Ortega RU5-TE
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Ortega
RU5-TE
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Ortega RU5-TE is a solid entry-level tenor ukulele that punches above its weight class. The spruce top gives it a surprisingly clear voice, and the sapele back provides a nice warmth. It's a great option for beginners or players looking for an affordable, well-built ukulele for casual playing and basic chord work – a real workhorse instrument.
Product Description
- Ortega RU5-TE
- Tenor Ukulele
- Top: Spruce
- Body: Sapele
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard and bridge: Walnut
- Closed diecast machine heads
- Colour: Natural matte with laser engraving on the top
- Strings: Ortega (by Aquila) UWNY-4-TE (Article Nr #412832#)
PROS
- • Spruce top provides a surprisingly bright and articulate tone.
- • Sapele body offers a warm resonance and good projection.
- • Walnut fretboard and bridge contribute to a smooth playing feel.
- • Closed-gear tuners ensure stable and accurate tuning.
CONS
- • Sapele body can be a little 'woody' – lacks some high-end shimmer.
- • Spruce top, while bright, isn't the most responsive to aggressive strumming.
- • The matte finish, while attractive, can feel a little plasticky.
Product Video
Key Features
Top Wood
Spruce
Back & Sides
Sapele
Size
Tenor (26 in)
Frets
19
Electronics
None (Acoustic)
Weight
1.3 lbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Koa will generally have a richer, more complex tone, but the spruce top here offers a brighter, more focused sound that's quite pleasing.
The matte finish is aesthetically pleasing, but it's a bit more prone to showing fingerprints and minor scuffs than a gloss finish; a quick wipe down usually resolves it.
The Ortega strings are standard size and easy to replace. Aquila Nylgut strings are a popular and readily available alternative that many players find offers a slightly warmer tone.
