Cordoba 24B Baritone Ukulele Review – A Baritone with Stunning Visuals

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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Cordoba’s mid-range 24 Series is undoubtedly one of their best-looking collections, with an exotic wood construction and a few delightful touches of class. While all four uke sizes feature in the series, today we look at the baritone model, the 24B, which takes its place in our chart on the best ukuleles under $300.

Body & Neck

Just like the rest of the series, the 24B shows off a premium look, and makes good use of its tonewoods. With a traditional non-cutaway baritone body, and a length of just under 30”, the body features a simple fan-braced solid cedar top, that is complemented by the more dramatic spalted maple used to craft the back and sides. The grain of this wood is very eventful and unique – light in color, with inky black streaks that certainly catch the eye. Adding to the aesthetic appeal of this uke is the red padauk rosette, and the matching binding around the body and neck.

The neck itself joins the body at the 14th fret, and is made from mahogany. This features a rosewood fretboard, as well as a total of 19 frets. Capping this is the headstock which is clad with a spalted maple veneer, completing the look nicely. You can guarantee an instrument made by Cordoba in this price range will show off great craftsmanship, and this 24B doesn’t disappoint, with a quality feel and solid playability.

Hardware

Note that, aside from the electro-acoustic version of the tenor model, the 24 Series ukes do not carry electronics. The 24B demonstrates a decent selection of components, including the set of silver open-gear tuning machines, with elegant black buttons. As with some other Cordoba ukes, it’s the operation of these tuning machines that let it down a little – certainly not as precise or smooth as they could be.

Just below the headstock is a bone nut, with a matching bone saddle at the other end, sitting on a rosewood fretboard. The strings are good-quality too – a set of Aquila 21U baritone strings greet you from the box. No case is included, which is a bit of a letdown at this price, but it’s no deal-breaker.

Sound

The 24B has everything you’d want from a baritone ukulele, with a deep island sound that’s ultra-soothing. Thanks to the woods, the tone is very well-balanced with ample brightness, but remains very well-rounded and mellow. The body size and solid fan-braced top ensure resonance and projection is excellent, while it offers lovely sustain. Hard to fault in the sound department!

Conclusion

Aside from a few minor slip-ups in the hardware department, Cordoba’s 24B is one fine ukulele, and feels well-worth the mid-range price. The body just screams for attention, while it’s able to match its looks with good playability and a wonderfully sweet sound.

For more info about the Cordoba 24B Baritone Ukulele, click here.
For more ukuleles under $300, click here.