koaloha ukulele tour

Koaloha Ukulele

Review Highlights

“ We were disappointed to hear that the factory was still in a transition process and wasn't open for tours. ” in 17 reviews

“ The joy he shares with each person is wonderful, and that spirit comes across in each part of the KoAloha Family . ” in 5 reviews

“ After a quick trip in back they came out with a beautiful tenor which i fell in love with and purchased. ” in 6 reviews

Location & Hours

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Located in:

Made In Hawaii

1234 Kona St

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Pops and Moms Koaloha just exudes so much aloha spirit and love. I got the pineapple Sunday and it's one of the most beautiful tunes I've heard on a ukulele. All the staff are just phenomenal and so dedicated!

I'd probably give Koaloha Ukulele a 4.9/5. Overall, I had a great experience with them. The -0.1 is for the lack of response for an email we sent for the tour. They also didn't really pick up their phone despite multiple calls during shop hours. Because we didn't hear back from them for our tour email, we decided to just drop by the shop. Although they couldn't give us a tour immediately that day, this tattooed employee still gave us a very short tour of the factory and explanation about how ukuleles were made. He pointed out what the job of each station was. Thank you - I appreciated it! Hopefully we can do the whole tour next time.

This review is for the Ko_aloha repair shop in Hawaii. They did an amazing job on a repair and I was so grateful. It looks brand new. They have a lifetime warranty on their koa ukuleles. Recommend.

We did an AirBnB experience here where we got to build our mini ukulele (keychain) and go back into the factory to see how ukuleles made, which was such a treat! Two of the folks there gave us an impromptu concert as well. It's a great activity for the kids/family to see a different side of Hawaii beyond the beautiful beaches. Would highly recommend as the team here is incredibly knowledgable, and ends up feeling like family.

Came in for the tour and it was great. DANIEL is an awesome tour guide. So informative and interesting! You can feel the love and passion as they all talk about their products. Tour started off with us making our own koa ukelele key chain. Sand, glue and orange oil. Walked around the factory and saw and learned about the woods.

I had an amazing day at KoAloha. I did the tour where we got to build our own soprano ukulele. Peng showed us what to do and was super friendly and helpful. The kit is very high quality and shares the same bracing and construction as the more expensive models but with pine instead of Koa. Assembling it yourself is nicely rewarding. The others in the build group had gotten the tour before I arrived, so Peng gave me a personal tour. He started by playing the world's smallest playable ukulele made by Alvin "Pops" Okami himself. Then we saw the stacks of Koa destined to become beautiful ukuleles. After touring other ukulele shops with state of the art side bending machines I was surprised to find KoAloha bend all their sides by hand with a hot pipe! The next surprise was the jig used to cut fret slots. Designed and built by Pops, it has drums with properly spaced circular blades for each size of ukulele. Old school tools and techniques make KoAloha's seem even more hand made than other ukuleles. We saw every stage of production all the way through stringing them up and putting on the (lifetime!) warranty tags. A nice treat was seeing a meticulously crafted jukebox-shaped ukulele (the "Jukulele") built by Pops. When we were done I started talking with Lloyd about various parts of production. He is really fun and friendly and clearly loves his job. He took me back in the shop for an even more detailed tour! The highlight was when he showed me the fret slot cutting jig in action. After the second tour I lamented that no tenors were available in the factory seconds showroom. Lloyd smiled and brought out the last one they had - a gem with an upgraded curly Koa top. I chided him about ambushing me with such a beautiful instrument (which I now own). And to make an amazing visit even better, just as I was leaving, Pops came rushing through. Even though he was in a hurry he asked my name, shook my hand, signed a CD for me and was gracious enough to pose for a selfie. KoAloha is only about 15 people. All skilled to do various jobs. It was a pleasure to see them all making such amazing instruments. I feel fortunate to have had such a personal experience there. I made some friends and in a small way feel like part of the KoAloha ohana.

See all photos from Mark B. for Koaloha Ukulele

My 10 year old daughter has been playing the ukulele for 3 years and was really interested in seeing how they are made. We happened to come across Koaloha while vacationing in Honolulu. I was told that we would have to make a reservation online at least 24 hours prior, but when I told the nice lady on the phone that we were flying home the next day, she put me on a short hold and when she returned she said that they will fit us in that day. Paul gave us a tour, and even though it wasn't a regular tour because they were fitting us in, we had a great time, learned a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Everyone was so sweet and kind and you could tell that they really take pride in their work. It was an unforgettable experience for our daughter. Thank you so much to the Koaloha family for making a 10 year old so happy.

When we originally got to the island we had planned to tour as many of the Hawaiian Big K ukulele factories as possible. On Monday we called KoAloha Ukulele company and also left messages for them on their website pages. We were disappointed to hear that the factory was still in a transition process and wasn't open for tours. But then...something magical happened. Lloyd Manamtam answered the phone and felt our passion and enthusiasm through the phone....and also the fact that we had just purchased two KoAlohas from Hawaii Music Supply with Noah Campbell and Corey Fujimoto. He opened his generous heart and asked if we can meet him at 10:30am...it was 9:45am at the time....that he would pay for parking, gave us directions and we were just kind of blown away instantly. We were met at the door by Lloyd and he instantly introduced us to the patriarch of KoAloha, the founder, the genius Alvin Okami AKA "Pops" who was working on miniature Kalihis for his latest creation which is a corridor signed made with upcycled ancient royal wood. Pops immediately stopped what he was doing and made time for us. Lloyd asked us about our earlier purchases and not wanting to tout what they had in shop on the wall, as he did not want to undercut the KoAloha resellers. When he heard our stories about how we compared stock of HMS at the time and were completely blown away by the difference in the KoAloha sound and how the instruments sung to us I could see him tearing up with pride. Lloyd loves his family, company, job...all of which seem to be intermixed with the entity KoAloha. He unabashedly took us on a complete tour of the factory from the C&C necks, to the side bending, wood thickness sander for the tops, formation of the tops and backs and explained that the original design of the sound hole was modeled after a musubi rice ball. We saw how inlays were made, how finishes were applied, the safety that the factory takes very seriously and the 20 full sized air filters that are swapped out twice a week! While touring Lloyd proudly shared the company's family values and how they take care of their employees. Employees are more productive if you let them take care of their own families...so there's no discussion about "gotta pick up kids from the doctor" or anything like that because they just let it be and actually encourage taking care of ohana. The company is also very giving. Ukuleles are constantly given to charities including orphanages and those who spread the gospel. Kennedy Taylor, the stage name for Lloyd's proud daughter, is a sponsored ukulele artist and affiliated with the Opio line. Lloyd shared hand autographed pictures and let us hold her ukuleles which was so incredibly cool. Thank you so much Kennedy for being awesome! We met Brian who was a blast with all of his jokes and his wife and child. We saw Paul...and Paul saw a little more of me than he bargained for when I was trying on one of the KoAloha shirts. We ended up acquiring two more KoAloha ukuleles including a tenor and a concert. I wish we could have just taken all of them but each one needs love and attention. The company handcrafts an average of 18 masterful ukuleles a day. Lloyd set us up with shipping the two new ukuleles to the mainland for us as we were travelling to Maui the next day. Thank you so much Lloyd and KoAloha family! Wonderful wonderful feeling....a nd they did it all without me revealing that I am one of the community leaders for Cynthia Lin's international San Francisco ukulele group. As Pops says for his new corridor sign, "KoAloha enter as a friend. Leave as Family" KoAloha Ohana!

