Got A Ukulele Reviews - Martin 0XK Concert

[@chuckvt5196]

I bought the soprano version back when you reviewed that and have really enjoyed it! This looks like a great one, also! Thanks for the review!

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@hilltop1845]

I think it's an opportunity missed by Martin on these HPL ukes. They are really good for what they are but making them look like koa seems a little disingenuous, especially koa. I don't know how much it would raise the cost but this seems like the perfect uke to do in a sunburst finish on...or a couple of nice middle of the road colors. Thanks Baz, as always, nice job.

[@GotAUkulele]

I've long said about these that martin could put ANY design on the top and they would sell well - HPL works well with any image.

[@mikevandebunt811]

Bonanza Ukes are available in a variety of HPL patterns that are basically countertop designs, so anything is possible design wise.

[@andrearoediger8461]

Thanks you for the review! Very informational and helped me a lot.

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks so much for the tip!

[@tommorrisey3999]

That neck looks fantastic! I imagine the HPL resists humidity well (it is a kitchen countertop material, after all). Street price on these in the USA is $299. I may get one for the beach house.

[@GotAUkulele]

Resists it totally as far as I am aware- fun tough instruments!

[@kaylynnhuddleston5533]

I absolutely love this one. Why not add this one to my collection!! Thank you.

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad you like it!

[@juliuschas]

Nice! I suppose they used real koa for the photo finish, and they selected it with their hands rather than their feet. They just need to rephrase the advert.

[@GotAUkulele]

Ha!

[@mikek4708]

Another interesting UKE to listen too and view. Great review as always. Would love to know if Martin are looking at this as sustainable instrument. Liked the sound, finger board I agree should be darker, would look better. Sustain was also good. Actually agree with another comment, would like the Uke in sunburst or dark, to match inside. Have a great week

[@GotAUkulele]

I think that is part of it - these sort of ukes appeared when the restrictions on things like rosewood came in - there was a rush to find alternative materials. I applaud them for that.

[@mikek4708]

@@GotAUkulele To be fair Baz, I think it is definitely more appealing and they should make more of that fact.

[@alealealealealealealeale]

Somewhat a coincidence, I bought this ukulele a day before this review was published. Have been playing it non-stop since then. Such a sweet sounding uke.

[@GotAUkulele]

That's awesome!

[@oldcrow6990]

I've been getting that urge for a new uke. This was at the bottom of the price range for now, but it's the one I'm going to choose! A Martin 0 soprano is calling me from a distance, though. I hope they don't run out of sinker wood before i get to it! Call the ukulele treatment center! PS. I looked for a review here for the Martin 0 soprano but didn't find one. Am i missing it? Thanks so much.

[@GotAUkulele]

There's no 0 review - did review the S1 soprano though

[@aperezdeal]

I have a “koa” hpl Single 0 and Dread (guitar player here) and I love them.

[@drpkmurphy]

This one looks nice. I don’t need solid wood if it sounds great. Martin is just a traditional ukulele maker and I love them. Have not been able to buy one so I go with the solid mahogany Ohana 35. I like that Martin will still take chances and experiment with woods and different materials for Ukuleles. I really like the sound of this one. Your right it doesn’t sound like wood but it is closer to a spruce top sound. Very good review…thanks Doc

[@waxdeluxe]

Thank you for a great review as always 😊 But, would it not make sense to skip the wood entirely? Have bridge and fingerboard made of HPL-kind of material as well? Anyway, seems like a fine ukulele.

[@GotAUkulele]

I think you make a good point!

[@cmjudco]

I really like this uke! I love the color and it sounds fabulous and finally people who can't afford a wooden MARTIN can finally have a MARTIN for their collection! I wish they had this in a baritone! Great instrument!!

[@GotAUkulele]

Sadly over the years Martin have made VERY FEW baritones.

[@ccilxxx5920]

Hello! thank you so much for this review! I wasn't sure if I should get this uke for my brother who's been playing uke and guitar for a long time, but now I'm convinced! thank you so much again!!😄

[@GotAUkulele]

Good choice!

