Tuner upgrade on KoAloha concert (Gotoh UPT)

[upskydowncloud]

Hi everyone,

I finally got the guts to change the tuners on my KoAloha Concert KCM-00 at the weekend. I upgraded to gold Gotoh UPT tuners from the original friction tuners.

Up close there’s not much comparison, the original ones seem to be fairly low quality material wise.

I used the video from Hawaii Music Supply as a guide and it was a fairly easy process, if not rather nerve wracking! When it came to changing the hole size for the new tuners, I used a hand reamer very very slowly!

I like the end result and think the gold compliments the Koa quite well (silver versions weren’t available).

Definitely recommend this upgrade if anyone is thinking if it.

 

[70sSanO]

Good job. I have a couple of ukes that I’ve thought about doing this.

The gold looks great!

John

 

[badhabits]

Nice job... considering that upgrade on an Opio.

 

[upskydowncloud]

Thank you both. It definitely makes a big difference to playability - you need to tune it a lot less!

 

[KevinFL]

Nicely done, it looks great. I did the same with a KoAloha Opio Sapele soprano. I used the chrome with the same color buttons as you, it was an excellent modification.

 

[UkeStuff]

When I had the chance to visit the factory in March, I was able to obtain a couple of sets of their geared tuners for two of my Opios. My 2004 concert (bought at a second hand Music Store) has UPTs.

My only concern is the statement that “the original tuners are of “fairly low quality, materialwise.” The stock friction tuners are just as good as any other friction tuner on the market, if you like friction tuners. I‘m not really a fan of friction tuners—but some players swear by them.

I‘m just pleased that we have so many great options on the market…for ukuleles, tuners, accessories, and more!

 

[Pixiegod]

Very good job, I am impressed. Not that long ago, I overcame my fear to install strap buttons on my ukes. I am not a total crafts misfit, but the notion of drilling holes into expensives ukes was quite terrifying to me, until I got some first-class advice and just did it. Suprisingly easy and no problems.

I would very much also like to install tuners to some ukes, since I am also not a big fan of friction tuners. You mention a vid by Hawaiian Music Supply, which seems to be some instruction on how to do this. Could you provide a link to it please? I looked in their YT channel, but could not find it. So much content there!

Thanks!

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

Great work! DIY is such a rush of accomplishment. I understand why you disliked the KoAloha friction tuners. Just PM-ed you.

 

[upskydowncloud]

Very good job, I am impressed. Not that long ago, I overcame my fear to install strap pins on my ukes. I am not a total crafts misfit, but the notion of drilling holes into expensives ukes was quite terrifying to me, until I got some first-class advice and just did it. Suprisingly easy and no problems.

I would very much also like to install tuners to some ukes, since I am also not a big fan of friction tuners. You mention a vid by Hawaiian Music Supply, which seems to be some instruction on how to do this. Could you provide a link to it please? I looked in their YT channel, but could not find it. So much content there!

Thanks!

You’re right they have a tonne of content! This is the video I mentioned (it’s halfway down the page ish!):

https://theukulelesite.com/gotoh-upt-tuner-w-optional-install.html#:~:text=of%20your%20string.-,The%20UPT's%20are%20geared%20tuners.,these%20on%20your%20new%20ukulele.

Like I said, joust make sure you go slowly and it’ll be fine!

 

[Pixiegod]

You’re right they have a tonne of content! This is the video I mentioned (it’s halfway down the page ish!):

https://theukulelesite.com/gotoh-upt-tuner-w-optional-install.html#:~:text=of%20your%20string.-,The%20UPT's%20are%20geared%20tuners.,these%20on%20your%20new%20ukulele.

Like I said, joust make sure you go slowly and it’ll be fine!

Thanks! Greatly appreciate it!

 

[Larry U]

I changed to Gotoh UPTs on my KoAloha Concert, also. I didn't trust my woodworking skills so I had a pro do the swap. I have no regrets!

 

[RafterGirl]

I swapped mine for the silver UPTs with the amber buttons. I had my local acoustic guitar shop do the work. So much easier to tune. I did keep the originals.