See all photos from Rich K. for Koaloha Ukulele

The KoAloha store was still coming together when we went for our tour. They sell their KoAloha and KoAlana brand of ukulele. Other merchandise for sale includes their store brand t-shirts and ukulele strings. Ian is wearing an example of the t-shirts for sale. They had been closed during the summer due to increased COVID cases and the governor recommending people not come to Hawaii. They do offer quality ukuleles for sale along with "seconds" at a discounted price. They offer a great tour at the KoAloha factory in Honolulu, Oahu and it begins at 1:00 M-F. Reservations are required due to COVID. I had just purchased a KoAloha KCM-10 yesterday. I fell in love with the big beautiful resonant sound it made. Gave me chills the first time I heard it played. When I played it, it felt sooo comfortable. I am 5'4" with short arms and was leaning towards a tenor, but fell in love with the sound and feel of the smaller concert ukulele. There was no struggle trying to press hard enough to get the right sound. Great playability along with the great sound. I had never heard of this brand of ukulele before buying it. I went home and I researched it online and found out about the factory tour. Made a reservation because I wanted to see where my ukulele was born. Our guide was, Ian. He did a fabulous job walking us through the ukulele making process. This is a family run business, where we were lucky enough to meet the creator of the KoAloha ukulele, Alvin Okami and his sons. There are 3 major Hawaiian made ukuleles. Kamaka was the first, since 1916. The KoAloha was created in 1995, (they celebrated last year with a 25th anniversary edition). Kanilea is the youngest at 23 years. I was thrilled that I was able to purchase a hard shell KoAloha brand case for the flight home to the mainland. I will be able to rest easy knowing my uke has good protection now. I am in day 2 playing my new concert pikake (satin finish) uke and still loving it. My husband, who also plays the uke, is loving the KoAloha uke as well. The majority of the ukulele stores in Hawaii will likely carry all three brands, but call to be sure. If you love music and want to play, give the ukulele a try. The entry point for a decent ukulele is very reasonable and won't break the bank. The other plus is their small size. Great for traveling. Go on, give the uke a try!

See all photos from Carie L. for Koaloha Ukulele

Staff are friendly, and know everything there is to know about ukuleles. The tour was both interesting and amazing and yes I went home with a beautiful Koaloha Concert Ukulele. The sound is beautiful and I am happy playing my ukulele every day!

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KoAloha Ukulele Tour

One of my favorite tours in Honolulu is the KoAloha Ukulele Tour. Not just for tourists, this family run shop and showroom gives visitors an inside look at the making of a ukulele and a short history behind the company and Hawaiian music. If you’re looking for family friendly activities near Waikiki, this tour ten minutes from the main hotels offers a unique perspective of this beloved instrument.

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There are a lot of misconceptions that I had about Hawaiian music. Yes, there are still ukulele and hula dancers, but they aren’t just for luaus. The famous ukulele can make many more sounds and be incorporated into different styles of music.

When we arrived at KoAloha I was under the impression that we’d get a short tour, see a few ukuleles and then leave. I imagined a normal tour, where the staff is friendly and helpful but they don’t play an active role. From the second we walked in, the Okami family treated us as long-lost friends and we were greeted with huge smiles from all the boys (I say boys because even though not every employee is related, this shop is run like a family.) They showed us around each room, discussing in great detail how each uke got its shape, how they date and tag them and what types of wood they use.

My favorite part was definitely learning about the shaping of the wood- how each cut, trim and sanding is a delicate and mastered process. My second favorite part would be getting to know the Okami family and feeling like a part of a secret club from the second I walked in. I left not just having a great day but with friends for life.

Here are some of my photos from the tour:

After my week in Honolulu learning about the history and culture around Hawaiian music, I now have much more appreciation for the skill and art behind the music and instrument. Now, I just need to learn how to play!

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Koaloha Ukulele

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Koaloha ukulele reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

Great instrument

After many research I decided to come here to purchase a beginner Ukulele. The quality is amazing and I have been enjoying learning. My professor was impressed with the quality as well. Brian was th...

KoAloha Ukulele Factory Tour - all the aloha

This factory tour was one of our favourite memories of Honolulu. You don't need to be a music buff to appreciate the love, care and attention to detail these ukes are built with but you will dig the l...

I did this tour on friday and me and my buddy were amazed by the factory. The guys that work there were super friendly and it was awesome to see how ukuleles are produced. They even played a song for ...

Amazing Craftsmanship

Take the free tour to see how much aloha goes into creating these beautiful ukuleles! It was incredible to watch them at work.

We came for a tour in April with a toddler in tow, and they were ok with him wandering the store. Also, Maya who works there brought her dog to work, so the toddler was enjoying that. The tour itself...

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KoAloha Ukulele Review

Looking for an authentic Hawaiian ukulele? KoAloha builds amazing instruments in Honolulu, using fine tonewoods including acacia, opio, and of course real Hawaiian koa.

In the beginning, the company offered only soprano ukuleles, which Alvin Okami built one at a time, complete with handmade wooden labels. Over time, KoAloha has grown – but the company’s instruments continue to reflect tradition while offering handcrafted quality that is seen in many unique features.

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• Memorize essential major, minor, and 7th chords

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Best KoAloha Ukuleles Reviewed

KoAloha ukuleles are like nothing else. Sweet, pure sound is the company’s hallmark, and thanks to unique features, these instruments offer exquisite looks and an incredible feel in hand.

Inside each KoAloha Ukulele is a one-piece internal bracing system called the unibrace. This supports the instrument’s top, back, and sides, assuring durability and inspiring confidence that the KoAloha “Better than the Weather” warranty won’t need to be tested anytime soon.

In case you do need to use the warranty, you’ll be glad to discover that KoAloha will either repair or replace your ukulele if there are problems – and that promise lasts for life.

Most KoAloha ukuleles have Musubi soundholes, which are a rounded, triangular shape. You might spot a few older ones with round or oval soundholes on the secondhand market but all contemporary models currently listed have the Musubi shaped soundhole.

There are a couple of other distinguishing features that give KoAloha ukuleles their signature look.

First is the crown-shaped headstock, which features five points. This shape is reflected in the KoAloha Sceptre ukulele, which is a custom build that can be pretty hard to find.

The headstock is adorned with KoAloh’s signature logo, and most models come with KoAloha friction tuners although there are a few that rely on geared Grover tuning machines instead.

