My first ukulele was an Aklot concert. I have purchased several different brand ukuleles since - one being over five times the price of the Aklot. As far as I am concerned, I’d rather have the Aklot than have all the others put together. Although the other brands are certainly well made, I think I love the Aklot sound, which I imagine comes from a combination of the solid mahogany top and the fact that the strings go through the sound board. I appreciate the 18:1ratio tuning pegs and I just love the feel of the Aklot - I seem to gravitate to the Aklot every time. Ian McArthur (Tasmania).
WoW! I'm thrilled to hear all of this Ian, and I am blessed to have received this from my lovely Daughter..... now if only this ol' Drummer can make some sweet music on this fine little instrument.
I've had this for about a month (my first uke), and I love it. The sound, the rounded edge, the thin neck. I have no complaints. Yours was one of the reviews I watched when I was trying to decide, so thank you!
I was part of Aklot's original social media/Amazon push for the AKC-23, and I liked it. I'm not a fan of the doves on it (originally, the company told me they were "pigeons," and apparently the word for pigeon and dove is the same in Chinese), and I also don't love the very orangish color some of these have. Other than that...they are killer bargains for beginners, and the action of every Aklot I have tested has been wonderful (Kmise as the sister brand has not been as reliable on the instruments I have tried). I'm a fan of fluorocarbon strings, and I felt like fluorocarbons really opened up the AKC-23 to new heights...so if you want to try an experiment...change the strings to something like inexpensive Martin 600 strings and see what you think. I gave mine away to my niece, and bought a couple more to give away as prizes for a fundraising campaign a couple of years ago. There is an electronic version of this for $65 or so that I get tempted to buy every now and then...
Thanks for the recommendation about the strings! I think it sounds great now. I can only imagine how much better it will sound with fluorocarbon strings.
I have the Aklot concert a Aklot Banjo and a Kmise Tenor., for a view years now. The Consert I play the most even I have a real nice Flight Mustang that is 6x more expensive it hangs more on the wall then my Aklot Consert . Love this sound so warm and for that price you can not believe it.
Hi Steve, I could not agree more. Aklot has an elegant simplicity and warm and comfortable feel. I have one on order from eBay for $51.28 (great price). After watching your review, I'm confident that I will like it also. Thank you. Take care, Bob
It finally arrived. Absolutely a great ukulele. Tuned it twice, and now, very close to stable. The size and feel is beautiful and comfortable. I agree with your review , 100 %. I have 10 ukuleles, I think this is number 1. Thank you again, Bob
I like what Aklot is doing. The bird theme and the rounded edges set it apart. I tried one a couple of years ago, and liked it a lot. Since I have quite a few ukes, I ended up giving it to a kid in the neighborhood.
@@tmaddrummer The ukulele comes with a reentrant g string. That means it is higher pitch than the C string. If I replace it with a low G string, the new string would be an octave lower in pitch than the current string.
I have an Aklot tenor, AKC26 I think. I love it. There is absolutely nothing about it I don't like. Even the bridge. I have played a Martin uke. It cost around $500.00. It was a nice ukulele, but I didn't think there was enough of a difference to justify the cost. If you get a chance, review a Vtab. Another Chinese built uke of high quality. Costs a bit more than the Aklot, but are very nice. They will sell me my next ukulele. My niece will be getting an Aklot. But not mine!
It’s the AKT26. I just did a review of the AKET26. It’s just as nice as this one I have not seen the Vtab. I’ll need to look for it. Your niece is a lucky girl!
I love this Aklot a lot. The concert mahogany is cuter than the tenor and in my mind a bundle of joy. You can get the concert bundle for less than $50 and hard to find a better buy anywhere. I have never been a real fan of the looks of these (the tenor is not so lovely as this one), but I love the way they feel. Smooth edges and the soft mahogany wood! As Chris mentions below the red ones aren't quite as pretty as the darker ones.
@@stevesstrings5243 I think I especially like this uke because it isn't fancy. It has a clean classic appearance. I like the bridge, even the color. (Named it Ruby...) A humble and joyous ukulele.
