Great review Barry. Thanks. I have a 1930s Martin. Nothing sounds or feels like that. I also had an SO, and I didn't like it. It sounded muted and I didn't like the way it felt or played, so I sold it. Then when the S1 came out, I got one of those. I just didn't like it. It didn't feel right. It was heavy. The fretboard was chunky, and again, the sound wasn't there. It didn't have any loudness or sustain. So I sold that one too. Someone else told me their only uke was the OXK and they loved it. So I found one secondhand for less $$. I love it, for all the reasons you described. It's light. It's durable. I love the extension on the fretboard. It feels great and it sounds great. I'm so happy with it. I love playing it. I appreciate the open mind you have when reviewing ukes. Great job and thanks again.
Wonderful review, Barry! This little gem sounds brilliant, and I think it is wonderful that a company can manufacture such a sweet sounding ukulele from HPL. With sustainability issues, this is the wave of the future, and thanks to Martin, the future looks (and sounds) bright indeed!! Thank you for sharing!
Hello Barry, can't tell you how helpful and informative your website and videos have been over the last couple of days. I could go on and on, but just wanted to let you know that I'm really, really impressed by your work and commitment. I'm sure it's a blessing for many people out there, so many thanks!
Well 5 years post review I finally bought a used one for less than half the new retail price. Everything that you say about them is reflected in this one. I debated between it and the Martin OXK concert. What I like about the concert is that the “veneer” is surprisingly wood like unlike the soprano. It too has a nice sound and plenty of volume. But this was only the second time in 5 years that I found a like new soprano and figured that I could get a concert at any time. No regrets. It really is a nice little ukulele. Your reliable, honest and thoughtful reviews have lead me to three of the four ukuleles I possess and all reflect what you say and recommend about them. Thanks Baz.
I purchased the “Life is Good” Martin soprano after watching and reading you review. I love this little ukulele. Yes was a little more expensive, but I love the graphics. Gives it that fun look which is what I like in a soprano. It’s the sound that they deliver. Thanks for your review. I totally agree with all that you say about it. But well worth the money. Will handle temperature and humidity changes much better than the Martin S1 or any Wooden ukukele. I live in Ontario Canada where weather and seasons are always an issue.
Thank you for the review =), I tried this one 2 years ago, when I was new to the ukulele world (Been playing guitar before that) & I can still remember how it sounds, It's really punchy, chimey & it's well built. It got some weight on it, but it doesn't really matter ,it got a lovely sound. Peace & love!
Thank you so much for this review. This is just what I was looking for, a good brand, well made and will handle the dry temps. in Nevada. After your review I searched everywhere on line to find one, almost impossible. I found some on Ebay that were very high priced and come from Japan so you had a lot of hoops to get them mailed. One in Canada that came to $450. But I didn't give up and finally found a used one for $199, free shipping. I am so excited to get it. Love all your reviews and your knowledge.
Darn it Baz, you got me again! I ran across one of these brand new for $200USD. I had to take it...at that cost and hearing your glowing review, how could I pass! Also, they must have heard your review, because the photo of the KOA is very nice...not washed out like the one you had. I also snagged a hard to find RISA electric ukulele in their telecaster style. Brilliant little unit! I think this is 6 instruments I have purchased on your advice! You haven't let me down, yet!! Thank you!
I’ve got one of that model, I play it more than my Martin C1K and I love the sound. I carry it everywhere I go, no humidification needed since it’s an HPL. Even though it’s an MiM ( Made in Mexico) it’s still a Martin.
I own the Bamboo and I currently am baby sitting an OXK and at least on the two I have the Bamboo is definitely lighter in weight. I think it may be the neck laminates and the fact that the Sipo on the Bamboo's fittings is lighter than the Rosewood on the OXK. The OXK is an older model - from about 2013 so perhaps Martin changed something since then . . . such as the weight of those neck laminates. I love my green Bamboo, still a picture of wood but albeit with a funky color. Halfway toward a totally fun, funky finish.
Sounds lovely. One of the things I like that you point out is the side dots (or lack of them) on instruments. However, I note that no-one seems to have allowed for the possibility of lefties needing the side dots on the 'bottom' edge - wouldn't take much, but would make a world of difference to some folk. Can you start having a go at manufacturers about that now that most of them are paying attention to the issue?
Thank you so much for this! After a year of some pretty serious playing, I just picked up one of these as my first upgrade from a Makala Dolphin. This was the first instrument (in concert size) I picked up and was absolutely wowed from the first strum. Mine was priced down to $290.00 USD since it didn't come with a case. A STEAL (AGAIN IN CONCERT SIZE!) !