Before we dive deeper into the wonderful world of KoAloha ukuleles, we’d like to mention that this review focuses on a few unique models that captured our attention.

Don’t worry if the one you’re interested in isn’t mentioned here! We’d review every single ukulele produced by KoAloha if we had time, but for now, it’s worth mentioning that this company offers nothing but the best, as you’ll see if you ever get the opportunity to take the factory tour like Terry did.

You’re not going to find an economy-grade uke here but if you do decide to invest in a KoAloha, you’ll have a very difficult time putting it down.

KoAloha Longneck Soprano Ukulele

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Also known as the “Super Soprano,” the KoAloha Soprano Long Neck ukulele features a concert-length neck on a soprano sized body with a traditional profile. The longneck style ukulele has more frets for greater range. It gives your fingers more room to move, and as you’d expect from an instrument of this caliber, the neck is made with solid hardwood for lasting durability.

Soundwise, the KoAloha Longneck soprano ukulele offers plenty of warmth, with bright, sunny tones and a surprising amount of depth given the instrument’s small size. The type of wood you choose will have a subtle impact on the sound.

• Solid wood body
• TUSQ nut and saddle
• Inlaid wood KoAloha logo on headstock
• 5-pointed crown headstock
• 17 frets (12 frets to body)
• KoAloha friction tuners
• Inlaid wood fret markers
• Solid hardwood neck
• Premium KoAloha fluorocarbon strings

KoAloha longneck soprano ukuleles are available in Opio, Mango, and Koa woods. A high-quality padded gig bag is included, and the instrument arrives set up and ready for your playing enjoyment.

KoAloha Slimline Tenor

From the front, the KoAloha Slimline Tenor ukulele looks just like a standard tenor uke. Take a look at the instrument’s profile though, and you’ll notice that this ukulele is slimmer than usual. Even though this ukulele has a pared-down profile, the sound is rich and full.

This instrument offers an amazing fit and finish. It’s easy to hold whether you opt to add electronics or not, and it’s so pretty that you might find yourself hanging it up instead of storing it inside a bag!

• Designed for use with a pickup if desired
• KoAloha geared tuners
• Inlaid wood or abalone fret markers
• Crown-shaped five-point headstock
• 20-fret straight-cut fretboard, joined at the 15 th fret
• Musubi soundhole

The KoAloha Slimline Tenor ukulele is available in a few different wood options depending on what Koaloha had available during their manufacturing run. Mango, mahogany, and Hawaiian Koa are some options.

It’s worth noting that the KoAloha Slimline Tenor isn’t always available. These ukuleles are produced in limited batches and if you have the opportunity to get one, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot.

KoAloha Tenor Ukulele

There’s no doubt about it: Tenor ukuleles are more popular than ever, and the KoAloha Tenor is as close to perfection as you can get. Silky, sweet sound, incredible classic looks, and outstanding playability make this an exceptional instrument.

No two KoAloha ukuleles are the same, since all the woods are hand-selected. As you’ll see when you take a closer look, the artisans who build these instruments do an exceptional job with matching the woods and ensuring that the grain is straight. While this doesn’t impact sound, the level of attention to detail ensures outstanding visual appeal in every ukulele KoAloha builds.

• Solid wood top, back, and sides
• Inlaid frets and inlaid KoAloha logo in headstock
• 20-fret fretboard joined at the 15 th fret
• Patented KoAloha Musubi soundhole

As you might expect, the KoAloha Tenor Ukulele offers plenty of volume, and such clarity that you’ll wonder where it has been all your life. It comes in a variety of wood options including Hawaiian Koa, with a gorgeous finish that shows off the wood’s grain to perfection.

KoAloha Soprano Solid Koa Pineapple Ukulele

Affectionatley known as the Pineapple King Koa, the KoAloha Soprano Solid Koa Pineapple Ukulele offers compact sizing and the gorgeous sound that only solid koa wood can provide. This unique ukulele stands out not just for its sweet voice and awesome projection, but also for its glossy finish, exceptional fittings, and portability.

• All Hawaiian Koa body
• CNC-cut Sapele neck
• KoAloha 5-pointed crown headstock
• KoAloha Friction Tuners
• Soprano size fretboard, 12 Fretd
• All Hawaiian Koa Binding on Fretboard edge
• KoAloha’s patented “Musubi” soundhole
• Clear high gloss finish

KoAloha Concert Ukulele KCM-00

Another solid koa wood ukulele, handmade by the artisans at KoAloha! If you’re looking for a concert ukulele that will stand the test of time, this is certainly one to put on your shortlist. Warm, rich sound that can improve with time and proper care, a stunning finish, and gorgeous abalone inlay are just a few things that make this concert ukulele worth a look – and a listen !

• All Solid Hawaiian Koa Body
• CNC-cut Mahogany Tenor Neck
• TUSQ Nut and Saddle
• KoAloha 5-pointed Crown Headstock
• Ebony Fretboard and Bridge
• 17-Fret Fretboard, Joined at the 13th Fret
• KoAloha’s Patented “Musubi” Soundhole
• High gloss finish
• Abalone inlay headstock logo and fret markers

KoAloha Concert Long Neck Ukulele

Love the sound of a concert ukulele but long for the added versatility of a tenor? If so, you’ll want to see what the KoAloha concert long neck ukulele has to offer. Also known as the super concert ukulele, this beautiful instrument is handcrafted in Hawaii using solid koa wood that ensures durability and superior sound . As Terry says, you get the best of both worlds with this ukulele!

• All Hawaiian Koa body (Top, Sides and Back)
• CNC-cut Mahogany tenor neck
• Ebony fretboard and straight design bridge
• Tenor size fretboard
• Abalone logo and fret marker on 5, 7, 10, and 12th fret

How much do KoAloha Ukuleles Cost?

As with other brands, prices vary. You can sometimes find entry-level models on sale for less than $500 , while the company’s custom instruments typically fetch $2,500 or more.

Overall, are KoAloha Ukuleles a good choice?

Granted, an entry-level KoAloha ukulele is going to come at a higher price than you’ll pay for a mass-produced instrument, however it’s one that you’ll be proud to own for years to come.

For those who want a gorgeous upgrade to a real Hawaiian ukulele made in the islands, KoAloha is an outstanding choice. There’s something here for just about everyone.

If you’re looking for a quality ukulele that will stand the test of time, then be sure to put KoAloha on your shortlist. This family-owned company builds some of the world’s best ukuleles, focusing on fine craftsmanship and quality materials, and resulting in instruments that are a joy to own and play.

Terry is a San Diego based ukulelist, guitarist, and songwriter. Through his 25 years he has worked with some of finest musicians on the planet.Terry is the creator of Uke Like The Pros and Rock Like The Pros, online instructional sites aimed at helping people become better ukulele and guitar players.

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THE LEGENDARY KOA SERIES

Our Hawaiian Koa series began in 1995 with one model, the humble soprano. Alvin hand crafted them one at a time and even made his own labels out of wood. While our ukulele have been through a series of improvements, they still ring with the same signature KoAloha sound. As a tone wood, koa produces a nice harmony of warmth and brightness.