Hey Steve, thanks for the review. I've been good during the pandemic and haven't purchased a ukulele for about two years. I have 5, the most expensive one at $150+ bucks I don't play much at all. The ukes I play the most have all been way under $90 bucks. I have 3 concerts, one I don't play which is the Oscar Schmidt. Electric Donner mahogany and Aosdin koa laminate. Also have a Luna soprano. I only have one tenor which is a Kmise. Would like to get another tenor so I can string one instrument as a low G. Your review has been helpful. I will check some reviews on Amazon on both sizes. I love getting solid, good sounding instruments for a low price. Not ready to put out even $200 unless I can play well enough to play a more expensive uke first and really love the sound. Til that happens, I'm concentrating more on my playing and having a few decent, good sounding, low cost ukes around.
Hi Rich, it's great to hear from you! There are lots of great ukuleles out there and very reasonable prices these days. I have tested both the concert and tenor solid top mahogany Aklots. The concert one in this video I think sounded better than the tenor I reviewed.
I would love to hear how you like it. I have reviewed the 5-string and really liked the fuller sound. I can only imagine what the 8 string must sound like in person. Thanks for watching and commenting! I look forward to hearing from you again!
Steve, great reviews! I keep listening to your Aklot mahogany concert and tenor reviews. Can't make up my mind... It seems the depth and tone is nicer on the tenor, but the Concert seems more traditional sounding... Which do you prefer?
Thanks, Jeff! Thanks for watching! Great question! Let me preface my response by saying that there is often variability of tone in instruments of the same model. That said, of the two instruments I have played, I prefer the tone on this concert-scale instrument. The tenor does sound a bit warmer (and I usually prefer warmer tones) and it does sound good, but, to my ear, the concert sounds better. I wish the tenor sounded like the concert because I really prefer its longer scale. Good luck making up your mind! If you cant' decide, order both from Amazon and return the one you like less. Who knows, you might decide to keep both, LOL!
Last week I bought the Aklot concert which I really love the sound of. And I've just ordered Aklot tenor electric I hope it is as good. If not better than the concert
You can see my review of the tenor as well. The one I reviewed also sounds good but I think my AKC23 sounds better! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I absolutely love it. In fact it sounds better than a ukulele that cost me just over £500. and my nephew agrees with me and he's been playing ukuleles for 15 years
First, take the strings out.. Remove them from the tuning machines (or just cut them), then push them down into the body and remove. You will see that the strings had a knot tied in the end (under the bridge) to prevent them from pulling through the bridge. To replace them, push the appropriate string down through the bridge (from front to back). Get a hold of the end of the string (the end in the body of the ukulele) through the sound hole. Tie a knot in the end of the string big enough to prevent it from pulling through. I have also put a bead on the string (the kind you get from a craft store) prior to the knot being tied, but this is not absolutely necessary as long as you tie a knot (granny knot) big enough. Then pull the string so that the knot in pulled up tight to the underside of the bridge, secure the other end of the string in the appropriate tuning machine and tune it up. That's it! I hope this was helpful!
Thanks for the suggestion! It's really very straight forward. To put new strings on, simply push the string down through its respective string hole in the bridge, pull the end you pushed down out through the soundhole, tie a knot in it, pull it back until it makes contact with the bridge from the inside. Then thread the other end through the tuning peg as usual.
Hi Amber, Thanks for the question. They are both great instruments for the price! It really boils down to looks and sound, and which is more important to you. Which looks better to you? Which sounds better to you? Personally, prefer the looks of the Donner. But to my earn, I prefer the warmer sound of the solid mahogany top of the Aklot. If you prefer a brighter tone, with what sounds like a shimmer to my ear, to might prefer the Donner. Let me know what you decide up and how you like it!
Hi Steve, I could not agree with you more. Wow! I do not have one...yet. I have one on order from ebay. Set me back, $51.28. It will be my first concert. I have tenors and baritone because of my big fingers. Again, thank you for your review. I really like Aklot. Take care , Bob
I purchased both the Aklot AKC23 and the Donner DUC-1 for comparison. As an absolute beginner, I would appreciate any help you can offer as to which of these 2 Ukulele's, the Aklot or the Donner, I should begin with and why? Thank you.
Sorry for the late response. I presume you have already begun playing both of them already. That is what I would do. They each have their own voices and I suspect you will enjoy both. Do you have a favorite yet? Thanks for watching and commenting!
