Ohana Custom DTK-2 Deluxe Tenor - REVIEW

[bazmaz]

I honestly didn't see a USA made, hand made Ohana ukulele on my 2023 radar!!

Ohana Custom DTK-2 Deluxe Tenor Ukulele - REVIEW

Got A Ukulele exclusive - looking at the brand new Ohana Custom Shop DTK-2 Tenor Ukulele.

www.gotaukulele.com

 

[Wiggy]

I'm overjoyed when you are overwhelmed! Very sincere, you are.

This is the sound* I seek. Soft, yet clear attack (not twangy whangy, even with fluoros) with individual string balance, harmonious blending, and good sustain. It doesn't seem it can be easily overdriven. It's what I refer to as "chuff" rather than bark.

(*Probably why I prefer cedar, even though this one is not.)

Thanks for another great review.

 

[bazmaz]

I'm overjoyed when you are overwhelmed! Very sincere, you are.

This is the sound* I seek. Soft, yet clear attack (not twangy whangy, even with fluoros) with individual string balance, harmonious blending, and good sustain. It doesn't seem it can be easily overdriven. It's what I refer to as "chuff" rather than bark.

(*Probably why I prefer cedar, even though this one is not.)

Thanks for another great review.

I prefer your description to my waffling! And totally get what you mean.

 

[merlin666]

Thanks for the review. There are many similarities between Kala and Ohana as these are the brands we find the most of in stores, but while Kala may be ahead in numbers sold, I always thought that Ohana was ahead with offering more options such as multi string and different body shapes. It's good to see that they stepped up and maybe if it sells they will bring out more models and different branding. I think there is some Kanile'a inspiration. However, if I was looking to buy in this price range it would not likely make it into the list of contenders.

 

[bazmaz]

Thanks for the review. There are many similarities between Kala and Ohana as these are the brands we find the most of in stores, but while Kala may be ahead in numbers sold, I always thought that Ohana was ahead with offering more options such as multi string and different body shapes. It's good to see that they stepped up and maybe if it sells they will bring out more models and different branding. I think there is some Kanile'a inspiration. However, if I was looking to buy in this price range it would not likely make it into the list of contenders.

Would still make my list - i've played a lot of stuff at the top table and this absolutely stands up to anything else at that sort of price. If the Ohana logo was not there, but just a name of the luthier, people wouldn't think twice.

 

[TerryM]

Agree on that headstock logo. So classy and cohesive elsewhere it makes it stand out even more. Maybe just outline the abalone "O" in ebony if it gets lost in Koa. I do like the placement in upper right corner, though.

 

[rainbow21]

However, if I was looking to buy in this price range it would not likely make it into the list of contenders.

These new USA made Ohana may be wonderful, but the price point appears to be out of line from their other models. The current three listed at SUS are "prototypes" and they expect the price point to be around $3,000 upon the regular release. And that is crazy for what I assume are a group of SoCal luthiers perhaps making their first top end line of ukuleles. They are taking their reputation for excellent Asian made ukuleles and jumping way past the price points of the three Ks, aNueNue, and other custom made ukuleles. Baz gave it a high rating, but does not take price into account on his site.

These will compete with a market that might include the Kanile'a D series deluxe, the Kamaka HF3D deluxe, the KoAloha Red Labels, a Kinnard custom tenor, and a Barron Rivers tenor with a few upgrades. All of these have a track record that the Ohana USA group does not, so I agree with merlin666's statement of it not being on the list of contenders. There has been much discussion of the Kala Elite line and how it is wonderful and often equal to the three Ks at a lesser price point. Here, it will be equal or greater in cost to its competitors, which makes it a nonstarter for me.

 

[TerryM]

These new USA made Ohana may be wonderful, but the price point appears to be out of line from their other models. The current three listed at SUS are "prototypes" and they expect the price point to be around $3,000 upon the regular release. And that is crazy for what I assume are a group of SoCal luthiers perhaps making their first top end line of ukuleles. They are taking their reputation for excellent Asian made ukuleles and jumping way past the price points of the three Ks, aNueNue, and other custom made ukuleles. Baz gave it a high rating, but does not take price into account on his site.

These will compete with a market that might include the Kanile'a D series deluxe, the Kamaka HF3D deluxe, the KoAloha Red Labels, a Kinnard custom tenor, and a Barron Rivers tenor with a few upgrades. All of these have a track record that the Ohana USA group does not, so I agree with merlin666's statement of it not being on the list of contenders. There has been much discussion of the Kala Elite line and how it is wonderful and often equal to the three Ks at a lesser price point. Here, it will be equal or greater in cost to its competitors, which makes it a nonstarter for me.

Actually Baz does take price into account. His value for money score is lower than his other scores for this uke.

