Got A Ukulele Reviews - Big Island Honu KT-TR Tenor - 4K

[@adobbs92117]

Not over cooked at all. I think of it as a great player uke. The quality and design is there. The wood is right. Thinner then some, A great ukulele to spend a Saturday just hanging out with. It’s nice to have a instrument that’s priced lower and has the great quality this instrument has.

[@GotAUkulele]

Totally agree

[@ukenbike]

Generally I go for sound, though I find “blingy” difficult to define. I’ve had a master-grade Koa K-brand (won’t say which) that didn’t sing so I sold it. Had a vintage “The Gibson” soprano that was overbuilt-same issue as the K-brand. But is a Style 1 vintage Martin blingy? I love those (in any size). I do have a “blingy” custom-made concert by a California maker, and it just sings. I have a couple of plain-Jane Kala Elites and they sing too. For me, it all comes down to the build and whether the instrument resonates while I’m playing. Very subjective, but it’s something I can discern on any instrument within moments of picking it up and playing it.

[@theoldkid5725]

This is SO charming,I love it!!I'm sure the wood&sound will open up with playing,change strings and it s going to age to a wonderful lnstrument,not too fancy,but being played A LOT!Some scratches will make it look less plain...and I love the headstock!-One piece Neck?!-I love it...

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you very much!

[@johnchastain7890]

I like the pale, plain wood... and as for volume, folks generally like my playing more, the quieter it is. ;-)

[@kieronseamons3466]

Loved the review, thank you❤

[@GotAUkulele]

You are so welcome!

[@mikek4708]

I agree with all the comments, which I really enjoy reading. I actually like the simplicity of an instrument. Without bling, the craftsmanship is then at the forefront, so the manufacturers really get to showcase their skill. This certainly looks like it knocks it out of the park. For an Hawaiian Koa instrument. That price….and don’t get upset. I think is right. I feel prices of some ukes are getting a little eye watering. I also agree, I have seen some real figured Big Island ukes at SUS, that really challenged the K brands for figured grain. But I really like this for it being a different shade, which makes it kind on unique and a talking point on its own. Thanks again Baz for another great impartial review. Hope all have a great week.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Mike!

[@chuckvt5196]

I actually like the color. I have a number of dark, swirly wood ukes. This would be nice and it sounds great. The price is very fair! If I were looking for a new tenor right now, this would be on my list for sure! Thank you, Baz!

[@GotAUkulele]

Think that's the thing - they vary wildly - could always ask any dealer to show you pics of what you are buying

[@mrmisfit635]

Wow Baz, you're lookin' lean n' mean! Great review as usual. 👍🏽

[@GotAUkulele]

Been on a fitness rush - 20kg lost!

[@mrmisfit635]

@@GotAUkulele Good on ya for it, mate! 👍🏽

[@faethe000]

I like a middle ground. I want a little ornamentation, like a rosette. But I don't go in for things like rope or abalone purflings. I really like wooden buttons. I wish that would become more common.

[@iphoneyt4327]

Loved the video these are ukes! Have you got any plans to review the millars like the ta-260 or the tm-260 they seem astounding for the price (300-350)

[@GotAUkulele]

Not in the pipeline, but I know the UK seller so will see what I can do

[@iphoneyt4327]

Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

Those who messaged me about the T Shirt - www.dukeofuke.co.uk/duke-apparel/

[@poco_a_poco_music]

A comment for the algorithm. Thanks for another review. Anything cheaper on the horizon?

[@GotAUkulele]

Next is similar price - then a bunch of cheapies!

[@drpkmurphy]

Nice ukulele the wood really sparkles with the coating. I kind of like it. I like Soprano size ukuleles first even though I find myself playing my concert more often. This may be because the concert has that smooth sustain and less jingle. This ukulele is beautiful, but out of my price range😂 it has a smaller ukulele sound to me but I do like it. I like it picked best. Great review as always my friend… Thanks…DOC

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Doc

[@richardsnow7299]

Love it. Not over or under cooked at all. I think it sounds better picked but that's just my opinion. Nice instrument none the less.

