Soprano dilemma

we tigers

we tigers

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 23, 2011
Messages
1,282
Reaction score
2
Location
Breda, The Netherlands
I have a little dilemma in which I seek your advice, oh ukulele connaisseurs of the underground.
Last summer I missed out on a Ken Timms soprano on eBay (this actually happened more than once...) and eventually bought a Kiwaya KTS-4 instead. Then in September I got the chance to play on a KoAloha soprano and was pretty much blown away but the sound of that uke as well (that Kiwaya is something special as well).

Fast forward to the present:
A friend of mine wants to buy a Kiwaya KTS-4. This gives me the chance to sell him my ukulele and try again for a Timms or go for KoAloha Pikake Soprano.

Question: What to do? Should I try and get my hands on a Timms (as that was once the original wish)? Should I go Hawaiian with a KoAloha? Or should I get my head examined and stick with the Kiwaya?

...they're all great! The answer "keep the Kiwaya and get the KoAloha as well" is not an option because of the budget...
 
I owned a Kiwaya KTC-1[concert], and it was a wonderful instrument. I was lucky enough to snag a broken Koaloha pikake concert on the cheap, and I still have the Koaloha but sold the Kiwaya. enough said.
 
There's an old saying: "One lovely ukulele in the hand is worth all the lovely ukuleles on the internet." If it were me, I'd stick with the Kiwaya.

But it sounds like you've got the urge to try out another soprano. Might as well sell the Kiwaya to your friend and go for a Timms or a KoAloha.
 
I would think the greater similarity among the three ukes in question would be between the Kiwaya and the Timms. So, if you want something different, go for the Koaloha. Otherwise, if I were you, I'd be tempted to try to get a Timms, if only because it was the original object of desire. Have you thought about contacting Ken directly? He may have something with a small blemish he'd sell at a lower price, lest he turn it into a birdhouse.
 
I haven't played a Kaloha, but I own and love my Timms.

My vote is that a Timms is worth the wait.
 
Kiwaya's are really awesome and I can't recommend them highly enough. I don't know the other brands well enough to recommend one versus the other. But, looking at this positively, you probably can't make a bad choice here 'cause they're all top notch.
 
I am totally fond of the koAloha feeling and sound. If I were in your case, I would go for it. But this is still a very subjective thing !
(I have a longneck, and if I find a koaloha soprano, I for sure would do anything for having it !).
Question : why the pikake instead of the standard soprano ?
 
Nice dilemma to have Michael. Such good vibes about all these ukes, doesn't seem like you can really go wrong whichever way the wind is blowing.

You did mention you were 'blown away' by the sound of the KoAloha...that might be the best place to start.

But, just to mess with your head a little, I am also a wrap for Black Bear soprano ukes: never heard one that sounded less than magical. Also they tend to have nice slim, fast necks and playability is great. Also, the Kamaka sops are a slightly warmer tone than the KoAlohas on the whole, so that might be something you'd like to consider. In any case, your playing is of such a high standard they're all gonna sound a million bucks.

Hmmm, there really are so many great ukes in that range...sure you could keep the Kiwaya and have a wonderful uke, but, as a tragic UAS sufferer and have, for better or worse always worked on the philosophy - with ukes at least - that variety is the spice of life. :eek:
 
For the record, Ken Timms ukes are not just sick, they're freaking amazing.
I've played so many Sops in the last couple of years, vintage Martins, Kamakas, Koalohas, and of course most were very good. And I do think I see a vintage koa Sop on the horizon, but if you get your hands on a Timms, you will be very stoked indeed my friend.
There, I've used up quota of skate lingo today. Good luck with your quest.
 
I'm staying out of this one...all I'll say is that any one of those ukes would make most players, myself included, quite content. :)


John
 
Michael do you want a koa ukulele or do you want a mahogany one?
Each sounds a little bit different, what do you prefer?
If you never had a koa uke, get one.
 
