It really does pack a punch when you lay into it, but it is also really smooth and warm when played softly, the most dynamic range of tones I got from anything I tried while I was there. I was consistently blown away by every KoAloha that I played, a couple of Kamakas came in a close second for the sweet, warm tone but didn't have the volume and punch.
Howie1947: I went to both Bounty and Lahaina plus a few others, I even discovered the mysterious 'shack' in the back alley owned by Daniel and Dorris of "D & D" Ukuleles. They get them from a guy somewhere on Oahu and put their sticker inside, very well made, beautiful to look at, easy to play and sound good too. Daniel and Dorris might seem 'pushy' to some, as I have read in other threads but I think that is just because they don't speak English too well. They also, to me, seemed genuinely concerned about so many tourists buying worthless wall hangers from the 'ABC Store'. They even had a 1995 KoAloha, 1950's Kamaka, and 1970's Kamaka, $700 each.
I found this KoAloha at Kula Gold in Lahaina and instantly loved everything about it. Mike is a super nice guy, if you are ever there I highly recommend stopping in to meet him and see all his KoAlohas and Kanile'as, plus a bunch of Kohalas, Lanikais, etc. from $50 and up. He gave me a good deal on a hardshell case and a Kohala soprano for my son, and he's good at set ups too because he is a jeweler as well.
