Headstock comparison...Koaloha KTM-00 vs the newer Koalana tenor. On the Koalana, I notice the tuner post locations are different, and the string spread at the nut looks wider, although I'm not sure of the nut width on the Koalana.
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The new Koalanas look quite different from KoAloha and there is little chance of confusion. The new Opios are another matter. They look more like classic KoAloha and you have to read small print on label to make sure what it is. However, while the old Opios had a similar sound to real KoAloha the new ones are not like that at all and sound more like generic cheap ukes. So in the past the Opio labelled ukes were a true alternative to get a KoAloha sound but now you have to buy the real thing to get that or buy used. That is disappointing for those on a budget.
I owned a soprano for a few months early this year. I tried hard to like it and it was almost bearable when tuned up to D. But eventually I decided that I did not enjoy it and donated it to a raffle for a good cause.Any more thoughts on these ? Anybody purchase one this year and have some first hand comments to share ... Thanks.
Thanks for that link. Good read and pretty much the kind of input I was looking for.KoAloha Comparisons
This is just my two cents' worth. I recently received a KoAlana tenor, which is basically a laminate KoAloha made in Thailand by the Opio people. The KoAlana has been an on-again-off-again thing from KoAloha, but this is the new series, available now. I was impressed when I looked at it and...forum.ukuleleunderground.com
And thanks too for your report and opinion.I reviewed a KoAlana that I bought on a Memorial Day Sale from Aloha City Ukes.
You can see the review on my YouTube channel.
Ultimately, it is a very nice laminate ukulele that looks like a KoAloha and sounds like a Kala. I’m not 100% in love with it, but as I’ve moved quite a few of my ukuleles, I can’t quite part with it yet. Part of that is my love for the brand, though I have sold my spruce Opio concert as I didn’t love the looks or sound of that instrument. And I recently acquired (thanks to this forum) a older Sapele Opio Concert which is just lovely; I wish KoAloha would bring the Sapele and its lighter finish back.
I think most buyers would be better of spending $200 to $250 more and buying an Opio. The KoAlana, while a good laminate, is overpriced, as are many Kalas. And as you’re going to spend $225 or $250 for one of these, they aren’t cheap, and in context with instruments as a whole, the step up to the Opio isn’t that much more.