In response to the original thread question, to any that may still come across this thread, it ALL comes down to one thing:
Do you want CLASSIC or do you want "more" with modern acoustic, revolutionized teachnology???
What i mean is with ANY respectable acoustic instrument brand you're going to get good or better quality. Kamaka being "the best" is a matter of opinion based on what sound YOU like. Kamaka is still in business as the oldest surviving name-brand of 'ukulele and will forever have a name in the world of luthiers, but Kamaka ALSO is known for its classic, BRIGHT, rich sound. Kamaka's signature sound is simple and in Hawai'i, "mo simple mo betta" (like postcards of paradise with nothing but a beach, water, and a palm tree). Kamaka is pretty much TRADITIONAL uke for TRADITIONAL sound BUT watch brodda Jake Shimabakuro on youtube and you'll see some inspiring moves, and he plays Kamaka.
Kanile'a, on the other hand, seems to pride itself on its "technology" that's incorporated into its product like strenghtening rods and vibration carry-overs (see the official website for specifics on what i mean). The one I own is very warm, louder, and has a fuller spectrum HOWEVER will take a LONG time to become a household name like a Kamaka.
Kamaka, due to its fame, also isn't going to make getting back you a priority yet uncle (Mr.) Souza of Kanile'a will get back to you almost immediately. Get plenny aloha, dat guy : )
Along with new and innovating ideas on how to improve tonal quality amongst all crafters comes new ideas and trial-n-errors. I myself, have a few ideas for new uke designs that i'd like to also try, JUST to see what'll happen. CREATION via experimentation is beautiful, and so can be the sounds you make no matter which ukes you go with.
MAHALOZ fo reading! ::tear-tear:: na na na lol