The tonal balance of these instruments is a fit for all types of music. From finger picking to strumming, from classical to jazz, the Hawaiian Koa series will play and sound great. All of our koa instruments are produced in our factory in Kaka’ako.

• All solid Hawaiian Koa Body
• CNC shaped Mahogany Neck
• TUSQ Nut and Saddle
• Nut width 1.5”
• String spacing 11/32” on center
• KoAloha 5-pointed crown head stock
• Paua Abalone head stock logo
• Ebony bridge
• Ebony Bridge
• KoAloha gear tuners
• KoAloha’s “Musubi” Sound Hole
• Buffed High Gloss Finish
• “Better than the Weather” Warranty

• 16-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 12th fret)
• Ebony fretboard with pocketed frets
• Paua Abalone fret markers

• 18-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 13-1/2th fret)

• 20-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 15th fret)

• 18-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 13th Fret)

• 20-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 14th Fret)
• Ebony fret board with pocketed frets

• 20-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 14th fret)

THE ELEGANT ROYAL PIKAKE SERIES

A satin finish lends itself to a subtle elegant beauty and we decided that it was time to elevate the pikake beyond a basic stock model. With the addition of an ebony head stock veneer and classic crown fret board, the Royal Pikake have become a premium offering in our lineup.

The Royal Pikake series replaces the Pikake series and will be the standard satin finished option from KoAloha.

• Nut width 1.5“
• String spacing 11/32“ on center
• Ebony head stock veneer
• 15-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 12th fret)
• Crown bevel ebony fretboard with pocketed frets
• Satin Finish

• All solid Hawaiian Koa body
• CNC shaped mahogany neck
• 17-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 13-1/2th fret)
• KoAloha’s “Musubi“ sound hole
• “Better than the Weather“ Warranty

• 17-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 13 fret)

• 19-Fret straight cut fretboard (joined at the 14th fret)
• KoAloha’s “Musubi“sound hole

THE SEASONAL MANGO SERIES

When people think of Hawaii, images of island scenery, hula dancers, and tropical fruits come to mind. While they are not native to Hawaii, Hawaii mangos are a prized commodity to both locals are visitors alike. People with fruiting trees share with friends and neighbors, exemplifying our local culture. Mango wood is naturally a creamy off white color, but the sugars in the tree sometimes cause spots of yellow, pink, or black.

Like the fruit tastes, mango ukulele sound bold and sweet. Since it’s not a native tree, there are no mango forests and the lumber is only available when a tree needs to be trimmed or cut down. All of our Mango series instruments are produced in our factory in Kaka’ako.

• All solid Mango Body
• KoAloha 5-pointed Crown Headstock
• Ebony Fretboard and Fretboard Binding
• Paua Fret Markers
• Thinlam Paua Headstock Logo
• Straight cut Fretboard (joined at the 12th, 13th or 14th Fret depending model)
• Koaloha Friction & Gear Tuners

THE ESSENTIAL OPIO SERIES

Our Opio series instruments are built to the same specs as our koa and mango series, using asian acacia, rather than koa. While they are similar, koa is Hawaii’s native acacia, found nowhere else in the world. Different types of acacia have tonal differences and the asian acacia that the Opio are built from tends to be more dense than most koa. This gives the Opio ukulele a deeper tone, when compared against one of our koa models.

While the difference is subtle, most players with a little bit of experience will feel and hear the difference. Aside from the nuances in tone, the Opio ring with the same KoAloha voice and volume at a much more affordable price range. They are great instruments for both beginners and experienced players alike.

• All solid Acacia Body
• Spruce top models available
• Jack (Marrango) wood Neck
• Sapele Fretboard and Fretboard Binding
• Maple Wood Fret Markers
• Straight cut Fretboard (joined at the 12th, 13th or 15th Fret depending on model)
• Sapele Bridge
• Semi Gloss Finish

THE ROBUST KOALANA SERIES

The KoAlana Series instruments are KoAloha’s entry level ukulele, built to our custom specifications in Indonesia. We searched for years to find a factory with good moral values and consistent quality control. KoAlana instruments are built from laminated trembesi, a sustainable Indonesian hardwood. They have great playability and tone and are the right price point for beginners or even experienced players looking for a “take anywhere” ukulele.

• Trembesi Laminated body
• Nato neck with Trembesi laminated headstock top
• PPS Nut & Saddle
• Merbau Torrefied Fretboard & Bridge
• Grover Open Tuners
• Gloss Finish
• D’Addario Titanium Strings

Ukulele Resource Center

April 18, 2017

The culture of ohana within the company is obvious. The instruments, their voices, designs, and the feel are what many ukulele enthusiasts and professionals have come to love. Check out this overview of the models in the tabs below and check individual available ukes from KoAloha HERE .

KSM-00 Koa Soprano

Kalei gives us a “raw” sound sample of the soprano KoAloha.

Pineapple & Pineapple Longneck

KSM-02 Koa Soprano Long Neck

The long neck soprano, or super soprano as it’s sometimes called, is a soprano size body with a concert length scale. It has a soprano sound with a bit more brightness and a little more range with four more frets.

KSM-T2 Koa Soprano Tenor Scale

KCM-10 Koa Concert “Pikake”

KCM-02 Koa Concert Long Neck

The KCM-02 has a a concert sized body with a tenor 17″ scale. For many this is the optimal KoAloha. You basically get a tenor with a voice more focused in the mid and higher frequencies. Classic ukulele sounds and a wonderful tenor feel.

KTM-00 Koa Tenors

Variations on the KTM-00

Ktm-10 “pikake”.

KTMS-00 Slimline

KTR-00 “Rosette”

KTN-00 “Naupaka”

Neal Chin is one of the artists that plays the KoAloha Tenor

Dvi koa guilele (tenor scale).

The KoAloha D6 is a tenor sized 6 string tuned A to A, like a guitar with a capo on the 5th fret, or an ukulele with two lower strings.

Australian Musician Ryo Montgomery on his D-VI

Koa concert “special issue”.

Special Issues are a fairly new offering from KoAloha. Every few months they release a unique and always beautiful offering in a very limited run. This first one was done in each size. Above you can hear the concert size here and below is the tenor. These ones are the same thing as the normal koa models but with upgraded curly koa.

Spruce Top Koa Concert “Special Issue”

With this batch of Special Issues you get a spruce top with a curly koa sides and back and pickguard. Above is a concert and below is a tenor.

Jason Arakawa talks and demos his Special Issue tenor

Honu Koa Tenor

This is a black label tenor with gorgeous koa and a honu inlay on the fretboard.

Solid Neck-Thru Body Tenor

Some of the other articles here about KoAloha

Two koaloha tenor body depths compared, koaloha & the legend of naupaka, koaloha’s opio tenor, koaloha pineapple- regular or long-neck, 3 koaloha soprano’s compared-ksm-00, ksm-02 & ksm-t2, comments 19.

