Joined the Pono Family

steel rider

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 26, 2013
Messages
443
Reaction score
0
Location
Alameda, CA
Just got off the phone with Mike at Uke Republic and ordered my second ukulele. Joining my wonderful Mainland Classic Mahogany Soprano will be a new Pono Acacia Tenor. Not going for the Deluxe bling (which is gorgeous) makes this thing, in my opinion, a bargain at $340. I'm all about value and both my ukes seem to be "very good for the money".

Mike suggested Ko'olau Mahana strings. It also has a steel (?) C string which he said is cool.

Now the ever important soft case and cool strap (don't hate me) search. I will also be looking at pickup and uke amp options in the near future.

THANKS MIKE!
 
Last edited:
Congrats on your Pono, I don't think you can go wrong with any Pono now! They have really become top quality instruments. I love the acacia too. Ponos have a very nice feel and resonance and clarity of the notes. My first Pono was I think a 2005 model PKT-1 and they have come a long way. I am on my fourth now, though two have gone to new homes.
 
I cherish my Pono MT tenor as well. After trying different strings on it, I found that Worth Clears sounded the best to me. You will also find that the Ko'olau/Pono Customer Service in Hawaii is outstanding as well.
 
Sailor Jim is awesome and Pono Tenors are magic!
 
I love my Pono MTD!
 
I have the AT in satin as well, and as the others have said, you will love it. I preferred the Ko'olau Gold strings with the wound 3rd string over the Mahana set, they were my favorite for this uke until I recently tried the Fremont Black lines (Fluorocarbon strings). The Fremont's really sound great, so try those out at some point.
 
I have the Pono AC and love it. I am still hunting for "the strings".

Enjoy
 
Very interesting on the Fremont strings. I never was a fan of changing the strings on an electric guitar but will have to learn about strings and try it on my ukes. At least it's less to string! :)
 
You're gonna love that Pono. I have the acacia with a cedar top - it's a really great ukulele... Those Mahana strings are interesting but I liked the Worth Browns better when I eventually changed them. Haven't tried any other strings yet but I'm probably going for Living Water next.
 
Pono arrived tonight. I really like the low key satin look though I do like the fret board on the D model better. I am moving from a Soprano so I will have to get used to the size and the seemingly thicker strings.

I am not sure I like the steel (wound?) third string. It rings for a long time which is nice but seems out of balance with the others and not so traditional. It also just feels a lot different on the fingertips and I can hear it hitting the frets. I'm not sure I will stick with it but will give it a while and see.

I'm wondering if a low G will sound better with the wound C string. Or if I go low G and unwound C. I'm hearing good things about the flourocarbon in terms of warmth.

Any of your experiences are appreciated.



Thanks
 
Congrats - I love my Pono MCD. The Ko'olau strings that came on it sounded terrible to me (extremely quiet, almost muted). I put Aquillas on it and haven't looked back. But I've been meaning to try some flourocarbon strings on it. Somebody mentioned Worth Clears - will have to give them a shot.
 
Living Waters and Savarez strings both sound fantastic on my Pono AT-E. You can't go wrong with either of those.
 
Top Bottom