Kanile'a K1 Tenor Ukulele - Review by Ken Middleton

[shuttergirlUK]

Beautiful tone. Sounds as good as it looks.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@shuttergirlUK Yes, it does look great.

[mediaevalguitartab]

Thanks very much for an informative review and demonstration. Does the action on this instrument remain low and easy to manage at the upper frets?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@mediaevalguitartab It is certainly at the right height. A lot of people would want it lower, but a low action makes a ukulele unplayable.

[PrincessMoonFeathers]

yes it is beautiful, i have been learning the soprano uke and love it. now i want to get a tenor to perform my songs with.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@PrincessMoonFeathers Thanks for watching.

[gritzy59]

wow thank you i have now decided to switch from buying the Kamaka HF-3 Tenor to this very good review

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@gritzy59 The Kamaka is a great instrument, but I think that at the moment Kanile'a have the edge on them for quality and reliability. As for sound, they are very different, but both good.

[Andi0012345]

Ken, you did a very fine review there.  When you strum, i just went "WOW" I love that full, clear and beautiful sound.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@Andi0012345 Thanks for watching.

[hokumele1]

I would love to buy the kanile'a k1 super tenor but on the kanile'a website it is $1,070. Any idea about where I could get one for less???

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@hokumele1 You are not going to get it much cheaper as they can sell pretty much everyone they make. You will have to shop around.

[jpablosnm]

hi.. what dou you think abuot the oscar schmidt uo2t tenor ukulele? is better than the kala KA TEM TENOR?..give me your opinion please!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@jpablosnm Personally, if it was a choice between a Kala and an OS, I would usually go for the Kala. I know the owner and others from the company, I know how they operate and do business. i have never bought either, but have played plenty of each. i have always found OS to be a bit over-built.

[jpablosnm]

@jpablosnm thank you very much!

[Monkee975]

FYI the proper pronunciation of Ukulele is oo-koo-leh-leh!

[SalPedi]

A simply "Superb" tenor ukulele presentation!... I could find no fault, whatsoever!..

I don't "sell" that easily, but this chap knows what he's doing.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@SalPedi Thanks for your comments.

[jpablosnm]

hii.. mahalo is better than kala or kanile?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@jpablosnm If this is a question, the answer is "no".

[loadquicker]

I really want a new tenor under $500 bucks, and I'm completely stumped on what to get...

Any suggestions?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@loadquicker I work for Ohana. I bought Ohanas before I worked for the company. Any of our all-solid tenors: TK-35, TK-35G, TK-35CG, TK-75CG, etc.

[loadquicker]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Can you see me? I just opened up the Ohana site as you sent this. *checks the house* I'm actually looking at the ukes on there and wondering how they sound. The prices are very nice, I think I'll try to find some youtube vids of the tk-35 :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I have about 150 videos using my TK-35G. I have a lot of more expensive ukes, but this is the best all-rounder, by a long way.

[loadquicker]

@KenMiddletonUkulele :) Thanks. Can I just ask, do you find that Gloss makes a difference to the sound?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I can't detect any difference. I like gloss.

[loadquicker]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Thanks :) I'll just check to see if they can send it to Australia :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Look at my last but one video, for instance.

[YukamanJC]

you pronounce oo-koo-le-le

the neck is actually mahogany because Kanile'a believes that mahogany is most stablefrom bending and cracking due to climate and elevation change.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@YukamanJC Yes, I am aware of the mistake about the neck.

[shiney96]

@YukamanJC he can say it however he wants so stfu

[YukamanJC]

@shiney96 he already knows wsp. he said that in one of his other videos.

[Charlieshae7]

Ken, I love your reviews but can not afford to buy a uke in any where that price range. This will be my first uke, and I only have $200 to spend. I know that you probably would not recommend any uke in that price range, but for now it is my only option. I want a tenor uke. Could you please tell me what you would recommend if you had to stay in that price range, for a tenor uke?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@Charlieshae7 I absolutely would recommend a uke within that price range. I work for Ohana and many of our ukes can be bought for around that price. First decide which size you want. Then find a good store (online or physical) and buy a solid wood (not plywood) uke if you can. If not, get one with a solid wood top.

[crabag]

Struggling on whether to buy a soprano or a tenor.... :S?????

