Tanglewood TWT3 Tiare Black Walnut Concert Ukulele, Natural Satin

Black walnut at the entry price of the Tiare range

If you want a proper concert ukulele without spending much, the Tanglewood TWT3 is a strong start. It costs £89 and gives you walnut right through the body, a wood you do not often see at this price. It suits first-time buyers and anyone who wants a second ukulele to leave by the sofa.

Walnut sound

Black walnut sits between bright and dark. The top end is clear, and the midrange has a rounded, woody feel. That makes chords sound full and single notes easy to hear. The concert body is bigger than a soprano, so you also get more volume and a little more depth.

Easy to live with

The neck is mahogany with an Eboncore fingerboard, smooth under the fingers. White dot markers help you find your place. Chrome die-cast tuners keep tuning steady, which is a big help when you are learning. The body is arched at the back, and the whole instrument feels light.

Look

The natural satin finish shows the walnut grain, and a laser-cut Tiare rosette adds a neat touch at the soundhole. It looks tidy and sensible rather than flashy.

Why start with a concert size

Soprano ukuleles are small, and some adult hands find the frets cramped. The concert scale gives you a little more room between frets, which helps with chord shapes. It is still compact enough to carry in a bag, and light enough for a child or teenager to handle. That makes it a flexible choice for a family.

• Black walnut top, arched back and sides
• Concert size
• Eboncore fingerboard
• Acoustic only

The TWT4 costs the same and uses a spruce top over mahogany, so it will sound a touch brighter. Try both if you cannot decide. When you are ready for more, the TWT6 and TWT8 at £129 step up the woods.