My second Kiwaya on my reviews page. Loved the first one, but this one is just sublime
http://www.gotaukulele.com/2017/05/kiwaya-kts-5-soprano-review.html
http://www.gotaukulele.com/2017/05/kiwaya-kts-5-soprano-review.html
I've owned several Kiwaya (KTS-7, KTS-5 and KS-5) and they were all very well made, excellent playability and super tone. I get the sense here on UU people are most keen on the KTS-4 and the other models don't get as much interest.
I agree - Suppose what I don't understand is how threads on UU about mixed quality instruments can run to 10 or more pages, yet lesser known brands like Kiwaya who are making some of the very best instruments on the planet, don't prompt discussion as much.
Strange!
Perhaps some may be reluctant to drop the money. I also don't get why some would have a stable of medium quality instruments rather than one really nice one such as this. I do believe that the Kiwayas are a great bargain as they are amazing quality in all respects. You get what you pay for and then some. I have had some custom luthier made instruments that I did not think came close to these.
I agree - Suppose what I don't understand is how threads on UU about mixed quality instruments can run to 10 or more pages, yet lesser known brands like Kiwaya who are making some of the very best instruments on the planet, don't prompt discussion as much.
Strange!
I've thought about this, and I think the answer is in your statement. They get a stable of medium quality instruments, and that's more appealing than just one really nice one. I'd rather have my Kiwaya than 20 Caramels, but that must seem ridiculous if you haven't played one. Possibly even if your have. So I get that. I don't agree, but I can see how it makes sense to someone else.
I also don't get why some would have a stable of medium quality instruments rather than one really nice one such as this.
I've thought about this, and I think the answer is in your statement. They get a stable of medium quality instruments, and that's more appealing than just one really nice one. I'd rather have my Kiwaya than 20 Caramels, but that must seem ridiculous if you haven't played one. Possibly even if your have. So I get that. I don't agree, but I can see how it makes sense to someone else.
It might have to do with the difficulty of obtaining them in the U.S. - they're pretty hard to come by here, and I wonder if the whole CITES thing is going to make it impossible since the fretboards are rosewood. Seems that folks in the UK/EU have a lot more Kiwaya dealers to choose from.
And yeah... cost.
They come in and out of stock regularly and I haven't seen a KTS-7 for quite some time.
Lack of discussion, I think, is due to the fact that they are hard to come by, so most people buy something else, that they can get their hands on.
(Again, with such a lack of ownership, they aren't going to get discussed much.)
That concept has been confusing me for years!!
Also, they have a lot of factors that limit discussion or their market share.
1. Kiwayas are understated in their looks - I think they look great, but they don't have the visual interest of a Moore Bettah or Mya Moe
2. Kiwayas aren't innovative - they are a copy of a Martin. For discussion in this type of uke - vintage Martins where there is variation and interest.
3. Some Kiwayas are niche - The high-end laminate market is pretty small, particularly when you can go one step more durable with the Blackbirds, etc.
4. Kiwayas are the type of uke that could be the last one you buy - once you find the one there is no reason to keep looking and conversing.
5. The Kiwaya advantages are tactile - great feel and sound. Visual is what plays on the internet.
6. Sizing is limited - the full range is only available in soprano, there is no entry level concert and no tenors at all.
And finally - their pricing is uninspiring. To me they feel like you're getting exactly what you pay for. I appreciate that, but don't feel the need to talk about it.
These are exactly the points I have been running over in my mind too. Interesting.
My take (and just my take, not saying you are wrong on ANY of them)
1. No, they don't. But actually I adore their traditional look.
2. True, but I would argue that for the price they beat Martin. In fact, I think the KTS-5 beats the Martin 2k that costs more than twice as much on tone.
3. Absolutely true. This isn't a laminate of course, but they are famous for the KS5. I still think that as laminates go, they are world class. The Blackbirds will cost you 5 times the price of course. Oh but I DO love the Clara!
4. True!
5. Totally agree
6. Also very true.