By Greg Olwell
Each year, Martin introduces a handful of limited edition models and one of this year's crop called out to us. The Martin 0X Uke Bamboo has similar appointments and construction as Martin's 0XK soprano, but features a bamboo-patterned outer layer in striking colors.
We just received our tester and its avocado green color is one fun attention grabber. [The Bamboo is also available in red and blue.] Everyone who walks by has questions and gives it a few strums. Look for a full review and video in an upcoming issue, but in the meantime here's a first look at the 0X Uke Bamboo.
The body is made from Martin's HPL, a composite material, with Sitka spruce bracing and a bamboo-patterned finish on the top, back, sides, and headstock face.
The rosewood bridge has a compensated Tusq saddle, which gave us excellent intonation along the fingerboard.
The neck is laminated birch, arranged perpendicular to the fingerboard for a striking appearance. (I counted 33 layers of birch across the headstock, the widest part of our tester's neck.)
First impressions: If any ukulele is going to make us reconsider how great a uke made from composites can feel, play, and sound, it's the 0X Bamboo. Even at $300, this uke's tone, features, and excellent construction makes a powerful argument for how great composites can be for players and instruments.
Martin's MSRP for the 0X Uke Bamboo is $449, with a street price of $299, including a soft padded gigbag. martinguitar.com
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