Hold on…. there’s a solid body Koaloha!? I need one! Is that really the only one? Would I have to convince Koaloha to make another?

Yeah, only one like that. We’ve had a few others. Send them the link and ask though. I’ve asked for another a few times but they seem to come around like the eclipse. Mahalo Abe.

Gotta start saving up for when the pig decides to take flight. Love my Koaloha, the playability is second to none!

There is a “certain something” about Koaloha uke that just make me keep picking it up over and over again. Among my dozen of Ukes, the koaloha long neck Soprano probably gets the most playtime. It is just a pleasure to hold it and play it.

When I got my KoAloha tenor several years ago, I felt as if I’d arrived in a different ukulele world. It wasn’t just that it was my first all-solid uke; I’ve played many other all-solids that didn’t move me. It’s that the KoAloha did move me, from the moment I first played one in a store, to when I got mine from The Ukulele Site several years later. What people like and praise is all subjective, of course; but the looks, sound and feel of my tenor still make me feel good. That the company is extremely generous with their lifelong warranty is a peace-of-mind bonus. But it’s my daily playing of the tenor – oh, and of the concert acacia Opio, which I got a year ago (also from TUS/HMS) – that reminds me that these ukuleles are two of the best happiness investments I’ve ever made.

I bought my Koaloha concert from the Ukulele Site, and everyone I dealt with were awesome, responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Got great accessories, too. This is the uke I keep in my office for when I need a break from the daily grind — puts mind and spirit back in order:-)

I have the KoAloha Opio, which is the primary uke I use in my learning. Mine is a soprano…I’m wondering if you think a concert or tenor might be easier to learn on. Thanks!

Either one, depends on the person. Since you play soprano you might want to try concert for the next step up. Mahalo

Love my KoAloha koa tenor, it’s a wonderful point of beauty in my life! Beautiful sound, beautiful finish, beautiful feel. Makes me smile literally every day. Andrew (and everyone) at the Ukulele Site went above and beyond as they helped me search for just the right uke. Setup, communication, shipping — couldn’t have asked for anything better.

I bought my KoAloha tenor from Hawaii Music Supply three years ago. It’s so good that I’ve ended up selling all my other ukuleles! Two of which were Martins. KoAlohas are freaking great!

I actually spent hours listening to the different ukuleles on TheUkuleleSite.com before purchasing one. I just love the look and sound of KoAloha ukuleles.

I bought a KoAloha soprano KSM-00 from HMS in May of 2016, and it was one of the first few that arrived after KoAloha had changed to the new look with the abalone dots and KK on the headstock. HMS was very easy to work with, and the uke plays like a dream. The designers put a lot of thought into the details of these ukes. the curve of the neck joint feels really nice. It makes it easier to reach high frets. The shaping of the bridge makes it easier to get good clean strums and is also comfortable for finger picking. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the instrument or HMS’ service.

I know that they sound great, but I wasn’t sure about the look of the pointy crown headstock . It’s starting to grow on me and read an ukulele underground blog where they mention the religious christian angle for the design which may or may not be true (because it’s on the internet of course). You could say the headstock looks a little death metal guitar (or GWAR) inspired, pineapple inspired etc. as well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and ukulele designs much like music lyrics can be interpreted in different ways for the same song.

I just got a Koaloha Soprano Classic from the Ukulele Site about a month ago, and I can’ t put it down! I love the sweetness of the tone, and I can’t believe how much such a small instrument projects.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I bought my Naupaka soprano mostly on looks. There was something about the two toned wood scheme that just screamed “freakin’ cool!” As it turns out, the advertised sound was 100% right on the money, too. It’s become by daily player.

The spirit of KoAloha is what really makes them something special! I feel that I can hear it in their instruments..

I purchased the KCM-10 KOA CONCERT “PIKAKE” about three years ago. Was looking for a no-frills, solid koa uke that would give me more volume and “body” than my Bushman Mahogany soprano. Upon receipt, I was not disappointed. The tone is open without being strident. I play “live” concerts for a multi-generational crowd. My previous uke stood out among my other instruments as the weak link. This little warrior is quite the contrary. The “concert” size strikes a balance – still sounding playful (like a soprano), but with more depth and easier playability (like a tenor). With a pick-up installed, it is every bit of a professional instrument and I find myself looking for more opportunities to utilize it in concerts and recording. If you’re looking for lots of fancy in-lay, this is not your uke. But, if you want a serviceable, quality instrument that will go the distance, look no further. This is the Toyota of ukuleles. One last thing…it shipped with a set of Worth strings, which not only matched well to the instruments tone, they lasted twice as long as expected!

When I first began my ukulele Journey 4 years ago HMS was the place to explore options. But I don’t live in Hawaii and buying online seemed daunting. That is until we listened to Music Guy Mike introduce the KoAloha KoAlana sapele line. From the sound sample I felt like he was talking to me. Still unsure I called the store and I spoke to Aaron, Music Guy Mike and finally Andrew. I was debating between Pono and Koaloha. Andrew gently suggested “get the one that’s in your heart.” Yes! HMS is in my heart every time I play, and I feel lucky to to have been touched by Music Guy Mike. May his memory long live on.

Did you get the tuner upgrade or keep the originals?

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Ukulele Insider

Koaloha ukulele: ultimate guide to the perfect musical companion.

As an avid ukulele enthusiast and advisor, I’m thrilled to share my in-depth knowledge and passion for Koaloha Ukuleles. If you’re considering investing in a high-quality ukulele, this comprehensive guide will take you through Koaloha Ukuleles. From understanding what sets them apart to selecting the perfect instrument for your needs and maintaining it for a lifetime of musical joy, we’ll cover it all.

With its melodic and charming sound, the ukulele has captured the hearts of musicians and enthusiasts worldwide. Koaloha Ukuleles has emerged as a symbol of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation among the many ukulele brands available. In this comprehensive manual, I will accompany you on a journey to delve into the world of Koaloha, uncovering the reasons behind their esteemed reputation and offering valuable knowledge to aid you in making a well-informed decision.

What is a Koaloha Ukulele?

Koaloha Ukulele is a distinguished brand renowned for its dedication to the art of ukulele craftsmanship. Established in Hawaii in 1995, Koaloha has been a frontrunner in the industry, consistently producing top-tier ukuleles. What sets them apart is their commitment to manual craftsmanship, a deep appreciation for sound quality, and an unwavering passion for innovative design.

Why Choose a Koaloha Ukulele?

The decision to invest in a Koaloha Ukulele is a choice that reflects a commitment to musical excellence and a deep appreciation for superior craftsmanship. Here’s why these ukuleles are a standout choice:

Superior Craftsmanship

At the heart of every Koaloha ukulele lies a story of artistry and precision . Crafted by skilled artisans, each instrument embodies the essence of handwork and dedication. Koaloha’s commitment to craftsmanship shines through in every ukulele they produce, from selecting the finest tonewoods to the intricate detailing.

