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kamaaina1
Aloha
USA
4 Posts |
 Posted - 03/13/2007 : 5:20:03 PM
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Aloha!
I use to play the Ukulele back when I was in elementary school (about 35 years ago). And I was forced to play right handed. I'm a lefty, and would like to play left handed. I'm seriously thinking about purchasing a new Kamaka Soprano or KoAloha standard. Ebay has some good deals, but seems a little risky, but really have no choice, since where I live, there is no dealers for the ukulele I want.
Between the two, which would be the better choice? I know the Kamaka name but they seem to have turned into a production line ukulele. As far as the KoAloha ukulele, they seem to be more personal/custom line. I want an heirloom quality ukulele to pass on. Can you please point me in the right direction?
Also, is there resources out there for us lefty's?
Mahalo!
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 04:08:38 AM
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Sean,
I know which I would choose, but I won't say (not one that you named) - it is up to you to play some examples and choose the one that sounds best and feels best for you.
However, if you get a custom `uke, it is easy for the luthier to reverse the order of the strings - it is just slotting the nut in reverse which is trivial. The saddle on a `uke normally hasn't any compensation, so the luthier doesn't have to do anything about that. And the fretboard is flat (mostly - you can get a radiused fretboard if you want, but few people do). *****You can even have that done on an instrument that is already built.*****
Much easier than producing a lefty guitar which has saddle compensation, many have compound fretboard radii, etc.
Explore it.
...Reid |
Edited by - Reid on 03/14/2007 04:10:52 AM |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 06:35:24 AM
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I wouldn't be afraid of buying a uke on Ebay, as long as there are no major cracks or separations. As Reid said, making it lefty is fairly simple, any luthier can cut a new nut if it needs it. You may be able to string it lefty without a new nut.
I would recommend getting a bigger uke for comfort, but that's a personal decision.
I don't think either Kamaka or Koaloha are superior to each other, but if you want an hierloom, you should check out some of the many great brands/luthiers who produce ukes, such as Ken Potts, Gstring, Po Mahina (Dennis Lake) or some of the many listed at www.ukes.com
Although ukes are very collectible, don't expect it to become more valuable over time. There are dozens of great luthiers turning out wonderful ukes, so there won't be a shortage. If I were thinking about a Kamaka, older soprano ukes on Ebay are very reasonable. Most were brought back by tourists and servicemen in the 50s and 60s and have sat unused until someone dug it out and put it on Ebay. Small cracks are easily fixed and yield a good deal most of the time.
Jesse Tinsley
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Edited by - hapakid on 03/14/2007 06:36:19 AM |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 07:10:28 AM
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Sean,
Paul Okami at KoAloha used to post through this web site [KoAloha] . He hasn't added any messages since July. I have two KoAloha ukuleles, a custom tenor and a D-VI. I really like them both. They have terrific tone and nice playability. If you call the shop in Honolulu (contact information is on their web site) ask for Alan or Trish (Mom Okami) -- this is a family business. He does most of the sales and marketing, Pops is the senior luthier and Paul is coming to be recognized as one of the finest ukulele luthiers around.
The Kamaka ukuleles are outstanding as well. I have played several in our local ukulele group. They have long been know as fine instruments for good reason.
A local slacker [Marzullo] has a Po Mahina made by Dennis Lake on the Big Island. It is a terrific sounding instrument. I believe Mark Nelson plays one as well.
We recently had Joe Souza from Kanile'a Ukuleles in Kaneohe come by our group and show us their ukuleles (they have been working with Bob Taylor at Taylor Guitars to learn some fine points of quality control, UV finishing, and computer aided production improvements. Joe told be Bob has taken them on as a small company to mentor.) I played a few of their tenor instruments. They have some of the prettiest looking ukuleles I have seen and played. Joe was really able to make his ukulele come alive while he entertained us with his fine falsetto and ukulele strumming.
In the end, I agree with Reid, It still ultimately comes down to what sounds and feels best for you at a price you are comfortable with. |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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FROPPE
Akahai
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 1:55:27 PM
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Howdy (Aloha)!
I was on Maui last May and checked out Bounty Music, as I was in the market for an ukulele. They didn't have what I was looking for in stock, which was a KoAloha tenor. I did stay in touch with Paul B. and placed an order, which was filled as soon as they received their shipment. Paul sent my uke to my door in Austin, Texas, and it arrived in great shape.
Paul would be a good person to talk to with regard to your situation. Also, you could probably call KoAloha and talk to them as well. I visited with the KoAloha folks over the phone as well, and they were very nice and helpful. My ukulele is a beautiful instrument, and is fun to play, including the "colorful" (according to Mark Nelson) notes.
My contact info for Paul is:
Paul B. c/o Bounty Music
saxxy @ bountymusic.com
(808) 871-1141
I hope you find what you're looking for!
Aloha,
Ben Sterling
Austin, Texas
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kamaaina1
Aloha
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 3:50:06 PM
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Mahalo's for your replies!
I decided and purchased a KoAloha Standard (soprano) from musicguymic. He has a ebay store full of beautiful ukuleles. He's a local located in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Got her for $399 shipped w/case & humidifier.
Again, thanks for all your input!
Here she is:
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Edited by - kamaaina1 on 03/14/2007 3:52:21 PM |
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Pua Kai
Ha`aha`a
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 5:39:22 PM
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WooHoo!
Looks gorgeous and I'm assuming sounds even better... and here I was going to suggest that it sounded like a good reason to pack and go, then escort the little jewel home. |
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kamaaina1
Aloha
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 03/14/2007 : 7:22:43 PM
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| Now that would have been SWEEEET! To go back a visit the place I called home for 38+ years. That would have been nice. I'm living in Washington State now, but Hawaii will always be my home! |
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rendesvous1840
Ha`aha`a
USA
1055 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2007 : 11:21:44 AM
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| This may not be for everyone, but uke building lessons can be had at Keola Beamer's Aloha Music Camp. For the cost of camp, I'm sure you cuold buy a very fine uke from nearly any manufacturer you chose. But if I, as an heir, could proudly show off a uke made by my father, that would qualify as the ultimate heirloom instrument. Again, this is not an economical solution, but at least it's something to know about. As for playing left handed, if your hands already know their different jobs, it may be more practical to keep playing right handed. It's mostlt muscle memory, and the switch puts you back to day one. My first weeks with guitar were pretty rough, but once the hands know what to do,they don't learn each other's part. Good luck, and let us know what you're up to as you progress. |
"A master banjo player isn't the person who can pick the most notes.It's the person who can touch the most hearts." Patrick Costello |
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