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KoAloha
Akahai
USA
68 Posts |
 Posted - 05/05/2008 : 7:55:57 PM
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| Ah the vog! It's been coming into town pretty strong. I imagine you guys must have it even worse over in Kona. I took my family over to Maui last weekend and the vog was at it's worst. You could barely see Molokini and Molokai from Lahaina side. |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2008 : 06:52:36 AM
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| Kamaka doesn't sell from the factory anymore. |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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hapuna
Lokahi
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2008 : 08:21:46 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Mika ele
Kamaka doesn't sell from the factory anymore.
Wow when did they stop? It seems like I wasn't there that long ago(but keep in mind I probably still think I'm 20 something). |
hapuna
Seattle |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2008 : 12:21:51 PM
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Couple of years ago. They used to sell "factory seconds" from the storefront. Now, they don't. You can order from the factory, but you will wait. Retailers have to wait to reorder as well. They do still have factory tours, though.
http://www.kamakahawaii.com/faqs.html
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Do you sell factory seconds?
Kamaka Hawaii no longer sells factory seconds.
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How can I purchase a new Kamaka ukulele?
You can purchase a new Kamaka ukulele from any of our authorized dealers or order one directly from the factory.
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E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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hapuna
Lokahi
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2008 : 2:03:57 PM
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Mika,
mahalo for the research! |
hapuna
Seattle |
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FROPPE
Akahai
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2008 : 06:21:33 AM
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I have played a KoAloha tenor for about two years now, and am very satisfied. The only problem has been an occasional "colorful" note, supplied by yours truly, while trying to play. Let's call that "pilot error".
While in Honolulu in early March, I took the tour of the KoAloha factory. By the way I was treated, you'd think I was their best customer, not just some knucklehead from Texas who has "only" purchased one of their instruments. Brian was a most gracious host, everyone in the production area was very friendly and welcoming, and Paul made me want an instrument made out of every variety of wood that he had back in his area. (That's a bunch!)
Even is you choose to purchase elsewhere, I highly recommend giving KoAloha a look and touring their plant, if possible. The people there are great, and the quality and value of their instruments are top notch. And, they have some models that are quite affordable for someone who is just starting to play and might not be ready for a bigger commitment.
I live in Austin, Texas, and have not had any trouble with my tenor at all. I keep it hydrated, give it lots of TLC, and reap what I sow!
Mahalo, Brian & Paul!
Ben Sterling
aka Froppe
Austin, Texas |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2008 : 07:34:07 AM
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I get more compliments when I play one of my two KoAloha Tenor ukuleles. When I play at kanikapila with the Ukulele Society of America, I'll walk up behind someone with some music, strum a little, pick a little and try to harmonize the melody. Invariably the person in front of me will turn all the way around and ask who made my ukulele becasue it sounds so nice! That is a testament to the quality of sound from the instrument, not to my playing.
Sometimes, I'll take my D-VI on stage and play some slack key. I get more comments on the pretty sounds that can come out of 'that little box'. I am still learning the subtle differences between a short scale nylon stringed instrument and a long scale steel string, but the basics are easy to cross over.
The Okami Ohana, and that includes Brian and the rest of the crew (besides Pops, Trish, Alan, and Paul) are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. PLEASE visit them when you are in Honolulu and learn from them about their passion. I will forewarn you -- if you ask Pops to tell you about the Sceptre, clear your schedule and be prepared to 'sit a spell' and listen to him 'talk story'. ;-) Act surprised when Gordon Mark, Roy Sakuma, Brittni, Herb Jr., or even Victoria Vox walks in and chats with you. |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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FROPPE
Akahai
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2008 : 08:32:38 AM
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I failed to mention that Herb, Jr. was in there the day I visited. He was playing one of his signature models, and was very gracious to spend some time visiting with me. A visit to that shop for a wannabe ukulele player has to be very similar to a kid getting to visit the North Pole right before Christmas! |
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konacat
Aloha
36 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2008 : 2:10:05 PM
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Alana,
I’ m another one who would recommend looking at the Koaloha products. My favorite player is an extended neck soprano that gives me that ukulele sound and a little more room on the fret board.