The meticulous attention to detail at Koaloha extends to the joinery, bracing, and finishing. A dedication to perfection ensures each ukulele delivers an extraordinary playing experience.

Exceptional Sound Quality

Sound quality is the soul of any musical instrument, and Koaloha Ukuleles do not disappoint. The harmonious blend of skillful craftsmanship and carefully chosen tonewoods produces a rich, warm, and perfectly balanced tone. Whether strumming gently, picking with precision, or experimenting with various playing styles, a Koaloha ukulele responds with exquisite clarity and resonance.

Unique Design

Koaloha ukuleles are not merely musical instruments; they are works of art. The brand is celebrated for its innovative designs, which push the boundaries of ukulele aesthetics. One standout feature is the signature “Musubi” soundhole, inspired by the Hawaiian musubi rice ball. This distinctive design enhances the ukulele’s visual appeal and contributes to its unique sound.

Finding the Perfect Koaloha Ukulele

Now that we’ve established what makes Koaloha Ukuleles special let’s explore the crucial factors to consider when choosing the perfect Koaloha ukulele for your musical journey.

Consider Your Skill Level

Koaloha offers a wide range of ukuleles tailored to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your musical exploration or an experienced player seeking an upgrade, there’s a Koaloha ukulele designed to meet your specific needs.

For beginners, Koaloha’s entry-level models provide an excellent starting point. They offer affordability without compromising quality, making them ideal for those embarking on their ukulele journey.

Koaloha offers premium models for more seasoned players that deliver exceptional sound and craftsmanship. These instruments are the culmination of years of experience and innovation, designed to satisfy the discerning tastes of advanced musicians.

Size Matters – Soprano vs. Concert vs. Tenor vs. Baritone

Koaloha offers ukuleles in various sizes, each with distinct characteristics, catering to a diverse range of players. When choosing a Koaloha ukulele, consider your playing style, comfort, and the tonal qualities you desire. Here’s a closer look at the different sizes:

Soprano ukuleles are the smallest in the ukulele family and are known for their bright and cheerful sound. Their compact size makes them ideal for beginners and players with smaller hands. The soprano ukulele’s pleasant tone is perfect for traditional Hawaiian music and strumming. The soprano size is excellent if you enjoy the portability and classic, bright ukulele sound.

Concert ukuleles offer more room and a fuller tone than sopranos. They balance the compactness of sopranos and the depth of larger ukuleles. This size is versatile for players of all levels and musical genres. The concert size is an excellent option for a more balanced and resonant sound with a comfortable playing experience.

Tenor ukuleles provide even more space and a richer, warmer tone than concert ukuleles. They are favored by many professional players and those who want more depth and projection from their instruments. The tenor size is well-suited for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The tenor size is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a ukulele with a broader tonal range and comfortable playability.

Baritone ukuleles are the largest in the ukulele family and offer a deep, robust, and guitar-like tone. They are tuned differently from soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles, making them a distinctive choice. Baritone ukuleles are favored by musicians who appreciate the versatility of a larger instrument and seek a sound closer to that of a traditional acoustic guitar. The baritone size is an excellent option if you’re transitioning from the guitar or desire a unique ukulele experience.

Each ukulele size has its unique charm and is well-suited for various playing styles and musical genres. When selecting a Koaloha ukulele, consider the size that resonates with your musical aspirations, and you’ll find an instrument that enhances your playing journey.

Tonewood Selection

The choice of tonewood plays a significant role in shaping the sound of your ukulele. Koaloha meticulously chooses premium tonewoods, and having a grasp of their traits can empower you to make a knowledgeable decision:

Koa wood is a cherished Hawaiian tonewood known for its bright, clear tone. It’s highly sought after for its visual appeal, with gorgeous grain patterns that vary from instrument to instrument.

Cedar is prized for its warmth and resonance. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a mellow and balanced sound.

Mahogany offers a warm, rich, and full-bodied tone. It’s known for its versatility and is a popular choice among ukulele players.

When selecting a Koaloha ukulele, consider how these tonewoods influence the sound and find the one that resonates with your musical preferences.

Playability and Comfort

A comfortable playing experience is essential for enjoying your ukulele to the fullest. When choosing a Koaloha ukulele, pay attention to factors that contribute to playability:

Neck Profile

The comfort you feel while holding the ukulele can be significantly influenced by the neck’s shape and thickness. Some players prefer a thinner neck, while others prefer a slightly thicker one. Try different neck profiles to find your ideal fit.

Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Lower action can make playing easier for beginners, while more experienced players may prefer a slightly higher action for specific playing styles.

Visiting a music store and trying out various Koaloha ukuleles can be an enlightening experience. The instrument that feels like an extension of your hands is the one you should consider.

Maintaining Your Koaloha Ukulele

Once you’ve chosen your Koaloha ukulele, it’s essential to care for it properly to ensure it continues to delight you with its melodies for years to come. Here are some important maintenance tips:

Proper Cleaning and Care

Regular maintenance involves keeping your ukulele clean and protecting its finish. Here’s what you should do:

After each playing session, use a gentle, lint-free cloth to clean your ukulele. This simple step helps remove dust, fingerprints, and sweat, preserving the instrument’s appearance.

Invest in a high-quality ukulele polish compatible with your instrument’s finish. Apply it sparingly to maintain the shine and protect the wood.

String Care

Strings can wear out over time and affect the sound. Consider changing your strings periodically to keep your ukulele sounding its best.

Humidity Control

Koaloha ukuleles are crafted from wood, and wood is sensitive to changes in humidity. Ensuring the correct humidity level is essential for safeguarding the integrity of your instrument. Here’s how to do it:

Invest in a ukulele-specific humidifier. These small devices release moisture into the ukulele case, preventing the wood from drying out or cracking.

Utilize a hygrometer to keep track of the humidity levels within your ukulele case and strive to maintain a relative humidity range of 40% to 60% for the best health of the wood.

Store your ukulele in a case to protect it from extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations when not in use.

Where to Buy Your Koaloha Ukulele

Once you’re ready to make your Koaloha ukulele dream a reality, it’s essential to consider where and how to make your purchase.

Authorized Dealers vs. Online Sellers

One crucial decision is buying from an authorized dealer or an online seller. Each option has its pros and cons:

Authorized Dealers

Purchasing from an authorized dealer provides the advantage of authenticity and the opportunity to play and test the ukulele in person. You can receive expert advice and personalized service, ensuring you make the right choice.

Online Sellers

Online sellers offer convenience and sometimes a wider range of options. However, it’s essential to research the seller’s reputation and return policy to ensure a safe purchase.

Price Range and Budget Considerations

Koaloha offers ukuleles in various price ranges, catering to a wide range of budgets. When determining your budget, consider the following:

Higher-end models often come with superior craftsmanship, tonewoods, and sound quality. If you’re a serious player, it may be worth investing in a premium model.

If you’re a beginner, breaking the bank is unnecessary. Koaloha’s entry-level ukuleles provide excellent quality at an affordable price point.

