New Kinnard Model: Selmer-tyle Super Tenor -- WOW!!

[Ukulele Eddie]

Kevin Beddoe and luthier John S. Kinnard, have been working on a little stealth project that is now public: a Selmer-style Super Tenor!

Many of you know John's reputation for outstanding ukuleles. What fewer people know is John also has a super reputation for gypsy-style guitars made under the Del Arte brand.

Kevin and John have collaborated to collide these two worlds into a new model that will be offered with either Series 2 or Series 3 appointments and feature the following as "Standard":

• Selmer-style body with classic cutaway
• Selmer-style snake head slotted headstock
• Selmer-style large "D" hole sound hole
• Selmer-style classic rosette
• Selmer classic-style bridge with string through design
• Scale length of 19"
• ​Side soundport available as an option

Here is a link to some pics and sound sample, which sounds really incredible:

http://www.kinnardukes.com/john-s.-kinnard-selmer-style-super-tenor.html

I love the sound and am curious what others think.

 

[kerneltime]

They should articulate beyond looks what is different.. any takers?

 

[EDW]

I always love the look of the old Selmer guitars, both these and the small oval sound hole models.

 

[Jerryc41]

Quite a sound hole!

 

[Joyful Uke]

Wow. That is beautiful both in looks and sound. I think Kinnards just keep getting better and better.

Good thing I don't play anything larger than a concert these days, or I'd really, really want that one.

 

[DownUpDave]

Thanks for sharing Eddie, tell John and Kevin nice job, looks and sounds great. You know I like this style and they have done a very good job with it.

 

[kerneltime]

Is it just aesthetics or are the bracings, top thickness different?

 

[Ukulele Eddie]

Selmer-style instruments are traditionally lattice braced. However, they used a more traditional two fan approach. I have only tried one lattice-braced uke and I did not like it all, so when Beau Hannam built my Selmer-style Grand Tenor, I had him use more traditional uke bracing.

The larger body, sound hole and longer scale are all aesthetic features but they also impact tone. As I noted in my original posting, I think the tone is fantastic and cannot wait to check one out in person.

 

[Pirate Jim]

Do you know what strings they're using on it? I've got a 19" tenor and am still playing around with strings on it. I've been tuning it dGBE but am planning to try linear C tuning at some point. I worry that standard tenor strings would be painfully high tension with the extra scale length.

 

[dkcrown]

That is a very beautiful and classy looking uke. John's work and attention to detail is outstanding. And Kevin's style of playing is soooo.... soothing and tranquil. Nice job guys!!!!

 

[DownUpDave]

Do you know what strings they're using on it? I've got a 19" tenor and am still playing around with strings on it. I've been tuning it dGBE but am planning to try linear C tuning at some point. I worry that standard tenor strings would be painfully high tension with the extra scale length.

I have a 19" tenor and use Thomastik CF30 and CF27 for the wound G and C strings. I use Oais warm for the two trebles. Yes the tension is higher then a 17" tenor, more so on the florocarbon strings then the wounds. I don't mind high tension, if you do try a concert set of strings with either Thomastik CF30 or Fremont Soloist for the wound G if you like only a wound G.

 

[Pirate Jim]

I have a 19" tenor and use Thomastik CF30 and CF27 for the wound G and C strings. I use Oais warm for the two trebles. Yes the tension is higher then a 17" tenor, more so on the florocarbon strings then the wounds. I don't mind high tension, if you do try a concert set of strings with either Thomastik CF30 or Fremont Soloist for the wound G if you like only a wound G.

Thanks Dave - I've actually been using a CF30 as the G on it and I have an unused CF27 knocking about so I'll give it a go. Really enjoying the scale length, will be glad when I've dialled in the strings and tuning.

 

[Tele295]

I need it. Really

 

[Joyful Uke]

There is one for sale right now on Kinnard's website.
Looks beautiful.

 

[Just Russ]

I’m curious whether it’s strong enough to handle all metal strings.

 

[Joyful Uke]

I’m curious whether it’s strong enough to handle all metal strings.

I would think that if check with Kevin from Kinnard, he'd be able to answer that for you.

 

[Just Russ]

I would think that if check with Kevin from Kinnard, he'd be able to answer that for you.

I’m sure. But at that price point it’s just a curiosity for now and I’m sure he has more important things to do than answer my questions. Maybe if I’m in a position to get one myself later on.

 

[Rakelele]

I’m curious whether it’s strong enough to handle all metal strings.

The answer to this question will most likely be no, as with most instruments specifically built for nylon strings. I don't think they would advise you to take that risk on an instrument in this price range.