I just received my new Kanile'a Islander Concert, MC-4!Tis is the laminate model, so here is my take so far. . .
Quite frankly, I am totally blown away by the sound. This is so much better than I expected for a laminate. In fact, I will go so far as to say that I would rate this higher than the Kala concert travel uke that I had!
I had a low G string installed, and Joe put on a bronze wound string that is really well balanced with the regular Aquila strings. The sound is really sweet, typically mahogany, loud, and very well balanced through the range. Usually laminates suffer in sound u the neck on the C and E strings. Not so here! Bell tones all the way up!
Aron at HMS did great review of this line, and it can be found on their site, and on Ukulele Review. It was pretty obvious that he was greatly impressed also, and for good reason! This has to be the best value in the price range, Around $129 USS for a concert. the fit and finish is outstanding, just as you would expect from something from Kanile'a. A look through the sound hole shows that it is very clean, with high grade kerfed strips instead of the more common solid thin strips found on less expensive instruments.
The outside is a very attractive satin finish, evenly done. It sports open geared tuners which are a good choice for this size, and it is well balanced. The neck is very comfortable.
But, the real story is about sound, and this sounds more in league with many instruments, even solid top instruments, int the $300 price range. I cannot imagine how good their solid mahogany line must sound! this is the best uke I have ever played any where near this price! The problem now is that everyone seems to want one, and they get sold out as fast as stores get shipments. It is worth the wait!
Bottom line: Yes it is still a laminate, but a very high quality laminate. I believe it is the best value hands down. Gentlemen (and ladies), the bar on entry level ukes has been greatly raised!
pics attached
Quite frankly, I am totally blown away by the sound. This is so much better than I expected for a laminate. In fact, I will go so far as to say that I would rate this higher than the Kala concert travel uke that I had!
I had a low G string installed, and Joe put on a bronze wound string that is really well balanced with the regular Aquila strings. The sound is really sweet, typically mahogany, loud, and very well balanced through the range. Usually laminates suffer in sound u the neck on the C and E strings. Not so here! Bell tones all the way up!
Aron at HMS did great review of this line, and it can be found on their site, and on Ukulele Review. It was pretty obvious that he was greatly impressed also, and for good reason! This has to be the best value in the price range, Around $129 USS for a concert. the fit and finish is outstanding, just as you would expect from something from Kanile'a. A look through the sound hole shows that it is very clean, with high grade kerfed strips instead of the more common solid thin strips found on less expensive instruments.
The outside is a very attractive satin finish, evenly done. It sports open geared tuners which are a good choice for this size, and it is well balanced. The neck is very comfortable.
But, the real story is about sound, and this sounds more in league with many instruments, even solid top instruments, int the $300 price range. I cannot imagine how good their solid mahogany line must sound! this is the best uke I have ever played any where near this price! The problem now is that everyone seems to want one, and they get sold out as fast as stores get shipments. It is worth the wait!
Bottom line: Yes it is still a laminate, but a very high quality laminate. I believe it is the best value hands down. Gentlemen (and ladies), the bar on entry level ukes has been greatly raised!
pics attached