Ohana TK-35G Tenor Ukulele - Review by Ken Middleton

[1viva]

Hello again Ken,

I would have a small question for you. I live in Montreal, Canada, where the weather may be somewhat similar to yours. How well has your Ohana Tenor survived cold dry winters and humid summers? and do you keep it out of it's case most of the time or do you keep it closed up in it's case with a small "sponge type humidifier". Has the wood cracked at all? Thanks! Mario

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@1viva We don't have cold dry winters or humid summers. I leave all my ukes lying around and I have never used a humidifier. My ukes have never cracked. I don't know about Montreal.

[1viva]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Thank you Ken. I guess I've got my GB weather all screwed up, sorry.

I've got my dealer on to ordering one for me asap! Can't wait. I LOVE a quality instrument. In fact I must say I sometimes derive more pleasure from actually looking and admiring an instrument more than playing it (But I do love playing, don't get me wrong ;-)

Thanks for the info & all the best. Mario

[1viva]

KenMiddleton Encouraging notes on this Tenor. You should get a comission for this ;-)

Thanks for taking the time to reply with such reassuring comments. It's good to know that all instruments are now shipped back TO Ohana, CA for their final inspection. Anyway, I am more confident. Sure would make a nice Christmas present (for me ;-) I'll put it on my Santa wish list! ;-)Thanks Ken! Mario

1viva 7 seconds ago

[1viva]

Action high on YOUR Tenor... I am dissapointed. Thinking of getting one. Ohana assures us on their home web page that each and every instrument of theirs, regardless of the price, are individually inspected before they are shipped out so that when one receives it, everything should be in order. (I guess that's providing it has not suffered extreme changes in temperature, a real killer for wooden instruments.)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@1viva This instrument was bought from Europe and came directly from China. Now, every instrument go to the Ohana facility in California and is individually inspected. In any case, it only took 10 minutes to adjust and is now my best all-round ukulele. I use far more than my Kanile'as or my luthier-made ukes. My advice is to order one. Everone wants them, so you are unlikely to get one before December.

[RidleyE]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!

[antoniaworbridge]

Hi. Ken .. the sound of the Ohana is very good ....

antonia grüsse :-)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Antonia.

[Bazzerhull]

Ken, saw you at the festival, I am having trouble getting a TK35(no gloss), Suppliers are quoting at least a month, do you know where I can get one?

Thanks

Barry

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, they are hard to find and have been very popular. Try Cheltenham Piano Centre, otherwise wait.

[Bazzerhull]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Ok , Thanks

[Bazzerhull]

Hi Ken, me again you recomended a TK35G yesterday. Did you solve the high action at the nut end?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, lowering the action is very easy to do. Remember, the high action was just on this TK-35G, not yours. I have also had a Kanile'a and a Kala with a high action.

[Bazzerhull]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Thanks for the reply. I lowered a nut on a guitar once by filing the nut string grooves with a needle file and testing it, the danger is you go too far and end up with string buzz for ever.Is this the same principle?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I don'y understand. Does it need lowering?

[Bazzerhull]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Sorry Ken I have not boaght it yet but yourself and one or two others have reported the action is very high on this model so I am assuming the one I get will be factory set the same. If this is not the case then I will suck it and see.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

That is absolutely incorrect. i reported that the action was high on my particular ukulele. No-0ne can say that the acdtion is high on a particular model. As I said before, the action was high on one of my Kala and one of my Kanile'as. Besides that, there is a lot of rubbish talked on the forums about action height. people often have it too low and so the instrument can not be played properly.

[Bazzerhull]

@KenMiddletonUkulele That's fine, I will Bow to your superior knowledge, I am only quoting what others say (like I said, first uke). If this is just a quality control issue with what ever you get then fine I will see when i get it. If it is an issue I will ask again. Thanks. Barry.

[laurelundhardy]

I have heard you playing "wild horses". Ever tried this song with a spruce top ukulele? And if yes, which one did you like?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sorry, no. I don't really worry about what the top is made of. Generally I prefer mahogany though.

