Interesting points. I personally think this Martin doesn't fall in the crazy price category - rather the 'sensible' price category. It's a fabulous instrument
Just got a Martin 2K Tenor. It is a magnificent ukulele. It has a much more mellow tone than the T1 And a much nicer head stock “Martin” label. The T1 sounds strident in comparison to the 2K. As usual… an excellent review of a very nice ukulele. MikeinMinnesota
I really like the Aquila red series with a low-g string on my T1K. They were a little bit obnoxious when I first put them on, but they mellow out really well with some time.
Super review. This is my high G uke, What I like about it is the dynamic range. It is very sweet if played quietly, but I like to dig in and then it shouts out. This is a great advantage playing in a uke club where you might otherwise struggle to make yourself heard.
I just got a c1k. In store I compared t1k and c1k and found quite a difference and liked c1k a lot more, it sure if you tried a similar comparison. The price difference was only around $40 so had been in 2 minds for which one I should get
Super nice tone on this, change the strings, really fast neck, nice and light,takes about a half hour,to warm up, with a strap,you can really make some happy music!!!!!
This was my first quality up grade ukulele. I've had it for a couple of years now. In those years, I got 2 Mya Moe's for a lot more money. It's not a fair comparison as the MMs are a tenor resonator and a Baritone. But the Martin is still my go to uke. Love the sound and I love the shape of the neck. For me, a much more comfortable instrument to play. One thing, when I went to change the strings, I had drill out the holes in the bridge in order to get the new stings in. Pain in the ass. Now that's its done, no compliants.
The Mya Moe ukuleles are really sweet! I have a Martin T1K as my go to, and a myrtlewood Breedlove tenor Luau model. The Breedlove’s features seem gigantic compared to the T1K, and the tuning knobs stick out way too far. But myrtlewood is my favorite hardwood to look at, and Breedlove is an Oregon company, so there’s that. The attention to detail on the Breedlove is poor, with sloppy binding, and a rough finish in places, whereas the Martin is flawless. I guess that’s the difference between a $300 and a $500 ukulele? Made in Mexico also seems like a step up from the made in China Breedlove. I do love them both, but I love the Martin a lot more!
I think the Martin's made in their Mexico factory receive the same quality build and control as their Nazareth, PA factory. The oversight of their Mexico operation is obvious, and as I understand it, the Martin employees in Mexico have "happy" work environment which usually yields benefits on it's own.
Great review! I have been contemplating getting one of these and have played a few... I agree about the faceplate logo! Haha your playing really makes the Uke sound great.. Thanks so much! :0)
+GotAUkulele I meant to correct myself, the S1's are getting the silkscreen, and the recent T1K I bought that was recently built still has the gaudy sticker. Maybe they are just clearing out their old stock of sticker labels before using the new silk screens? Not certain.
I was confused by this video, and very closely examined my T1K, I couldn’t see how the Martin logo on mine could possibly be a sticker! Now I get it, it’s NOT a sticker! Thank you!
Nice review full of good information on the T1K. Those weird fret markers are too small! Thanks for the scuffing info. I didn't realize that gloss was to avoid that. I prefer satin ukes now.
i've had mine for 4 months. i paid no tax or shipping from another state, so it wasn't a bad deal. i LIKE it. every edge, is unreasonably SHARP. ie: nut, bridge, neck. the frets were poorly dressed. the tuners...meh. i LIKE it anyway. easy to have these small details fixed. i honestly believe that martin should have seen to it, but....when all is right with it, i will LIKE it even more! i've played more expensive that were worse, and less expensive that were better. the nature of the beast, this online shopping.
