NUD: KoAloha Opio Sapele Tenor

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.

Congrats on the new uke. I've been looking at the Opio line myself as I can't justify the ~$1500 on a Ko'Aloha. I hope the new Opio treats you well.

Congrats. I have passed on quite a few $700-$900 used Koaloha concerts. May snag one some day.

You should phil, I love mine!

Congrats Choirguy to your new opio !

Those Opio tenors are fantastic deals - and it sounds like you got one that was extra sweet. Congrats!

KoAloha's tenors seem to always come with a low-G, by the way, so this is standard for them. That was originally a reason for me not to get one, and today would be a reason to get it! Preferences, they do change.

Thanks everyone!

And I'm not saying that the custom uses or the K brand Hawaii ukuleles are not worth it. It is just nice to have some "mid level" options that give you a high level experience on a budget.

For the record, even the $3000 ukuleles are a steal when compared to other instruments. For example, I'm a tuba player, and it is hard to even get into a quality instrument for under $3000, whereas with ukuleles, that puts you in rarefied air.

P.S. The last I looked, Mim had another of these Sapele Opios (this one's brother) for sale...a factory second KoAloha Opio Tenor, and I would bet she would make someone else an offer they couldn't refuse, too.

P.P.S. I'm now intrigued by the KoAlana Tenor (same as the Opio but Laminate) for daily use at school and thinking about someday adding the Acacia Opio as well. My wife will not be happy with me if I do anything more on the UAS front for the next six months, though. She took this one pretty well.

Happy wife, happy life is my motto.

Btw I'm glad for you, from reading up on your new blog it seems the ukulele has brought back the joy of music for you! You seem a very passionate teacher, those kids are lucky to have you!

Congrats, wish you lots of happy playing!

Congratulations mate, enjoy.

Congrats on your new baby!