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@crabag A decision only you can make. The soprano is much cheaper.

[jblackbath]

Hi Ken, I dont know if you've been asked this before, but do you have any reviews for 8-string ukuleles? Have you played one? I'm curious about getting one, but would like an expert's point of view first :)

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

-tony

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I have probably tried one, but I really don't like the concept. Can't advise you, I'm afraid. Sorry.

[HumanSheep]

Hey ken can you tell me the chords for the scientist? Nice vid :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, sorry.

[davidmortiboy]

@HumanSheep fail

[davidmortiboy]

@HumanSheep he isn't playing chords, he's playing from a tab

[PikaPotato]

Hi, you mention this is the T1 instrument, yet your title says K1, just wondering which it is ? Also, how do you like your tenor vs. concert ukulele ?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Can't remember, but they only make one of them. I point out the mistake somewhere. The tenor is my favourite by a long way.

[xXCaptnPeteXx]

Your playing at 5:50 was absolutly beautiful. I love it.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[claudioscola]

[Replying in thread didn't work - Excuse new comment.]

Fair enough. Really enjoy your reviews. So keep the collection growing. I brought back a Kala from Hawaii as I'm a complete beginner. I was tempted to buy a solid Koa one from the Market at the stadium in Honolulu as the prices seemed great but wasn't confident enough in my judgement at that time. I'm looking at trying for some grade exams and looking for lessons. Any thoughts?

[claudioscola]

Ken - How many ukes do you have? Can I borrow this one for a long while ;D

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

About 10. Not a chance.

[claudioscola]

@KenMiddletonUkulele

Fair enough. Really enjoy your reviews. So keep the collection growing. I brought back a Kala from Hawaii as I'm a complete beginner. I was tempted to buy a solid Koa one from the Market at the stadium in Honolulu as the prices seemed great but wasn't confident enough in my judgement at that time. I'm looking at trying for some grade exams and looking for lessons. Any thoughts?

[MARKLINMAN1]

United States, NY to be exact, i am looking on EBAY right now they have some nice ones for sale...i see one for 850.00 USD and another for 1150.00 USD dollars, i am a beginner but really like the quality of these KANILEA, i was looking at the KALA ukes as well, thanks for the info.

[MARKLINMAN1]

WOW, that is nice...Where can i get one from....nice playing by the way.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

If you live in Hawaii, you get get them from almost every music shop or the workshop itself. if you live in Mongolia, you may have to have one shipped from abroad. Where do you live?

[simplyfyuke]

I agree to what you said some manufacturer go overkill with the design, sometimes simplicity is the best beauty but very nice sounding ukulele and I like all your review because you go very detailed, :D

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[MrPocketGroover]

@simplyfyuke i totally agree, i have an old 1930 martin mahogany acoustic guitar and there are no fancy extras just a solid mahogany body and 6 strings, what more could you need.

[nclrza]

I saw the design on Kenile'a's webpage and the wood design look different. I want to get this ukulele, help?!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, it still the same. You can get it in gloss or non-gloss. The wood grain varies with each one of course.

[jinfuuu]

do you want to sell me this one?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Absolutely not.

[cancerslug101]

are you high? :|

[ellendxyz]

My Kanile'a custom T is built just like your uke. I agree with everything you said about it. It hardly needs tuning. the sound is bright yet smooth. It's just lovely. I'm having a cigar box tenor uke made for me, though, to take on road trips. Thanks for the review.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The Ohana I am talking about has a much cleaner sound than the Kanile'a.

[jinfuuu]

I have to ask...who supplies all of the ukes?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Ten are mine, the rest are owned by Ohana.

[jinfuuu]

Thanks... Keep up the good work. You have been a big help to a lot of people...

[jinfuuu]

Is this your favorite at the moment?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Probably not. I prefer the Ohana TK-35G.

[torgie09]

Thanks i'll probably learn and show off to my freinds! :) lol

[torgie09]

6:00 mins to 6:16 mins. What was that tune you were playing. It was very nice! :-)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I believe it is called The Scientist by Coldplay.

[jinfuuu]

and i didnt finish it....

[heymelbs]

This ukulele looks and sounds great, but I'm not sure if I can afford it. Do you have any recommendations for tenor's that might be a little more reasonable.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Ohana TK-35G is a really great uke.