I’ve said it before, but enjoy your reviews a lot. Anyhow I’ve had my uke for quite awhile and I am going to try some new strings. I agree with you, the Martin 620s are pretty bright but all I’ve known so I got used to em. Beyond that, I have cheaper uke that has the Aquila on it and find them to be of less tension and a bit warmer but that could because of the uke (les Paul you’re not fond of😂). Other than these two, I’ve been a guitar player. Lately I’ve become more serious about uke and have been playing it exclusively. I think I’ll try the black lines (Fremont) you mentioned as I want a bit more warmth. A couple questions though; would the flouro fishing line you’ve used in past be similar to Fremont? Would Aquila be a good fit in you opinion? I’m of limited experience with all the different strings so sort of just winging it. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Sorry - I don’t give string opinions for a simple reason. We all have different ukes, ears and playing styles. I’ve found that the sounds one person gets from a certain string are not necessarily replicated for others. In fact sometimes the opposite!
Ok, I understand. Thanks anyhow, I’ll just have to try different sets until I settle on ones I like. 620s are not the ticket for me, though I’ve made them work for a long time. 👍🏻 Take care.
Brother, thanks for tie review also looking at getting a Martin without robbing a bank. Liking my acacia Kala tenor but wondering that it's not the greatest sounding all wood tenor at that price of 400 American dollars and below
Thanks for a very nice review 😍 If it's made in Mexico or the US, does not matter, but anyway...If I ever can afford a real Martin, it would for sure be a soprano or eventually a concert 😄😉
@@GotAUkulele Thank you,i will do that. I bought it from Belgium for 450 euro incl shipping. 2 weeks old. Here in Holland they are 700 euro new. Many thanks Barry
The topic of wood changing with age is as old as the hills and i'm afraid there is NO definitive answer. Whether it ages for the better or worse - how much in changes. The problem is - how do you test it. In 5 years time you will likely be a better / different sort of player too. So impossible to test it fairly. All we know is this - solid wood DOES change. And thats as far as anyone can go!
Hello! and thanks for your videso! I have a big doubt. I would like to choose between the T1K and the T1 Streetmaster. I own several sopranos, including a vintage Martin T0 from the 1920s, but the soprano ukulele I love is the S1K, which I am absolutely in love with. Perfect instrument! But the problem is that, at least judging from the videos, the T1K sounds strangely similar to the Soprano! It seems to me to lack depth. You call it a fantastic instrument, perhaps after the correction with the Freemont strings, I would like you to help me make this choice. I love koa, I love the dark sound of mahogany less, but if there are no big tonal differences between S1K and T1K, is there anything left for the Streetmaster?
I have this uke and it is great. My only problem is the low g worth string is floppy and the Martin's are taut . Any suggestion on a low g string that matches Martin since Martin does not make a low g
Very, VERY old video - long before I did regular videos for reviews. Take a look at the last few years of vids. Quite different. Back at this time I really was in two minds about adding videos to the website. The web reviews started with no videos at all.
Interesting points. I personally think this Martin doesn't fall in the crazy price category - rather the 'sensible' price category. It's a fabulous instrument
Just got a Martin 2K Tenor. It is a magnificent ukulele. It has a much more mellow tone than the T1 And a much nicer head stock “Martin” label. The T1 sounds strident in comparison to the 2K. As usual… an excellent review of a very nice ukulele. MikeinMinnesota
Thank you for the review and any comment and information on the action.
No problem!
I really like the Aquila red series with a low-g string on my T1K. They were a little bit obnoxious when I first put them on, but they mellow out really well with some time.
Super review. This is my high G uke, What I like about it is the dynamic range. It is very sweet if played quietly, but I like to dig in and then it shouts out. This is a great advantage playing in a uke club where you might otherwise struggle to make yourself heard.
+Hawaiian Shirt-Racer GREAT ukulele - but damn this an old video!!!
@@GotAUkulele 😁😁😁
I just got a c1k. In store I compared t1k and c1k and found quite a difference and liked c1k a lot more, it sure if you tried a similar comparison. The price difference was only around $40 so had been in 2 minds for which one I should get
I've played a C1K, very nice instruments.
why did you like the C1K more?
Super nice tone on this, change the strings, really fast neck, nice and light,takes about a half hour,to warm up, with a strap,you can really make some happy music!!!!!