[@brynenichols3144]

I love this uke because I can hang it on my wall without worrying about the humidity. As someone that owns one, I can honestly say that it sounds less boxy than this video portrays. It does not sound like wood, but it certainly doesn’t sound like a plastic uke. If I had one complaint, it would be that I don’t care for the tuners, and I don’t prefer the thin frets that Martin uses on these. They are not difficult to play on, but the thin frets are just not quite as smooth and comfortable to play as say the frets on a high end uke. Overall, it is still one of my go-to ukes to just noodle with on the couch. Wonderful review Baz! 🫵🤘

[@GotAUkulele]

Now for sale in the UK - email me if interested - and I REALLY DON'T WANT to sell it - great uke!

[@patman13b]

My OX soprano is my go to travel uke. Whether it’s on the bus to uke class, in the trunk of my car, or under a plane seat,I never worry about it. Plus it sounds great and is very comfortable to play.

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed - I regret selling mine

[@markattardo]

Very happy with mine. When I picked it off the wall at the store, a tuner needed a tension adjustment. An employee tweaked a screw, tuned it and struck a cord. I had the same surprised reaction as you😂

[@GotAUkulele]

Nice

[@angeljones9589]

Very impressive. This may just be my next uke. Love love love martin!!!!

[@GotAUkulele]

I'd be more than happy to keep this - great uke

[@RickHenderson58]

This is my main gigging uke. I also have a C1K, which is a bit warmer (because it’s real tone wood), but I love both of them. I can play either all night. Glad they’re in the UK now.

[@GotAUkulele]

Took an age to get them over here!

[@johnnyconn4130]

Thanks for you showing the ukulele ❤ .😊

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure 😊

[@glennhart4267]

Hi Baz, I finally bought one. Day one and I am very impressed! Great jazz sound and an amazing dynamic range for classical music. I too would have preferred a better quality fingerboard material. I bought it for its durability (travelling and camping) but I am going to be playing this regularly. Thanks Baz.

[@GotAUkulele]

Great to hear!

[@jeffwatson4908]

Another thorough review. My one compliant is that I actually pay attention to your assessments and have bought several ukuleles based on your recommendations. I have bought the Enya Nova pro tenor and concert both plastic as you noted and like them. (The other was a Fender Monticeto which I treasure. It now has Martin flourocarbon strings with low G. Replacing the strings brought up the loudness, your one criticism, without harming its warm sound. A highly recommended change.) Of them the Nova U concert is a favourite but I find the fretboard string spacing tight as you also noted. Have been eyeing the Martin HPL concert as an alternative. From your own experience is the Martin neck and string spacing roomier and would you have a preference as to sound?

[@GotAUkulele]

The width and spacing here is less than I would normally like - but it's not just about space - this is subjective to everyone of course - but for me a shallow neck profile can forgive a narrower nut. Combine a narrow nut with a round profile and I am totally put off. Medium nut and shallow profile and I am OK. Shallow profile and wide nut - best of all. But depends on the individual.

[@mcstabba]

Cool, I have a Martin OX Bamboo soprano (in green) and like it a lot! Would like a concert version as well. I prefer the bright colors of green, blue and red that they made for the OX Bamboo though because to me it is just plain wrong to try to make it look like it is made out of wood when it isn't, that is something I appriciate with Bonanza, their hpl doesn't look like wood at all. I'm gonna hold out for a version with another screen print I think, if that doesn't get announced in a year or two I'll most likely grumble a bit and then pick one of these up! Great review as always.

[@sethberenberg7777]

Hi Baz. Thanks for the great review. I have one, and it sounds totally different from the one you reviewed. Mine has very little “chime” and a lot of bass. It doesn’t really sound like a concert sized ukulele at all. I’ve tried several different string sets (Worth clear CM, Fremont clear, Daddario Titanium, etc.), and they don’t do much to bring out the chime at all. Any ideas? The action is great and it plays great, it just sounds to me like a baritone. On an unrelated note, of all the ukulele sting sets you’ve tried, which ones had the lowest tension? Just curious…Thanks again and looking forward to your next review!

