Pono's deluxe range of ukuleles are really gorgeous things, showing off top quality tonewood with high gloss finishes that really showcases the natural beauty of the wood. Across their range, the mango wood is highly patterned with an interesting colour, while the natural mahogany editions are subtle and understated. This Pono ACD deluxe acacia concert ukulele is the stand out in terms of visual effect however, with incredibly patterned wood, with streaks of dark wavy grain making it almost look like the surface of the ukulele is fluid. Despite nothing but a simple, pretty soundhole rosette, this Pono uke just manages to take your breath away with its beauty.

It is all very well buying a beauty of a ukulele, but it has to sound right too, and this Pono ACD is not going to let you down on that score. The all solid acacia gives a really unique tonal projection, with an earthy, woody and deep tone. The depth of the tone is really impressive, and voice is soft and rolling (not quiet, just not sharp). There was once a catalogue for Eddy Finn ukuleles which described owning one of their entry level ukes as being like walking along the beach listening to the rolling waves. That was silly. But with this Pono ACD deluxe concert ukulele while it still a bit over-romantic a notion, the deep and soft ebbing and flowing of this uke's voice can put you in mind of a tropical sea. Over the top yes, but this uke does that to you!

As well as the lovely looks, the Pono ACD is beautifully put together too, with a smooth, nicely finshed bound fingerboard, a comfortable mahogany neck with position markers noted and a lovely veneer to the headstock, which bears an inlaid Pono logo. The durable geared Pono brand tuners are effortless and effective, so easy to turn yet they hold tuning really well. The nut and saddle are bone and the Ko'olau strings suit the instrument really well.

Pono ukuleles are made by the Ko'olau company of Hawaii at their supervised facility in Indonesia. These gorgeous Pono ukes are then sent to Oahu, Hawaii for their final checks and set up. Unusually, despite Ko'olau being an American company, these ukes are well priced over this side of the Atlantic, meaning if you order a Pono ukulele in the UK, you can use a UK dealer and not lose out in comparison with having one shipped from the US.

The Pono ACD is a real winner in terms of natural beauty and deep tone, a world away from a lot of concert ukes. It'll knock your socks off.