I think the strings they come with are great - use them myself!
This was my first quality up grade ukulele. I've had it for a couple of years now. In those years, I got 2 Mya Moe's for a lot more money. It's not a fair comparison as the MMs are a tenor resonator and a Baritone. But the Martin is still my go to uke. Love the sound and I love the shape of the neck. For me, a much more comfortable instrument to play. One thing, when I went to change the strings, I had drill out the holes in the bridge in order to get the new stings in. Pain in the ass. Now that's its done, no compliants.
I've have one for more than ten years and it sounds amazing! it's mellowed nicely but still has a bite!
The Mya Moe ukuleles are really sweet! I have a Martin T1K as my go to, and a myrtlewood Breedlove tenor Luau model. The Breedlove’s features seem gigantic compared to the T1K, and the tuning knobs stick out way too far. But myrtlewood is my favorite hardwood to look at, and Breedlove is an Oregon company, so there’s that. The attention to detail on the Breedlove is poor, with sloppy binding, and a rough finish in places, whereas the Martin is flawless. I guess that’s the difference between a $300 and a $500 ukulele? Made in Mexico also seems like a step up from the made in China Breedlove. I do love them both, but I love the Martin a lot more!
@@subrosa4792 I can't speak to Breed love. I've never played one. But I have no buyer's remorse with my Martin.
Btw both of MMs are Myrtle wood.
I think the Martin's made in their Mexico factory receive the same quality build and control as their Nazareth, PA factory. The oversight of their Mexico operation is obvious, and as I understand it, the Martin employees in Mexico have "happy" work environment which usually yields benefits on it's own.
+Tiki Den I'll put it this way - I have played a LOT of ukuleles. This is one of the best I have reviewed
Great review! I have been contemplating getting one of these and have played a few... I agree about the faceplate logo! Haha your playing really makes the Uke sound great.. Thanks so much! :0)
Thank you! I think these are superb instruments. A lot of die hard Martin fans are down on them, but I think they sound and play very very well
They now use the silk screening process for their logo, they must have watched your video review, LOL!👍👍
+Tiki Den They do - wow - thank goodness!
+GotAUkulele I meant to correct myself, the S1's are getting the silkscreen, and the recent T1K I bought that was recently built still has the gaudy sticker. Maybe they are just clearing out their old stock of sticker labels before using the new silk screens? Not certain.
+Uke Den Ah right - guess if they have started on the S, the others may follow.
I was confused by this video, and very closely examined my T1K, I couldn’t see how the Martin logo on mine could possibly be a sticker! Now I get it, it’s NOT a sticker! Thank you!
Nice review full of good information on the T1K. Those weird fret markers are too small! Thanks for the scuffing info. I didn't realize that gloss was to avoid that. I prefer satin ukes now.
i've had mine for 4 months. i paid no tax or shipping from another state, so it wasn't a bad deal. i LIKE it.
every edge, is unreasonably SHARP. ie: nut, bridge, neck. the frets were poorly dressed. the tuners...meh. i LIKE it anyway. easy to have these small details fixed. i honestly believe that martin should have seen to it, but....when all is right with it, i will LIKE it even more!
i've played more expensive that were worse, and less expensive that were better. the nature of the beast, this online shopping.
I'd have exchanged it?
@@GotAUkulele, 6 months ago, they were on back order until next week. there literally was nothing to exchange it with.
I’ve said it before, but enjoy your reviews a lot. Anyhow I’ve had my uke for quite awhile and I am going to try some new strings. I agree with you, the Martin 620s are pretty bright but all I’ve known so I got used to em. Beyond that, I have cheaper uke that has the Aquila on it and find them to be of less tension and a bit warmer but that could because of the uke (les Paul you’re not fond of😂). Other than these two, I’ve been a guitar player.