Intermediate Players

Intermediate players may find that a mid-range Koaloha ukulele perfectly balances quality and affordability.

Take your time to explore the options within your budget and consult with experts or experienced players if needed. A well-informed decision will lead to a ukulele that brings you joy for years.

In conclusion, acquiring a Koaloha Ukulele is not just a transaction; it’s an opportunity to embark on a musical voyage enriched by beautiful tones and unmatched craftsmanship. The allure of superior sound quality, innovative design, and dedication to detail make Koaloha ukuleles a top choice for musicians worldwide .

As you venture into Koaloha, consider your skill level, the size that suits you best, the tonewood that resonates with your soul, and the playability that ensures a comfortable musical experience. And remember the importance of proper care to protect your investment.

Whether strumming under the Hawaiian sun or serenading friends and family, a Koaloha ukulele will be your faithful musical companion. Enjoy the journey, and may your ukulele play melodies that warm your heart and inspire your soul.

What makes Koaloha ukuleles unique?

Koaloha ukuleles are celebrated for their superior craftsmanship, exceptional sound quality, and innovative designs, such as the signature “Musubi” soundhole.

Are Koaloha ukuleles suitable for beginners?

Yes, Koaloha offers ukuleles suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. Their entry-level models provide affordability without compromising on quality.

Which tonewood should I choose for my Koaloha ukulele?

The choice of tonewood depends on your sound preferences. Koa offers brightness, cedar provides warmth, and mahogany delivers a rich, full-bodied tone. Each has unique characteristics, so choose the one that resonates with you.

How should I clean my Koaloha ukulele?

After playing, gently employ a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your ukulele, eliminating dust and sweat. Apply a ukulele-specific polish sparingly to maintain the instrument’s shine and protect the wood.

Do Koaloha ukuleles require special humidity control?

Yes, Wooden Koaloha ukuleles are sensitive to humidity fluctuations. To maintain optimal wood health, invest in a ukulele-specific humidifier, monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, and store your ukulele in a case when not in use.

Can I buy a Koaloha ukulele online?

While online sellers offer convenience, purchasing from an authorized dealer ensures authenticity and the opportunity to test the ukulele in person. It’s a significant investment, so choose wisely.

What is the price range for Koaloha ukuleles?

Koaloha offers ukuleles in various price ranges, allowing you to find one that fits your budget while enjoying exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Explore the options within your budget to make an informed choice.

More to Explore

Kanile’a Ukulele: Crafting Melodies with the Artistry of Aloha

Flea Ukulele: A Miniature Marvel for Music Enthusiasts

Dean Ukulele: Choosing and Mastering the Perfect Instrument

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Koaloha Opio Concert Long Neck Ukulele (KCO-02 23571)

New Koaloha Acacia Series!

The Opio series from KoAloha has now evolved to a more beautiful in look and with a classic big bright tone KoAloha is known for. They now have this gorgeous all solid figured acacia body in a light gloss finish, making them nearly indistinguishable to their Hawaiian Koa line. This one is a new offering with a concert body and a tenor scale just like the KCM-02 KoAloha but in acacia instead of koa and at a much lower price.

KoAloha's top Hawaiian workers have spent the last few years teaching these talented Thai wood workers how to be true KoAloha craftsmen. The result is monumental. The sound and feel is extremely similar to their beloved Hawaiian made instruments, but with a much more affordable cost.

Pictures show the exact ukulele available here. The video shows the same model.

KoAloha's Opio line is built exactly the same as their acacia koa line here in Hawaii. If you wanted the tone and playability of a KoAloha for less money than this is the way to go. Limited availability so don't hesitate to experience this new KoAloha soprano.

 Included with purchase as the KoAloha Deluxe Gig Bag.

Don't miss out! Grab one now and love it for life!

Materials Solid Acacia Body CNC-Cut Mahogany Neck TUSQ(tm) nut and saddle KoAloha 5-Pointed Crown Headstock Sapele Fretboard 20-Fret Straight-Cut Fretboard Joined at the 14th Fret Single-piece Sidewall Construction 4-Strings – Standard GCEA Set up with High G tuning KoAloha’s Patented “Musubi” soundhole Satin “Better than the Weather” Warranty

Measurements: Concert Long Neck Total Scale Length: 17.062”/43.337cm Body Length: 10.875”/27.622cm Overall length: 25.875”/65.722cm Nut Width: 1.45”/36.86mm Saddle Width: 2.25”/57.15mm Lower Bout Width: 8”/20.32cm Upper Bout Width: 5.75”/14.61cm Lower Bout Depth: 2.375”/6.032cm Upper Bout Depth: 2.375”/6.032cm String Spacing At Nut: G to C = 9mm G to A = 27mm At 12th fret:G to C = 11.2mm G to A = 34.2m At Saddle: G to C = 13.5mmG to A = 41.5mm

Shipping Information

For more even more details and FAQ visit our Shipping Page under the Company Info tab at the header menu. SHIPPING CARRIER OPTIONS: FedEx is our primary shipping carrier, all orders that qualify for free domestic shipping will be sent using FedEx. UPS and DHL can also be chosen as alternative options upon checkout, USPS is only used for smaller accessory orders.  As soon as the shipping label is created you will be automatically notified via email with tracking information. All packages will be shipped with a signature requirement by default. If you do not wish to have a signature requirement you will need to notify us, either by leaving a note in the “special instructions” when adding the item(s) to your shopping cart or by emailing our shipping department directly. Any shipping related requests (hold/delay/address change) should also be directed to our shipping department ( [email protected] ).  NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: You may also be required to pay import duties/taxes, this will vary depending on your location and the value of the item(s). To estimate these taxes, you can contact your local customs office. Fedex also offers a helpful estimation tool:  https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/international.html UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE PERMIT: If your ukulele contains any amount of shell inlay (abalone or pearl) it will require a permit to be shipped internationally. The cost of this permit is $93.00 USD. We will handle the paperwork and file the permit for you, but the cost of all duties and fees are the responsibility of the customer.

SHIPPING COST  will vary depending on the size dimensions and weight of the package as well as the destination. To get a quote, use the “Calculate Shipping Cost” link located next to the “Add to Cart button” on each listing. This is made even easier when you are already logged in to your customer account. Follow this link to create an account if you don’t already have one go HERE . FREE SHIPPING:  All orders within the USA with a total over $500 will qualify for free FedEx 2-day air shipping. SHIPMENT AND TRACKING NOTIFICATIONS  are sent automatically via email as soon as the shipping label is created so please make sure your email address is accurate when placing the order. Outgoing shipments are picked up by our shipping carriers Monday through Friday.  ACCESSORY AND CASE ORDERS:  While non-instrument orders for cases and accessories do not require the same processing time needed for instruments, they do require time for processing and packing. The typical processing time for accessory/case orders is (1-4 business days) depending on current order volume.  CURRENT SETUP PROCESSING TIMES AND DETAILS ARE LOCATED UNDER THE “SETUP OPTIONS” TAB.*  *If you would like to receive your instrument as soon as possible you can forego the full setup process by selecting the “Basic QC Only” option or by selecting the “Full Setup RUSH” option when adding instruments to your shopping cart. More details are available under the “Setup Options” tab.

