What size is the Cordoba 20TM?

The Cordoba 20TM is a tenor-sized ukulele. This size is larger than soprano and concert models, providing a deeper tone and a longer scale length.

What wood is used for the top of the 20TM?

The 20TM features a solid mahogany top. Solid wood is generally preferred over laminate for its superior resonance and ability to improve in tone as it ages.

How many frets does the 20TM have?

It is equipped with a rosewood fingerboard that has 16 frets. These are marked with pearl inlays to assist the player with positioning.

Is the mahogany on the 20TM solid or laminate?

According to the manufacturer, the 20TM is crafted from solid mahogany for the top, back, and sides. This construction helps deliver a larger, more resonant tone.

What kind of tuners are installed on this model?

The ukulele features chrome tuners. These are finished with pearl buttons to match the aesthetic details of the fingerboard and body.

Does the 20TM have any decorative appointments?

Yes, it includes a natural wood herringbone pattern inlay. This traditional detail adds a premium look to the natural mahogany finish.

Is the Cordoba 20TM suitable for beginners?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as perfect for 'little learners' due to its compact tenor shape. It offers a balance of comfort and high-quality sound for those starting their musical journey.

What is the typical price for a Cordoba 20TM?

The typical price range for this instrument is approximately £189. This places it in the intermediate category of ukuleles.

How does the tenor size affect the sound compared to a concert ukulele?

The tenor body of the 20TM is larger than a concert model like the Ferndale UC-W, which allows for a 'big tone' and more projection. Tenor ukuleles often sound fuller and louder than their smaller counterparts.

What material is the fingerboard made of?

The fingerboard is made from smooth rosewood. This is a standard tonewood choice known for its durability and comfortable feel under the fingers.

How does the 20TM compare to Flight brand ukuleles?

While Flight offers many soprano and concert models like the TUS-65 or DUC325, the 20TM focuses on a solid mahogany tenor build. It is generally more traditional in construction than Flight’s travel or graphic-series models.

Can adults play the 20TM comfortably?

Absolutely. While it is marketed as comfortable for younger learners, the tenor scale is often the preferred choice for adults because the wider fret spacing accommodates larger hands better than a soprano size.

Gear article

Cordoba 20TM Tenor Ukulele

The Cordoba 20TM is a tenor-sized ukulele featuring a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, designed to provide a rich and resonant tone. It serves as a mid-range instrument that balances traditional craftsmanship, such as wood herringbone inlays, with modern playability for both students and enthusiasts.

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Construction and Design

The Cordoba 20TM is built using a traditional tenor shape, which is larger than the soprano or concert variations, offering more internal volume for sound projection. The primary construction material is solid mahogany for the top, back, and sides, a choice that distinguishes it from entry-level laminates.

The instrument features a rosewood fingerboard equipped with 16 frets, providing a wider melodic range than smaller models. Aesthetic details include a natural wood herringbone pattern inlay and chrome tuning machines finished with pearl buttons, reflecting a focus on premium visual appointments at an accessible price point.

Sound Character

Due to its solid mahogany construction and tenor sizing, the 20TM is known for delivering a 'big tone' relative to its physical footprint. Mahogany typically provides a warm, woody character with a strong emphasis on mid-range frequencies. The solid wood top allows for better resonance and sustain compared to plywood alternatives, making it suitable for players who require a more articulate and powerful sound for ensemble or solo work.

Playability and Comfort

The 20TM is designed with ergonomics in mind, making it an appropriate choice for 'little learners' as well as adult hobbyists. The tenor scale length offers more spacing between frets than a soprano model, which can be advantageous for players with larger hands or those transitioning from the guitar. The smooth rosewood fingerboard and pearl inlays assist in navigation across the 16 available frets.

Market Position and Alternatives

Sitting at a price point of approximately £189, the 20TM competes in the intermediate ukulele market. While brands like Flight offer specialized travel or entry-level models—such as the TUS-65 Travel Soprano or the NUS350DC Dreamcatcher—the 20TM focuses on traditional solid-wood construction.

Compared to concert-sized alternatives like the Flight AUC33 Orchid or the Ferndale UC-W Walnut, the 20TM provides the deeper resonance associated with the tenor body. For those seeking unique tonewood aesthetics, the Flight DUS320 Zebrawood or the Kala Surfboard Concert offer distinct visual styles, whereas the 20TM adheres to a classic, understated mahogany aesthetic.

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Frequently asked questions

What size is the Cordoba 20TM?: The Cordoba 20TM is a tenor-sized ukulele. This size is larger than soprano and concert models, providing a deeper tone and a longer scale length.
What wood is used for the top of the 20TM?: The 20TM features a solid mahogany top. Solid wood is generally preferred over laminate for its superior resonance and ability to improve in tone as it ages.
How many frets does the 20TM have?: It is equipped with a rosewood fingerboard that has 16 frets. These are marked with pearl inlays to assist the player with positioning.
Is the mahogany on the 20TM solid or laminate?: According to the manufacturer, the 20TM is crafted from solid mahogany for the top, back, and sides. This construction helps deliver a larger, more resonant tone.
What kind of tuners are installed on this model?: The ukulele features chrome tuners. These are finished with pearl buttons to match the aesthetic details of the fingerboard and body.
Does the 20TM have any decorative appointments?: Yes, it includes a natural wood herringbone pattern inlay. This traditional detail adds a premium look to the natural mahogany finish.
Is the Cordoba 20TM suitable for beginners?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as perfect for 'little learners' due to its compact tenor shape. It offers a balance of comfort and high-quality sound for those starting their musical journey.
What is the typical price for a Cordoba 20TM?: The typical price range for this instrument is approximately £189. This places it in the intermediate category of ukuleles.
How does the tenor size affect the sound compared to a concert ukulele?: The tenor body of the 20TM is larger than a concert model like the Ferndale UC-W, which allows for a 'big tone' and more projection. Tenor ukuleles often sound fuller and louder than their smaller counterparts.
What material is the fingerboard made of?: The fingerboard is made from smooth rosewood. This is a standard tonewood choice known for its durability and comfortable feel under the fingers.
How does the 20TM compare to Flight brand ukuleles?: While Flight offers many soprano and concert models like the TUS-65 or DUC325, the 20TM focuses on a solid mahogany tenor build. It is generally more traditional in construction than Flight’s travel or graphic-series models.
Can adults play the 20TM comfortably?: Absolutely. While it is marketed as comfortable for younger learners, the tenor scale is often the preferred choice for adults because the wider fret spacing accommodates larger hands better than a soprano size.