Lately I’ve become more serious about uke and have been playing it exclusively. I think I’ll try the black lines (Fremont) you mentioned as I want a bit more warmth. A couple questions though; would the flouro fishing line you’ve used in past be similar to Fremont? Would Aquila be a good fit in you opinion? I’m of limited experience with all the different strings so sort of just winging it. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Sorry didn’t mention, I’m speaking of t1k.
Sorry - I don’t give string opinions for a simple reason. We all have different ukes, ears and playing styles. I’ve found that the sounds one person gets from a certain string are not necessarily replicated for others. In fact sometimes the opposite!
Ok, I understand. Thanks anyhow, I’ll just have to try different sets until I settle on ones I like. 620s are not the ticket for me, though I’ve made them work for a long time. 👍🏻 Take care.
Brother, thanks for tie review also looking at getting a Martin without robbing a bank. Liking my acacia Kala tenor but wondering that it's not the greatest sounding all wood tenor at that price of 400 American dollars and below
Thanks for a very nice review 😍 If it's made in Mexico or the US, does not matter, but anyway...If I ever can afford a real Martin, it would for sure be a soprano or eventually a concert 😄😉
Fair enough!
I have this ukulele and action was lowered to about 3mm. How low were you able to get the action. I would like a little lower but not sure if possibe.
3mm is really high for me. I tend to have mine at just over 2.5mm. But it’s personal choice
Great uke, but the neck is extremely small for me.
It's wider than most other tenors?
Hello Bazz.
You lower the saddle ,but also the nut????
Both, but unless you know EXACTLY what you are doing I advise my readers to take to a specialist for the nut. Much harder to reverse if you go wrong
@@GotAUkulele Thank you,i will do that.
I bought it from Belgium for 450 euro incl shipping. 2 weeks old.
Here in Holland they are 700 euro new.
Many thanks Barry
great review
Curious how the tone of the Koa changes as the wood ages. Picked one up. Trying to decide if I am keeping.
The topic of wood changing with age is as old as the hills and i'm afraid there is NO definitive answer. Whether it ages for the better or worse - how much in changes. The problem is - how do you test it. In 5 years time you will likely be a better / different sort of player too. So impossible to test it fairly. All we know is this - solid wood DOES change. And thats as far as anyone can go!
Hello! and thanks for your videso!
I have a big doubt. I would like to choose between the T1K and the T1 Streetmaster.
I own several sopranos, including a vintage Martin T0 from the 1920s, but the soprano ukulele I love is the S1K, which I am absolutely in love with. Perfect instrument!
But the problem is that, at least judging from the videos, the T1K sounds strangely similar to the Soprano! It seems to me to lack depth. You call it a fantastic instrument, perhaps after the correction with the Freemont strings, I would like you to help me make this choice. I love koa, I love the dark sound of mahogany less, but if there are no big tonal differences between S1K and T1K, is there anything left for the Streetmaster?
Honestly, the T1K sounds NOTHING like the soprano!!
@@GotAUkulele thank you !
Truss rod?
No. Not really needed on a ukulele. (Yes, I know some have them, but still.. the vast majority don't)
what do you think of the 2k tenor?
Sorry, never played one
I have this uke and it is great. My only problem is the low g worth string is floppy and the Martin's are taut . Any suggestion on a low g string that matches Martin since Martin does not make a low g
Catherine Miranda check out Living Water Strings. Very similar and with low G option
@@GotAUkulele thanks a million!
I’ve got the Aquila Red Series on mine, specifically the Low-G set. I am going to try the regular Aquila New Nylgut strings next.
Thank you for the video brother, but please next time get closer to the mic...
Very, VERY old video - long before I did regular videos for reviews. Take a look at the last few years of vids. Quite different. Back at this time I really was in two minds about adding videos to the website. The web reviews started with no videos at all.
It’s a Martine.
Martin..
@@GotAUkulele Martine as in the Spanish version of the name Martin. It’s a made in Mexico joke.
I have a T1K and I call it Marteen because it’s made in Mexico.
Hi.i see.i feels.toxic , painting on it....
Sorry?