[laurelundhardy]

Thanks. And did you tried concert ukuleles with spruce top?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, I have tried lots of concerts with spruce tops.

[laurelundhardy]

Have you ever tried a Honu, from Big Island (vietnam) I have a traditional concert, solid koa, very lovely. Aquila strings. A little bit too lovely for me. I used to play an applause concert with great mids, and extremley loud, but it has a plastic body (i put bones in saddle and head), and spruce top. It rocks.

So I think mahagony will also be too lovely for me. ill look a for a uke with a spruce top and i dont know what body.

Any experiences?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think I may have tried one at NAMM in January. Can't remember anything about it I'm afraid.

[jblackbath]

Also, of all the ukeleles you own, which one's your favorite to play?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Probably this one.

[jblackbath]

Hey Ken, I wonder what your take on low G ukes are. Wouldn't that give you more playing range if you lowered the G an octave? Also, are low G ukes custom made to be low G or can you just take any uke and tune it to a low G?

Also, what does "playing re-entrant" mean?

Always love your videos, you are very talented!

Thanks!

-Tony

[wdhmjm]

Hey ken could you give me your opinion on the low end model the Ohana TK-10? im thinking of getting a entry level uke and i have ZERO musical background, whats your opinion?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I would always advise people to pay just a little more and get a uke with a solid top rather than laminate.

[wdhmjm]

So now the tough question, i have about 160 to spend and i want a decent first instrument, i live in the USA so what advice can you give me?

love your videos and thx again for the help!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

You can get an all-solid SK-35 soprano for around that price. If you want a tenor it would have to be a solid top TK-20. Both are great instruments.

[zachmilford]

tenor or concert which one should i get?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I would get get a tenor, but that's just me.

[zachmilford]

yeah i just dont know if i want a low g one though

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The best thing to do is ask yourself why you would want a low G. That's why I always play re-entrant.

[heymelbs]

I see that the 35 comes in matte and gloss finish, explain the difference in sound.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

There is no detectable difference.

[heymelbs]

There aren't a lot of online dealers in the USA that carry the Ohana and those that have them seem to have limited stock. Any recommendations where to purchase.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I was at Island Bazaar two days ago. They have lots in stock. Otherwise try Elderley or MGM.

[joshwgrr]

Hi Ken, great review, I was wondering have you ever come across the Ohana TK-35CEQ? I am thinking of buying one from ebay but can't seem to find this uke anywhere else online. I am looking for a solid wood tenor uke with a pick-up. I also live in Australia.

cheers

josh.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I am afraid there is no such uke, Josh. There is a TK-20CE (solid top, laminate back and sides, EQ) and there is a TK-35CG (all solid, gloss with cutaway).

[joshwgrr]

Hi Ken, yes I couldn't find it anywhere but the supplier informs me that it is exclusive to Australia. I have actually just bought it so I hope it exists ; ) I questioned the seller Music City Cairns and they replied ' the Ohana TK35CEQ is exclusive to Australia. So yes, the pickup and cutaway was done by Ohana. Specs are same as TK35(CG)'. I'll let you know what it's like when I receive it.

[HLCamacho]

What do you reccomend for a beginnner? Tenor or Soprano? Sorry, I'm really dumb with these things.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

That's a hard one. try both sizes and go for the one that you like the feel of. If you are mainly going to play pop/rock and sing along, maybe go for the tenor. The soprano is great for instrumentals of every type.

[erazzzzz]

I own the 25G Same uke basically. I noticed the action was a little high too. I replace the Aquila strings and that lowered it a bit.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

A little too high is probably good. Most people want the action too low and they get no tone from the instrument.

[xmailinhh]

how did you lower the action? im considering buying this uke in a matte finish

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Don't assume the action needs lowering. It probably won't. But I just sanded the underside of the saddle.

[dmh200]

do u recomend this uke for beginners ?!?!?!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, I think so.

[headonz]

My Ohana TK-35G arrived two days ago.Sounds and looks identical to yours,quality control must be ok.Very happy with it.May go for the Worth BM strings eventually but just cant put it down ,even to change the string haha !

Feels very fragile after my 11.8lb banjo though !!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Congrats. They are a well-built uke. Enjoy.

