When the Koalana's came out in sapele about two years ago, I got one of the Concert Koalana's from HMS. It's been one of those ukes I've kept as others have come and gone. It is incredibly resonant; offering the Koaloha sound with a bit less brightness and a little more depth.
However, mine cracked. I had thought that I was going to escape this curse as everyone I know who bought a Koalana had their crack and sent it back. Mine has had some separation at the seams, and then I noticed recently that it had outright developed a crack through the back.
I emailed Koaloha because they have their "better than the weather" warranty. It took them a couple of days to get back to me because of NAMM and because they are moving, but I got an email in response saying that rather than fix my crack they'd send me a replacement for the Koalana, that they don't make it any more but it is the same as the newer Opio. A few emails and some stuff sent back and forth later, and I received a brand new Koaloha Opio Concert.
Other than few minor details like branding and different tuners, the Opio is completely identical to the Koalana that it replaced. The Opio though is even better. The fit and finish is done right. The sound is virtually identical to the Koalana except that it seems to have a tiny bit more sustain than my Koalana had. I am totally blown away that Koaloha was so fantastic about honoring their warranty. And I am seriously impressed with the Opio concert. IMHO it is one of the best deals, maybe the best deal in a concert ukulele. I am curious to see what the tenors bring.
I will note that what you lose with the Opio over the Koa Koaloha is finish. The Opio is really left unfinished. My Koalana developed quite a shine in spots and was pretty unprotected. The Sapele wood is kind of cheap looking too. So from a cosmetic standpoint the Opio is quite plain. But it sure is a great player.
However, mine cracked. I had thought that I was going to escape this curse as everyone I know who bought a Koalana had their crack and sent it back. Mine has had some separation at the seams, and then I noticed recently that it had outright developed a crack through the back.
I emailed Koaloha because they have their "better than the weather" warranty. It took them a couple of days to get back to me because of NAMM and because they are moving, but I got an email in response saying that rather than fix my crack they'd send me a replacement for the Koalana, that they don't make it any more but it is the same as the newer Opio. A few emails and some stuff sent back and forth later, and I received a brand new Koaloha Opio Concert.
Other than few minor details like branding and different tuners, the Opio is completely identical to the Koalana that it replaced. The Opio though is even better. The fit and finish is done right. The sound is virtually identical to the Koalana except that it seems to have a tiny bit more sustain than my Koalana had. I am totally blown away that Koaloha was so fantastic about honoring their warranty. And I am seriously impressed with the Opio concert. IMHO it is one of the best deals, maybe the best deal in a concert ukulele. I am curious to see what the tenors bring.
I will note that what you lose with the Opio over the Koa Koaloha is finish. The Opio is really left unfinished. My Koalana developed quite a shine in spots and was pretty unprotected. The Sapele wood is kind of cheap looking too. So from a cosmetic standpoint the Opio is quite plain. But it sure is a great player.
