Lanikai SMP-T

n4infinity · Jan 3, 2015

I just picked up a Lanikai SMP-T for a steal. This will be my first ukulele.

http://lanikaiukuleles.com/product/lanikai-solid-monkey-pod-tenor-ukulele/

Does anyone have experience with the SMP-T? I was looking for a tenor with good tone made from solid woods at a decent price under $180. Still waiting for it to arrive, but it is allegedly in mint condition. Did I score? Will it work for initial learning?

KoaDependent · Jan 4, 2015

Not knowing what you paid for it, I can't say if you scored or not. Under $200, it's a pretty good value. About $150-160 would categorize as a steal, I think.

You'll be fine with it. Sounds pretty good with a low-g on it as it's got a deep body and will resonate those lower notes nicely. Neck feels wider than my other tenors, so if you went for a tenor because you felt a soprano would be too cramped, you'll have some room to stretch those fingers out. I'd characterize the sound as pretty mellow. The woodgrain itself is very pretty and distinctive.

Here's a couple of videos I made with mine (which has a cutaway and electronics, but is otherwise the same as yours)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqwa_sFNrWA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBAFnNbC8mg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o18UTuC52J8

vanflynn · Jan 4, 2015

I have the concert version of that uke. All and all its a nice player. IHMO the factoory QA isn't the best ( first one I got had some major issues so I sent it back, second had some minor ones but kept it) so look it over when you get it a and don't be afraid to ask questions. I know there are a couple of members that have that same uke and like theirs.

Don't forget to post pics.

n4infinity · Jan 4, 2015

vanflynn said:
IHMO the factoory QA isn't the best ( first one I got had some major issues so I sent it back, second had some minor ones but kept it)

Thank, vanflynn. What kind of QA issues did you run into on your instruments so I can look for the same?

n4infinity · Jan 4, 2015

KoaDependent said:
Not knowing what you paid for it, I can't say if you scored or not. Under $200, it's a pretty good value. About $150-160 would categorize as a steal, I think.

You'll be fine with it. Sounds pretty good with a low-g on it as it's got a deep body and will resonate those lower notes nicely. Neck feels wider than my other tenors, so if you went for a tenor because you felt a soprano would be too cramped, you'll have some room to stretch those fingers out. I'd characterize the sound as pretty mellow. The woodgrain itself is very pretty and distinctive.

Here's a couple of videos I made with mine (which has a cutaway and electronics, but is otherwise the same as yours)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqwa_sFNrWA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBAFnNbC8mg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o18UTuC52J8

Man, I am loving that Starman cover

Thanks for posting those vids.

Appreciate the note regarding neck. I have a broken third finger on my left hand and a sightly wider fretboard might help out my particular situation - I was worried about that.

Thanks for helping a newbie out.

SteveZ · Jan 4, 2015

I've got a Lanikai SMP-TCA (cut-away) with a Fishman Isys+ installed. I love it. It has been the Number One within the uke stable as far as time-of-play is concerned for a while now. Am amazed on how comfortable the instrument is. Got it on a trade that made both parties happy.

Best of luck with yours. I use a pick a lot, so I run Aquila NylGut on it. Enjoy! You won't be disappointed.

PhilUSAFRet · Jan 4, 2015

I remember this demo re: Aquila vs Low G Ko'olau Alohi strings from Hawaii Music Supply a while back. I wouldn't be able to get those Ko'olau strings on there quick enough. I have a set of reentrants on my Pono concert.

http://vimeo.com/21738020

vanflynn · Jan 4, 2015

n4infinity said:
Thank, vanflynn. What kind of QA issues did you run into on your instruments so I can look for the same?

The first one was the quality of the wood. One side had two knots that were already developing creaks. The second had some dings in the neck but I bought it to play, not to show so what the heck.

Lanikai SMP-T

n4infinity

New member

KoaDependent

Well-known member

vanflynn

-----

n4infinity

New member

n4infinity

New member

SteveZ

Well-known member

PhilUSAFRet

UU VIP

vanflynn

-----

Similar threads