Best Harley Benton Concert Ukuleles 2026
Alright, so you're looking at a Harley Benton Concert ukulele? Smart move. They've quietly become a go-to for players who want a solid, playable uke without dropping a fortune. I've seen these things gigging, recording, and just kicking around rehearsal rooms - and they consistently punch above their weight class. Let's break down what makes them tick, and what to look for.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best concert ukuleles in 2026 are Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-42C (top pick), Harley Benton UK-12C Black Bundle for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton Ukulele DIY-Kit Concert for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $21–$141, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
2.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-42C
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
377 mm (14.84")
Frets
18 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Mahogany body
Folk
Solo Playing
Education
Key Feature:
The Kahuna CLU-42C is a fantastic entry point to concert ukuleles. The flamed mahogany gives it a pleasing aesthetic and surprisingly rich sound for a budget-friendly instrument, making it ideal for beginners or those wanting a simple, playable ukulele for casual playing.
PROS
- • Flamed mahogany body offers a surprisingly warm and resonant tone.
- • C-profile neck is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.
- • Open-geared tuners are surprisingly stable for the price point.
- • Blackwood fretboard (Pinus Radiata) provides a smooth playing experience.
CONS
- • Flamed mahogany veneer is thin; expect some visible wood grain underneath.
- • Chrome tuners, while functional, feel a bit lightweight and basic.
- • Pinus Radiata blackwood fretboard is a cost-saving measure; not true blackwood.
⭐
2.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 319656
$76
#2
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton UK-12C Black Bundle
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
384 mm (15.12")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Basswood body
Solo Playing
Folk
Pop
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton UK-12C bundle is an incredible value for absolute beginners or anyone wanting a budget-friendly uke. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price, and the included accessories make it ready to play right out of the box. It's a solid starting point to explore the joys of ukulele playing.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers surprisingly warm, balanced tones for the price point.
- • Maple neck provides decent stability and a playable, comfortable feel.
- • Included tuner is functional and a nice addition for beginners.
- • Complete bundle offers immediate playability – everything you need to start.
CONS
- • Roseacer fretboard, while adequate, may show fret wear more quickly than ebony.
- • Basswood's tonal character can be somewhat generic and lacks high-end sparkle.
- • Machine heads are likely basic and might benefit from an upgrade for tuning stability.
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 599891
$35
#3
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Ukulele DIY-Kit Concert
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
384 mm (15.12")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Basswood body
Solo Playing
Folk
Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton DIY kit is a seriously cool project for the musically inclined and handy. It's a fantastic way to get a playable concert ukulele for a remarkably budget-friendly price, and the ability to customize the finish is a big draw. Just be prepared to put in the work – it's not a plug-and-play instrument.
PROS
- • Basswood body provides a surprisingly warm, mellow tone for the price.
- • Roseacer fingerboard offers a playable feel, thermally treated for stability.
- • Open gear machine heads are a nice touch for a DIY kit, offering better tuning stability.
- • Pre-primed body allows for easy customization with paint or stain.
CONS
- • Assembly requires significant DIY skills and tools, not for complete beginners.
- • Basswood, while warm, lacks the projection of more premium tonewoods like mahogany.
- • Open gear tuners can be a bit fiddly and may require more frequent adjustments.
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 490869
$22
#4
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton UK-12C Black
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
384 mm (15.12")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Basswood body
Hawaiian Music
Solo Playing
Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
Look, for the price, the UK-12C is genuinely impressive. It's a solid starting point for beginners or anyone wanting a budget-friendly ukulele for casual strumming and learning basic chords. Don’t expect a high-end instrument, but it’s a surprisingly enjoyable and playable option.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a warm, mellow tone ideal for Hawaiian and folk styles.
- • Maple neck provides decent stability and a playable, if slightly basic, feel.
- • Roseacer fretboard is surprisingly smooth for the price point, aiding comfortable playability.
- • Retro-style machine heads offer a vintage aesthetic and functional tuning capabilities.
CONS
- • Basswood, while warm, lacks the projection and complexity of mahogany or koa.
- • Roseacer fretboard finish may require a bit of smoothing for optimal playing feel.
- • Limited fret access hinders advanced chord voicings and higher-register playing.
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 402756
$26
#5
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton UK-11C Brown
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
384 mm (15.12")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Basswood body
Folk
Pop
Hawaiian Music
Key Feature:
Look, for the price, the UK-11C Brown is a remarkable value. It's a solid, playable ukulele that’s perfect for absolute beginners or anyone wanting a fun, affordable instrument to strum around the house. Don't expect a professional-grade tone, but it's a great starting point.
