I know this is highly subjective topic depending on each individual, but I thought it would be a fun topic for Kanilea owners. I purchased a K1-C brand new and it's a beautiful instrument with wonderful tone. I would describe the tone as more mellow and resonant than what I'm used to hearing with my Martin Ukes. My K1-C offers a definite tonal contrast when compared to my Martins.
My research has pointed to Joe voicing all his Kanilea Ukes for optimal tone and playability with Aquila Corde Super Nylgut strings. I have to admit mine sounded great with them, however, I am not a fan of the feel and larger diameter. I prefer fluorocarbon strings such as M600's for feel and playability. This led me to change the stock Aquila strings to M600's. Verdict, they sounded dull and lifeless, but of course had the same feel that I prefer. I kept the M600's on for about 3 days and knew the Kanilea didn't sound to it's potential with the Martin M600 strings.
This led me on a string changing expedition that included D'addario Nyltech, Titanium and Carbons, Worth Clear and Browns as well as different brands of nylon strings. After many string changes and not being completely happy, I thought, why not try the M620 Martin Fluorocarbon strings and see what happens. I was afraid of the string tension being to much, but from my research, the C string presents the most tension and it just so happens, it's the same gauge on both M600's and M620's. So I gave it a try. I'm so glad I did. This really brought the K1-C to life with only a small loss of playability between the M600's and M620's, which I attribute the M620's being a bit thicker the cause.
I thought I would share my findings with the group. Of the strings I've tried so far, here are my top 5 best sounding on this particular Ukulele:
1: Martin M620 Fluorocarbon
2: D'addario Nyltech
3: Aquila Corde Super Nylgut
4: Worth Clear
5: D'addario Titanium
I would love to hear what your favorite strings are on your Kanilea.
Jim
My research has pointed to Joe voicing all his Kanilea Ukes for optimal tone and playability with Aquila Corde Super Nylgut strings. I have to admit mine sounded great with them, however, I am not a fan of the feel and larger diameter. I prefer fluorocarbon strings such as M600's for feel and playability. This led me to change the stock Aquila strings to M600's. Verdict, they sounded dull and lifeless, but of course had the same feel that I prefer. I kept the M600's on for about 3 days and knew the Kanilea didn't sound to it's potential with the Martin M600 strings.
This led me on a string changing expedition that included D'addario Nyltech, Titanium and Carbons, Worth Clear and Browns as well as different brands of nylon strings. After many string changes and not being completely happy, I thought, why not try the M620 Martin Fluorocarbon strings and see what happens. I was afraid of the string tension being to much, but from my research, the C string presents the most tension and it just so happens, it's the same gauge on both M600's and M620's. So I gave it a try. I'm so glad I did. This really brought the K1-C to life with only a small loss of playability between the M600's and M620's, which I attribute the M620's being a bit thicker the cause.
I thought I would share my findings with the group. Of the strings I've tried so far, here are my top 5 best sounding on this particular Ukulele:
1: Martin M620 Fluorocarbon
2: D'addario Nyltech
3: Aquila Corde Super Nylgut
4: Worth Clear
5: D'addario Titanium
I would love to hear what your favorite strings are on your Kanilea.
Jim