Scott S.
Well-known member
With the help of MGM and Hawaii Music Supply, I am now the proud owner of a Kanile'a K1-TP-SF. The instrument is constructed with premium koa, and it has the satin finish. To my eye, the wood is beautiful, and I love the satin finish. I'm in the camp of those who believe that when it comes to the tone of acoustic instruments, less finish is better.
The uke sounds bright, full and has incredible sustain. I am intrigued with the Kanile'a TRU-bracing system which is supposed to allow the top to vibrate more efficiently. Mandolin makers have used variations of "tone-bar" bracing for a long time, and I am of the opinion that the TRU-bracing is somewhat similar. In any event, it works! I also like the pin bridge and the way that strings are "hooked" under the bridge to transfer more string energy into the top. The nut width is 1 7/16" which is very comfortable to me, and the bridge string spacing seems perfect, especially for fingerpicking. The instrument was setup very nicely by MGM, and displays a very dynamic responsiveness. An now, without further adeau, here are couple pics of my new baby:
The uke sounds bright, full and has incredible sustain. I am intrigued with the Kanile'a TRU-bracing system which is supposed to allow the top to vibrate more efficiently. Mandolin makers have used variations of "tone-bar" bracing for a long time, and I am of the opinion that the TRU-bracing is somewhat similar. In any event, it works! I also like the pin bridge and the way that strings are "hooked" under the bridge to transfer more string energy into the top. The nut width is 1 7/16" which is very comfortable to me, and the bridge string spacing seems perfect, especially for fingerpicking. The instrument was setup very nicely by MGM, and displays a very dynamic responsiveness. An now, without further adeau, here are couple pics of my new baby:
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