UkeStuff
Well-known member
I hear about the Opio line on the UkuleleSite Podcast, and it intrigued me. A $1500 KoAloha is just out of the ballpark for this stage of my life (maybe in another few years, or as a special "on island" purchase if we ever make it to Hawaii). The idea of a "K" quality instrument from a "K" company but at a lower price was instantly appealing to me.
I have been following a few Opios on eBay. There is a new Acacia (same basic wood as Koa, but just not grown on Hawaii) model, but Mim has been offering a couple of Sapele (a type of Mahogany) "Factory Second" Opios, so I contacted her.
She made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and today the Opio arrived. She has great customer service and I am very happy. This is why you purchase from a ukulele specialist like Mim, The Ukulele Site, and the Uke Republic.
All of my other ukuleles, simply put, are not in the ballpark of this ukulele. My other ukuleles are either laminates from the "big producers" or specialty ukuleles (e.g. my Outdoor Ukulele Tenor, which I love, and plays so nicely--but it doesn't compare in sound). The sound is just so different--full and resonant. This is why you save up for a better ukulele. And in the $650 range for a brand new instrument (not a second), you get a heck of a lot for your money with the Opio line. I know those of you with Pono ukuleles feel the same.
I didn't think I would, but I can see letting some of my other ukuleles go (or giving them to people in need of an instrument). That is after 30 minutes of playing the new ukulele.
And I know there are even better ukuleles out there...but this is enough for me at this time. I need to see if I can get this one through a Minnesota/Wisconsin winter.
The only surprise is that the Opio was strung with Low G, which is a first for me (other than my Lanikai Baritone Ukulele that I picked up for $40). I have to get used to the sound of that low G!
Many thanks to Mim for making this possible...and the ukulele journey continues.
I have been following a few Opios on eBay. There is a new Acacia (same basic wood as Koa, but just not grown on Hawaii) model, but Mim has been offering a couple of Sapele (a type of Mahogany) "Factory Second" Opios, so I contacted her.
She made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and today the Opio arrived. She has great customer service and I am very happy. This is why you purchase from a ukulele specialist like Mim, The Ukulele Site, and the Uke Republic.
All of my other ukuleles, simply put, are not in the ballpark of this ukulele. My other ukuleles are either laminates from the "big producers" or specialty ukuleles (e.g. my Outdoor Ukulele Tenor, which I love, and plays so nicely--but it doesn't compare in sound). The sound is just so different--full and resonant. This is why you save up for a better ukulele. And in the $650 range for a brand new instrument (not a second), you get a heck of a lot for your money with the Opio line. I know those of you with Pono ukuleles feel the same.
I didn't think I would, but I can see letting some of my other ukuleles go (or giving them to people in need of an instrument). That is after 30 minutes of playing the new ukulele.
And I know there are even better ukuleles out there...but this is enough for me at this time. I need to see if I can get this one through a Minnesota/Wisconsin winter.
The only surprise is that the Opio was strung with Low G, which is a first for me (other than my Lanikai Baritone Ukulele that I picked up for $40). I have to get used to the sound of that low G!
Many thanks to Mim for making this possible...and the ukulele journey continues.