[@GotAUkulele]

Interesting! I'd be trying Martin soprano strings myself!

[@sethberenberg7777]

That’s what came strung from the factory with…they were the “bassiest” of all the sets.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@sethberenberg7777 It's a go to string for me on sopranos - find them really thin and light!

[@GotAUkulele]

@@sethberenberg7777 Incidentally - this explains precisely why I don't do string reviews - we all hear and perceive them differently - you say bassiest - I find them bright and chimey - but yet we both perceive different things. I should screen shot this discussion to show people when they ask me to review strings!!

[@marieandersson5730]

Thanks for a nice and well done review ❤ A stunning instrument indeed 🙂 To me, it have another important thing: You showed it a bit quickly, but I recall I saw position mark at the third fret, on the side. Good ❤ I wish all ukes had that. This one I will buy as soon as my budget allows 🙂 Have a nice evening, and a good week to come.

[@GotAUkulele]

It does - all Martins now tend to put side markers at the 3rd.

[@theukulelee]

Will you have a review for Kala's new solid electric tenors??

[@GotAUkulele]

If they send me one - but Kala seem reluctant to do that willingly these days - make of that what you will..

[@stevepetergal]

Thanks for the fair and clear (as always, thanks) review, Barry. some years ago, I did two extensive reviews on UU of the Blackbird Clara ukulele. I thought it was absolutely great (once I got the strings right). As you describe this Martin, it doesn't sound like a wooden instrument but it sounds very good, not like a plastic instrument at all. I loved it. I didn't buy one because it was about three times the price of this new Martin. I would think there's quite a market for this one.(It might even include myself!)

[@GotAUkulele]

I love the Clara, but yes, very expensive

[@petergeen2198]

I ordered my T1k back in February and I’m still waiting. I was unsure about getting the T1k until I watched your review on it, so Martin owe you a pint. 🍺

[@GotAUkulele]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@stevesstrings5243]

Thanks for another great review!

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@biolkasprowicz]

Hi, Barry, thank you for another enthusiastic review! It seems to be really nice instrument, but there is one potential risk correlated to mechanical properties of HPL top... Last month I had opportunity to try one specimen of OXK Concert and the bridge was seriously tilted there by strings' pulling force. I'm not sure is it a rule or just exceptional case, but after that I started to investigate problem on the Internet forums etc. and I found more reports of tilting bridges over longer time of use. Best regards!

[@GotAUkulele]

I don't think it is an issue myself - HPL is very thin but very strong- some of the best valued solid wood vintage ukes from people like Martin all show top dipping. I once discussed this with a very fine luthier who said that trying to AVOID top bellying is pointless and actually thought it was the sign of a good light build. SO LONG AS IT DOESNT GET WORSE - being the key - in short - most of not all vintage collectables will dip but as long as they freeze it's ok. Ken Timms said same I think. Not a biggie as long as it halts.

[@biolkasprowicz]

@@GotAUkulele Thank you so much for explanation, because these instruments sound so good and I even planned to buy one, and now I see there's nothing to be afraid. Thanks again and have a nice day!

[@hogs_agriteach8998]

I Love mine. Still cant figure out why people are so critical of Martin. I challenege anyone talking crap to actually play one for more than 5mins. Get one! You will love them too. All of them really.

[@GotAUkulele]

Totally agree!

[@marigoldsfever1538]

Wow i love it!!!! I almost bought the soprano but the concert wld be nice to have. Martin quality control is top notch. You are correct on all fronts about this instrument. What a delight for the price. Btw, whats the pink uke over your left shoulder? Intrigued. Great review!

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you very much!

[@cecicestmoi]

i have the enya tenor HPL which plays great with better (preferred) strings and very sturdy. HPL sounds great trypically. i would love to see Martin try these OX in tenor. i thought they had but could find nothing on line.

[@GotAUkulele]

No - never made a tenor.

