2022 Pepe Romero "Tenor Ukulele - George Steck" SP/MH

Made by the son of the great guitarist of the same name. Known for his phenomenal guitars, Pepe Jr. also builds some very exciting ukulele's - but using traditional guitar methods and structural details, including a modified guitar bracing system internally as well as a "guitar-esque" plantilla, rosette and head design. They all have 17" scale and are tenor size, with 18 frets, African rosewood fingerboard and bridge, CSA rosewood head veneers. They have arched tops and backs and have Spanish heel neck to body joints.

This particular ukulue is part of Pepe's "Baby Grand Project" and features an old piece of Adarondak spruce (taken from an old George Steck piano - read more about this in the "background" section) for the top which has an oil finish covering the original piano varnish. For the back and sides, Pepe has applied an antiquated oil varnish to the mahogany. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret and has a low "drop G" string which will feel more comfortable to guitarists transitioning into ukulele. The instrument comes fitted with Pepe Romero Strings - set UT2. Like his guitars, the ukes have huge volume and extremely quick response. Pepe Jr. lives in San Diego, surfs and loves Hawaii, so he has successfully combined this passion with his guitar making expertise to produce an exceptionally made ukulele.

Orfeo Magazine No. 10 - West Coast Luthiers