Lanikai LU21T — Tenor Ukulele, Okoume Satin, NuBone XB (LU21T)

The Lanikai LU21T is a tenor size ukulele in the LU Series — the largest of the three standard ukulele sizes and the model most suited to guitar players transitioning to ukulele, players who want maximum volume and depth, or anyone who finds smaller ukulele sizes uncomfortable to play. Okoume laminate top, back and sides in satin natural finish, NuBone XB nut and saddle, walnut fretboard and bridge with single ply ABS white binding, open back chrome tuners with black buttons, 37.4mm nut width, hidden scarf joint construction, 8-hole no-tie bridge, Aquila tenor strings, two chrome strap buttons and a Lanikai gig bag. The tenor's longer scale and larger body produce more volume, deeper fundamental tone and wider fretboard spacing than the soprano or concert — making it the most guitar-like of the standard ukulele sizes and the most comfortable for players with larger hands.

LU Series Size Comparison — Tenor in Context

The Tenor Tonal Advantage — Longer Scale, Larger Body

The tenor's scale length and body size combine to produce a tonal character that is meaningfully different from smaller ukulele sizes — not simply louder, but different in fundamental character:

• More volume: The larger body resonates more air, producing more acoustic volume from the same playing effort — the tenor projects further and fills a room more effectively than soprano or concert
• Deeper fundamental tone: The longer scale gives the strings more room to vibrate at lower tension for the same pitch, producing a fuller, warmer fundamental note with more body in the lower frequencies
• More sustain: The longer string length and greater body resonance combine to produce notes that ring for longer — important for melodic playing and chord voicings that benefit from notes sustaining together
• Greater dynamic range: The tenor responds to picking and strumming dynamics more expressively — the difference between a soft touch and a firm strum is more audible and more musical than on smaller sizes

For Guitar Players — Why Tenor Is the Natural Transition

The tenor ukulele is the preferred size for the majority of guitar players who take up ukulele, for reasons that go beyond simply being the largest available:

• Fret spacing: The 17-inch scale spaces the frets at distances more familiar to guitar players than the soprano or concert. Chord shapes require less compression of the left hand
• String tension: Tenor strings have slightly more tension than concert or soprano at the same pitch — a more familiar feel for players used to guitar string resistance
• Playing position: The larger body sits in the arms and against the body at a more guitar-like angle than smaller sizes
• Low G tuning option: Tenor ukuleles are the most commonly used size for low G tuning — replacing the standard high G string with a low G that extends the instrument's bass range, making it feel more guitar-like harmonically. The LU21T ships with standard high G Aquila strings; low G strings are available as a straightforward replacement

Construction Features — Same LU Series Standard as Concert

The LU21T shares all construction features with the LU21C:

NuBone XB nut and saddle — Graphtech's resonance-engineered synthetic material, denser than standard plastic and designed for better tonal transmission and sustain. A meaningful upgrade at this price point.

Okoume laminate body — Warm, mahogany-like tonal character in a laminate construction that is climate-stable, consistent and durable for regular playing.

Walnut fretboard and bridge — Dense, close-grained tonewood for smooth fretting and precise intonation, with single ply ABS white binding on both fretboard and body.

8-hole no-tie bridge — Strings thread through rather than being tied, producing faster string changes with consistent saddle pressure.

Hidden scarf joint — Headstock attached at a precise angle under binding and finish for consistent string-to-nut angle and improved sustain.

Two chrome strap buttons standard — Installed from the factory, not an aftermarket addition.

Aquila tenor strings — Aquila's Nylgut tenor strings produce the correct tension and tonal character for the larger scale length.

Who Is the Lanikai LU21T For?

• Guitar players transitioning to ukulele who want the most familiar neck profile, fret spacing and playing feel
• Players who want maximum volume and the deepest tonal character available in the LU Series
• Players with larger hands who find soprano or concert sizes physically uncomfortable to play
• Players interested in low G tuning — the tenor is the most appropriate size for this setup
• Players who want the most resonant and sustained sound from an entry-level ukulele
• Players who want soprano or concert size should choose LU21S or LU21C respectively

Specifications

Expert Advice at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne we stock the Lanikai LU Series in soprano, concert and tenor. If you want to try the different sizes before deciding, visit us in Altona or contact us for advice on which size suits your playing situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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