PROS
- • Basswood body provides a surprisingly warm and resonant tone for the price.
- • Maple neck offers a stable platform with decent playability, surprisingly smooth.
- • Roseacer fingerboard is adequately finished; no sharp edges or major fret buzz.
- • Retro-style machine heads are functional and add a vintage aesthetic charm.
CONS
- • Basswood, while warm, lacks the clarity and projection of mahogany or koa.
- • Roseacer fingerboard finish can feel a little plasticky compared to higher-end options.
- • Gig bag is basic and offers minimal protection from significant bumps or drops.
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 402740
$25
#6
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
6/10
Harley Benton ElectricUke-50C NT
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
382 mm (15.04")
Frets
18 frets
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Hawaiian Music
Solo Playing
Pop
Key Feature:
The Harley Benton ElUke-50C NT is a surprisingly capable electric ukulele, offering a solid mahogany build and decent electronics for the price. It's ideal for beginners or players wanting a unique, affordable instrument to experiment with different tones and effects—a fun gateway into the world of electrified instruments.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body delivers warm, focused tone with surprising sustain
- • Bolt-on neck provides comfortable playability and fast action
- • Black walnut fingerboard offers smooth feel and pleasing aesthetics
- • Integrated electronics and MP3 input add versatility for practice and performance
CONS
- • Open pore finish can feel slightly unfinished to some players
- • Limited tonal shaping due to single volume/tone control
- • Mahogany body might be a bit heavier than other ukulele materials
⭐
1.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 339636
$142
#7
⭐
1.4/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-32C
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
377 mm (14.84")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Maple body
Fingerpicking
Education
Hawaiian Music
Key Feature:
The Kahuna CLU-32C is a surprisingly good ukulele for the price. The spalted maple top looks stunning, and the overall build quality is decent for a budget instrument. It's perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a unique-looking concert ukulele without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Spalted maple body offers unique aesthetics and surprisingly resonant tone
- • Sapele neck provides a comfortable, stable platform for playing
- • Ovangkol fingerboard and bridge offer a quality feel and decent sustain
- • Aquila strings deliver a bright, punchy ukulele sound right out of the box
CONS
- • Spalted maple can be visually inconsistent, with variations in grain pattern
- • Ovangkol, while decent, isn’t a premium tonewood for ukulele construction
- • Open-geared tuners might require more frequent adjustments than geared ones
- • High-gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and may feel a little plasticky
⭐
1.4/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 319665
$76
#8
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Concert Uk Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
380 mm (14.96")
Frets
18 frets
Education
Fingerpicking
Folk
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Concert Ukulele bundle is a surprisingly capable instrument for the price. The solid top gives it a pleasing warmth, and the ebony back adds a bit of sparkle. It’s perfect for beginners or intermediate players wanting a well-rounded concert ukulele without a premium-priced investment.
PROS
- • Solid cedar top delivers warm, resonant tones ideal for Hawaiian and folk styles.
- • Ebony back and sides enhance projection and sustain compared to cheaper alternatives.
- • Bone nut provides improved tuning stability and a smoother feel against the hand.
- • The included gig bag and clip-on tuner offer excellent value and immediate playability.
CONS
- • Reconstituted wood fretboard can feel less refined than solid wood alternatives.
- • Maple neck might feel a bit stiff for players preferring a more flexible feel.
- • Natural matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, may show wear more readily.
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599886
$107
#9
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Concert Uk Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
380 mm (14.96")
Frets
18 frets
Pop
Education
Folk
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players looking for a budget-friendly concert ukulele with surprisingly good tone. The solid cedar top really shines, offering a warmth you wouldn't expect at this price, and the ebony back adds a touch of sophistication. It's perfect for strumming chords around the campfire or learning basic fingerpicking patterns.
PROS
- • Solid cedar top delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly mature tone.
- • Ebony back and sides add complexity and sustain, a premium touch at this price.
- • Bone nut improves tuning stability and contributes to a smoother playing feel.
- • The included gig bag and clip-on tuner offer excellent value and convenience.
CONS
- • Reconstituted wood fretboard can feel slightly less refined than solid wood.
- • Maple neck, while stable, might feel a bit less lively than mahogany.
- • Natural matte finish may be prone to fingerprints and require more careful cleaning.
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 465653
$101
#10
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Concert Ukulele
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
380 mm (14.96")
Frets
18 frets
Solo Playing
Education
Fingerpicking
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar is a seriously impressive ukulele for the money. The solid cedar top provides a lovely warm tone, and the ebony back really helps it project. It's perfect for beginners or intermediate players looking for a quality instrument without the premium price tag—it's a great starting point for anyone exploring concert ukulele playing.
