I appreciate the Koolau company for their honesty in flatly stating that the mahogany models are of a higher quality wood.
Please help direct me. Where did Koolau say that the mahogany models are of a higher quality wood? It's not that I don't believe you, it's that I'd like to read it myself. Link? Thanks. PS Oh, i get it. High quality than other Hogs, not higher necessarily than acacia. I got it, thanks.
And kissing, that's interesting, the quote you have below about cost. It implies that many are surprised that the cost of mahogany, a more common wood, is more than acacia. It's justifying that cost as this particular mahogany is special. I guess (???)
PhilUSAFret's most recent comment below is really "spot on" about tone and baritones and aethetics and all being part of it. Well said.
I listened to the videos that you linked from HMS, kissing, and honestly, I like the sound of the acacia more than the mahogany. It is subjective, and like you say, has to do with recording environment, etc. Hell, Corey's playing two different songs, and even that makes a difference. lol I think, with a lower toned instrument like a baritone, I'd want wood that allows higher pitch brightness, so that I can select low or high brightness based on string selection. A low, bassy deep tone is harder to brighten when inherent in the ukulele, as opposed to a brighter (not overly bright, just brighter) uke being made more subtle (e/g with Worth Browns). I know, some might debate me on that, but everyone has an opinion. lol
It's almost universally acknowledged (even on this thread) that the acacia looks better. And, it's $30 cheaper. lol Hey, the acacia ad on HMS emphasizes gloss finish, the mahog does not. It looks gloss in the photos, but no mention of it on the 'hog ad (like on the acacia ad). You might want to be sure of it if you order 'hog, kissing, and like gloss rather than satin or oil finish.
Cheers! Fun!