[@bobmeyers8265]

Thanks for this great review. I'm a ukulele newbie and I'm heavily leaning toward buying this instrument. In reference to your comment at 2:45-ish, for what it's worth, in Martin's defense, when I read the sentence on Martin's website that reads "we hand-selected the finest Hawaiian koa . . ." in the context of the sentences that precede it and follow it (which specifically reference HPL), I thought that Martin was simply stating that the HPL IMAGE that they've used for the instrument is based on and replicates the finest Hawaiian koa.

[@GotAUkulele]

Just still sounds clumsy in the wording to me

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Love Martin ukuleles. Originals are highly sort I think. These are still QC'd by Martin aren't they? I know too in recent years they are interested using alternates to traditional woods. People do do worry about where they made, it's the quality of the instrument that counts not the country. Good review.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - still Martin QC - which I have always found to be excellent

[@bnolsen]

My original oxk is great, great setup out of the box as well. My fave uke I own.

[@GotAUkulele]

It sure is!

[@MrTigerlore]

I feel like you’re paying a lot for the brand… But crap, it sounds nice. Wasn’t expecting such a nice sound.

[@GotAUkulele]

A lot of people say that about Martin, and with their USA models I would agree - overpriced. But their Mex stuff is actually pretty competitive. I think you'd need spend considerably more than this to get similar tone and playability from a brand like, say, Pono..

[@MrTigerlore]

@@GotAUkulele thanks for the advice. The HPL top was actually a seller for me since it’s more durable. Traditional wood ukes feel so delicate. However, even after watching your review, the marketing still threw me off because the description says “Koa Natural”. I had to read the fine print for the HPL. That was naughty of them. Bad Martin!

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah - agreed on that

[@Mandobird1]

As an all-HPL bodied instrument, I think Martin could have chosen a prettier Koa screen print. Why not curly Koa? The fretboard could be darker too, but perhaps a liberal dose of lemon-oil could help in this area?

[@GotAUkulele]

Totally agree - as it's just a print the sky is the limit for what it looks like. The board is an interesting one - they used to use dark rosewood, but moved to Sipo - a change for the worse in my opinion. Far too pale.

[@richardsnow7299]

Certainly a nice sound and looks like wood. Maybe tempted.......have a great week Barry

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks, you too!

[@BlessYourHeart254]

I have one and love it!

[@GotAUkulele]

Good uke Cindy!

[@patrickmahon3476]

I was holding this exact ukulele in store today. Funny. Yeah, the STORE tag didn't say laminate at all. Just that it was KOA. All others explicitly said that

[@GotAUkulele]

That's very bad

[@rehamkcirtap]

HPL is magical

[@GotAUkulele]

It works very well indeed in my opinion

[@BlessYourHeart254]

It’s great for the sauna humidity, then dry cool in fall, then winter rains, of the deep southern US where I live.

[@gregash7683]

This Martin ukulele is a working instrument, not an objet d'art for wall display at a home museum. For those are faithful ukulele players AND also a committed, certified arborist, then your genuine KOA is essential. Otherwise, it sounds great with no weird overtones. What might not have been said or emphasized, is this Martin ukulele is very stable, not subject to humidity warping and 'tough enough' to travel. For those who miss the musty smell of old wood and hide glue, keep an old, poor playing uke on the side for memories.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Martin has been making their lower priced guitars out of HPL for years, so why not ukulele's - no big deal as long as the buyer knows what they are buying.

[@GotAUkulele]

I agree - Martin uke fans are very dyed in the wool though. The Mexican connection seems enough to annoy them, never mind the construction!

[@WysteriaGuitar]

@@GotAUkulele I have lots of American made high end Martins, the Mexican made one's do not bother me in the least LOL. I do not have any, but it does not bother me. Different beasts...

[@glennhart4267]

A much cheaper travel ukulele than a Blackbird. Plus it is a concert with a traditional shape, unlike the Blackbird concert. I wish you'd fingerpicked it a bit more. Thanks Baz.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - MUCH cheaper!

[@judynpeterjones3307]

Some Worth browns would make it less "Clangy" imo!

