| Build Quality: |  |
| Hardware: |  |
| Sound: | |
| Value: | |
| Average: | |
Pros:
- Balanced tone
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Great gig bag
Cons:
- Buzzing
- Action might be a bit high
While a lot of people decide to play ukuleles because they assume that it is the cheapest instrument they can get or the easiest one, soon enough they realize that no matter the instrument if you want a good quality instrument you have to pay up. In the case of ukuleles, the payout is not as big. Luna Mahogany Series Tattoo Tenor Ukulele does not offer the same mind-bogglingly low prices but it offers things that will definitely boggle your mind.
Build Quality
Luna’s tenor ukulele is a great place to start if you are looking for good sound, volume, and comfort. The mahogany flat top with mahogany back and sides bring out the best in sound and playability. Luna’s choice of tonewood not only delivers on the sound but also works very well with the overall design. One of the selling points of this uke is probably the gorgeous Polynesian tattoo lasered on the top. The style is based on the wave and shark teeth symbols in Hawaiian culture. On the C-shaped walnut fretboard, you will see the same shark teeth pattern reiterated by triangle inlays. To protect and accentuate the design of this uke it has a satin finish that is just the right thickness to let the instrument vibrate.
Hardware
Luna created a well-crafted ukulele that fits all levels of players without having to overcompensate with extra features. So when it comes to hardware, you will not see anything jaw-dropping or too convoluted. What you get is a good quality walnut bridge, pearloid open-gear tuners, and Graphite (OEM) nut. This hardware is functional and easy to use to anyone from beginner to professional can enjoy it without a problem. The only problem I could find is that the action might be too high, especially for a beginner who needs as much comfort and ease of use in the beginning as possible. Luna Tenor ukulele also ships with a gig bag (LLTENOR).
This is one fine gig bag that is well worth the praise it received. Apart from being lightweight (because let’s be honest, who wants to drag around their ukulele in a monstrous case) this bag also protects from any accidents or water damage. With the black velvet interior, polystyrene core cushioning, and removable straps, you are getting the best of the best.
Luna Tenor Ukulele Sound
Tenor ukuleles have a lot better volume than soprano or concert ones. That is pretty much a settled deal (apart from a very few, unfortunate cases). BUT this tenor ukulele also has a slightly bigger sound box which gives it even more volume and better tone. For some people, it sounds more guitar-like. So this is not a standard uke-sounding instrument. Apart from that, the overall tone is still mellow and sweet like you would expect from a good ukulele. There might be certain issues with buzzing but that is a one-in-a-thousand case and it is also easily fixable.
Conclusion
Despite a slightly bigger sound box the Luna Mahogany Series Tattoo Tenor Ukulele still managed to be somewhat lightweight. Of course, if you are looking for the exact proportions of a tenor uke or were thinking of a smaller model, maybe this is not a model for you. But if you are looking for a simple yet well-designed instrument with intricate, balanced tone and playability, then you might have hit the jackpot.