PROS
- • Solid cedar top delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly full tone.
- • Ebony back and sides add clarity and sustain beyond what's typical at this price.
- • Maple neck with bone nut provides comfortable playability and good intonation.
- • Crown headstock and individual tuners offer improved tuning stability and a premium aesthetic.
CONS
- • Reconstituted fretboard can feel slightly less smooth than solid wood, requiring potential break-in.
- • Okoume neck, while stable, isn't as tonally vibrant as mahogany or Spanish cedar.
- • Matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can show fingerprints and handling marks more easily.
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 450199
$87
#11
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton UK-10S Ukulele Set
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
377 mm (14.84")
Frets
18 frets
Folk
Solo Playing
Pop
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton UK-10S is a seriously impressive ukulele for the money. The spruce top gives it a lively, clear voice, and the Rockbag gig bag is a genuinely nice touch. It's perfect for beginners or intermediate players looking for a great-sounding, well-equipped instrument without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly bright and resonant tone.
- • Okume neck provides a stable platform with comfortable playability.
- • Die-cast tuners offer reliable tuning stability, a step above basic options.
- • Rockbag gig bag provides excellent protection exceeding expectations for the price.
CONS
- • Mahogany back and sides, while warm, can slightly dampen the spruce top's projection.
- • Blackwood fretboard (Pinus radiata) might show wear faster than ebony.
- • The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can feel a bit plasticky.
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 234859
$92
#12
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton UK-10S Ukulele
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
377 mm (14.84")
Frets
18 frets
Folk
Education
Pop
Key Feature:
The UK-10S is a surprisingly capable ukulele for the budget-conscious player. The spruce top gives it a lively voice, and the okume neck is comfortable to play. It's a great starter instrument or a decent practice uke for someone who wants a solid feel without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers a bright, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- • Okume neck provides a stable, comfortable feel – surprisingly good for the price.
- • Die-cast tuners offer reliable tuning stability, a welcome upgrade.
- • Mahogany back and sides add warmth, balancing the spruce’s brightness.
CONS
- • Blackwood fretboard (Pinus radiata) can feel a bit 'soft' and may show wear quicker.
- • Natural matte finish can be a bit thin and prone to minor scratches.
- • Limited tonal versatility; best suited for traditional ukulele styles.
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 187303
$65
#13
⭐
1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Kahuna-C Turtle Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerpicking
Hawaiian Music
Pop
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Kahuna-C Turtle is an unbelievable value for a concert ukulele. The solid mahogany construction and bone nut/saddle give it a surprisingly rich tone, making it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a quality instrument without the premium price tag. It's a fantastic entry point into the ukulele world.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant tone characteristic of higher-end ukuleles.
- • Okoume neck provides a stable platform with a comfortable feel for extended playing.
- • Bone nut and saddle enhance sustain and improve overall tonal clarity.
- • Included Aquila strings offer a bright, lively sound and reliable tuning stability.
CONS
- • Purpleheart fretboard, while visually appealing, can be a bit unforgiving to play initially.
- • Matte finish might show fingerprints and handling marks more easily than gloss finishes.
- • Gig bag is basic; heavier use might benefit from a more robust, padded case.
⭐
1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 581569
$54
#14
⭐
1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Kahuna-C Flower Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Solo Playing
Education
Folk
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Kahuna-C Flower bundle is a fantastic entry point for ukulele players, especially beginners or those on a tight budget. The solid mahogany construction gives it a surprisingly rich tone, and the included tuner and gig bag make it ready to play straight out of the box. It's a great option for casual players, students, or anyone wanting a dependable and affordable ukulele.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body delivers a warm, mellow, and resonant tone.
- • Okoume neck provides a surprisingly stable and comfortable playing feel.
- • Aquila strings offer a bright, clear sound and good intonation out of the box.
- • The included gig bag and tuner add significant value to this budget-friendly bundle.
CONS
- • Purpleheart fretboard can feel a bit 'slick' for some players; may need a bit of break-in.
- • The laser-etched 'Flower' motif is purely aesthetic and may not appeal to all tastes.
- • While well-built for the price, hardware quality is basic and could be an upgrade path.
