Joyful Uke
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2014
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I've wondered about the differences - aside from the big price difference - between the standard and deluxe versions of Kamakas. Is there a difference in sound?
Using the HF-2 as an example, there is the HF-2, the HF-2D, the HF-2DI, (and the long neck, but I get the difference there.)
Is the difference with the deluxe models simply the bling, (and in the case of the I version, the slothead?)
Would the fancier models sound any different, or is the extra cost for the appearance only? (And obviously, the extra materials and work that goes into that.)
Additional questions, that probably no one knows the answers to, but some might have their own guesses:
As koa becomes less available, (I think that's happening, correct?), is there any expectation that Kamaka might start building with different woods? Currently, AFAIK, they're either all koa, or koa with a cedar or spruce top.
I also wonder if they'll refigure their builds to make it easier to deal with CITES?
It seems to me like there are fewer Kamakas on the market right now. Places like HMS, Mims, Elderly and others don't have any, and most haven't had any in a while, (who me, looking? LOL) Is this usual? Is Kamaka taking a well deserved break after the anniversary models? There are a few still out there for sale, but it seems to me like there aren't as many.
I'm not sure why I've been looking, since I have a great one, but since I like that one so much, I guess I've been wondering if there is another model that I'd love, too. (UAS is real. LOL.)
Using the HF-2 as an example, there is the HF-2, the HF-2D, the HF-2DI, (and the long neck, but I get the difference there.)
Is the difference with the deluxe models simply the bling, (and in the case of the I version, the slothead?)
Would the fancier models sound any different, or is the extra cost for the appearance only? (And obviously, the extra materials and work that goes into that.)
Additional questions, that probably no one knows the answers to, but some might have their own guesses:
As koa becomes less available, (I think that's happening, correct?), is there any expectation that Kamaka might start building with different woods? Currently, AFAIK, they're either all koa, or koa with a cedar or spruce top.
I also wonder if they'll refigure their builds to make it easier to deal with CITES?
It seems to me like there are fewer Kamakas on the market right now. Places like HMS, Mims, Elderly and others don't have any, and most haven't had any in a while, (who me, looking? LOL) Is this usual? Is Kamaka taking a well deserved break after the anniversary models? There are a few still out there for sale, but it seems to me like there aren't as many.
I'm not sure why I've been looking, since I have a great one, but since I like that one so much, I guess I've been wondering if there is another model that I'd love, too. (UAS is real. LOL.)