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Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele Review – A Grown-Up Beginner’s Ukulele

From our archive. This review was published on GuitarFella and has not been re-tested. Specifications describe the model as it shipped then — check what Cordoba makes now before you buy.

Cordoba’s 15TM is definitely one of the more grown up models on our chart of the best beginner ukuleles, as it’s not a soprano or a concert – it’s a tenor, which is perfect for adult beginners. With a higher price tag than some of the others, is it worth the extra few bucks? There’s only one way to find out… Cordoba-15TM-body

Body & Neck

First off, the 15TM looks wonderful and is typically Cordoba in its build, with solid craftsmanship and elegant detailing. The tenor sized body (26”) is bigger than your standard beginner’s soprano or concert uke, so it would appeal to adults and those with slightly bigger hands as everything is a little more generously spaced on the fretboard. On that note, the 19-fret fingerboard is made of rosewood while the neck it sits on is mahogany, and feels great in the hands. The body of the 15TM itself is made entirely from laminated mahogany, with a sleek satin finish and protective cream ABS binding around the top and back. The soundhole rosette is also quite striking, with a circle of abalone inserted for a little glitz. Nice. Cordoba-15TM-neck

Hardware

Sound

Unlike a couple of others on our beginner’s chart, the 15TM doesn’t come with a case or accessories – the full price you pay goes towards the cost of the ukulele itself. This is a good thing in this instance, as it means Cordoba can add some quality hardware, such as the precise silver tuners with pearl tuning buttons. The uke also features a rosewood bridge, a composite nut and saddle, and comes strung with a good set of Aquila tenor strings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP3MDuN5sEg

Conclusion

Perhaps for kids or those who want the sparkly sound they’ve heard from typical soprano ukuleles, the 15TM may not be what you’re looking for. But for the majority of adult beginners, it’s pretty hard to beat! The design, woods and build quality all feel very special for the affordable price, while the sound is beautiful. For more info about the Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele, click here. For more Beginners Ukulele you might like, click here.

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