'Oli L2-BCR Solid Cedar/Rosewood Baritone Gloss Ukulele w/hard case (Blue Binding)

They are finally here in the UK! Oli are the Ukulele brand that have been creating the most buzz worldwide for the last 12 months and we can confirm with first hand experience; the hype is justified!

The L2-BCR is part of 'Oli's 3rd tier of instruments. Aimed at intermediate/professional musicians this ukulele is light in the hands, resonant and with incredible sustain and colour to the sound. We received two on the first shipment, this particular one had blue turquoise binding throughout.

Andrew Kitakis along with his famous team at Ukulele Site in Hawaii have been designing and refining the range of Ukuleles for several years already. Present company included; there is really nobody more in tune with what makes a good ukulele that players can bond with. 

The L-2BCR is built with a combination of Western Red Cedar and Indonesian Rosewood that gives it a voicing more akin to a classical guitar. The low notes throb and play freely with a natural compression that allows the brighter notes sing through. This wood combination has possibly the best single note seperation which is perfect for players that like to play classical arrangements or perform fingerstyle pieces.

The playability choices and aesthetic details of the L2 series are worth discussing; What you can see at first glance is the side mounted fret markers popular on many ukes from brands like Flight. They give you a visual clue as to where you are playing on the fretboard without the need to tilt the instrument towards you. The nut is wider at 37mm with a nice wide string spacing and a modern, smooth C shape to the neck which curves well with the natural curves in your hand. The tuners are Gotoh Planetary tuners which are commonly seen as being the top Ukulele tuner out there. 

The Gotohs weigh nothing which balances the instrument better and allows the wood to vibrate freely. When you play the instrument you will feel the bag vibrate as you play. The bevelled edge is subtle to look at but very comfortable under the arm as you play. The side sound port is done in a subtle way and gives the player more control over the naunce in what they hear when they play. 

The attributes you don't see on this ukulele are part of the magic; it has lattice bracing which is a grid like trellis structure of bracing under the top which is stronger than traditional bracing and makes the top naturally stiffer. I have to say, I think it also reduces the weight of these instruments compared to the X braces series ukes we have received. Finally, the fingerboard has a slight radius to it which makes barre chords slightly easier for many.

Finally, the choice of factory strings is a Ko'olau fluorcarbon with a tapewound G and gold alloy D. An interesting set but one that has been chosen to really make the notes you want to stand out. The whole thing is a really professional presentation that gives players a slice of a custom ukulele at a price more similar to something like an AnueNue Cedar Bird.

Listing shows actual Ukulele you will receive.

Western Red Cedar Top
Indonesian Rosewood Sides and Back
Ebony faceplate with ebony binding and wood purfling
Radius ebony bound fingerboard
Ebony bridge
Ebony rosette
Blue turquoise Binding - Top, back, fretboard, headstock
Ebony Arm-bevel
Mahogany neck with dual action truss rod
Bone nut and saddle
Gotoh UPT 4:1 ratio tuning keys
Gloss finish body - Satin finished neck
Ko'olau Aho Baritone Fluorocarbon set
Includes hardshell case
Total Scale Length: 20 1/16"
Body Length: 13 1/8"
Overall Length: 30"
Nut Width: 1.46"
Saddle length: 2 1/16"
Lower Bout Width: 10"
Upper Bout Width: 7 1/8"
Lower Bout Depth: 3 3/16"
Upper Bout Depth: 3"