Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele

Manufacturer
Cordoba
Size
24.21 Inch
Type
Concert
Material
Mahogany, Rosewood
brand
This is one sleek tone-giant. Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele is completely handmade.  The neck, body and tuning head are made from quality mahogany. The edges of the mahogany body are framed with an ivoroid binding that highlights the honey color of the wood. The bridge and fretboard are made from dark rosewood that contrasts the mahogany, making for an elegant look. This is one of the most eye-catching pieces in its price range.

Contents

Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele

  • Top – Mahogany
  • Back & Sides – Mahogany
  • Binding/Bridge – Ivoroid binding, Rosewood bridge
  • Rosette – Abolone
  • Finish – Matte (satin)
  • Neck – Mahogany
  • Fingerboard – Rosewood
  • Nut/Saddle – composite
  • Fingerboard Inlays – 5, 7, 10, 12
  • Number of Frets – 14 to body, 18 total
  • Body Width & Length – 155mm at upper bout / 214mm at lower bout (8.07″)/615mm in total length (24.21″)
  • Body Depth – 70mm
  • Tuning Machines – Chrome with pearl buttons
  • Strings – Aquila Nylgut

Sound Quality

The concert ukulele comes between the smaller soprano and larger tenor on the tonal spectrum. It has a fuller tone than the soprano. And though the instruments are tuned to the same key, the concert ukulele is longer. The longer neck means there is more tension on the strings. This means the instrument is less likely to fall out of tune from fretting. Mahogany can be found on most concert ukuleles, but for a good reason. Cordoba knows it delivers great sound quality at a lower price point than say Hawaiian Koa, the traditional material used for ukuleles. Because it is made from mahogany, it’s hard to expect much low-end or resonance from this instrument. However, because it is made entirely of mahogany the tone is more or less balanced between the low, middle, and high voices. A cheaper instrument that mixes woods cannot offer what this instrument delivers.

Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele

Playability

One of the most important things about choosing an instrument is judging how it feels in your hands. Because this instrument has a longer neck the spaces between the frets are larger. This means fingers are going to have an easier time getting the full note from the string. The Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele uses mahogany and rosewood on the fretboard. This one of the most common pairings you will see among stringed instruments. Rosewood is a dense wood that makes for easier fretting and a stronger attack. The bridge saddle is also rosewood. This is good news for players who don’t want their strings rattling against the frets.

Advantages and Disadvantages

This is an affordable instrument and a good solid investment for a first-time learner. The materials are quality for the price tag, and may fall short of giving a player what they want for recording or live performance. The all-mahogany materials, paired with the rosewood feature, set the standard for other instruments in the price range. With most instruments, it important to put your hands on them before you buy them. However, it will be hard to find another instrument in this price-range that will offer you the same feel and tone.

Overall

The Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele is a middle-of-the-road instrument, and its price point reflects that. Because of its size, this instrument is a great choice for beginners who are not used to playing a fretted instrument. Players looking for a good instrument to record with may need to look elsewhere. Because it lacks low tones and leans toward a brighter side of the spectrum, it will be hard to capture something that doesn’t come across tinny. For example, higher quality instruments are made from maple which offers a fatter, warmer tone. This is a great investment for beginners and a reliable ukulele for more experienced players.

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