Lanikai LK-SEU UkeSB Soprano Ukulele Review – An Advanced USB Ukulele

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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In this review, we’re looking at one of the most advanced ukuleles on our chart of the best ukes under $500, the LK-SEU UkeSB from Lanikai. And yes, that’s a play on the acronym ‘USB’, which is the method this innovative little soprano ukulele uses to connect to devices. The uke is compatible with everything from iPads to Audacity, but how does it look and sound? Let’s check it out.

Body & Neck

This modern ukulele features a non-cutaway petite soprano sized body, made entirely from laminated koa. The interesting grain is lovely, and is enhanced by some elegant detailing across the body and neck. For example, there’s dark rosewood body binding which contrasts nicely with the mother-of-pearl purfling and soundhole rosette on the top. This mother-of-pearl continues up into the mahogany neck with the block fretboard inlays marking the 12 frets of the rosewood fretboard.

The body and neck look great, and everything feels well-made with quality materials. The LK-SEU is also very playable, although – with its soprano size and compact scale length of 13.625” – it is more suited to those with smaller hands. In case you needed reminding of its capabilities, it’s finished off with the unique UkeSB logo on the truss rod cover!

Hardware

As we’ve already hinted, the LK-SEU is loaded with electronics that make connecting to a computer/iPad/smartphone a cinch. There’s a good-quality Fishman Kula pickup/preamp system, with a control panel on the top bout offering rotary controls for volume, bass, middle and treble, in addition to a handy digital tuner. On the opposite side of the uke you’ll find a panel featuring the standard ¼” output jack (for plugging into an amp) as well as a micro-USB output allowing you to plug into an array of devices and easily record your sound. It’s a quick and simple system, and very versatile indeed.

Elsewhere, the LK-SEU has a set of very flash gold-plated Grover open-gear tuners, which are good at holding the uke’s tuning, as well as a rosewood bridge, and a good-quality bone nut and saddle.

Sound

Working without its advanced electronics, the LK-SEU is satisfyingly bright and crisp in tone, with decent acoustic projection despite its small body size. However, it’s through the Fishman system that this uke really shines, offering clear amplification and good versatility with the 3-band EQ, and pretty much unlimited sound shaping when you plug into a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Conclusion

Ukulele beginners, or those not particularly fussed with connectivity, should probably look elsewhere, but if you’re a professional recording artist or an experienced player who likes to mess around with different sounds, you’ll find Lanikai’s gorgeous little LK-SEU offers you pretty much everything you need. It has killer looks, a great sound, and advanced connectivity – what’s not to love?

For more info about the Lanikai LK-SEU UkeSB Soprano Ukulele, click here.
For more Best Ukulele Under $500 you might like, click here.