I chose the Aklot AKC23 because I liked and preferred the sound of the Aklot over the Donner DUC-1. As you stated it's a matter of individual taste. Thanks, for your response. Now if you could just teach me how to play the darn thing I'd be even happier!@@stevesstrings5243
Great uke but a bear to restring. I want to change the low G only, but I can't take the old G out. It's stuck in there. Am I supposed to change all four strings to pull the old ones out? Help!!
You should be able to push the string down through the hole. If not, it might be wedged in tight or may be tied to another string. You may want to swap out all the strings just so you know what’s going on in there. I suggest you use a bead on each string (between the knot and bridge plate) and be sure not to leave a long tail. Long tails can lead to string buzz.
No worries! Both work. One way is Hawaiian 🌺 and the other is haole (non-natives). I try to be respectful by pronouncing it the way they do in Hawai’i (When I remember to).
My first ukulele was an Aklot concert. I have purchased several different brand ukuleles since - one being over five times the price of the Aklot.
As far as I am concerned, I’d rather have the Aklot than have all the others put together.
Although the other brands are certainly well made, I think I love the Aklot sound, which I imagine comes from a combination of the solid mahogany top and the fact that the strings go through the sound board. I appreciate the 18:1ratio tuning pegs and I just love the feel of the Aklot - I seem to gravitate to the Aklot every time.
Ian McArthur (Tasmania).
Thanks for sharing! I know exactly what you mean.
Ian McArthur Sweet!!
WoW! I'm thrilled to hear all of this Ian, and I am blessed to have received this from my lovely Daughter..... now if only this ol' Drummer can make some sweet music on this fine little instrument.
@@tmaddrummerhow's the ukulele going?🎉
I've had this for about a month (my first uke), and I love it. The sound, the rounded edge, the thin neck. I have no complaints. Yours was one of the reviews I watched when I was trying to decide, so thank you!
I’m glad you found it helpful, Leslie! Thanks for watching! Check out my other reviews when you are thinking about your next ukulele!
I was part of Aklot's original social media/Amazon push for the AKC-23, and I liked it. I'm not a fan of the doves on it (originally, the company told me they were "pigeons," and apparently the word for pigeon and dove is the same in Chinese), and I also don't love the very orangish color some of these have. Other than that...they are killer bargains for beginners, and the action of every Aklot I have tested has been wonderful (Kmise as the sister brand has not been as reliable on the instruments I have tried).
I'm a fan of fluorocarbon strings, and I felt like fluorocarbons really opened up the AKC-23 to new heights...so if you want to try an experiment...change the strings to something like inexpensive Martin 600 strings and see what you think.
I gave mine away to my niece, and bought a couple more to give away as prizes for a fundraising campaign a couple of years ago.
There is an electronic version of this for $65 or so that I get tempted to buy every now and then...
Thanks for the recommendation about the strings! I think it sounds great now. I can only imagine how much better it will sound with fluorocarbon strings.
I have the Aklot concert a Aklot Banjo and a Kmise Tenor., for a view years now.
The Consert I play the most even I have a real nice Flight Mustang that is 6x more expensive it hangs more on the wall then my Aklot Consert .
Love this sound so warm and for that price you can not believe it.
I agree! I really like this little ukulele!
Hi Steve, I could not agree more. Aklot has an elegant simplicity and warm and comfortable feel. I have one on order from eBay for $51.28 (great price). After watching your review, I'm confident that I will like it also.
Thank you. Take care, Bob
I'm sure you will be happy with it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
It finally arrived. Absolutely a great ukulele. Tuned it twice, and now, very close to stable. The size and feel is beautiful and comfortable. I agree with your review , 100 %. I have 10 ukuleles, I think this is number 1. Thank you again, Bob
I’m glad you like it!
I like what Aklot is doing. The bird theme and the rounded edges set it apart. I tried one a couple of years ago, and liked it a lot. Since I have quite a few ukes, I ended up giving it to a kid in the neighborhood.
Lucky kid! I really like the sound. It’s spoiling me and making me less impressed by my laminate ukuleles.
I got the AKC23, and it was 80 bucks. Like seriously? It’s absolutely amazing for its price. I’ve had it for a day so far.
I’m sure you’ll like it. Thanks for commenting!
I agree. I love my Aklot low G concert ukulele. It sounds beautiful.
I’m tempted to swap out the g string!
@@stevesstrings5243 I need to find out what this means. Is it sharp vs flat?