Baz, I truly enjoy each review, even if it's a badly made uke. I really love the look of this neck. I think they should have left the headstock looking the same. I couldn't care less what the uke is built of if it plays and sounds as well as this. Sure, I'd love to have a traditional Martin, but I don't understand the purists not liking this.
Great review, Barry. I would recommend it highly as well, especially if you're looking for a soprano that doesn't need much babying. I bought one of these a couple years ago for $160 as part of an introductory sale from the online store Jet.com. I adored playing it but it did feel heavy. I ended up selling it (at a small profit!) so I could get a Koa Flea. Different instruments, I know, but I find myself wanting that OXK back in the herd every now and then. (I recently got a deal on a C1K because I had to have a Martin somewhere...) Thanks for a fine review.
Great review! I have one of these and it’s great, top notch sound and great build quality. These are made in Martins Mexico factory very good quality and they come with Martin fluorocarbon strings which I personally like very much. The tuners could be better though, I traded my out for better quality Grover’s with black buttons and am happy with them ( remember Barry you gave me that recommendation after I commented on your review of the bamboo uke) I may at some point try the Gotoh tuners.
Returning to this great review; I remembered your liking the sound and playability and I'm looking for a travel soprano uke. Do you recommend it as a travel uke? Also I see it advertised on many sites as a "concert" but maybe they're the same as the Martin 0XK Soprano ukulele
Yes - don't see why not - to be honest I think all sopranos are good travel ukes as they are small - being HPL this is certainly tougher than wood. Martin just released a concert version of this - it's a separate instrument - same materials though.
@@GotAUkulele Ah, you've answered something I've been confused about: I was trying to find the OSK soprano online and only find the concert now -- no OXK soprano's available. Maybe, as you say, I should just take my good wooden soprano with me. Or would you recommend an inexpensive soprano for travel abroad? Thank you so much - your reviews are so good.
ok i think you cleared that up thanks i just asked because layers or thin wood laminated as layers of glue sawdust or hpl as its called slightly different but they sound very close on youtube anyway.someone said the hpl is wood bits or sawdust mixed with the glue .if thats the case must not matter to much as oppsed to the paper think layers of wood they glue together .thanks for the reply barry good job
I can’t pick individual uke for people - it’s too personal and we all perceive sound differently. This and the Kiwaya are very different things - you’d need to play them both
If this uke was made of mahogany, it would have been the holy graal of ukes, worth killing for 😂 I admit however, the sound is fantastic even if made by hpl.
Are there any laminate Sopranos you'd recommend for a first uke. ....... or do you feel solid top or solid is the only way to go. Read an article that said some laminates are better than some solids because of the build. If the build is bad, it doesn't matter what it's made of. At least at the beginning, I want an instrument I don't have to be worried about so I'm maybe wanting the best sounding laminate out there..... do you think the Kohala KPP-s or the KALA KA-15's are ok...... I did hear a Kamaka I loved but it was the price of a house. One of these days, will get to the store and try some out. Thanks for any feedback.
No solid top is not the only way to go - for a first uke it's mostly marketing speak by brands and shops. I would pick a well made laminate over a poorly made solid uke every day of the week. For a good laminate - have a look at the entry level Kiwaya student series.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review Barry. Thanks. I have a 1930s Martin. Nothing sounds or feels like that. I also had an SO, and I didn't like it. It sounded muted and I didn't like the way it felt or played, so I sold it. Then when the S1 came out, I got one of those. I just didn't like it. It didn't feel right. It was heavy. The fretboard was chunky, and again, the sound wasn't there. It didn't have any loudness or sustain. So I sold that one too. Someone else told me their only uke was the OXK and they loved it. So I found one secondhand for less $$. I love it, for all the reasons you described. It's light. It's durable. I love the extension on the fretboard. It feels great and it sounds great. I'm so happy with it. I love playing it. I appreciate the open mind you have when reviewing ukes. Great job and thanks again.
Nice one Fred!
Wonderful review, Barry! This little gem sounds brilliant, and I think it is wonderful that a company can manufacture such a sweet sounding ukulele from HPL. With sustainability issues, this is the wave of the future, and thanks to Martin, the future looks (and sounds) bright indeed!! Thank you for sharing!
ChuckVT Well said!
Hello Barry, can't tell you how helpful and informative your website and videos have been over the last couple of days. I could go on and on, but just wanted to let you know that I'm really, really impressed by your work and commitment. I'm sure it's a blessing for many people out there, so many thanks!
