Joyful Uke
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If the Kanilea nut width appeals to you, you might look into the Islander ukuleles, which is made by Kanilea, but is their entry level version.
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- Thread starter JTC111
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70sSanO
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The rule is pretty much the same as it is with guitars... buy the best you can easily afford. My first ukulele was a KoAloha soprano. I was coming from a guitar background. Only mistake was the size not the quality. The Kanilea would be a good choice as it has a 1.5" nut. Neck profile, tone, etc. is personal and that is up to what you like. I imagine you have seen the Ukulele Site videos.
John
More times than I can count. I've been toying with this idea for a while and having retired less than two weeks ago, I have time to do more things. Uke being one of them.
lfoo6952
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JTC111:
You indicated a preference for the Kala KA-ZTC-T and wide nuts. Kala's in general have shorter nut widths than other brands. This model has a nut width of 1.39". Try exploring other brands that have wider nut widths. My first ukulele was a Kala. At that time, I didn't know any better. As I gained more experience and played other brands, I found that I much preferred a wider nut.
You indicated a preference for the Kala KA-ZTC-T and wide nuts. Kala's in general have shorter nut widths than other brands. This model has a nut width of 1.39". Try exploring other brands that have wider nut widths. My first ukulele was a Kala. At that time, I didn't know any better. As I gained more experience and played other brands, I found that I much preferred a wider nut.
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Are there any brands in particular that have more ukes with wide nuts?
70sSanO
Well-known member
That is a great listing of nut widths, thanks John.
Although Koaloha are listed as 1-1/2" they feel and play more like 1-3/8". Their nut width is closer to 1-7/16" and the outside strings are in from the neck edge more than some. I have owned a few and although I don't like 1-1/2" I find Koaloha easy to play. Just some feedback for your consideration.
RafterGirl
Well-known member
KoAloha are 1 7/16
Kanilea are 1.5
Islander, which is Kanilea's import line are also 1.5. I own an Islander acacia laminate and can highly recommend it. Uke Republic carries Islander.
Kanilea are 1.5
Islander, which is Kanilea's import line are also 1.5. I own an Islander acacia laminate and can highly recommend it. Uke Republic carries Islander.
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Rllink
Well-known member
I was going to bring that up as well. I went out with my little tape measure for a while when I was looking for a soprano and I was finding that some ukuleles with 1 1/2" necks had an actual string width pretty close to those with 1 3/8" necks. It seemed that there was no standard among the few 1 1/2" necks that I was able to get my hands on to measure. When I was doing my research though, I felt like the wider necks were harder to play for me, not easier.
I have plenty of guitars and such to keep me occupied. But that's good advice about the used market. I'm going to keep an eye out for a used wide neck koa tenor. If one I like pops up at a good price, I'll grab it. If not, when my first pension check comes in at the end of the month, I'll splurge on a new one.
Hi, I've got a couple of Mike Pereira custom tenors for sale. These are part of an estate of a friend who passed a couple of years ago and left behind a large collection of stringed, instruments. Mostly guitars but some ukes and mandolins as well. I've sold 6 or 7 to guys on this site so far. The tenors are $1,000 and $1400 plus shipping. Feel free to send me an email and I can send you photos and details. If you're not familiar with Mike Pereira Ukes, check out his website, great builder.
Ed
Ed
Thanks Ed. PM sent.
BTW, Mike's website looks to be gone. The www.mpukuleles.com address is now a sneaker store.
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