@@tmaddrummer The ukulele comes with a reentrant g string. That means it is higher pitch than the C string. If I replace it with a low G string, the new string would be an octave lower in pitch than the current string.
@@stevesstrings5243 Thank you for taking the time to splain this to me Steve! Blessings!
@@tmaddrummer I'm happy to help!
I have an Aklot tenor, AKC26 I think. I love it. There is absolutely nothing about it I don't like. Even the bridge. I have played a Martin uke. It cost around $500.00. It was a nice ukulele, but I didn't think there was enough of a difference to justify the cost. If you get a chance, review a Vtab. Another Chinese built uke of high quality. Costs a bit more than the Aklot, but are very nice. They will sell me my next ukulele. My niece will be getting an Aklot. But not mine!
It’s the AKT26. I just did a review of the AKET26. It’s just as nice as this one I have not seen the Vtab. I’ll need to look for it. Your niece is a lucky girl!
I love this Aklot a lot. The concert mahogany is cuter than the tenor and in my mind a bundle of joy. You can get the concert bundle for less than $50 and hard to find a better buy anywhere. I have never been a real fan of the looks of these (the tenor is not so lovely as this one), but I love the way they feel. Smooth edges and the soft mahogany wood! As Chris mentions below the red ones aren't quite as pretty as the darker ones.
I’m with you Rich, it isn’t fancy but it feels and sounds great! It has become one of my two favorites.
@@stevesstrings5243 I think I especially like this uke because it isn't fancy. It has a clean classic appearance. I like the bridge, even the color.
(Named it Ruby...) A humble and joyous ukulele.
Thanks Steve for a great review, and I hope to learn to play mine.
I'm glad you found it useful! Keep at it, I'm sure you will have fun learning.
Very useful video, many thanks and best regards from Italy.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hey Steve, thanks for the review. I've been good during the pandemic and haven't purchased a ukulele for about two years. I have 5, the most expensive one at $150+ bucks I don't play much at all. The ukes I play the most have all been way under $90 bucks. I have 3 concerts, one I don't play which is the Oscar Schmidt. Electric Donner mahogany and Aosdin koa laminate. Also have a Luna soprano. I only have one tenor which is a Kmise. Would like to get another tenor so I can string one instrument as a low G. Your review has been helpful. I will check some reviews on Amazon on both sizes. I love getting solid, good sounding instruments for a low price. Not ready to put out even $200 unless I can play well enough to play a more expensive uke first and really love the sound. Til that happens, I'm concentrating more on my playing and having a few decent, good sounding, low cost ukes around.
Hi Rich, it's great to hear from you! There are lots of great ukuleles out there and very reasonable prices these days. I have tested both the concert and tenor solid top mahogany Aklots. The concert one in this video I think sounded better than the tenor I reviewed.
@@stevesstrings5243 So you reviewed the tenor Aklot also. I'll have to look for it.
@@richardcogbill6791 I prefer the tenor scale but the concert one I have sounds great!
I am absolutely ordering the 8 string tenor by Aklot! I'll keep you posted!
I would love to hear how you like it. I have reviewed the 5-string and really liked the fuller sound. I can only imagine what the 8 string must sound like in person. Thanks for watching and commenting! I look forward to hearing from you again!
@@stevesstrings5243 Well again, thanks for the review! I'll keep you posted!
Thanks!
@@stevesstrings5243 Just ordered it! I'll get it Wednesday!
Great!
Steve, great reviews!
I keep listening to your Aklot mahogany concert and tenor reviews. Can't make up my mind... It seems the depth and tone is nicer on the tenor, but the Concert seems more traditional sounding... Which do you prefer?
Thanks, Jeff! Thanks for watching! Great question! Let me preface my response by saying that there is often variability of tone in instruments of the same model. That said, of the two instruments I have played, I prefer the tone on this concert-scale instrument. The tenor does sound a bit warmer (and I usually prefer warmer tones) and it does sound good, but, to my ear, the concert sounds better. I wish the tenor sounded like the concert because I really prefer its longer scale. Good luck making up your mind! If you cant' decide, order both from Amazon and return the one you like less. Who knows, you might decide to keep both, LOL!
@@stevesstrings5243 Thanks, Steve! I am drawn to the Concert, but I too would like the larger size - I think... I appreciate your reply!
@@Jeff_290 I think you cant' go wrong either way!
