This is welcome return, a change of distributor has seen RipTide ukuleles back in the UK. We particularly used to like the fact they were one of the few in the earlier days to do an electro baritone ukulele that was a beyond the 'bog standard', so we're pleased to have this uke, the EUB-5NS in stock.

The electro baritone features, in common with all RipTide ukes, the 'dual port' system, twin soundholes aimed at delivering sound out to the audience and up to the player, allowing them to get a better idea what the uke sounds like to those listening. It certainly assists in delivering a better 'working volume' to those in a noisy environment, like a uke club - with this, you'll never go out of time because you can't hear what you're doing because the banjoleles are in!

 The EUB-5NS is nicely put together and is really nice to play - with a good action and a slightly thicker neck profile that will appeal to guitarists.  The tone is really quite polished and precise, not loose and 'watery' as some baritones can be - with good separation between notes in chord sequences. The body is laminate, but the design certainly seems to elevate this Riptide ukulele into the 'laminates that perform better than some solid top ukes' category. If this is a real category, it needs a better name! Suggestions please?!

The RipTide EUB-5NS is fitted with a Boulder Creek branded UK-300T active preamp with undersaddle pickup and built-in tuner. Boulder Creek Guitars make the RipTide ukes, but the electrics, while featuring their name, are the same model as on many, many ukes - with Kala models chief amongst those that sport the UK-300T. The widespread nature of this unit shouldn't put you off, as it performs as well as anything at this sort of price range for an active pickup.

In conclusion, this is a nicely made baritone electro with a bit of something special thrown in, thanks to its polished, focused sound. A very good choice and welcome addition to the still somewhat limited selection of baritone electro ukes available.