Two New Ohana Soprano Ukuleles.
I've been asked by the lovely people at The Ukulele Shop to review two new Ohana models. They are the SK50MG & SK70MG
http://www.ohana-music.com/sopr/sk50mg/master.html
http://www.ohana-music.com/sopr/sk70mg/master.html
These are both made to the familiar (to me) high Ohana standard. The fit and finish are good, for a mid-budget uke, and the level of decoration is just right – neither too plain nor too fancy. The shapes of the bridges are slightly different from the norm, and I find them pleasing to the eye. The finish is a clear, deep gloss. This is not my favourite surface – I prefer a satin, or semi-matt look – but that's just me. My only niggle would be that the fronts of the bodies have been sanded, or buffed, around the fretboard extension in a way that shows lines on the surface. It is not a serious flaw, but does detract slightly from the otherwise smooth appearance.
The sides and back of the body are constructed from laminated wood. I don't call it ply-wood because that conjures up visions of the standard three ply used for the very cheapest ukes. These new Ohanas use a special instrument grade laminated wood, which is thin and light, and has a beautiful surface of highly figured veneer. Solid wood will always be preferred for high-end ukes, but good laminates for the back and sides are a very satisfactory alternative, being very strong and stable and free from any tendency to split. The fronts are solid wood; Cedar in the case of the SK50, and Spruce for the SK70. Both produce an excellent sound. They are loud and well balanced, with good tone. The way "my" two examples are set-up needs no adjustment. The intonation is, for all practical purposes, perfect. Aquila strings are fitted as standard. I like them a lot.
It did not strike me immediately, but these ukes have fuller bodies than the classic ukulele shape. I first noticed this when I tried to place one into a 'Gator' hard case. It would take a braver (or more foolhardy) person than me to fasten the lid down - so I didn't. In my humble opinion, they do NOT fit into a 'Gator' case. They are wider across the bouts, slightly longer and noticeably deeper. The proportions are well maintained, which is why I didn't notice at first. No doubt this increased body volume contributes to the very good sound they both produce.
The sound of a musical instrument is a very subjective thing. I like a fuller, more mellow voice, and for this reason I really loved the Cedar fronted SK50. I would go so far as to say that the Ohana SK50MG is one of the best sounding ukes I have ever heard. Many players prefer a brighter, more bouncy sound, and their wishes would be catered for by the SK70 with its spruce front.
The SK50 uses a "rope" style purfling and sound-hole ring. The detailing on the SK70 looks like abalone shell. Both have dark wood binding on the top and bottom edges of the body.
Any appraisal of a musical instrument has to be read with due consideration for the price. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that mass produced ukes cannot compare with the highest standards of bespoke luthery, however, compared with other ukes in the same price range, these new Ohana models are worthy of everyone's consideration.
The price? Well, I'm not absolutely sure. The Ukulele Shop are waiting for confirmation from Ohana, but hope to be able to sell them for around the same price as the current model SK35 which is £132.50p. I don't NEED another uke, but I am sorely tempted to treat myself to an SK50MG. I really like it that much.
Thanks to Ohana and The Ukulele Shop, both these ukes will be offered as prizes at the Hollesley Ukulele Festival in Suffolk, UK at the end of July. I will be sure to buy some tickets, and would be delighted to own either of them.
Ukantor, 4th March 2009.
I've been asked by the lovely people at The Ukulele Shop to review two new Ohana models. They are the SK50MG & SK70MG
http://www.ohana-music.com/sopr/sk50mg/master.html
http://www.ohana-music.com/sopr/sk70mg/master.html
These are both made to the familiar (to me) high Ohana standard. The fit and finish are good, for a mid-budget uke, and the level of decoration is just right – neither too plain nor too fancy. The shapes of the bridges are slightly different from the norm, and I find them pleasing to the eye. The finish is a clear, deep gloss. This is not my favourite surface – I prefer a satin, or semi-matt look – but that's just me. My only niggle would be that the fronts of the bodies have been sanded, or buffed, around the fretboard extension in a way that shows lines on the surface. It is not a serious flaw, but does detract slightly from the otherwise smooth appearance.
The sides and back of the body are constructed from laminated wood. I don't call it ply-wood because that conjures up visions of the standard three ply used for the very cheapest ukes. These new Ohanas use a special instrument grade laminated wood, which is thin and light, and has a beautiful surface of highly figured veneer. Solid wood will always be preferred for high-end ukes, but good laminates for the back and sides are a very satisfactory alternative, being very strong and stable and free from any tendency to split. The fronts are solid wood; Cedar in the case of the SK50, and Spruce for the SK70. Both produce an excellent sound. They are loud and well balanced, with good tone. The way "my" two examples are set-up needs no adjustment. The intonation is, for all practical purposes, perfect. Aquila strings are fitted as standard. I like them a lot.
It did not strike me immediately, but these ukes have fuller bodies than the classic ukulele shape. I first noticed this when I tried to place one into a 'Gator' hard case. It would take a braver (or more foolhardy) person than me to fasten the lid down - so I didn't. In my humble opinion, they do NOT fit into a 'Gator' case. They are wider across the bouts, slightly longer and noticeably deeper. The proportions are well maintained, which is why I didn't notice at first. No doubt this increased body volume contributes to the very good sound they both produce.
The sound of a musical instrument is a very subjective thing. I like a fuller, more mellow voice, and for this reason I really loved the Cedar fronted SK50. I would go so far as to say that the Ohana SK50MG is one of the best sounding ukes I have ever heard. Many players prefer a brighter, more bouncy sound, and their wishes would be catered for by the SK70 with its spruce front.
The SK50 uses a "rope" style purfling and sound-hole ring. The detailing on the SK70 looks like abalone shell. Both have dark wood binding on the top and bottom edges of the body.
Any appraisal of a musical instrument has to be read with due consideration for the price. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that mass produced ukes cannot compare with the highest standards of bespoke luthery, however, compared with other ukes in the same price range, these new Ohana models are worthy of everyone's consideration.
The price? Well, I'm not absolutely sure. The Ukulele Shop are waiting for confirmation from Ohana, but hope to be able to sell them for around the same price as the current model SK35 which is £132.50p. I don't NEED another uke, but I am sorely tempted to treat myself to an SK50MG. I really like it that much.
Thanks to Ohana and The Ukulele Shop, both these ukes will be offered as prizes at the Hollesley Ukulele Festival in Suffolk, UK at the end of July. I will be sure to buy some tickets, and would be delighted to own either of them.
Ukantor, 4th March 2009.