Thanks to all on the congrats. I'LL try to figure out how to do a sound sample to post, but I am fairly ignorant on that stuff. I can tell you I really like it and the neck action is so smooth.
Strumsilly- I have both the KTC 1 & 2 and I am a little more partial to the 1- but given the day it will be the 2.
Brenda on my experiences with purchasing thru J-Guitar in Japan:
I have purchased 3 from Dolphin Guitars (Famous FC-5- open slot headstock, solid mahogany, metal stealth micro tuners, Kiwaya KTC-95'th Anniversary, solid highly figured Koa including fretboard/bridge, Gotoh UPT's and 14 frets to the body only- no other frets, Kiwaya Taropatch, solid mahogany, Peghead tuners, concert size). I can't remember the owner's name but his English was broken, but we were able to communicate fine and he answered all my questions promptly. The shipping was around $70 + a 3% surcharge on purchase charge on credit card use. All but 1 arrived within 2 to 4 days. For some reason 1 of them went thru US Customs in Chicago and that took about 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.
The one listed on this post came from Ukulele Mania. As Janray 1940 mentioned Dean (the general manager as he told me) speaks excellent English. Was very responsive on my inquiries. Not on this pineapple uke, but I noticed the Ukulele Mania has a lot of sound samples on their listings while Dolphin Guitars did not. This pineapple arrived to my house within 4 days.
As far as prices go, probably is cheaper domestic because of shipping and surcharge on credit card use. I got these Ukes thru Japan because they are so unique and not available on the local domestic market and a love all things Kiwaya. Hope this helped somewhat.
