Ukulele Eddie
Well-known member
I wasn't sure to post this in Uke Talk or Reviews. It's certainly not a review, but it is admiration about a new Kinnard. Moderators, move if appropriate.
I had the pleasure of hanging out on Saturday with Kevin Beddoe of Kinnard Ukes. I got to check out a new Longneck Concert (17" scale) that could be the big brother of my and @dirtiestkidever's Kinnard Large Body sopranos.
It has the same exceptional Western Red cedar top and gorgeously figured claro walnut body as our sopranos. Like mine, this one also features a satin finish neck (I cannot recommend this highly enough) and a sound hole (which I also really prefer).
Like all Kinnards I've seen and played (about 25 to date, seriously), it is impeccably finished down to the finest detail. I'm not much of a player yet, but I have learned quite a bit about finely crafted ukes. There are a few builders out there that punch above their fighting weight and Kinnard is one of them. What do I mean? I mean they seem to be at least a notch above similarly priced ukes. Kinnards are steadily creeping their way to the price point they have earned and deserve, but personally I still find them to be quite the value. I am fully committed to buying at least one more Kinnard.
Those attending the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival will get to see this in person. For those who won't be there, below are a couple of photos. She’s a beauty. I love, love, love the walnut/abalone rosette.
As to sound? Great sustain along the whole neck. Excellent, clear voice. It had a slightly higher tension string than I generally prefer, but I think this one is a winner.
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Disclosures: Kevin did buy my lunch, but I bought us beers. Maybe I can be bought, but not so cheaply. ;-) They make a wonderful uke and Kevin and John are good people to boot. I can look myself in the mirror and comfortably say, “I’m a Kinnard fan-boy!” They don't compensate me, nor do they need to.
I had the pleasure of hanging out on Saturday with Kevin Beddoe of Kinnard Ukes. I got to check out a new Longneck Concert (17" scale) that could be the big brother of my and @dirtiestkidever's Kinnard Large Body sopranos.
It has the same exceptional Western Red cedar top and gorgeously figured claro walnut body as our sopranos. Like mine, this one also features a satin finish neck (I cannot recommend this highly enough) and a sound hole (which I also really prefer).
Like all Kinnards I've seen and played (about 25 to date, seriously), it is impeccably finished down to the finest detail. I'm not much of a player yet, but I have learned quite a bit about finely crafted ukes. There are a few builders out there that punch above their fighting weight and Kinnard is one of them. What do I mean? I mean they seem to be at least a notch above similarly priced ukes. Kinnards are steadily creeping their way to the price point they have earned and deserve, but personally I still find them to be quite the value. I am fully committed to buying at least one more Kinnard.
Those attending the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival will get to see this in person. For those who won't be there, below are a couple of photos. She’s a beauty. I love, love, love the walnut/abalone rosette.
As to sound? Great sustain along the whole neck. Excellent, clear voice. It had a slightly higher tension string than I generally prefer, but I think this one is a winner.
Disclosures: Kevin did buy my lunch, but I bought us beers. Maybe I can be bought, but not so cheaply. ;-) They make a wonderful uke and Kevin and John are good people to boot. I can look myself in the mirror and comfortably say, “I’m a Kinnard fan-boy!” They don't compensate me, nor do they need to.