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Original Post By:
Orang Uke
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Date: 1/20/2010 10:12:57 PM |
I just know you guys (and gals) get sick of these kinds of surveys, but...
... I'm way out here in never-never land and I'm lucky if there is even one uke hanging on the music store's wall.
I'm pondering buying either a Kanile'a or a G-String Concert. Would anyone like to offer their comments regarding either? I've owned a Kanile'a tenor and it was a beautiful instrument (top quailty all the way around). But thinking of trying something different this time. I'm looking for a naturally bright tone as my right hand nails are pathetic. My K1-Tenor was a bit too warm for my uke tastes (which is one reason for going with a Concert - also prefer the shorter scale).
Thanks!
Thanks! |
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Posted By:
honukani
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Date: 1/21/2010 11:55:24 AM
(Updated: 1/21/2010 11:58:05 AM)
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| I have a G-String concert (Honu tattoo - four years) and a tenor. (two years) The G-Strings are awesome in sound and quality. If I had to compare it to the Kanile'a - it would be very difficult to - since both brands are equivalent in quality, but apply different design philosophies. It would be very subjective. Other factors, such as strings affects the sound. I can honestly tell you that the G-String has a higher pitch than a Kamaka. When I play in the halau, the G-String's sound can be heard over the other ukes - it does not sound muffled - it's very clear. I would call Derek at G-String and have him play one for you via phone.
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Posted By:
Orang Uke
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Date: 1/21/2010 12:57:04 PM
(Updated: 1/21/2010 1:00:03 PM)
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Thanks honukani for your comments. I will hopefully have an opportunity to compare the two "over the phone" with one of our favorite Hawaiian uke dealers. :-)
My impression from listening to several YouTube demos is that, as you mentioned, the G-String is bright with good string to string definition and punch, where as the Kanile'a is a bit warmer with a more complex tone (more harmonics). But, you know, recording differences, my marginal computer speakers, string differences, etc., can totally change or mask an instruments real sound.
My sense is that either one will be quite satisfying, but I'm leaning towards the G-String based upon what I've heard so far.
Cheers
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Posted By:
BeachBumTom
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Date: 1/21/2010 2:33:14 PM |
| Dear Orang Uke, I hate to bother you with a third choice (you wanted to narrow, not expand!) but when you use the word "bright" KoAloha comes to mind. I'm definitely prejudiced for that brand, but I think that you can hear an objective increase in clearness and brightness in the KoAloha concert over other brands. My first real quality uke was a KoAloha concert and while UAS has gotten me 10 ukes now, my first love will remain that KoAloha concert. The thickness of the wood and the construction gives it pop and a bright voice. Aloha, BBT
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Posted By:
Mimi
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Date: 1/21/2010 4:49:51 PM |
Have not played a Kanile'a but my G-String concert has been a real work horse. Play it regularly with the 20 members of the Yesterukes( http://yesterukes.blogspot.com ) and it can be heard in that mix. I play hard and it's held up well. We play out often and practice more, so it gets a major workout. Love my G-String!
Wonder how much better it would sound if I put new strings on it?
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Posted By:
Orang Uke
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Date: 1/21/2010 9:48:23 PM |
BeachBumTom,
I should let me ears, rather than my eyes make the final decision as I've received several similar recommendations for the KoAloha. To be honest, their design ascetics just don't grab me, and I know that is kind of silly if they have the tone I'm looking for!
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Posted By:
BeachBumTom
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Date: 1/22/2010 12:16:45 AM |
| Orang Uke, as a painter I know that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." So your tastes are completely valid. I particularly like the graceful lines of the KoAloha and it's woods and finishes.....no piping, shiny veneers, etc. I also like the symmetrical head and the "musubi" soundhole. But your eyes and ears will tell you what's best for you. Aloha, BBT
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Posted By:
warndt
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Date: 1/22/2010 7:57:14 PM
(Updated: 1/22/2010 8:09:54 PM)
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I had traded an old used classical guitar for a used G-String Tenor. I haven't played the classical guitar since forever, so I really would have been happy with almost anything. I do have to admit that this G-String rivals, and maybe betters, some really nice customs that I've played. Sweet up and down the fretboard and almost has the perfect blend between bright and warm IMO. It is still bright, but not as quite as bright as a KoAloha IMO.
I haven't played the other brand.
Good luck!
Wm.
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Posted By:
VisualUke
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Date: 1/23/2010 2:14:24 PM
(Updated: 1/23/2010 2:15:25 PM)
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These are subjective evaluations, but I would preface this by recommending either a Koaloha production tenor or MP custom tenor (same price, or possibly cheaper) for a brighter sounding ukulele.
That said, I do have a custom G String concert I acquired recently, which I really love. Your mileage may vary between specific instruments, but to my ears, it has a fuller, more resonant, more characteristically Hawaiian (mellow) tone than the other ukuleles I've played, including King concert& tenors, MP tenors, and Koaloha production ukuleles. I cannot compare to Kanilea, but the G strings are definitely well made, great sounding instruments, but more mellow than your post indicates you are looking for.
If you want a very bright sounding ukulele, as you say, you may want to look into Koaloha ukuleles, or maybe commission a tenor from Mike Pereira- for the same price as a production/factory built ukulele, you can tell Mike what kind of sound you're looking for and he will help choose the wood combination and build your instrument specifically with your interests in mind. You can also specify any other changes that you might want. I played two mahogany redwood tenors which were outstanding, and also a koa and redwood ukulele that was really special.
I don't think you can really go wrong with all of the great makers you are choosing from.
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Posted By:
Orang Uke
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Date: 1/28/2010 9:41:51 PM |
| An update - decided to go with the Kanile'a. Two reasons - first, the G-String factory wouldn't return phone calls (maybe they took a mid-winter break) and second, I am already familiar with the exceptional quality and fine tone of the Kanile'a ukes. Now, patiently waiting on delivery...
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Posted By:
Orang Uke
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Date: 2/7/2010 8:00:25 PM |
Got my Kanilea Concert mid-week and she is a beautiful lady. Not much time to try her out as I've been a bit preoccupied shoveling snow here in SE PA, but I'm impressed with it. Joe and his gang sure do build a wonderful instrument. I can't believe how gorgeorus the koa is for a "bottom end" uke. Their fancy koa's must be mind blowers.
I'll put a plug in for MGM, too. Great guy to deal with and terrific service. He was real patient, wading through my 10,000 emails to him. :-)
For me, the Concert size is just about perfect. The scale length is real comfortable - a bit more room than on my soprano but not so great a finger stretch as a tenor. Also, prefer the brighter tone over a tenor. YMMV
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