[teclo64]

Thanks for this. I have an Ohana SK-35 which were shipped with Aguila strings, and I've often wondered if I should replace them with strings which might provide a bit more mellow tone.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I am very happy with the Worth BM strings that I have put on.

[jblackbath]

Thanks for your reply!

Then on another note, have you ever laid your hands on a Kamaka ukulele (a tenor one to be more specific- Kamaka is from hawai'i)?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, I haven't.

[jblackbath]

Allright, well I think you covered it pretty well! Do you only do reviews on ukes? Have you ever reviewed a russian Balalaika (Prima type)?

Thanks!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, I only review ukes.

[Tieffelin]

Very great review, thanks for all.

I first bought a sopra uke, a Brüko n°6 (thanks to you) and now i'm searching for a tenor uke. I must admit that that one sounds pretty good. I hesitate with a cheaper model from Ohana, the TK-20 but since 'im going to the Paris Uke Fest i think that i'll try the two models before i decide!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I will be at the Paris show. Come and find me.

[Lucyisafish]

I'm glad you've done this, I was looking at this Uke in particular as I hope to get a tenor soon.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Excellent. there is now a new cutaway version too.

[prompen3]

That Uke looks beatuifull, and it sounds good too!

Got to see if i an get a hold on one of these here in Norway....

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I don't think you can. Your best place is either MGM (US) or JusteCordes (France).

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

You could also speak to Jam in Stockholm and see if they will order one for you.

[galvanize123]

can you tune a baritone ukulele to GCEA? (standard uke tuning)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Not with normal gauge strings on it. Put some light gauge tenors on it and there shouldn't be a problem. I don't think it would sound good though.

[galvanize123]

how bad would the sound quality be? vv

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It wouldn't be a bad sound, but it would be better at the pitch it was designed for.

[ngrck]

OK , U GOT ME. I'M GOING TO BUY AN OHANA.

BUT WHAT'S BETTER? THE TK-35G OR THE TK-50G?

the price is the same but the tk-50g is not solid wood...

but they say that the 50G is Ohanas most popular ukulele...

mmm... hard time

can u help me decide?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, both of these are all solid woods. I prefer the TK-35G myself. It is the SK-50WG that has laminate back and sides.

[ngrck]

and bye the way how's the new model OHANA TK-50G Rosewood Cedartop Tenor Ukulele? it looks good...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is very good. It has a lovely mellow sound. I have one myself. Check out my review.

KEN

[ngrck]

hey ken,

i see from musicguymic store there are new models of ohana ukuleles thats looks very good.

the new models don't have the action problems?

you have a good solid wood tenor (without an action problem) to recommed

me? (around 300$) thank you friend!!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I would go for the 35G. It is my favourite Ohana. All ukuleles have a possible high action problem. Better to be too high than too low though.

[ngrck]

aloha ken!

i very much enjoy your reviews, and ive learend very much from them.

i have a hard time to decide what ukulele to buy... in one hand this nice ukulele has an action problem that im very affraid of it..

on the second hand theres the KALA KOA TENOR UKULELE KA-KT thats look very nice... can you help me decide? thank you!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

You have to remember that I now work for Ohana. However, this Ohana instrument is solid wood - the Kala is all laminate (plywood). There is no contest really.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think you may be right. I'd not noticed, but I never use them anyway.

[MikeLXXXVIII]

was the first intro melody intentionally to sound like Beirut? because thats his song :P

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Probably.

[Pixotv]

Hi djangobass,

quick question, did you but the uke from "the ukelele shop" in the uk?. Would you recommend it?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes I did. I would very much recommend them.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

My pleasure.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

If if it not playable you need to send it back. I can't really advise you what to do because I don't know what exactly is wrong with the action.

I agree, the buyer should not have to do the quality control. I was disappointed with my 35G (the one reviewed here) because the action was "unplayably high".

[tomjcampbell]

Hi Ken. Thanks very much for the review. Really good! I'm looking for some advice. Have you ever played the ohana ck-25? Is it just the gloss that differs between the ck25 and the ck35g? and would you recommend ohana over kala? sorry for all the questions! Thanks.

