I purchased my Millar mango long neck soprano from WoU almost a year ago, and it has quickly and firmly become my go-to instrument. I’m admittedly not a very good player, but even my mistakes sound better on the Millar. Beautiful grain, lightweight but solid build, accurate tone, holds tuning well, and just sounds so amazing. It’s a rewarding instrument to play and that helps keep me motivated to practice and improve. And Matt, you were more than gracious and helpful in answering my questions and getting that beauty across the ocean to me quickly and safely. If y’all have any doubts about the Millar line, WoU, or Matt, you need to shed those doubts and order yourself a Millar. Seeing/ hearing/ playing is believing.
Wow….I found it difficult to pick an outright winner here Matt! One minute I’d like one of them & then when you played a different tune, I’d change my mind. I’m impressed by the volume from them all for such small instruments. I think my favourite was the Cypress…..but then again, if I listen to the video again….that may well change! 🤔x
It is hard to say for sure, but they all sound really really good. Like most people I find the cedar one to be the best all-rounder. Even if not necessarily the best in all applications. The Cypress sounds really distinguished in some applications, but it seems to my ears that this particular example is maybe a bit muted when played string to string, or as single notes (my Millar Cypress tenor seems to be more boastful in single notes playing so maybe Cypress does fare better in single note playing with a larger top and body ?). I really like both the Mango and the Spruce. They both have so much presence and distinction. The Mango seems to have a better high to low equilibrium (it has fuller bass notes to my ears), but the Spruce is as much a megaphone as a ukulele, on the bright side but still a really nice equilibrium between the highs and the low and so much presence thanks to that really impressive volume. As I am already the owner of the first ever Millar Mango long neck soprano that you have ever received from Taïwan I will say that I am really really happy with it (my mango soprano is also a little more custom it seems, at least I prefer its looks to the current iteration : the rosette on mine is mother of pearl, and the tuners have white buttons, and the flame of the mango on mine is really really spectacular). It makes me want to add a Spruce long neck soprano to my collection, I really dig is looks too and in terms of sound they both sound so stellar and yet different !
To my ears, the cedar sounded the most versatile. While it may not be the strongest in any specific aspect such as attack, note separation, or Hawaiian-style sweetness, it seems to have the strongest combination of those, and perhaps the most sustain. It sounded like it had the most depth and would be the best “all-rounder”. And to my eyes, you look like you’ve lost more weight, Matt!
That's a good way of looking at it. I don't think I'd have picked it as my favourite in any one passage of playing, but it was near the top every time if not actually in number one spot. So perhaps if I had scored them each time, it may have 'won'.
There are no mistakes in choosing any of those are there? Each time you played a different one, my first thought was “ah, that one’s my favourite”. The spruce I own suits me extremely well, but the other three all appeal in different ways.
Hiya Matt, I normally don't like Mango very much but the Millar Mango is completely different and gorgeous both picked and strummed. I'm the same as everyone else in that I can't choose one outright, however, I'm not very keen on the Cypress as it sounds a bit muted in certain passages. I know that you love Cedar tops as I do but the Spruce seems to cover everything, mmm? Thanks very much and take care. David.
In general I prefer mango above acacia. But I agree there is not a real winner. The cypress has a refined sound. It is not really my cup of tea, but I like the sounds these Millars. It is a pleasure to listen to.
Thanks Matt, such varied sounds, great video, the sustain is impressive, is that the longer neck?. Fave ones are the Cypress top and the mango, seem warmer and deeper. Have a great week.