⭐
1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 581568
$53
#15
⭐
1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Kahuna-C Dolphin Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Education
Hawaiian Music
Solo Playing
Key Feature:
Seriously, for the price, this Harley Benton bundle is a steal. It's a great entry point for beginners or a fun, affordable option for experienced players wanting a decent-sounding concert uke. The build quality is surprisingly good for a budget instrument – a solid choice for casual playing and learning.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, mellow tone ideal for Hawaiian music.
- • Okoume neck provides stability and a surprisingly smooth playing feel.
- • Aquila strings offer a bright, responsive sound and decent intonation.
- • The included gig bag and tuner add significant value to the package.
CONS
- • Purpleheart fretboard can feel a little dry and might require occasional oiling.
- • The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
- • The laser-etched dolphin motif is a bit gimmicky and might not appeal to everyone.
⭐
1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
1/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 581567
$54
Every concert ukuleles that matches
25 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Harley Benton Kahuna-C Dolphin | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $36 |
| 17 | Harley Benton Kahuna-C Turtle | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $36 |
| 18 | Harley Benton Kahuna-C Flower | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $36 |
| 19 | Harley Benton Hawaii Dolphin Tattoo C Set | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $76 |
| 20 | Harley Benton Hawaii Dolphin Tattoo Concert | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $65 |
| 21 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Concert Ukul w/Bag | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 17 frets | $153 |
| 22 | Harley Benton Koa Kahuna Scout Ukulele Set | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 17 frets | $182 |
| 23 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Concert Ukulele | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 17 frets | $131 |
| 24 | Harley Benton DC-Ukulele CH | Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets | $65 |
| 25 | Harley Benton Ukulele Pack Concert | not published | $36 |
Concert Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 188 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $101
from $36 to $406
Nut width
median 35 mm (1.38")
from 35 mm (1.38") to 38 mm (1.5") · 111 models
Scale
median 380 mm (14.96")
from 375 mm (14.76") to 384 mm (15.12") · 123 models
Frets
median 18
from 16 to 19 · 162 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, walnut, pau ferro
most common · 34 models
Body
mahogany, basswood, okoume
most common · 38 models
How to Choose the Best Concert Ukuleles
1
Tone
These ukes tend to have a warm, almost mahogany-like quality, even the laminate models. You're not getting that bright, sparkly Hawaiian vibe; it's more about a mellow, woody tone with a decent amount of sustain. This makes them surprisingly versatile, cutting through a folk ensemble or sitting nicely in a recording mix.
2
Build Quality
Harley Benton's build is... surprisingly good for the price. The bracing is generally well-executed, minimizing fret buzz, and the finish, while basic, is clean. Expect a few minor cosmetic imperfections - these are factory-direct instruments, after all - but nothing that impacts playability.
3
Neck Profile & Playability
The neck profile is usually a comfortable C-shape, easy for most hand sizes. The action is often a little high out of the box, but a quick saddle adjustment can easily remedy that. It's a very playable neck, especially considering the cost.
4
Hardware
The tuners are... adequate. They'll hold tune reasonably well, but don't expect buttery-smooth action or micro-tuning precision. Upgrading the tuners is a very common and relatively cheap mod that'll noticeably improve tuning stability.
5
Value
This is the big one. You're getting a playable, decent-sounding concert ukulele for a fraction of the cost of established brands. The trade-off is usually in the details - the hardware, the finish, and the overall refinement - but the core instrument is solid.
Buying Guide
Don't expect perfection. These are budget instruments, so you'll find minor cosmetic flaws. The biggest thing to watch for is fret buzz - a quick setup can usually fix it. Seriously, consider upgrading the tuners; it's a small investment that makes a big difference. If you're after that ice-picky high-end sparkle, this isn't your uke, but if you want a warm, versatile instrument for gigging or recording, the Harley Benton Concert is a seriously compelling option.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 25 of 188 concert ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope. They're manufactured in China under Thomann's supervision. Thomann, the German retailer, designs them and oversees the production process, aiming for good value, not high-end craftsmanship.
Generally, mahogany models offer a warmer, more mellow tone, while sapele tends to be a bit brighter. Spruce tops (often found on the 'Solid Top' models) can give a little more projection and clarity, but the differences are subtle, especially at this price point.
Absolutely. I've seen them hold up just fine in live settings. Just be mindful of the hardware and consider a tuner upgrade for reliability.
It's a pretty standard saddle adjustment - loosen the strings, move the saddle slightly higher or lower, and re-tune. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials if you're not comfortable doing it yourself; a local luthier can also do it for a small fee.
The solid top models can offer a bit more resonance and projection, but the improvement isn't dramatic. If you're serious about tone and have the budget, it's a nice upgrade; otherwise, the laminate models are still excellent value.
