The Ultimate Battle Of The Best Hawaiian

[@SandisfieldThenNow]

I have a KoAloha soprano, a Kamaka concert and a Kanile'a tenor. They are all slightly different but I love them all! Although I must admit the Kamaka holds a special place in my heart as it was my very first really good ukulele.

[@ernestryles]

I played all of the standard tenors from all FOUR K brands, and the KTM-00 from KoAloha was leagues above the others. Bought mine in 2013, and it’s still my favorite uke. Ko’Olau was a very close second.

[@garymollenkopf5228]

There is a definite warmth to the Kanile’a. The low G on the Ko’Aloha gives a fuller sound, so it’s difficult to compare the warmth between the two.

[@deoccupyhawaii6268]

Strings make a big difference

[@bernardinelermite1133]

I like back to back comparisons, but it's still difficult to really figure out the true difference if the instruments have different strings. The black nylon strings on the Kamaka makes it sound very traditional, which that typical dark, round and mellow sound. Whereas the two others have clear fluorocarbon strings, which give a totally different (almost opposite) kind of sound : way more on the bright side, chiming and more modern sounding. And last but not least, the Ko'aloha is strung with a low-G that adds way more depth to it. Just my two cents ! 🙂

[@tj48649]

I don't feel you gave us a fair comparison with one of them using the low-G. The low-G gives a different resonance pattern, so either ALL of them need to be fitted with a low-G or NONE of them should be fitted with it to give a fair comparison.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Yes I agree with what you are saying. But this is also how the companies ship their ukes so I was trying to represent the ukes like how the brands intended them to sound

[@beth6208]

Thank you for making this video, wonderful comparison. I would love to have all 3. I agree with everything you said about each one. I am partial to the Kanile. Thanks again for the video, I will check out your store.

[@jimk3652]

My silver anniversary Koaloha tenor is literally a work of art with a beautiful tone, so that has to be my favorite, but can’t wait to get a shot at the other “K’s” in the future.

[@StevenEspaniola]

You can’t compare side by side and have some with low G and some with high G. They should have all been strung with the exact same brand and G string gauge to be an accurate comparison.

[@kauaikid1]

It was great seeing and listening to the K's. I loved the differences in sound from each one. I would actually have to play each one to decide which one is best. Which do you believe would sound the best in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? I love the way a uke sounds with age.

[@jerryjackson2999]

I am fortunate to have one of each. I enjoy each one. I play each and my preferences change from time to time.

[@softheartedhana7992]

They are all beautiful! But it's the KoAloha for me! I've always loved their sound. It's my dream to get one...one day! Great comparison video. Love watching all your videos.

[@traceywojtal9045]

I have & love my Ko’Aloha concert silver ed! I love the warmer sound it has. I plan on stringing it with low G soon.

[@allenthomson2153]

Awesome video Terry. Thanks. I actually preferred the Koaloha. I have always been a big Kanilea fan, but wow I was impressed by the Koaloha!

[@tamasgazdik7286]

I agree with what you said, Terry about each of them having their own style. It's not like you could just point at any of them and say it's better than the others in all aspects. To be honest, having a similar setup (all high-G / all low-G) would be fairer, the low-G might have given the KoAloha a slight advantage. Listening to the sound samples on a cheaper headphone I do like the Kanile'a over the Kamaka, though, interesting. If I had to pick only one, that would be the KoAloha. Also, trying them out at a store is key in choosing one as I think playability plays a huge role as well. Imagine having a marvelous sounding instrument, but you only be able to play it for like half an hour, because it's just not comfortable for your hands... Either way, thank you so much for the review, I think a lot of us wanted to have such a comparison. See you at the Q&A! 😊

[@JJ_TheGreat]

14:30 Yes, totally agree! When you were going through them one-by-one, I thought the Kamaka sounded the most crisp. It was harder to tell when they went back to back.

[@marcozipagan7497]

The best one is Kanile'a K-1T Natural Tenor. Thanks!

[@snapjacksonphotography]

They all sound great. I play a 2012 Kamaka tenor and I’m in love with the tone.