@@stevesstrings5243 I ended up ordering the Concert - I must have cought it on Amazon's last day for the $10 coupon. Got it for $54.99!
@@Jeff_290 I think you'll like it!
Last week I bought the Aklot concert which I really love the sound of. And I've just ordered Aklot tenor electric I hope it is as good. If not better than the concert
You can see my review of the tenor as well. The one I reviewed also sounds good but I think my AKC23 sounds better! Thanks for watching and commenting!
if you don't mind could you please let me know what you ended up thinking of the Aklot tenor electric?
I absolutely love it. In fact it sounds better than a ukulele that cost me just over £500. and my nephew agrees with me and he's been playing ukuleles for 15 years
Maybe its an eagle I like to think that!
From my perspective, the owner can visualize the bird any way they want.
Do you have tips on how to restring this model?
First, take the strings out.. Remove them from the tuning machines (or just cut them), then push them down into the body and remove. You will see that the strings had a knot tied in the end (under the bridge) to prevent them from pulling through the bridge. To replace them, push the appropriate string down through the bridge (from front to back). Get a hold of the end of the string (the end in the body of the ukulele) through the sound hole. Tie a knot in the end of the string big enough to prevent it from pulling through. I have also put a bead on the string (the kind you get from a craft store) prior to the knot being tied, but this is not absolutely necessary as long as you tie a knot (granny knot) big enough. Then pull the string so that the knot in pulled up tight to the underside of the bridge, secure the other end of the string in the appropriate tuning machine and tune it up. That's it! I hope this was helpful!
@@stevesstrings5243 THANK YOU so much for your thoroughness! :)
Hi! Can you make a video changing strips of this ukelele? Thank you
Thanks for the suggestion! It's really very straight forward. To put new strings on, simply push the string down through its respective string hole in the bridge, pull the end you pushed down out through the soundhole, tie a knot in it, pull it back until it makes contact with the bridge from the inside. Then thread the other end through the tuning peg as usual.
The Amazon ad now says this uke is all solid mahogany. True or no?
Only the soundboard is solid wood. The back and sides are laminate. Thanks for watching and commenting. Check out my other reviews too!
Hi Steve! Looking to buy my first ever ukulele, which would you say is better this one or the Donner DUC-1 that you also reviewed?
Hi Amber, Thanks for the question. They are both great instruments for the price! It really boils down to looks and sound, and which is more important to you. Which looks better to you? Which sounds better to you? Personally, prefer the looks of the Donner. But to my earn, I prefer the warmer sound of the solid mahogany top of the Aklot. If you prefer a brighter tone, with what sounds like a shimmer to my ear, to might prefer the Donner. Let me know what you decide up and how you like it!
Hi Steve, I could not agree with you more. Wow! I do not have one...yet. I have one on order from ebay. Set me back, $51.28. It will be my first concert. I have tenors and baritone because of my big fingers.
Again, thank you for your review. I really like Aklot. Take care , Bob
I purchased both the Aklot AKC23 and the Donner DUC-1 for comparison. As an absolute beginner, I would appreciate any help you can offer as to which of these 2 Ukulele's, the Aklot or the Donner, I should begin with and why? Thank you.
Sorry for the late response. I presume you have already begun playing both of them already. That is what I would do. They each have their own voices and I suspect you will enjoy both. Do you have a favorite yet? Thanks for watching and commenting!
I chose the Aklot AKC23 because I liked and preferred the sound of the Aklot over the Donner DUC-1. As you stated it's a matter of individual taste. Thanks, for your response. Now if you could just teach me how to play the darn thing I'd be even happier!@@stevesstrings5243
Great uke but a bear to restring. I want to change the low G only, but I can't take the old G out. It's stuck in there. Am I supposed to change all four strings to pull the old ones out? Help!!
You should be able to push the string down through the hole. If not, it might be wedged in tight or may be tied to another string. You may want to swap out all the strings just so you know what’s going on in there. I suggest you use a bead on each string (between the knot and bridge plate) and be sure not to leave a long tail. Long tails can lead to string buzz.
I can't believe I have pronouncing it ukulele instead of ukelele all my life. wild
No worries! Both work. One way is Hawaiian 🌺 and the other is haole (non-natives). I try to be respectful by pronouncing it the way they do in Hawai’i (When I remember to).