There is a fairly comprehensive history on the main Japanese websites that explains the history and differences between the brands -
~ Ukulele specialty store founded in 1919 with a store in Asakusa, Tokyo ~
In 1919, the predecessor Kitaro Okamoto founded a gramophone sales and repair company called "Kihachiya Gramophone" with the aim of "delivering joy to all directions".
After that, we changed our business to a record store and a musical instrument store, and have been manufacturing and selling ukuleles since 1955, when the second generation Ryoji Okamoto was in charge.
In the generation of Kyoko Hara, the third generation, we have further changed into a "ukulele specialty store" that can be used with peace of mind, with a commitment to Made in Japan and thorough quality control and inspection.
Currently, with the mission of "For your colorful life", in addition to the wholesale business of our own brand and related accessories, we operate a ukulele shop (retail business), ukulele school and museum in Asakusa, Tokyo, and promote ukulele. We provide rental services.
Brands handled
[Own company/Domestic] Famous, KIWAYA, LUNA
[Own company/Overseas] KIWAYA Student Model
[Others/Domestic] Peerless, Zephyer, various builder brands
[Others/Overseas] Ko'ALOHA, KAMAKA, kanilea, etc.
[Contents]
Domestic Own brand (Famous/LUNA/KIWAYA)
Overseas production Own brand (KIWAYA Student Model)
inspection/quality control
provision service
Domestic own brand
◆ Japanese standard ukulele <Famous>
Famous ukulele, which started manufacturing in 1955, is a long-established brand that boasts a long-selling domestic ukulele for more than half a century.
There was a time when the Hawaiian boom had passed and the ukulele had completely stopped selling, but we have continued to manufacture ukuleles for a long time because of Chairman Ryoji Okamoto's desire to make them famous.
Over the past 60 years, the Famous Ukulele has been improved for ease of play, attention to tone, strength, etc., and has been used by many people, young and old, men and women, from beginners to those who want to use it for a long time. increase. It is also a brand that is exported overseas, mainly in Asia and America, as the "KIWAYA - Eco Series".
Click here for Famous products
Commitment to ease of play and tone
We pursued a sense of stability when held and the optimum string height, and achieved a thick, rounded neck and a comfortable weight. Also, regarding the string height, which affects the ease of playing, we set the string height to about 3 mm at 12F so that beginners who do not yet know the force and basic movements can comfortably perform the "strumming (stroke)" that they learn at the beginning. We adjust the balance between ease of pressing and volume one by one.
Commitment to tone
The round back processing is applied in consideration of the echo of the sound. This technology is also possible because it is domestic.
In addition, thin nylon strings ( Famous marron strings ) are used
to produce a warm sound . This nylon string is easy to press even for beginners, and it is characterized by less strain on the ukulele itself. In addition, the "core material" of the plywood part of the Famous Series is different for each model, so you can enjoy the tone that makes the most of the individuality of the material.
The notch of the nut is adjusted one by one so that 1F is easy to hold. In addition, the saddle, which affects the string height, is also strictly adjusted accordingly.
World-class technology "triple layered"
Since the start of production, we have adopted a three-layered structure (triple layered) that pursues the "strength" that is characteristic of plywood and the "thinness" that is comparable to veneer.
After repeated evolution, it has become 1.6 mm thin despite being made of plywood, and has achieved a rich tone while having strength.
Resistant to climate change in Japan, it is made in consideration of the environment, such as the effective use of materials and the use of naturally derived adhesives.
(Video) How the Famous Ukulele is Made ~short ver~
◆ Vintage style and lightness <LUNA> *
In 1993, our company took over and reprinted the most popular Japanese ukulele "Luna" during the Hawaiian boom in the 1950s. After many minor changes, it has evolved into a "modern vintage" ukulele with a traditional look and sound.
Mainly using a mahogany veneer, the tone is finished with a deep tone with good sound clarity and texture. We also paid particular attention to vintage ukulele designs, such as a slim body that feels light, a neck that is less thick, and a rounded head crown (used on high-end models). Above all, models using Honduras mahogany (a high-grade material among mahogany) have received high praise. It is also exported overseas as the "KIWAYA - Artist Series" and is a brand that is loved by users all over the world. Click here for LUNA
products
is produced by
Achieving powerful volume and high playability <KIWAYA> *
It was a brand that was produced as "KIWAYA - Strummer Series" for overseas as a Made in Japan ukulele, but started selling in Japan from 2015. This strumming-inspired model features side position marks, jumbo fret lines, and a U-shaped neck grip with just the right amount of thickness. Even if you gently press down on the strings while feeling the thickness of the neck, you can still keep the ringing firmly, so it is especially suitable for quick chord changes and playing styles that use a lot of high positions.
The sound of the body and the resonance of the strings (using strings jointly developed with Worth Strings ) have a profound feeling that cannot be imagined from the compact hold feeling, the use of carefully selected tonewoods, and its high playability are highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas. We are receiving
Click here for KIWAYA products
*By adopting a unique method in which domestic craftsmen share the production process, we pursue a high level of perfection. Each process is packed with professional commitment and thought.
. Sorry to have misled! I love those ukuleles, no matter what their label calls them.