[@rtaylor187]

Terry, I love the video and have watched a couple time. I think however, you should do the face off again and have all three Hawaiian K tenors with the same strings with the same G string to get a true comparison. Just a suggestion for a Ultimate Battle of the K brands.

[@williamking6561]

The Koaloha was the one I would like to run out and buy. They all had a great sound but the Koaloha just struck me as the sound I like the most.

[@Sysipha]

I don’t “play out” or in any groups, where projection to an audience is a major factor in choice of instrument. These days I play to please myself, or maybe a friend or two. With this in mind, my prefs (with much waffling between 1 & 2) are #1 Kanile’a, #2 Kamaka, & #3 KoAloha.

[@jtelevenoyd1571]

So far I have two KoAlohas, a Kanile'a, and a Kamaka, in three different sizes. The Kamaka is a longneck soprano and the one of the KoAlohas is a longneck soprano pineapple. Both Hawaiian, both longneck sopranos, both solid koa, both top quality ... and they couldn't be more different if they tried.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Yes exactly each uke and company has their own vibe and style

[@vancesellers6032]

I own a Kamaka HF-3. It is a very beautiful sounding instrument. My choice between the three is the Kamaka but they all sound amazing.

[@johns4962]

I have recently bought a KoAloha KTM-10RP solid koa it came fitted with a low g , it is amazing all round great video and all great ukes 🤙👍🎵🎶🎼

[@lindasmith6668]

The first was outstanding. The second with that warm low is full sound I think is my favorite

[@revdocjim2002]

I don't own a Kanile'a but have two Kamakas and one Koaloha. Based on my own experience and what I've heard being played on the web I would probably put Kamaka in the middle. Koaloha definitely has the loudest, brightest sound. At the other end, the Kanile'as I've heard tend to sound very warm and rich, almost a little dark. To my ear the Kamakas fall in the middle. Brighter than the Kanile'a but not as loud and bright as the Koaloha. Of course strings make a huge difference and most Kamaka players opt for something other than the supplied strings to bring out more resonance. Thanks for the comparison!

[@johnturner827]

I like all three but I think the KoAloa sounds deeper, better sustain, and a very mello sound. I own a KoAloa KTM-000 and I love it.

[@1974heathinn]

I just got my first Ukulele. Just learning to play. I really like the low G on the Tenor Ukulele. The difference in a mass produced tenor (mine is) and these is crazy. Playing along with the videos the difference is easy to spot.

[@dracodingaming3132]

Koaloha is definitely my number one. Even with high g, it just sounds so beautiful. And to me, that 5 point crown even makes it look better than the others

[@WhiteDragon689]

Kanilea beats the others hands down. The tone of the base entry level ukulele is just awesome.

[@christinalin5859]

Ko'aloha. But maybe it would've been a fairer comparison if KoAloha was also strung high G!

[@Ukelikethepros]

I understand what your saying but I played the ukes as they come from the factory, KoAloha is the only one that ships with Low G on their tenors

[@katazumiri]

@@Ukelikethepros 2:33 ? ;-)

[@edmcdonald8487]

Serious question...how does Mele Ukes compare to the Ks? I've heard they're made in Hawaii as well.

[@denisesheehan9189]

Loved the look of the Kanilea but the finger picking on the Koaloha sounds amazing!

[@ukecrush]

Respect for all three companies, but it's KoAloha all day every day for me! 😎💯🔥

[@Lahdeedah4U]

I have been playing for 2 years after playing guitar. I have tried all 3. KoAloha is the warmest and resonates best. So I bought a KoAloha KTM-00 used and played it for 6 months until it was stolen. I was inspired by the my KoAloha so much I wrote a song for my 5 year old girl. I could not put the KTM-00 down and it broke my heart when I parked in my Dad's driveway to walk him into his house and 5 minutes later my KTM-00 was gone. I am going to buy another KoAloha very soon. The KTM-00 with low G is the best and very hard to beat. All of my friends that play Uke were blown away. I even did a side by side comparison with the Kamaka Koa Tenor and my friend grudgingly admitted he liked the KoAloha KTM-00 better. The Kamaka was beautiful but sounded less full next to the warmer KoAloha. Both were configured Low G.

