Koa Fluke or Tiny Tenor

What a blast from the past! I did end up with a TT spruce/mahogany and I would be happy to own one again, because I love the neck and the size and the sound. I wasn’t crazy about the tenor scale at the time. I think I’d be OK with it now, but I’m not certain.

A few months ago I got a koa tenor MF with Gotoh Stealth tuners and a pickup to scratch that Fluke itch. I dislike the neck but I’ve grown accustomed to it. It doesn’t sound anything like a TT, particularly not spruce top one, but it sounds very good.

My personal preference is for the TT but there are many factors involved. They’re both very nice instruments.

Lillipad said:

Ziret, after all these years, can you let us know what your decision was and how you feel about it now? As you were in 2016, I am also comparing a Koa Tenor Fluke and a Tiny Tenor. I want that gorgeous, resonating sound that you get with the Tiny Tenor; I've tried them at my local music store and they are fantastic. But I'm a sucker for the unique look and durability of the Fluke. The problem is, there are none locally so I have not been able to test a Fluke personally. I have a Flea (not hardwood) and I do like it. Does the Fluke produce a sound comparable with the TT?

Click to expand...

Lilliput, if you love the tone of the Tiny Tenor, then get it. The Fluke will not be the same. I have a Tiny Tenor and I love it. The Romeros have been going up in price (as have many other ukes), and I would get one sooner rather than later if it's a uke you want.

I got a Fluke Koa Tenor a few years back and sold all my other ukes bar one cheapo soprano. It's horses for courses - if you can't try in person I'd order both with the intention of returning the one you don't like as much, best way to find out.