On a related note, I noticed that distribution in the USA of the Islander brand is now by another company (still created by Kanilea, but no longer sold direct from them to the buyer).
This is definitely a reaction to the Opio series by KoAloha--and perhaps Pono as well. I'm not sure Pono is, though, as Pono has a much wider price range of instruments, and in many ways, seems to be a bigger "brand" than the parent company.
The Opio series, however, offers a high quality instrument with non-Hawaiian wood or labor costs at a price point of 50% to 60% of a Hawaiian made KoAloha (not counting the custom models, of course).
Kanilea didn't have anything in that range--price or construction. (The Islanders are great, but they aren't in the Opio's territory--and full Kanileas are way above the Opio price range).
It's a good move for Kanilea. Joe keeps expanding the business, and the ukulele boom is still underway. I look forward to playing one of these someday soon!