That's very good of you to say - thank you!
Well 5 years post review I finally bought a used one for less than half the new retail price. Everything that you say about them is reflected in this one. I debated between it and the Martin OXK concert. What I like about the concert is that the “veneer” is surprisingly wood like unlike the soprano. It too has a nice sound and plenty of volume. But this was only the second time in 5 years that I found a like new soprano and figured that I could get a concert at any time. No regrets. It really is a nice little ukulele. Your reliable, honest and thoughtful reviews have lead me to three of the four ukuleles I possess and all reflect what you say and recommend about them. Thanks Baz.
I purchased the “Life is Good” Martin soprano after watching and reading you review. I love this little ukulele. Yes was a little more expensive, but I love the graphics. Gives it that fun look which is what I like in a soprano. It’s the sound that they deliver.
Thanks for your review. I totally agree with all that you say about it. But well worth the money. Will handle temperature and humidity changes much better than the Martin S1 or any Wooden ukukele. I live in Ontario Canada where weather and seasons are always an issue.
Thank you for the review =), I tried this one 2 years ago, when I was new to the ukulele world (Been playing guitar before that) & I can still remember how it sounds, It's really punchy, chimey & it's well built. It got some weight on it, but it doesn't really matter ,it got a lovely sound. Peace & love!
Thank you so much for this review. This is just what I was looking for, a good brand, well made and will handle the dry temps. in Nevada. After your review I searched everywhere on line to find one, almost impossible. I found some on Ebay that were very high priced and come from Japan so you had a lot of hoops to get them mailed. One in Canada that came to $450. But I didn't give up and finally found a used one for $199, free shipping. I am so excited to get it. Love all your reviews and your knowledge.
That's a great price to find one at!!
Helpful information, as always 🤗. I have a green “bamboo” one and it’s great. Makes me sound better than I am.
Think that is very true of these - very easy to play
it does sound great! haven't seen them around in shops (online) though...i hope they are back in construction soon. Nice review, thanks!
Intonation is spot on. Great uke!
Can't wait for your review on the 0XK Concert (new for 2021) edition!
If I can get hold of one - I will
Darn it Baz, you got me again! I ran across one of these brand new for $200USD. I had to take it...at that cost and hearing your glowing review, how could I pass! Also, they must have heard your review, because the photo of the KOA is very nice...not washed out like the one you had. I also snagged a hard to find RISA electric ukulele in their telecaster style. Brilliant little unit! I think this is 6 instruments I have purchased on your advice! You haven't let me down, yet!! Thank you!
Thanks Chuck!
I’ve got one of that model, I play it more than my Martin C1K and I love the sound. I carry it everywhere I go, no humidification needed since it’s an HPL. Even though it’s an MiM ( Made in Mexico) it’s still a Martin.
Yep - Great ukes!
I own the Bamboo and I currently am baby sitting an OXK and at least on the two I have the Bamboo is definitely lighter in weight. I think it may be the neck laminates and the fact that the Sipo on the Bamboo's fittings is lighter than the Rosewood on the OXK. The OXK is an older model - from about 2013 so perhaps Martin changed something since then . . . such as the weight of those neck laminates. I love my green Bamboo, still a picture of wood but albeit with a funky color. Halfway toward a totally fun, funky finish.
Edward Petersen yes - the bamboo is a bit lighter - but I fell in love with darker neck on this
Sounds lovely. One of the things I like that you point out is the side dots (or lack of them) on instruments. However, I note that no-one seems to have allowed for the possibility of lefties needing the side dots on the 'bottom' edge - wouldn't take much, but would make a world of difference to some folk. Can you start having a go at manufacturers about that now that most of them are paying attention to the issue?
That’s a fair point
Thank you so much for this! After a year of some pretty serious playing, I just picked up one of these as my first upgrade from a Makala Dolphin. This was the first instrument (in concert size) I picked up and was absolutely wowed from the first strum. Mine was priced down to $290.00 USD since it didn't come with a case. A STEAL (AGAIN IN CONCERT SIZE!) !
Glad I could help! - and good choice!
Baz, I truly enjoy each review, even if it's a badly made uke. I really love the look of this neck. I think they should have left the headstock looking the same. I couldn't care less what the uke is built of if it plays and sounds as well as this. Sure, I'd love to have a traditional Martin, but I don't understand the purists not liking this.