Setup Options

Current Turnaround Time: Amount of time it takes before shipment-

Full Setup: 5-10 Business Days

Basic Quality Control:  2-3 Days BASIC QUALITY CONTROL covers inspecting the instrument for any major defects that would have been missed by the factory and any faults in construction that could potentially damage or limit the functionality of the instrument over time. Any defective instruments are rejected and replaced.  We make sure that each Ukulele meets the basic standard for a brand new instrument and will be ready to play once you receive it. A final cleanup is also included after inspection before packing and shipment. Full Setup - FREE for all Ukuleles $399 and over / $20.00 for Ukuleles from $300-399 / $30.00 for Ukuleles Under $300

-Overall QC evaluation: To find defects in construction as well as to get an overall view of the instrument and note the areas that need extra attention and adjustment during the setup.

- Saddle Adjustment: The height of the saddle is lowered to reduce the distance between the strings and the fretboard, making it easier to play than the factory setup, especially higher up the fretboard.

- Nut Slot Adjustment: The depth, width, and angle of the nut slots are adjusted to create a more comfortable playing experience especially on the lower frets.

- Fret Dressing: After adjusting the nut and saddle heights, high spots in the fretboard or uneven frets will potentially cause fret buzz, dead spots, or other unwanted problems. The frets are filed to create a more consistent level across the fretboard. We then crown the frets to return their rounded curvature back to the top of each fret creating a clear contact point for each string. We then smooth and polish the frets and condition the fingerboard to bring them back to new condition.

- Final Cleanup: We always do a final overall cleanup of the instrument to make sure it is in new condition and ready to play before it is prepared for shipment.

Rush Setup & Delivery - Additional $50.00 The RUSH SETUP AND DELIVERY service is for customers who would still like to receive everything included in the full setup but on a shorter time frame. One of our setup technicians will work overtime outside of normal business hours to complete the setup within 2-3 days of the order being placed and immediately hand it over to the shipping department for packing and shipment. The $50.00 rush charge is in addition to the cost of the full setup. 

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Strings for Koaloha Concert

• Thread starter Kyle23
• Start date Mar 28, 2016

Well-known member

• Mar 28, 2016

I'm trying to buy strings tonight and my thread in buying tips is getting no action so I decided to post it here. If that's not allowed feel free to delete this. I have an older Koaloha Concert from 2003 that currently has Martin 600s on it. I feel like the C string is very thick and takes away some clarity from the uke. I have a Koa Pili Koko that came with Worths, so I switched them because I know Koaloha uses Worths or something close for their ukes, but when I put them on, they didn't sound good at all. It sounded a bit dead for some reason. I'm not sure about the different types of Worth strings, but mine are clear. Maybe Koaloha uses a different clear set on theirs. What about Worth Browns? What do you guys use? If you have a sound sample of your Koaloha with the strings you use, that would be amazing.  

I have used Worth CM (clear medium) and PHd strings with great success on Koaloha comcerts. Koaloaha does use the Worth clear on all their instruments. I give strings 5-7 total hours playing time before passing judgement, give them time to settle. What Worths did you put on CL, CM, CT ?? You could try Oasis brights for a change. I know two friends that like Worth browns on their Koalohas.  

I don't even think about strings being good or bad until they've been on the uke a week so that they and my ears get used to each other. Back in the day when I had seven KoAlohas hanging on the wall they all had Worth clear of brown on them. Jude  

Try a wound string for C. I use a Thomastik Infeld CF27 on one of my concerts to counter that thuddy sound. I don't own a Koaloha, but strings I have liked on my concerts are Living Waters and Fremont Blackline mediums. Oasis and Martin are really good too. It's a journey, finding the right set for a uke.  

I use Worth Clears (the mediums) on both of my KoAloha ukes (a LN pineapple made of koa, and a concert made of sapele). That's what they came with and as I feel they sound fantastic with those strings, I just stick to them. Couldn't really specify what I would like to be different about them -- they feel good, sound good, are regionally available without importing. Definitely not dead sounding. I'd probably try Aquila reds, in your situation. I have Worth Browns (medium as well) on my custom tenor and tried Worth Clears on my acacia tenor, and I'm really not sure there is an actual difference between them other than the color. Initially, Worth were pretty evasive about this question too, and many people will say that the browns sound more mellow, but I'm not sure if that isn't in part a matter of perception caused by the color. Whatever the case, I don't believe you'll note a substantial improvement if the clears didn't work for you. I'd go for something more obviously different, like the Aquila reds.  

Kyle23 said: I have an older Koaloha Concert from 2003 that currently has Martin 600s on it. I feel like the C string is very thick and takes away some clarity from the uke... Click to expand...

DownUpDave said: I have used Worth CM (clear medium) and PHd strings with great success on Koaloha comcerts. Koaloaha does use the Worth clear on all their instruments. I give strings 5-7 total hours playing time before passing judgement, give them time to settle. What Worths did you put on CL, CM, CT ?? You could try Oasis brights for a change. I know two friends that like Worth browns on their Koalohas. Click to expand...

One last thing. Where's the best place to buy strings? I know I've seen a certain site recommended over the years but I'm drawing a blank. Usually I do eBay but I'm looking for other options.  

Kyle23 said: One last thing. Where's the best place to buy strings? I know I've seen a certain site recommended over the years but I'm drawing a blank. Usually I do eBay but I'm looking for other options. Click to expand...

I've bought strings from both Strings by Mail & Elderly. Both have great selection and service.  

Will check those out. Is there any difference in sound with older KoAlohas and newer ones? Would Worth's still be ideal on the older models?  

deschutestrout

• Mar 29, 2016

wickedwahine11

I have always preferred PhD and Worth CM for my KoAloha ukes.  

Would these be the ones I'm looking for? https://www.stringsbymail.com/worth...et-7686.html?zenid=4c1f17srfph8iquibcg6r7qfr1 There's so many different CM types, I'm not sure which ones to get.  

Kyle23 said: Would these be the ones I'm looking for? https://www.stringsbymail.com/worth...et-7686.html?zenid=4c1f17srfph8iquibcg6r7qfr1 There's so many different CM types, I'm not sure which ones to get. Click to expand...

Ukulele don't judge

I have Worth CL on my KoAloha l/n Pineapple and KoAlana Concert. The CMs didn't sound right.  

Can you describe the sound? Still trying to decide which set to buy  

I'd try a few different ones as each uke will sound a bit different ... even ukes of the same make and model. Worth BM, CM, Living Waters, Oasis Warms, Oasis Brights, etc. Sound is a very personal thing ... pretty tough for someone to describe how a particular set of strings sound ... on their uke ... to their ears.  

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