to Sweetwater's website in the US (can't find anyone else who sells it) and the 3 that are there (they have pictures of each model) and they're using the worst, cheapest looking koa you can get. Makes sense for "solid koa" at that price point. Oooh I can already feel the hate comments coming. I'm not hating on Martin just this model

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair enough!

[@pixpusher]

The price seems right. That pickup costs over $200+ retail USD by itself. That sticker is awful though. LOL

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed

[@MariUSukulele]

yo!

[@artofhookie]

My experience with Martin is so bad I will never consider one again. Sure it was made in Mexico but had a clear manufacturing defect. Nether the shop I purchased it from nor Martin would do anything. Martin has the worst customer service on earth. I gave up after chasing them for 6 months. NEVER AGAIN. Now I purchase exclusively from Andrew at The Ukulele Site. He stands behind every single uke he sells. His integrity and reputation are awesome. His service goes far and beyond. Cheers

[@GotAUkulele]

On the customer service front I could not agree with you more - they are famously AWFUL

[@tommorrisey3999]

At that price point for a non-Nazareth uke, wouldn’t a hard case be appropriate? Then again, anyone buying this probably has a tenor hard case tucked under the bed.

[@GotAUkulele]

True - and Kanile'a and Koaloha don't ship with hard cases either.

[@hilltop1845]

Looks great, it sounds great, a nice step up... Can't figure out why I'm not more enthused. I wouldn't mind having the long overdue OX with the whiskey finish though.

[@GotAUkulele]

Those do look great - agreed!

[@petergeen2198]

Is that the hideous gold emblem I see on the neck? EEK! Clip-on tuners love to eat that gold lettering…..

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep!

[@clawhammer704]

To get an inlayed Martin headstock instrument get the big pocketbook out that’s holding the serious money.

[@Oliv3Cruz]

I think part of the bad rap is for warranted and unwarranted reasons. Warranted: They cheap out on tuners, and woods used for fingerboards, bridges and they can look (I love your use of this adjective) “agricultural” in the finish. Unwarranted: USA made, like boots, steel work etc, conservative culture in the US sees overseas as inferior, in the case of Martin ukes they do not like that they are being built in Mexico and there is probably some xenophobia that influences that. The irony is that probably Mexican factory workers are building the ones in the PA factory as well (speaking from experience).

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - understood. The Mexican workers are certainly trained in Nazareth plant - and build with same wood sets and tools etc

[@clawhammer704]

The majority of the Mexican workforce I know are very hard workers. They’re starting to demand better wages now.

[@MorphAndCats]

Oh, for the first time, your review was interrupted by an advert, for a second hand instrument selling web site, what gives?

[@GotAUkulele]

KZbin do automatically put ads in videos now - the video maker doesn't choose the ads