Hi Jerry!
I’ve reached out to KoAloha to see if they will let me review a KoAlana: we’ll see what happens. I’m such a fan of the company that if they won’t send me one (loaner) to review, I’ll likely buy one.
I have only been playing since 2016, but I’m a big fan of KoAloha (like you) and this model series has been of interest to me.
I believe there have been 4 versions of the KoAlana. It has always been a side project of KoAloha to provide a Kala/Ohana price point, much like Kanile’a and their Islander (Kanile’a has been far more successful with Islander, but that entire series is handled in California).
The first is one that I own; an all mahogany model made in China, with internal KoAloha bracing—a far inferior ukulele. The finish failed on these, and most were reclaimed by the company on warranty claims. I don’t think it went much further than that.
The second was the predecessor to the Opio...a more expensive KoAlana, made by the Opio/Rebel factory. These were pretty good—you don’t see them come up for sale very often. I think they were Sapele.
After KoAloha switched the branding from KoAlana to KoAloha Opio, there was another laminate—this was around that 2016 period when I started playing ukulele. I never saw much of these models and am not sure any were even sold; but I remember seeing them in the catalog.
Then the latest batch was announced at NAMM in 2019 with the MonkeyPod laminate. The whole first batch was lost in a fire and models didn’t start showing up until 2020. KoAloha sold out of these; a new batch just came
In not too long ago (KoAloha posted a picture on social media).
There aren’t too many recordings or demos of these new KoAlanas; some reputable dealers have gently suggested that customers look at another brand like Kala or Ohana if people are interested in the KoAlana.
As a teacher, I can’t reasonably bring a KoAloha Opio or KoAloha to school much of the year (lower than 30% humidity, having to have it available out of the case 8 hours a day) so even a “standard” laminate tone KoAloha would appeal to me for that use—so I’m very interested.
Let us know what you think when it arrives.