Nickie McNichols it is an awesome ukulele I have it and I love it it has a round sweet tone, I have a vintage style 1 Soprano and an S-1
Great review, Barry. I would recommend it highly as well, especially if you're looking for a soprano that doesn't need much babying. I bought one of these a couple years ago for $160 as part of an introductory sale from the online store Jet.com. I adored playing it but it did feel heavy. I ended up selling it (at a small profit!) so I could get a Koa Flea. Different instruments, I know, but I find myself wanting that OXK back in the herd every now and then. (I recently got a deal on a C1K because I had to have a Martin somewhere...) Thanks for a fine review.
You see, I really don’t think it feels heavy in the slightest.
Relatively perhaps!
Great review! I have one of these and it’s great, top notch sound and great build quality. These are made in Martins Mexico factory very good quality and they come with Martin fluorocarbon strings which I personally like very much. The tuners could be better though, I traded my out for better quality Grover’s with black buttons and am happy with them ( remember Barry you gave me that recommendation after I commented on your review of the bamboo uke) I may at some point try the Gotoh tuners.
Mark Caspary yeah - easy to change tuners too. I may yet do so with this
Returning to this great review; I remembered your liking the sound and playability and I'm looking for a travel soprano uke. Do you recommend it as a travel uke? Also I see it advertised on many sites as a "concert" but maybe they're the same as the Martin 0XK Soprano ukulele
Yes - don't see why not - to be honest I think all sopranos are good travel ukes as they are small - being HPL this is certainly tougher than wood. Martin just released a concert version of this - it's a separate instrument - same materials though.
@@GotAUkulele Ah, you've answered something I've been confused about: I was trying to find the OSK soprano online and only find the concert now -- no OXK soprano's available. Maybe, as you say, I should just take my good wooden soprano with me. Or would you recommend an inexpensive soprano for travel abroad? Thank you so much - your reviews are so good.
@@margomclean8880 The HPL sopranos are still available over here as far as I know - the one I always travel with is a Magic Fluke Flea soprano
I have one and I love it.... ;) Nice review by the way!
Thank you!
Hi Barry. Great review. Is this Martin a big step up from the Sigma sum 2s? Is it worth the extra money?
guitar5lave that’s a tricky one - it’s a better uke in many departments but sound is not so much better. It’s a VERY different thing though
Very nice ❤
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks barry so do you like this better than the kiwaya 5 laminate wood ? Or same tones? Great review
Very different things. The Kiwaya did better on score at the time as it was a lot cheaper. Not so much now - I rank them equally
ok i think you cleared that up thanks i just asked because layers or thin wood laminated as layers of glue sawdust or hpl as its called slightly different but they sound very close on youtube anyway.someone said the hpl is wood bits or sawdust mixed with the glue .if thats the case must not matter to much as oppsed to the paper think layers of wood they glue together .thanks for the reply barry good job
Maybe my soprano can be this one 😍
They are excellent!
You’re right. The 0XK is an absolutely wonderful instrument. I sold it to get an S1, and I almost, just almost, regret it.
I can imagine. I regretted selling my bamboo so bought this!!
awesome video :)
Thanks
Would you also recommend the concert OXK?
Review coming very soon!
Anyone know if it's possible to install Gotoh UPT's on one of these (do the holes match up? Not sure if you can drill into the HPL?). Thanks
Yes I know someone who has fitted them. The holes need widening with a reamer but the stratobond neck drills just fine apparently
If I'm looking for sound, should I get this ukulele or the kiwaya ks-5 ukulele?
I can’t pick individual uke for people - it’s too personal and we all perceive sound differently. This and the Kiwaya are very different things - you’d need to play them both
If this uke was made of mahogany, it would have been the holy graal of ukes, worth killing for 😂 I admit however, the sound is fantastic even if made by hpl.
Check out the Martin S1 - same uke - made of mahogany
Are there any laminate Sopranos you'd recommend for a first uke. ....... or do you feel solid top or solid is the only way to go. Read an article that said some laminates are better than some solids because of the build. If the build is bad, it doesn't matter what it's made of. At least at the beginning, I want an instrument I don't have to be worried about so I'm maybe wanting the best sounding laminate out there..... do you think the Kohala KPP-s or the KALA KA-15's are ok...... I did hear a Kamaka I loved but it was the price of a house. One of these days, will get to the store and try some out. Thanks for any feedback.
No solid top is not the only way to go - for a first uke it's mostly marketing speak by brands and shops. I would pick a well made laminate over a poorly made solid uke every day of the week. For a good laminate - have a look at the entry level Kiwaya student series.
Martin never had set the bar so low until this!
Low? It's an excellent ukulele