A few years ago my wife and I had a good time visiting lots of Pawn shops all over Oahu. If you have time and want a little fun check them out. I was at one Pawn shop that had 3 large boxes of ukuleles. Yes, they were all piled in boxes. Most shops were not like that and had their ukuleles displayed properly. Be aware that few if any are tuned properly so bring a tuner unless you can tune by ear. I can’t tune by ear because I’m still one of the world worst musicians…oh well. My wife and I say all levels of ukuleles from prized ones to pure junk. The prices were all over the place too. BIG NOTE HERE --- prices in Pawn shops are negotiable and not set in stone. If you find something you like start negotiating. Ask for the manager if you need to. You would also me amiss if you did not ask if the have other ukuleles. It was not uncommon to have a few good ones in the back that they brought out for special customers. Oh yeah, be shur to smile, talk story, and complement them on their shop. I saw some nice Kamaka’s and even some Koaloha’s. There were a number of pretty nice sounding Sonny D’s around when I was there last. I almost purchased one that was really sharp. Some of the older Sonny D’s are really good players.
This is something that is easy to do and even my wife found it interesting going to all the shops. I took a couple of people with me on my last visit to the Pawn shop with the 3 boxes of ukulele but it was no longer there. Maybe this was not unexpected because when I was there I saw them buying something I expect was stolen. The money was paid out by slipping the money to the guy while he received a can of soda. Don’t worry though because that is not the norm.
Have fun and good luck.
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Philip The only thing worse than my playing is my singing. |
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NANI
Lokahi
USA
292 Posts |
Posted - 05/09/2008 : 05:10:39 AM
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| I also will chime in about KoAloha and recommend a visit to the factory I was amazed when I was in Oahu for a few days in March musta just missed you ! and called to see about a visit. I was in the area and even though it was not the regular time for tours Papa KoAloha said no problem tell her come any way no sense wait. So off I went Ukulele in hand returning it to the place of its creation. You would have thought I was bringing home a lost child. Brian took my Ukulele from me and started playing it and started to frown ahha his ears heard something he did not like so off to the bench she went while I got the grand tour. After the tour I got a LESSON in stringing my ukulele! seems she had a slight buzz that he heard I never noticed (BIG SUPRISE) what a wonderful afternoon. Absolutly amazing family. Only thing I am worried about is Wrian says NEXT year when I visit I have to sit on stage and play a song for HIM not just him playing one for me on my Ukulele. Better get to work! I really hate solo unless I can play so low no one can hear ! :-) |
"A hui hou kakou, malama pono".
Nancy |
Edited by - NANI on 05/09/2008 05:11:55 AM |
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hapuna
Lokahi
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 05/09/2008 : 08:32:48 AM
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| Hey don't know if you saw my post on craigslist but I went to "Hawaii" and put in ukulele and there are many many ukes for sale of all different qualities. If you find a type you might like you should see if you can find one on craigslist and arrange to see it and perhaps buy it. I think you could get a good deal. |
hapuna
Seattle |
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belanos
Aloha
3 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2008 : 12:51:33 PM
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| Music Guy Mike, and Koaloha!!!! You can't go wrong. I've made a few purchases with Mike and own 4 Koaloha's. That's all I have to say on the matter!! |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2008 : 11:24:52 PM
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| We found a great store in Waikiki called `Ukulele Pua Pua. Very nice folks, a HUGE selection of `ukulele in all ranges. Two walls full of tuned instruments to touch and feel -- one wall all Hawaiian made instruments and one wall of all others. Paul fell in love with one $1,700 `ukulele with 6 strings. The minute he touched it, it made beautiful music. Luckily, I got him out of there without too much damage. Matter of fact, I'm thinking most of the stuff we bought were my selections. Hmmmm. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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hapuna
Lokahi
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2008 : 04:42:40 AM
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| Gee Waikiki would not have been in my wildest dreams of where to get a good uke inexpensively. Of course 1700 doesn't qualify but I assume there were some that didn't include the "thousands" column. |
hapuna
Seattle |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2008 : 07:00:31 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by hapuna
Gee Waikiki would not have been in my wildest dreams of where to get a good uke inexpensively.
Me neither - but it's where I got my first Fluke, during their initial year of production, and before they were readily available here in Seattle. `Ukulele House at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center - $160. |
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