I found this used tenor on FFM and had never heard of this brand. Kimo ukuleles are built outside of the San Diego area by Hank Johnson. I did some research before purchasing this tenor, he has a great website showcasing the many ukuleles he has built over the decades. But my trusted sources here knew very little about these. The person I bought it from ownes many high end ukes, spoke very well of this and gave a 2 day trial period. So I crossed my fingers and took a flyer on this.
This tenor has a curly koa top and flamed maple back and sides, a very unique wood combination. I have been on the look out for a curly koa tenor and a flamed maple tenor, I got both in one uke. I will be perfectly honest I took a gamble on this because I was buying with my eyes. I was NOT disappointed in the least. The workmanship is top notch, details are beautifully executed. It is light in weight, perfectly balanced with an excellent neck profile and radiused fretboard. It plays exceptionally easy. Comes with a side sound port, UPT tuners (standard features, no upcharge) and an optional installed Misi pick up.
The most important part is the sound and it scores full marks. It is on the warm side with good articulation, clairity and resonance. After playing this exclusively for about 5 days I pulled the big boys for a head to head. Against my 3 best, LfdM, I'iwi and Ko'olau the Kimo holds its own. No sonic weaknesses and a very pleasing tone, a keeper for sure. Simon, Brenda and Adam all played it this past week end and they liked it a lot. I think so much of this instrument that I have already commissioned a super concert from Hank. I can't give a better recommendation then that.
This tenor has a curly koa top and flamed maple back and sides, a very unique wood combination. I have been on the look out for a curly koa tenor and a flamed maple tenor, I got both in one uke. I will be perfectly honest I took a gamble on this because I was buying with my eyes. I was NOT disappointed in the least. The workmanship is top notch, details are beautifully executed. It is light in weight, perfectly balanced with an excellent neck profile and radiused fretboard. It plays exceptionally easy. Comes with a side sound port, UPT tuners (standard features, no upcharge) and an optional installed Misi pick up.
The most important part is the sound and it scores full marks. It is on the warm side with good articulation, clairity and resonance. After playing this exclusively for about 5 days I pulled the big boys for a head to head. Against my 3 best, LfdM, I'iwi and Ko'olau the Kimo holds its own. No sonic weaknesses and a very pleasing tone, a keeper for sure. Simon, Brenda and Adam all played it this past week end and they liked it a lot. I think so much of this instrument that I have already commissioned a super concert from Hank. I can't give a better recommendation then that.