 

[scrambled_eggs]

These new USA made Ohana may be wonderful, but the price point appears to be out of line from their other models. The current three listed at SUS are "prototypes" and they expect the price point to be around $3,000 upon the regular release. And that is crazy for what I assume are a group of SoCal luthiers perhaps making their first top end line of ukuleles. They are taking their reputation for excellent Asian made ukuleles and jumping way past the price points of the three Ks, aNueNue, and other custom made ukuleles. Baz gave it a high rating, but does not take price into account on his site.

These will compete with a market that might include the Kanile'a D series deluxe, the Kamaka HF3D deluxe, the KoAloha Red Labels, a Kinnard custom tenor, and a Barron Rivers tenor with a few upgrades. All of these have a track record that the Ohana USA group does not, so I agree with merlin666's statement of it not being on the list of contenders. There has been much discussion of the Kala Elite line and how it is wonderful and often equal to the three Ks at a lesser price point. Here, it will be equal or greater in cost to its competitors, which makes it a nonstarter for me.

Yeah, it's hard to compare these to Kala elites. Kala has been working really hard to make a name for themselves in the higher end market, including probably selling at cost initially for some models. This seems like Ohana might be testing the waters and having unrealistic expectations in terms of market and price point right now for this instrument.

 

[Eggs_n_Ham]

Yeah, it's hard to compare these to Kala elites. Kala has been working really hard to make a name for themselves in the higher end market, including probably selling at cost initially for some models. This seems like Ohana might be testing the waters and having unrealistic expectations in terms of market and price point right now for this instrument.

Reminds me of the old days of buying a Ford vs a Toyota. Ohana builds a beaut of an instrument but fights an uphill battle for street cred in the big guns ukulele market. Remove the gloss and change the headstock to the classic Ohana imprint and this would be a serious contender for my tenor dollars. I have an entry level Ohana soprano and it's a pip of a uke- honestly, Ohana just might deserve a bit more of a "look in" by ukulele enthusiasts!

 

[Wiggy]

...Remove the gloss and ... maybe ... change the headstock to '... hmmm ...' and this would be a serious contender for my tenor ... or concert ... dollars. I have ... several ... Ohana ... s ... and ... they are ... a pip of a uke- honestly, Ohana just might deserve a bit more of a "look in" by ukulele enthusiasts!

Sorry about the re-write, but we are thinking alike
Ohana does many special builds, but I like satin and I like geared tuners. I will not apologize for either.

Kala does deserve credit for what I hope will be a trend for those producers that have the capabilities to really shine.

<Admission of guilt/reality> My next plateau, if I ever go there, will be $1000.)

 

[man0a]

Anyone know what the price will be in the USA? Prices of USA products always seem to be somewhat whacky in the UK.

 

[DJ Mango]

Found this site with models and pricing :
https://ohanacustomshop.com

 

[TerryM]

And their site lists several for sale. This sea turtle tenor is evidently available link

 

[Wiggy]

Sigh... (to me) bling don't mean a thing, but I do like some of the other headstock treatments.

These are way over my head so I'm bowing out.

 

[MarTay6]

Well, Daaaang- they finally made a uke with a decent nut width- and then priced it so I can't afford one!

 

[rainbow21]

Found this site with models and pricing :
https://ohanacustomshop.com

It is unclear if any of these on the site are what is being reviewed by Baz. I am guessing that these fancier ones are made by the top luthiers overseas. I understand that the California location will be introducing a "Made in USA" line and the current ones on SUS are prototypes (including the one Baz reviews).

On the SUS site, they write that they expect a price around 2,400 pounds (which is what I converted to get the $3k USD), but that might include their VAT. So they may be slightly cheaper elsewhere.

 

[TerryM]

It is unclear if any of these on the site are what is being reviewed by Baz. I am guessing that these fancier ones are made by the top luthiers overseas. I understand that the California location will be introducing a "Made in USA" line and the current ones on SUS are prototypes (including the one Baz reviews).

On the SUS site, they write that they expect a price around 2,400 pounds (which is what I converted to get the $3k USD), but that might include their VAT. So they may be slightly cheaper elsewhere.

The link is to Ohana Custom Shop in Long Beach (explained on theAbout Us page). Pretty sure the available ukes were made there, and the pricing seems in line with your guestimate. Check the headstocks shown on the Home page to see they are the same as on the SUS uke reviewed by Baz.

 

[rainbow21]

The link is to Ohana Custom Shop in Long Beach (explained on theAbout Us page). Pretty sure the available ukes were made there, and the pricing seems in line with your guestimate. Check the headstocks shown on the Home page to see they are the same as on the SUS uke reviewed by Baz.
....

Thanks for clarifying. It will be interesting to follow. The webpage is well done and some have sound samples (alas, not Corey, Kalei, nor Mika).

The very interesting page is the "Custom Tonewoods" with photos of some of the woods you can select to build a custom ukulele.

 

[DJ Mango]