Review quickie: Ibanez AUP10N

The AUP10N is a guitarlele; a guitar trapped in ukulele form. From another perspective it's a ukulele with 6 strings. Unlike the conventional ukulele construction, the AUP body is carved / hollowed out from a block of wood so it's virtually a solid container with a 'lid' ie. the body's top. 

Likes

• construction / fit & finish
• tone
• price

Dislikes

• double hole bridge

From the start, I was intrigued by the body of this instrument; that carved out construction just makes it feel super sturdy. The fact that it's well made - no bumps / ill fitting edges - shows the level of expertise involved. Mind you, this isn't a normal ukulele construction (which is very much a guitar construction), this is another level of craftsmanship manifested into an instrument. The AUP feels exclusive from the get go. Tone-wise, the nylon string - solid sides / back interaction gives off that crispy tone that doesn't reside at the shrill end. The definition here is simply awesome if you thrive playing single notes. Chords sound full without muffling out like some ukuleles do, then again, this isn't one. Those nameless black tuners also did well in terms of functionality but due to the 'extra' two tuners on board, the instrument suffers from a neck dive but it's non-chronic once a strap is employed. The fact that one end of it gets attached to the nut area means a very good balance could be achieved almost immediately. The stereo sound port, in my opinion, has very little effect in limiting volume projection; the AUP10N remains loud & proud during play; would be interesting to have a plug in variation in time to come.

The only feature I detest (strictly personal) is the double hole bridge that necessitates an extra travel, due to its wraparound nature, when re-stringing; is this necessary? Yamaha's guitarlele employs a conventional bridge & is a familiar affair if one owns a classical guitar. 

The demand / need for a guitarlele is a niche interest. Yamaha had been having one in production for a while & it's not about to be discontinued. Implication - there is a demand for such a quirky musical instrument. The AUP is a well-made guitarlele & should appeal to the guitarist at heart who suffers from acoustic guitar lethargy at times. 

Final rating: 92%

Ibanez: AUP10N

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

List: $259

Pic: Ibanez