[@GotAUkulele]

I guess Martin were always going to put their own strings on - but I never really comment on strings - people all have their own likes and dislikes and easy to swap

[@lindamarx1256]

Sounds and looks nice, but it seems to me that in this price range, you can find a lot of very nice instruments.

[@GotAUkulele]

You can - but I think this in a par sound wise with many of them - if not better.

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Not Bad . . . Decent Tone

[@bernardinelermite1133]

I'm looking for a no-fuss outdoor instrument, and this one is on my list. The sound is just incredible ! But those friction pegs, honestly ? No way.

[@GotAUkulele]

There's nothing wrong with the pegs - i'd have these on all ukuleles if I could.

[@bernardinelermite1133]

@@GotAUkulele I hate them. They are way too reactive, and you need to tight-screw them every now and then. I have a Brüko with friction pegs. I love the Brüko but hate the friction pegs. I've ordered some Gotoh planetary tuners to replace them, and my Brüko will definitely be upgraded.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@bernardinelermite1133 I don't find that. They are all I use. Just take a bit of technique.

[@gehrehmee]

Maybe just me -- if it's going to have such a non-traditional construction, why pretend to be wood with a print? It'd be just as easy to do something a little more unusual, or maybe just to offer some options. I get Martin's got a traditional visual "motif" to keep up, but it still seems odd.

[@GotAUkulele]

Very much agree - Martin could go to town with designs - how about a print that describes their heritage - images of ukes over the years?

[@MorphAndCats]

Hello, could you go through the case(gig bag) that is supplied, because if its not up to the job, you could add anther £50 to £75 pound to find a good case that fits. Single or double straps on the back (rucksack style). loop to hand it up on .Pocket big enough to get you notes in. padding depth.Internal neck straps.Feet on the bottom.ECT.Thanks Morph.

[@GotAUkulele]

Double strap - hand straps - made by TKL - front pocket - it's just a gig bag, and honestly not the focus of the review..

[@brummiekoipond3757]

Just for info seen this for £299 at pmt online

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes - there are deals out there.

[@congerscott6064]

Made in Mexico or any other country means nothing to me, sound, craftsmanship, and cost, is what I care about, in that order 👍.

[@GotAUkulele]

Exactly!

[@marvelousmaker]

Formica can take a beating

[@GotAUkulele]

It certainly can

[@mattsimmons3735]

I have played these in a few different shops here in the U.S. I was fond of the volume and the tone - particularly impressed by the low end. I ran into sharp fret ends a couple of times, and with every one I tried, I had trouble keeping it in tune during the brief time that I played it. Otherwise, I would have seriously considered purchasing one. I was surprised you did not encounter that problem, Baz. Your experience makes me want to give it another chance.

[@GotAUkulele]

Trouble keeping in tune on tuners like this ONLY means they are not tight enough - not a fault of the uke.

[@mattsimmons3735]

@@GotAUkulele Thanks, Baz. It stands to reason that the big box retailers would not have checked and tightened up the pegs. Looks like I’ll be giving this one another try. Thanks!

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - that's a job for the player - as transit can affect it too. Simple job to adjust.

[@mattsimmons3735]

@@GotAUkulele Admittedly, I've been quite ignorant about friction pegs until very recently. My skepticism had been formed from my experience with the OXK and negative opinions that seemed quite prevalent in the global ukulele community. Ironically, I ended up purchasing an Ohana CK-28, and I rather like how quickly the friction pegs bring the strings to pitch - I don't even bother with a string winder during installation. I think the OXK you just reviewed is finished much more tidily than the CK-28, but with fluorocarbons now installed on the Ohana, it has a punchy, vibrant tone I very much enjoy. Plus, I'm enamored with the uniqueness of its flush fretboard.

[@bridgetpollock6760]

Eraserhead!

[@GotAUkulele]

Indeed - a fave film!

[@janlesinski4719]

one martin I won't be buying

[@GotAUkulele]

I'd say that's a mistake - it's a superb instrument

[@jabeebopboe]

Like the review? I’m asking, not telling.

[@GotAUkulele]

I’m not clear what you ARE asking? Probably like most people..