I cannot afford UAS, and at most, I may be able to afford 2 ukes to cover most bases. I want a good soprano and a nice low G concert. That will do it all for me. When it comes to pineapples, to my ear, there is a hearable difference between them and hour glass shaped instruments. The pineapple sounds a bit louder, and has a bit more "ring" or sustain to them. Yet, others tell me that there really is no difference. Is it just my ears, or does anyone else hear a difference, and how would you describe it? I don't buy instruments for the "cute" factor alone.
Pineapple controversy
- Thread starter mandrew
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roxhum
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I only have experience with two Pineapples. The Ohana pineapple I didn't think there was any noticeable difference. The Kamaka pineapple is definitely different and beautiful, but the Kamaka pineapple has the round shape and is also considerable chubbier then a standard soprano making even more space on the inside.
janeray1940
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I too only have experience with two pineapples - Kamaka (soon to be mine!) and Koaloha (I've tried several but never owned one). I've owned both of their soprano figure-8 cousins, and in both cases I prefer the sound of the pineapple shape for the exact reasons you stated - volume, and sustain. Playing chords in first position I don't find this as noticeable, but playing lead further up the neck I find the pineapple shape makes a big difference.
I actually was thinking about this very thing - can I get by with just two ukes, a reentrant pineapple and a low-G concert? If I had to, I absolutely think this would be a good way to go. Although I plan to hang on to my two concerts for a good long time
I actually was thinking about this very thing - can I get by with just two ukes, a reentrant pineapple and a low-G concert? If I had to, I absolutely think this would be a good way to go. Although I plan to hang on to my two concerts for a good long time
I too only have experience with two pineapples - Kamaka (soon to be mine!) and Koaloha (I've tried several but never owned one). I've owned both of their soprano figure-8 cousins, and in both cases I prefer the sound of the pineapple shape for the exact reasons you stated - volume, and sustain. Playing chords in first position I don't find this as noticeable, but playing lead further up the neck I find the pineapple shape makes a big difference.
I actually was thinking about this very thing - can I get by with just two ukes, a reentrant pineapple and a low-G concert? If I had to, I absolutely think this would be a good way to go. Although I plan to hang on to my two concerts for a good long time
Oh, Jane! I bet you are pretty darn excited about that pineapple. I'm sure you will love it. I've played a number of Kamaka pineapples. I thought they sounded a lot like the concerts; since I already have the latter, I didn't buy the former, even though I really like the way they look and feel, especially the newer ones with the extended fretboards. Some day. Meanwhile, Elderly had an Ohta-san (one of my dream ukes per hat other thread) for about two days; it sold that fast. I didn't have the $1,500.00. Somebody got a beauty!
Only pineapples I have heard/played are savagehenry's Ohana soprano and his Mainland mahogany long neck concert. The soprano....not so sure, but that concert long neck is amazing.
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janeray1940
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Ridiculously excited
And, uh-oh. The Ohta-San Kamaka is starting to appeal to me. Does it ever end?!
Uke Republic
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Mainland's cedar / rosewood is mighty loud! Their concert pineapple is also.
The Baroquelele is sort of pineapple and has a very full tone in any size.
The Baroquelele is sort of pineapple and has a very full tone in any size.
quiltingshirley
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Does anyone know if a low G string will work on my Leolani pineapple? My Kamaka pineapple sounds fine with the high G but the Leolani needs something.
pdxuke
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(Jane is going to LOVE that pineapple. And one can never have too many Kamakas!
But to the question:
yes, I can hear a difference in the sound. And I agree with Jane--if you could only have two--get the two you're thinking of.
And I'm stating, in public, that I could get by with only the pineapple and concert Kamakas. They're that good. (Although it would really hurt to give up the '48 Martin. Jane, can I keep that one too? Please?)
But to the question:
yes, I can hear a difference in the sound. And I agree with Jane--if you could only have two--get the two you're thinking of.
