Lani LC-55-DJ

Juniper? Are you Sure?

Lani are, (at time of writing), a company going down the well trodden path of "Designed in America", "Made in China", (and as far as I can see marketed through an office in Checkheaton West Yorkshire?) Much of the catalogue is the very normal fair and beyond the logo I don't think a lot of designing was needed. But there are a couple that look a little different and my favourite is the LC55DJ. (though truth to tell this looks to me like a copy of one of Shinji Takahasi's T Ukuleles rather than something original - still I liked that Ukulele and I like this too).

The Ukulele is suppose to be made of Juniper Wood, I've never heard of a Ukulele made of Juniper before and I'm not sure beyond it being 3 ply laminate, what wood is actually used. Whatever the top veneer is, (and lets assume it is Juniper, its not a wood I recognise), it is very pretty with a golden hue and a pretty grain. Sadly it just smells of varnish though.

It plays very nicely with a good solid loud tone and a very forgiving action. Certainly for the moment I won't mess about with the strings