[slowdeezy08]

have you seen the lanikai LK1

thats a kanilea made instrument

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, I've not tried it yet. Next week.

[slowdeezy08]

yeah i was reading about it and found out its an older k1 model and your reveiw reminded me about it

[NorthPoleProduction]

Hello Ken, newly viewer here : )

Christmast is coming up and im getting my self a new ukulele after my old cheap one got it a little accident. And its a Baritone or a Tenor, but i really dont know the difference, u think u could give ma short explanation ? : )

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

A tenor is tuned like a soprano or concert, but a baritone is tuned differently (like a guitar). Many more people play a tenor. My advice: get a tenor. I don't even own a baritone.

[NorthPoleProduction]

Thanks Ken, And yes 1 more thing if u have the time. you said something with tuners, that doesnt ge out of tune can u explain that and how can i check if a ukulele have it : ) ?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sorry, don't understand what you are asking.

[cienanosdesoledad]

Isn't this one special built for you to evaluate? Are the other ukes of the same model equally beautiful and good sounding?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, it's a regular one. They all sound good.

[doriarty]

How much was it? Thanks.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Can't remember. In any case it will cost a lot more now.

[skylax13]

ken, for a bigger ukulele player with somewhat large hands, would you recommend a tenor or a concert sized uke?

thanks

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Tenor, I think.

[pflores79]

Ken I forgot to ask how much louder is the K1 tenor in comparison the K1 concert.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is not so much louder, but more to do with the deeper tone. But yes, it sounds louder.

[pflores79]

Ken I really enjoyed your review. I was having a hard time deciding what Tenor model to go with but your review sealed the deal. You play wonderful as well.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

That's great. Good choice.

[chrisg14mac]

Ken - thanks again. Does your uke have the UV glossy finish - or is it satin?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Gloss. I prefer it.

[koolskater5]

Does a gloss finish effect the overall tone?

Because i am currently looking at a Lanikai LU-21C Black but im afraid that the black gloss will effect its acoustic tone.

Whats your oppinon?

Thanks.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I am afraid that, because it is all laminate, it won't make too much difference.

[WeThePeople1770]

hows the sound on your lanikai?

[kvenick]

Ken, I really like your videos for Uke. I have a technical, non-uke related question. Do you use a Webcam to make the videos or a digital camera.?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I use a Canon digital compact (still) camera.

[duolianblues]

I get one with beautifull koa body but it sounds small. What is your opinion for the best strings for this model? I like the way you play, very soft. Thanks!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Use Aquilas.

[redpenny100]

Thats a HUGE uke!!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is normal sized for a tenor.

[jblackbath]

Another great review Ken! I wonder though, what the point would be of Kanile'a making the bridge in that low arching way though. Does it affect the string's sound in any way?

Many thanks-

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, I wouldn't think so. The sound is just beautiful.

[ukumic]

Thanks for this excellent review, Ken! May I ask whether this is the satin or UV finish?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks. UV finish.

[ukumic]

Thank you.

[ukebrudders]

Great review Ken! You really won me over with this one and now I'm waiting on my very own Kanile'a K-1 Tenor.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Wow! Congrats.

[alantaecaswell]

that is a beautiful ukulele, i hope you have fun with it, can it also play like a standard uke?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is a standard uke - tenor size.

[LoadingBar4123]

Wow, after this review this ukulele is defenitely at the top of my list. At this price range its perfect!

I love your reviews, they're very informative without being boring!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much. I use my Kanile'a tenor a lot.

[FunTykoon]

What would be the best uke in the 65-75 dollar range?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I wouldn't know. Sorry. It depends what you can get. I would look at one of the Ohanas (but remember I work for the company).

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you.

[nobodys909business]

Hello Ken,Like your review,very imformative. I'm thinking of buy a custom made uku from Phil Davidson,about 900 pounds. Any feedback. Thanks in advance. Regards Frank

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I believe there is a big waiting list. I have never played one though.

[stpatrickun]

Thanks Ken ...

Patrick.

[stpatrickun]

Hi Ken ...

where can i buy a Kanilea in Europe ?

I've not found dealer via Google in France ...

Thanks a lot.

Patrick.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The Ukulele Shop. Sent from Berlin. Speak to Richard. They are out of stock at the moment though.

