Took the Kanile'a tour this morning and it was great. I don't like to gush, but it was the best factory tour I've ever taken, uke or otherwise, and that includes Coors, with the free samples at the end. Joe took me through all the steps, answered all my questions, and was engaging and interesting. It was 1.5 hours start to finish with the boss. I had a camera with me but was so wrapped up I didn't even think to take a single picture (sorry). I wanted to ask if there were any openings for an apprentice.
As interesting as the instruments, almost, and important to me is their commitment to more responsible manufacturing. They don't use nitro finishes anymore, spending a huge amount of time and money to implement the UV-cured finish system, and the sourcing of the FSC mahogany for their necks is ingenious.
A disclaimer: I was the only one on the tour. Nobody else showed up today. Since I was the only one asking questions, all my questions were answered on my private tour. YMMV.
A non-disclaimer: I'm not connected to Kanile'a in any way. I don't have a Kanile'a, and having resolved to eat and pay rent fairly regularly this year, I'm not in the market for one. But boy do I want one. Sorry if this sounds like an ad for them, but I was that impressed.
My only complaint had nothing to do with the tour itself. Joe pulled a beautiful Hawaiian islands-inlaid tenor off the wall, tuned it and handed it to me. I'd thought about it the night before, because I thought I might get a chance to play one. What to play? Stardust? Lahainaluna? Europa? I totally choked and strummed a few basic chords like I'd seen it done on TV but had never done it myself, picked about 10 clumsy notes, felt overwhelming shame, and handed it back. The next time I take a tour I'm going to put a splint on one of my fingers and beg off to spare myself the embarrassment.
If you are on Oahu and are going to hit one factory, Kanile'a is worth the drive to Kaneohe. If you are going to fit in more than one do Kanile'a last so it doesn't spoil the others for you.
As interesting as the instruments, almost, and important to me is their commitment to more responsible manufacturing. They don't use nitro finishes anymore, spending a huge amount of time and money to implement the UV-cured finish system, and the sourcing of the FSC mahogany for their necks is ingenious.
A disclaimer: I was the only one on the tour. Nobody else showed up today. Since I was the only one asking questions, all my questions were answered on my private tour. YMMV.
A non-disclaimer: I'm not connected to Kanile'a in any way. I don't have a Kanile'a, and having resolved to eat and pay rent fairly regularly this year, I'm not in the market for one. But boy do I want one. Sorry if this sounds like an ad for them, but I was that impressed.
My only complaint had nothing to do with the tour itself. Joe pulled a beautiful Hawaiian islands-inlaid tenor off the wall, tuned it and handed it to me. I'd thought about it the night before, because I thought I might get a chance to play one. What to play? Stardust? Lahainaluna? Europa? I totally choked and strummed a few basic chords like I'd seen it done on TV but had never done it myself, picked about 10 clumsy notes, felt overwhelming shame, and handed it back. The next time I take a tour I'm going to put a splint on one of my fingers and beg off to spare myself the embarrassment.
If you are on Oahu and are going to hit one factory, Kanile'a is worth the drive to Kaneohe. If you are going to fit in more than one do Kanile'a last so it doesn't spoil the others for you.