As you would imagine, I use these strings on my ukes. I have them on a KoAloha tenor and was curious about swapping the Ukesa Low-G with the Thomastik CF-30. I did so but did not notice a difference in sound-- only a difference in touch. I could not believe it. I decided to record both and I sent the recording off to Pops. He also noted how the Thomastik wound low-G sounded like the Ukesa fluorocarbon Low-G. That being the case, I switched back to the Ukesa for more uniformity. Thanks for the great review. I am glad that you are happy with the strings. I will be sending your review off to Pops. I know he will enjoy reading it.
Here is the link to getting these strings: KoAloha/Ukesa Strings
We now have an unlimited supply. Back in October 2020, the supplier wrote to Pops and Koaloha that they would no longer be supplying strings for ukulele outside of Japan. Pops told me that once our supply was gone, most likely there would be a new manufacturer for our strings, so I put that word out. Pops kept at it and found a way to get these same strings that he always used from a music company in Japan instead of the manufacturer, directly. Bottom line is that we are now able to continue to supply people with these strings that make our ukuleles sing. I not only have these strings on my KoAloha and Ukesa models, but they are amazing on my Kamaka and Kanile'a. I also have them on my 1967 Martin tenor but with a Thomastik wound low-G on that one. The sound of these strings on my other brands is clear like a bell, the volume is like a
I want to know whether the strings on my ktm-25 factory special are the same as the strings talked about here? I'm considering changing my 4th low-g right now. And I'd like to keep the strings' unity.
when was the Ktm-25 made? I ask this because for some KoAloha Ukes made as of January 2021, there could be different strings, which I can get from the factory. All KoAloha's prior to January 2021 are these strings. Let me know-- either way, I can get you the correct strings. The original strings I can send out myself. The strings that KoAloha used as of January 2021 I can ask Pops to send out from the factory. I cannot tell you what the difference is but Pops says it is a small difference. Either way, it is not a problem to get either as long as I know the build date if it was January 2021 or after for KoAlohas and Opios only.
The Strings that I already have in my possession are exactly the same. These strings are used for all KoAloha, Opio, and Ukesa no matter the scale. Each packet has enough string for a tenor uke and then some. The only difference is a High or Low G packet.
@necessaryrooster, thanks for asking-- I was about to, as I opted not to purchase the strings previously because I didn't want to get used to (and likely love) strings that would be unobtainable going forward.
I really don't know about the Rebel Strings. It is not something that I have direct knowledge of. Indirectly, I have wondered that myself since I have a Rebel double creme standard and the strings feel very similar. When I play the Rebel, it does feel or sound much different than my KoAloha or Ukesa Wow's. There are differences but I have always felt that the differences were reflections of the woods and not the strings.
Sorry but I have not figured out how to edit on this new platform for the forum. In this last statement- it should read, "When I play the Rebel, it does NOT feel or sound much different than my KoAloha or Ukesa Wow's."
@efiscella This is the best news I've heard all week! Koalohas are my all-time favorite strings. I've been trying to find a substitute since I didn't think they'd be available much longer, now I don't have to! I just ordered a bunch; planning on trying them out on a Pete Howlett soprano I just acquired. Also, regarding the edit feature, it appears that there is a glitch for UU VIP members at the moment that doesn't allow editing. I'm sure the staff is working on it and will have it fixed in no time.
Here is what I know. In terms of touch, and tone it is basically the same but manufactured by a different company. Some of our customers have tried both and they don't see or hear any significant difference. Their choice of strings usually comes down to wanting to put the same strings on that originally came with their instrument-- the same strings when they fell in love with their ukulele.