And I'm stating, in public, that I could get by with only the pineapple and concert Kamakas. They're that good. (Although it would really hurt to give up the '48 Martin. Jane, can I keep that one too? Please?)
janeray1940
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It's figure-8 and it's mahogany, therefore not redundant. Sure, you can keep it!
itsme
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Don't have anything to compare it to, but I have a Yairi Kanai, that's a bit of an oddball pineapple shaped instrument (included a pic here) I have strung up as a tenor uke.
It's a solid cedar top with maple back/sides and the thing's an absolute cannon, if a bit heavy feeling next to my other tenors. Don't know if the shape really has anything to do with it but I do like it.
It's a solid cedar top with maple back/sides and the thing's an absolute cannon, if a bit heavy feeling next to my other tenors. Don't know if the shape really has anything to do with it but I do like it.
pdxuke
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TheOnlyUkeThatMatters
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Hi mandrew!
I've only gotten my hands on pineapple ukuleles in music shops. I've also pineapples generally have a slightly bigger sound than their standard cousins---especially if you play the same brand one after the other.
The nicest pineapple ukulele that's been in my hands was a KoAloha. Absolutely beautiful sound, just like I think a ukulele should sound---deep and mellow. Clear, balanced tone and volume from each string. Great sustain and volume. Light as a feather. Slim, comfortable neck. Perfectly set up. A gorgeous ukulele.
Luckily, my little standard Kamaka's very deep, loud and mellow too. So I avoided UAS in this case. Whew.
I've only gotten my hands on pineapple ukuleles in music shops. I've also pineapples generally have a slightly bigger sound than their standard cousins---especially if you play the same brand one after the other.
The nicest pineapple ukulele that's been in my hands was a KoAloha. Absolutely beautiful sound, just like I think a ukulele should sound---deep and mellow. Clear, balanced tone and volume from each string. Great sustain and volume. Light as a feather. Slim, comfortable neck. Perfectly set up. A gorgeous ukulele.
Luckily, my little standard Kamaka's very deep, loud and mellow too. So I avoided UAS in this case. Whew.
janeray1940
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joeybug
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I wanted a Pineapple because of the difference in sound and got a laminate Luna Tattoo Soprano Pineapple, I know there isn't a big different in sound because it's not solid, but I do hear a more mellow sound from her compared to my Ohana, KPK and Tanglewood Sopranos, I mean they all sound different because some are entry level and others more mid, but to me the pineapple has a nice sound that is different from a "regular" soprano.
As others have said, if you're funds are limited and you can't afford UAS or to buy something because it's pretty then go with the two you mentioned.
Hope that helps
As others have said, if you're funds are limited and you can't afford UAS or to buy something because it's pretty then go with the two you mentioned.
Hope that helps
Got some great advice here, even the ones on topic! sounds like some are saying that it isn't just me, but there is a real discernable difference in sound (louder, sustain) in the pineapple vs hourglass. since finances forbid me to hvae UAS, I will work toward teh soprano pineapple and a low G strung concert to cover all bases. I know that you all love the K instruments, but that is out of my league, so I am looking at Ohanas and Mainlands to fill the bill. BTW, does anyone make a concert neck pineapple?
iDavid
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Mainland makes a Classic Mahogany Long Neck Concert Pineapple, which is basically a concert neck. You might want to check out Black Bear ukes. Solid Koa made in America, great rep and very reasonable prices.
http://www.blackbearukuleles.net/detail.html?itemid=280
http://www.blackbearukuleles.net/detail.html?itemid=280
TheOnlyUkeThatMatters
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Ohana's mahogany pineapple sounds and plays great. Plus it's got a cool, pineapple headstock. ukuleleworld.com has them for $145 + shipping right now. Great price for a solid instrument---and if you email Roy a note about how much you love ukulele, he might email you back a coupon code that'll save you a few bucks. A great deal on a great ukulele!