[r9QFyqmV]

Your review helped me with this decision. I've noticed that every point you make has been my own experience as well. So it shows they're consistent.

How do you feel about the low e/high e thing? Mine came with Aquilla strings like yours. A few days later I got a low e set and tried out just the one string. It works ok but I think the high e was better.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Do you mean low G? If so, I would prefer a high 4th string. All my ukuleles have a high 4th.

KEN

[r9QFyqmV]

Yeah...I'm having a senior moment ;)

I think the sound is a lot brighter with the high g.

[r9QFyqmV]

I just bought a Kanile'a K-1 Super Tenor just about like this one. Hasn't arrived yet ::waits anxiously!!!::

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I'm sure you'll love it.

[sxeeplta]

beautiful instrument. how much did it cost?

and you played the Scientist very well.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Can't remember exactly. Less than £400.

[iamblinkin]

Hey Ken, could you tell me what song that is you're playing at 5:50 and if you have tabs for it?  It's gorgeous. Also I'm hoping to get one of these or their super-concerts and am loving your in depth reviews. Thank you!

[AtomicFrog81]

Beautiful playing and instrument. Do you find it easier from a fret-spacing perspective to play tenor as opposed to soprano or concert? I just got a soprano Kala, but find it difficult to form some chords due to space restrictions.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, I have thick stubby piano playing fingers and I do find the soprano harder to fret.

[michaeljking]

There is a short piece played at 5.51 that I really love, I worked out how to play it on my tenor ukulele listening to you, Does it have a name?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is the chords (piano part) to a song by Coldplay called "The Scientist".

KEN

[michaeljking]

Thanks Ken, it is a lovely song, Sounds great on the Ukulele!!

[experimentjon]

I just bought a Kanilea K1 tenor today. The color of my wood is lighter than yours, but it is still beautiful.

I went into the store intending to purchase a Kamaka HF2 or HF3, but came out with the Kanilea K1 after playing them all back to back. The K1 was just absolutely amazing. The action is not quite as smooth as on a Kamaka, but man, the sound is just crazy-good.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

My concert Kanile'a is lighter. Does your new tenor look like my concert (see my review of it)? I too aqm very impressed with Kanile'a. I think perhaps some of the longer established companies are resting on their laurels a bit.

KEN

[experimentjon]

I did watch your concert K1 review earlier (as I had actually intended to purchase a concert sized...but they were on sale so I upgraded.) And mine is even lighter than your concert. Doesn't have that SUPER crazy gloss, but it is glossy.

Kamaka and KoAloha and G String all still make great ukes, but this Kanilea just made that intangible connection when I saw it and played it.

[jhadorn]

If this is the same Ken Middleton who lost pictures of a European vacation, we have been trying to find you and return them. Please call 662-292-5656 or 662-501-6510.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, sorry. KEN.

[FLAMEPHANTOM55]

can you tell me how much it was?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I bought it in the UK for less than £400 (about $800). That is cheaper than from Kanile'a, but you can get them much cheaper from various outlets in the US.

KEN

[antonahl]

great review!

[timcruz75]

I just bought one, joe out did himself... I need to make a video with it.

[TeleTubeee]

Hi Ken!

For beginning uke players, it'd be helpful if you could compare different priced ukes.

I was surprised with the sound and fretboard action difference between my $35 Tara uke and $100 Oscar Schmidt OU13.

I took my cheap uke to DiSilva Ukulele Company. He repositioned the nut to correct the bad intonation and immensely improved the action.

I guess my question really is..."At what point does spending more money on a uke become less rewarding?"

Thanks,

Doug

Oakland, California

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I don't have any inexpensive instruments to compare with it. My view is that with all musical instruments you generally get what you pay for. If you pay twice as much, you get something that is only slightly better. What I don't like doing is paying a lot of extra money for decoration.

Buy the best that you can afford. Try it first, if you can.

KEN.

[UkuCouS]

Hey I got one too ! Great great great instrulent;

but on mine, the Kanile'a logo si different, how old is yours ?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Mine was made very recently. Joe, at Kanile'a, says that all their instruments at the moment (except custom ones) have this inlaid logo. KEN.

[Boondockflyfish]

a fascinating look at a beautiful instrument, thank you for sharing