[@CezannieMelchor]

Check out Aloha City Ukes they have 5 or 6 KoAloha ktm-00 for $1,499 with solid case.

[@robertchadwick1552]

Very cool to see and hear them side by side. The Kamaka has that traditional ukulele sound with great tone and resonance. KoAloha has a warmer sound and range with the low G. The low G gives it more of a full sound as a solo instrument. The Kanile'a is also beautiful. They all are first class instruments that will keep everyone smiling. They each have there place depending on the desired musical tone or setting. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@docpearson]

It was very very difficult to tell for one reason for me. What you should have said is, can you tell did do you like the high G or low G sound. So if all three were played at low G and all three were played in the high G then I can make an informed guess but not the way you did it.

[@Waynet126]

It would also be good to play each of these in a group setting with the same strings and tuning. I think the Kamaka may shine in this case as its brighter sound might cut through the mix of the other instruments, especially if there is a guitar involved. I would say it depends on the playing environment.

[@Kmvc808]

I’m a big fan of all ukulele makers, but I’m a huge fan to Kanile’a. The sound it produces, just puts you in the mood to dance hula. Also to add to kanile’a ukuleles is their beautiful artwork that’s embedded on their already beautiful woodwork.

[@Empt109]

KoAloha with the low G is beautiful and sounds great . That’s my # 1 # 2 Kaniela # 3 Kamaka . But I’d love to own either of them .

[@Ukeleo283]

Traditional sound is the KoAloha…romantic sound. The Kamaka is deep and beautiful sound too. Kanile’a is mild and balanced easy to play.

[@raykennedy8498]

I have to agree with you. They are all beautiful Ukuleles, and in a class or there own. I would be happy with one or all three, however the KoAloha is my favorite. The sound is just beautiful! It will be mine soon... Thanks for the comparison.

[@notsuretwo]

Ok, I really listened closely and jumped back and forth for ab type comparison. The Kamaka is the clearest sound of the three. The Kanilea is very similar to the Kamaka. The KoAloha had a warmer slightly muddy sound, that some may prefer.

[@ScottishJohn-x8s]

KoAloha for me but maybe I'm biased as I have a KTM 10RP which I love, I also own a Kanilea K2T SM, which I like but not the same as my KoAloha, I like the sound of the Kamaka that was played maybe I will get one someday to add to my collection Thanks for the video 👍🎶🎵🎼🤙

[@jimsatola3397]

There is the fourth “K,” . . . . Ko’olau, perhaps the best of the “4Ks.” I play all four. I love each of them.

[@cheriheywood780]

I own the KTM-00 and absolutely love it.

[@jingorokitty]

I have the Kanileʻa but fitted with a low G. Absolutely love the warm sound! It is my first ukulele and purchased on a Hawaiian vacation so it is extra special to me. 😊🌺🎼

[@WynneAlexander]

Koaloa wins it over here. What is the second wood on the sides ?

[@sonofrat]

I wish they all had high G. Each have a unique sound but I lean to Kanile’a but unless they all had high G it would be difficult to choose between Ko’aloha and Kanile’a. That low G gives that deep sounding sustain.

[@BirdGardenChannel]

Impossible choices right? The Kamaka is true period. The KoAloha is stylish and pleasing to the ear. The Kanile'a is refined and warm. If I listen to this sound sample with my eyes closed I prefer the Kanile'a.

[@pamelarosenbaum7136]

Thank you! Do you have Kanilea 2024 platinum concert with two front sound holes?

[@rommelrivera1186]

Thanks for the excellent comparison. Nice playing! The only bummer is that they're not stringed the same. I am trying to complete the trifecta as I type. I want all three! :)

[@DonnaBurton-co4ph]

Kanalea I love their sound and their purpose to plant more Koa trees.

[@darrenserra316]

What about Ko'olau? Lyle Ritz used them, and nowadays, Benny Chong, Ledward Kaapana, Bruno Mars, Abe Lagrimas, Aaron Mahi, Anuhea and others! I've always heard about the "4 K's" in Hawai'i....

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Great!! I'm interested in all three tenors. Kamaka is warm tone, Koaloha is bigger tone due to low G and Kanilea is bright tone.

