merlin666
Well-known member
With the arrival of a new member last weekend I thought it would be a good time to introduce the family. On the left are the "Old Hawaiian Koas", a ca. 1970s Kamaka 6-string tenor (Lili'u tuning) and a 2000 Koaloha concert (re-entrant tuning), both with koa fretboards and friction tuners. One the right are the "New Hogs", a 2019 Sawchyn luthier-built concert (5ths tuning), and a ca. 2014 Gretsch tenor (linear tuning), both with rosewood fretboards and geared tuners.
I prefer the two tenors for playing out with others and performing, and the Kamaka is definitely my favourite, though the Gretsch is used often for songs that don't sound great on the 6-string. The concerts are for relaxed couch use and learning, where I don't need the punch and power of the bigger ukes. I am not familiar with 5ths tuning so definitely looking forward to getting familiar with the new baby.
and the backs:
I prefer the two tenors for playing out with others and performing, and the Kamaka is definitely my favourite, though the Gretsch is used often for songs that don't sound great on the 6-string. The concerts are for relaxed couch use and learning, where I don't need the punch and power of the bigger ukes. I am not familiar with 5ths tuning so definitely looking forward to getting familiar with the new baby.
and the backs:
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