'Oli L2-BQM-BL Quilted Maple Ocean Blue Baritone Gloss Ukulele w/hard case

The L2-BQM-BL is part of 'Oli's 3rd tier of instruments. Aimed at intermediate/professional musicians.

Andrew Kitakis along with his famous team at Ukulele Site in Hawaii have been designing and refining the range of ukuleles for several years already. Present company included; there is really nobody more in tune with what makes a good ukulele that players can bond with. 

It's hard to decide where to start with this stunning baritone, but I think we should begin with the obvious, that unbelievable quilted maple. Putting aside how beautiful it is with the rich ocean blue stain (which we shouldn't) the tone is incendiary, with endless depth that just envokes emotion with each note played up the fretboard. It is full, balanced and snappy without being overpowering. The quilting is highlighted by the bright maple binding that saunters its way from the body, bordering the fretboard and framing the striking maple faceplate with jaw dropping class.

The playability choices and aesthetic details of the L2 series are worth discussing. What you can see at first glance is the side mounted fret markers popular on many ukes from brands like Flight. They give you a visual clue as to where you are playing on the fretboard without the need to tilt the instrument towards you. The nut is wider at 37mm with a nice wide string spacing and a modern, smooth C shape to the neck which curves well with the natural curves in your hand. The tuners are Gotoh Planetary tuners which are commonly seen as being the top ukulele tuner out there. 

The Gotohs weigh nothing which balances the instrument better and allows the wood to vibrate freely. When you play the instrument you will feel the back vibrate as you play. The bevelled edge is subtle to look at but very comfortable under the arm as you play. The side sound port is done in a subtle way and gives the player more control over the naunce in what they hear when they play. 

The attributes you don't see on this ukulele are part of the magic; it has lattice bracing which is a grid like trellis structure of bracing under the top which is stronger than traditional bracing and makes the top naturally stiffer. I have to say, I think it also reduces the weight of these instruments compared to the X braces series ukes we have received. Finally, the fingerboard has a slight radius to it which makes barre chords slightly easier for many.

Finally, the choice of factory strings is a Ko'olau fluorocarbon with a tapewound G and gold alloy D. An interesting set but one that has been chosen to really make the notes you want to stand out. The whole thing is a really professional presentation that gives players a slice of a custom ukulele at a price more similar to something like an aNueNue cedar bird.

Listing shows actual ukulele you will receive, and includes the new bright blue 'Oli woodshell case.