[@CGT-lu8gw]

The light colour is somewhat refreshing, I think. I liked the sound, but I wonder if a low-G might add a bit of punch. But the 35mm nut, even with the flatter fretboard, would be a no-no for my arthritic fingers, unfortunately. Thanks again for a great review, Baz!

[@GotAUkulele]

I don't like narrow necks either - but this is extremely comfortable!

[@MsNickie1001]

Great review! I love this uke. The color matters not to me. I’d prefer more volume, but I’d add a pickup anyway. Even the headstock shape intrigues me. I’d rather have this than a Pono any day. I’ve never seen a Vietnamese ukulele I didn’t like. If it comes in a concert scale, I might be in trouble…..

[@GotAUkulele]

Good call!

[@brynenichols3144]

But would you recommend this over a KoAloha Opio tenor?!?! 🤨 Those Thai made ukes are hard to beat… 😁

[@GotAUkulele]

I never recommend any one instrument over another other than references in reviews - beyond a certain point it's just too subjective. The Opio's are great, but so is this

[@brynenichols3144]

Sure, I get that! I noticed that Southern Ukulele Store has a Thai Pi from Ukesa. I know you have reviewed several KoAlohas, but Pops UkeSA products are pretty amazing! I would love to get your thoughts on Pops 🍍

[@scrambledeggspdx]

I'd love to know what you think of this versus the Martin T1K? Same price range for a generally same tier solid Koa, and I don't think there are many at this price range.

[@GotAUkulele]

The Martin has more projection, but this has a far better overall finish. The Martin is almost unfinished

[@Ijcarter1962]

That is a great price for such a nice looking koa instrument. It would give a player a taste of what Hawaiian ukes are like without the hit to the wallet. Great review!

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Ivan!

[@clawhammer704]

Beings it’s solid wood the tone will improve over time.

[@GotAUkulele]

Always questionable that. Certainly it may change - but how do you prove it has improved?

[@KB-ks8jv]

No not over cooked, but for the value ! And how could you go wrong with this one. If you never could afford a K brand , this would get you there !!!!

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed!

[@nigeldavey1043]

Nope, not overcooked. Have to say though, it's the blondest Koa I've ever seen. Ko'aloha turn out some really light coloured Ukes, more in the Honey kind of range than the beautiful Treacley Kanile'a offerings but this is more like Golden syrup. Having said that it does kind of make a refreshing change and I quite liked it visually. Didn't disappoint when you played it either with a very nice separation of tones both strummed and picked. Just a shame about that 35mm nut width. Rules it out for us arthritic Polarbears. I have a long neck or tenor scale if you prefer Ko'aloha and at 37mms at the nut I still don't play for long before stiffness and fatigue set in. I don't belthe big K's are overpriced but these Big Island Ukes seem like a bargain to me. If you're happy with a narrower nut and fingerboard and the majority are. Good one Baz.

[@GotAUkulele]

Actually - I hate 35mm necks too - but found this really comfortable as shallow in profile - you may be surprised - and 28mm G to A is similar to spacing on some wider nuts. Thanks Nigel!

[@markattardo]

Awesome uke! 👍👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - really pleasant!

[@joeobyrne3189]

Wow, fantastic price. Great instrument.

[@GotAUkulele]

Hard to fault really

[@tommorrisey3999]

That headstock cries out for a round of table tennis. And I am suspicious of slot bridges on anything larger than a soprano. Tenor string tension is considerably higher than soprano. And I wonder why a side-dot at the 15th is necessary when the 14th is right at the body. But … other than that, I like it, and the color of the wood is immaterial to me. BTW, I had a very quiet all-solid-acacia Ohana tenor with a gloss finish on it. The cleaning crew at my office put an ugly scratch into it so I sanded about 80% of the finish off the soundboard, and the projection and warmth both went up (plus it has gotten better as I’ve played it). Oh, and one of my favorite tenors (Romero Creations Satin Replica) was made in Vietnam.

[@iphoneyt4327]

I think slot bridges are great on anything neat and tidy

[@GotAUkulele]

Not that much more tension though - and ebony is pretty hard

[@CGT-lu8gw]

Got a Romero Replica too. Made in Vietnam, but still is a fùvourite of mine, Vietnam makes great ukes indeed!