UkeStuff
Well-known member
This is the long UkeGuide review of the Kanile'a K-1 C that I purchased used, thanks to this site.
It's a wonderful instrument--even though the 2020 and beyond models may be better with the Tru-R bracing (versus the Tru bracing of this model).
While there are scattered models across various brands that I hope to own someday, I'm still a while away from visiting Hawaii to buy a Kamaka HF-2 in person (I'll schedule far in advance with the company to make sure that can happen). But I do own a Koa KoAloha (2003 model) and this Kanile'a.
Someday I'll do a comparison video. When I listen to recordings, many of these high end instruments sound very similar. What is different is the sound you hear as a player.
The Kanile'a really differs in terms of a bright, clean, tone--and the different dimensions of the nut and neck. I can see why Kanile'a and Islander ukuleles are loved by people with large hands (although anyone could play them).
I just consider myself very fortunate to be able to not only review some of these models, but to own them--and I'm so grateful for this forum that has provided a number of ukuleles at an affordable cost--some that will be passed down to my children, and hopefully stay in the family for generations.
The full UkeGuide appears below, as well as the One Minute Ukulele Review. The one page UkeGuide summary can be found at UkeGuide.info (shortcut) or on my normal blog at UkeStuff.info on the UkeGuide page.
It's a wonderful instrument--even though the 2020 and beyond models may be better with the Tru-R bracing (versus the Tru bracing of this model).
While there are scattered models across various brands that I hope to own someday, I'm still a while away from visiting Hawaii to buy a Kamaka HF-2 in person (I'll schedule far in advance with the company to make sure that can happen). But I do own a Koa KoAloha (2003 model) and this Kanile'a.
Someday I'll do a comparison video. When I listen to recordings, many of these high end instruments sound very similar. What is different is the sound you hear as a player.
The Kanile'a really differs in terms of a bright, clean, tone--and the different dimensions of the nut and neck. I can see why Kanile'a and Islander ukuleles are loved by people with large hands (although anyone could play them).
I just consider myself very fortunate to be able to not only review some of these models, but to own them--and I'm so grateful for this forum that has provided a number of ukuleles at an affordable cost--some that will be passed down to my children, and hopefully stay in the family for generations.
The full UkeGuide appears below, as well as the One Minute Ukulele Review. The one page UkeGuide summary can be found at UkeGuide.info (shortcut) or on my normal blog at UkeStuff.info on the UkeGuide page.