You will get rid of the Kiwaya for another, and then want it back after a few months.....trust me.
 
Okay...I was wrong...I can't stay completely out of it ;)

You might ask yourself how often any of those three ukuleles shows up used in the Marketplace (practically never in all three cases) which obviously means you've got a pretty good bird in hand right now...especially vs. only maybe being able to acquire a Timms in the future...

Also, the KoAloha is a great uke but sounds quite different from either the Kiwaya or Timms mahogany ukes, both of which are kind of "Martin clones." So, the question you have to answer for yourself is "would the Koa uke really keep you happy in the long term if what your really love is the Timms/Kiwaya/Martin sound?" I'll be the first to say that the KoAloha ukes are amazing and I love mine - but are you really prepared for that to be your ONLY good soprano, even after the "wow, that thing is loud and punchy" reaction wears off?

John
 
Wow. Nice dilemma. These are all superior instruments. I'm a huge fan of Koaloha. More my kind of sound. The Timms and the Kiwaya have more in common with each other than either does with the Koaloha. I'd stay with what I have for now.

In your case, since you like your instrument, I would not make a move now. Wait a year or two (three?) and get my hands on as many other ukuleles that interest me. (Sorry, friend, it's not for sale) I'd take my time and enjoy the great instrument I have, until I feel I need to upgrade. There will be another Ken Timms and another Koaloha. Maybe even wait until I can afford the Koaloha. Enjoy both and try to decide if I might want to switch out the Kiwaya for a Timms.

I say take your time and enjoy the ride.
 
nongdam said:
Have you played all three mentioned? :p
Click to expand...

The Kiwaya and KoAloha, yes (correction, the KoAlohas I've played were my longneck soprano which obviously is a little different and a couple of standard sopranos, not specifically the Pikake - but, I'm pretty sure the Pikake is the same dimensions, construction, right - the only difference being the blingy stuff like the crown end of the fretboard vs straight?).

The Kiwaya I played quite some time ago when I was still in the "sopranos are too cramped for me" phase but even so I remember that I really liked the tone of it. The one I played wasn't for sale so at least I don't have to look back wistfully and wish I'd bought it. LOL

So far I haven't laid hands on a Timms - but I've drooled over every one I've seen, bid on several, and some day when I can afford to spend enough on a soprano (it's still my favorite sound but not favorite scale so I can't justify spending a ton on one) to win one I will. Do you have one you want to lend me? :biglaugh:


John
 
nongdam said:
Just playin w/ ya John!
Click to expand...

I figured, but I had to answer anyway. Hey, I believing in earning my title... :biglaugh:

Edit to add: Ahhh...I see, you thought my second post was reply to yours and maybe I was offended...nah, hadn't seen yours yet I just couldn't keep my two cents to my self. :)
 
timms is about same price as a vintage martin o. plus, u already have a kiwaya martin clone thats impeccable

go koaloha, which has already blown u away we. then, in a year or so, like me and many others, when the open chime of the koaloha starts to grate on u and gets brash, sell it for a vintage martin
 
I personlly don't like how koalohas look but they sound great so if you like how they look I'd highly recommend those. And I've had no experience with the other brand
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
For Sale Bradford Donaldson Koa Soprano
Replies
5
Views
284
MRP!
M
mingus
Acquired Martin (or other) Soprano Ukulele - under $500
2
Replies
33
Views
708
mingus
mingus
Patrick Johnson
Price Drop Rare Washburn Model 1915 Style 1715, Flamed Mahogany Soprano, ORGINAL HARDSHELL CASE
Replies
9
Views
485
Patrick Johnson
Patrick Johnson
Pissodes
Sold Famous FS-4P Laminate Koa Pineapple Soprano
Replies
5
Views
180
Pissodes
Pissodes
Oldscruggsfan
Does the Key of D “suit” my high-G soprano uke or is it just my imagination?
Replies
3
Views
158
Wiggy
Wiggy
Top Bottom