[@romanista77]

I used to have a Koaloha Soprano, but sold it. Really regret that decision. It was the best ukulele I ever played. Koaloha makes every other ukulele feel overbuilt. They resonate for days!

[@DanielFlores-ku8os]

Hi Terry, I tell people Kamaka has the quintessential Hawaiian sound. Koaloha has a super resonant sound though at the price of some note clarity when playing instrumental pieces compared with the other two brands. Kanilea has a very tight precise sound. None are better then the other. They are different and suit different players and styles of playing. I have played all three and own a Koaloha KTM 00 that I customized to suit my playing preferences and styles. These are possibly the 3 most popular Hawaiian brands yet calling them the best is hyperbole. What about custom Hawaiian makers like Ko'olau, Tomas, Moore Bettah, and DeVine just to mention a few.

[@herbmichael5053]

Looking to add one of each over the years.

[@Ukelikethepros]

Thanks for the comment. Yes there are other great makers and I carry Ko’olau now, although I didn’t at the time of the filming. It’s hard to compare the custom stuff because it all has special woods and designs and sounds.

[@gpennycuff]

Ah….one day. I definitely want all three! The Kamaka seems like that would really shine with fingerpicking maybe? (I know, all will sound great in many styles). The first to acquire will probably be the Ko’Aloha. That one just “calls” to me. Oh my…..one day….

[@Ukelikethepros]

I agree and you have good ears.

[@edgaba]

Koaloha all the way, such a deeper warmer sound

[@drycycle]

Who could choose just one? I’m a sucker for a low-G. Absolutely love my Kanile’a super tenor with both low and high g strings.

[@terrishamblin7461]

The Kamala is brilliant!! I have a question. I own an Ohana with Aquila nylagut. If I want to brighten the sound a bit what string do I go to next? I’m a total newbie of course!

[@sick_as_frick]

I would go with Martin's clear fluocarbon strings (I think M600 for sopranos and concerts and M620 for tenors)

[@thefisher6273]

Would love to have any one of these. I dare to dream. 😀

[@darrenserra316]

personally, I use a low G on my tenor, but if Jake Shimabukuro (he plays a Kamaka, btw) can do what he does on a high G ukulele, then that means I have to own/use a high G tenor ukulele as well...

[@joepardi9369]

All outstanding

[@Ukelikethepros]

Agree

[@patriciaknight555]

Love the sound of sound of the Ko Aloha ukelele, warm sound.

[@sunnywippert9035]

Iʻve played all three. As for owning - Why do I need a Kamaka or Kanileʻa? . . . I have a KoAloha!

[@DavidFerguson62]

I have the Kamaka. It's great.

[@arodgoogle6327]

Who is the top United States ukulele maker?

[@jmeeker08]

I love my Koaloha tenor. My favorite performance uke is my Blackbird Tenor. It has the best overall sound and fabulous sound projection . Why didn’t you include Mele here?

[@richardgentry1429]

I adore my KoAloha which of course I bought from you!

[@Ukelikethepros]

Awesome and I appreciate all your support

[@luciaafonso8594]

How much is the cost?

[@ChrisGorman87]

KoAloha hands down is the best in my opinion!

[@Maineuser]

Terry, I had to watch, as I’d heard a KoAloah, elsewhere, and had been totally riveted and blown away by the warm, deep sound. Remembered the distinctive crown head. Unfamiliar with the others. This was no contest, as the KoAloah, still - even in this entry model - had the same warm resonating depth. Only, how much of it was due to the differing low G string? It would seem a fairer test would be all the instruments with all the same strings... Thanks, Linda

[@tinaw2740]

Omg which one should I go with 🤣🤣 I was debating between k1 and hf3 k1 the store has in stock hf3 needs about 3-4 month anyone can help me out?

[@mehedijelani1766]

I have to buy one but I need uk site for buy..can anyone suggest me for uk site?

[@kawikadee9670]

The Kamaka's are actually the best.

