Cordoba 20CM, Concert - Mahogany Review

Cordoba 20CM Ukulele

I was looking for an entry ukulele that had a nice sound and was pretty enough to pick up every day. And also not too expensive so I wouldn't feel too guarded about taking it anywhere or getting it a little dinged. Well, the 20CM does have a really nice sound (it's supposed to have a solid mahogany top), tuners don't slip and the rosette does add to the pretty factor but I'm not… read more sure it is worth the step up in price - $160 versus the average $100 starters out there. The craftsmanship is poor so $60 didn't buy better quality and I'm not sure I can hear the difference of a "solid" mahogany top. The laminate on the back is very thin, the top edge has a small chip where the back meets the sides so you can see the layers. That edge is also rough and poorly sanded and some areas show a lighter wood, another sign of a thin laminate - it's not easy to cut and then sand a thin laminate cleanly. And the top of the head is also rough and poorly sanded - adding to the tacky "Cordoba" tape label. The tape does have a varnish layer to protect it but I was surprised by the peel-and-stick tape. Even though I knew the 20CM was made in China and I truly expected quality issues, I am a little disappointed. There are a lot of 5-star reviews out there for the 20CM; mine is not a "5". Sweetwater does have a good return policy but honestly not worth the hassle to package and ship and then possibly get something worse in return. Ukuleles under $300 apparently don't get the careful 55-point evaluation. I will play it, ding it up some more and then move up to a Soprano that is not made in China. So if you are in the market for a starter ukulele go to a box store and try out a few. If the sound of the 20CM is worth the extra $60, check out the edges before you bring it home. Ordering online at that price point is simply too hit-or-miss.

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Beautiful Instrument

After a series of group beginner lessons, I had to return the low-end loaner instrument. For my first 'ukulele, I wanted to purchase something that was better-than-entry-level but also not over-do it for my level of experience. This beautiful instrument exceeded all of my expectations. It is well made, lovely to look at, has a sweet tone, and is fun to play. There is definitely… read more a difference in the sound with the solid mahogany top.

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He Loves it!

It was a gift for my little brother for his birthday. He absolutely loves it! Thank you for a shipping it in a timely matter. Although he usually plays the guitar, he loves how the ukulele sounds right off the box and I'm sure it would only get better from here. Thanks again.

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Great Uke!

This Ukulele is a great instrument! The tone is incredible and is very appealing to the eye! The overall build is very well done! Josh was our salesperson and thoroughly helped us through the purchase process! Overall great experience and will definitely be contacting Josh with my next order!

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Cordoba 20CM - Concert, Mahogany

Great! Works well for me.

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