[@johnbrock678]

I have a lot of ukuleles. My least favorite is the Kanilea. It’s all koa, but just zero resonance. I’ve tried every sort of string, but little improvement. I have a Kamaka that was damaged by the previous owner who let it get too dry, but it’s still a lot better than the Kanilea. The best ukuleles I own are from Collings, who don’t make ukuleles any more. Also, my favorite wood for a uke is mahogany. Personal preference, I know, but mahogany on a uke is magical.

[@rainerbernhardt6193]

Low G wins hands down... The Kanilea would do much better with other string (I am definetely not a Nylgut fan) and Low G. I use Requinto Strings on my Kanilea GL 6, for a tenor I would try Low G Living Waters or Freemont.

[@Ukelikethepros]

I agree

[@JJ_TheGreat]

13:12 I really don’t think this was a fair comparison with the Low G on the KoAloha - it obviously had the deepest sound…

[@lindasmith6668]

Yes they are all GREAT!

[@debbieschafer3278]

KoAloha I love 💕 best!

[@josephhaverty1403]

Ko'aloha with the low g is the more appealing to me.

[@nsmy808]

No one can beat Kamaka ukuleles. Stringent standards. Quality over quantity. And on top of it, they're the oldest and only company that 100% makes their ukes in America (Honolulu).

[@janlesinski4719]

I own all of these and I like them all, I play best on the koaloha

[@Djoko257]

Kanile'a for me

[@johnroderick9809]

Compare apples to apples. All high G or all low G please.

[@Ukelikethepros]

The ukuleles were played as they one from the factory, which means this is how each manufacturer wants their ukes to sound

[@KB-ks8jv]

K Brands are awesome 🤩 but sadly not yet !!! The koaloha!!! Low G lots of depth !!!

[@caraerickson6010]

I like the languid sound of the Kanile’a the most. Koaloha close second. Third, Kamaka.

[@joaodefreitas8617]

Most important is that kamaka learn directly from the portuguese about how to make those ukuleke in the original way.

[@johnberger7039]

This is a hard way to choose. They should either all have high G or low G, to make a true comparison. I was surprised with Kamaka, being around as long as they have been and being the instrument of choice for Jake… It was my least favorite. The Koaloha sound was great, especially with the low G but it wasn’t a fair comparison. Plus I’m not sure if you can give an unbiased opinion on all three,it’s evident you love koaloha. I do like the sound of the Kanilea. Would love to hear Jake play one of those. But what do I know… I only own Kala and Ohana Ukes. Hope to get one of these when I make it to Hawaii someday… Hopefully in the next year or two!

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

The Koaloha comes with default Low G

[@petermichaelforstner5479]

The 8 string low G string Luna you is way better by far...🤩

[@joepardi9369]

KoAloha sounds wonderful

[@DennisSmith-jd6lr]

I couldn’t pick just one of these beautiful ukes, I love them all

[@kawikadavid8958]

You forgot Sunny D ukulele, uncle Sunny has some of the best sounding ukuleles too.

[@fishlaugh]

For the sake of comparison, you should've played all High G or all Low G. Selection is subjective and a handmade musical instrument needs to be played in person to determine preference. Suggesting customers buy all three to figure out which they like best isn't realistic for most wallets!

[@kjetilalexandersaltnes8643]

The sustain of the ktm-00..!!! Insane.. I need to do some savings..😅

[@russellmayne7157]

The Kamaka seemed to have an even balance; The KoAloha seemed to be brighter and warm; the Kanile'a had more of a hollow warm sound- but in a nice way.

[@avrilbrielletarver8960]

Awesome ukuleles!🔥😊💕✨❤️

[@dandeve]

I liked the Koaloa the best.

[@jungarcia4721]

Kanile’a!!!

[@SkylosSobaka]

I think that you completely fouled up the ability to draw any meaningful comparison between the ukuleles by choosing one that has a low G on it - if I was being a nefarious salesman, I'd do that specifically because I have a higher margin on the KoAloha. That is (probably) not the case here - but that is exactly how it comes across. I honestly can't tell the difference at all beyond 'one has a low string on it'. Maybe a few hundred more hours playing various ukuleles and I'll notice the differences.

[@sleepinglysithia]

KoAloha to my ear has the best sound of the 3