Tom

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I have not played that model but it should sound the same. Kala look better, but that is mainly because most are made from laminate. Ohana sound better.

[tomjcampbell]

Ok thanks very much for the advice. Oh and I love the song How Great Thou Art! It sounds really good with the uke in this video, even tho it's only a short segment of the song.

Thanks again.

Tom

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

TK35G

[UkuleleKorea]

Hi Ken thank you for your great reviews always very helpful. Im just wondering Ohana TK35G's nut width.. 3.4cm or 3.8cm? for me the neck width is important. thanks again.

[imasfood]

Your review is great and i want a further suggestion. I have about 80$ and Iam looking to but my first ukulele. I have been looking at Kala and some Ohana uke's. I dont know which to get and dont want to be ripped off. Help!

[KenMiddletonGuitar]

Either a Kala or an Ohana would be great as a first ukulele. My advice is to get a concert sized instrument.

KEN

[sjpetry]

I just purchased this ukulele, based on your review, and would like to know which D'Addario strings you recommend. Thank you for your help and the great videos.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Just the regular D'Addario nylon strings would be fine. However, I have replaced the Aquila strings with the brown Worth BT strings and these I would recommend.

[jcrowcroft]

Thanks for this - really useful.

Thinking about buying one (but worried about the high strings position...)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Don't be too worried. A solid instrument and they are terrific value for money. Not all instruments will have a high action. In any case, the same applies to all factory ukes. The saddle is easy to adjust and the nut is rarely a problem.

KEN

[giacconejt]

What did you end up doing about the high action?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sanded down the saddle from underneath. Did the same with the nut. Glued the nut back on with a tiny drop of super-glue.

[japoofry]

Hi Ken thank you for all the reviews, and in your opinion, (having tested so many) which one is your favourite out of all of them so far??? Do you have a favourite wood??

[SeminoleSnare123]

This is a great review!

I just bought an Ohana SK-20 Soprano Ukulele and I can't wait to get into playing it! They make a quality instrument.

[bowchikawahwah1234]

How many instruments can you plat sir?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I don't know. Quite a lot, I think.

KEN

[bowchikawahwah1234]

Oh well, you are VERY good on the piano.

[Ukemin]

I didn't expect you to play Beirut at the end, that was a pleasant surprise. And for the action being "unplayably high", you did a fine job playing!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I have fixed the action now and it is much easier to play. In fact, I use this ukulele for most of my recent videos.

Thanks for the interest and positive comments.

KEN

[droctagon17]

Hey, thanks for the great review. I took a lot of what you said into consideration before buying my first ukulele. But I finally ordered the same Ohana you have from musicguymic on ebay, and he's going to lower the action for free!  Can't wait to hear how it sounds.

[lizbethmeg]

As always, I find your video reviews informative, entertaining, and musically delightful. Thanks for sharing on a number of ukuleles, various brands and prices. I hpe you'll continue. By the way do you have a personal favorite among your own ukes?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The one I am using most of the time at the moment is the Ohana. It is not the best sounding, or the easiest to play. It is also the cheapest. It just feels right.

KEN

[lizbethmeg]

Yeah, I had a feeling you were playing the Ohana. Funny how it sometimes just works that way. Thanks for your reply.

[furkilele]

hello mister.

firstly i want to thank you for your work.

i want to buy this nice ukulele too and wanted to ask you weather this ukulele is good.cause im 15 and have to collect money for longt time to buy a ukulele like this^^

so would you mr. say that it would be clever to pay 200 euros for this ukulele???

greets, furkan

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, it is very good to play. I use this one a lot.

KEN

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, they are not friction pegs. They may be Gotoh, I don't know, but they are geared.

Thanks

KEN

[droctagon17]

On the specs of the instrument on ebay and other websites, it says "GOTOH friction pegs."

[droctagon17]

Not sure if someone already said this but the tuner pegs are GOTOH friction pegs.

[shuckslbj]

Whoa, is that Beirut you're playing at 7:57?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think so, I don't know much about them. Iv'e watched one of their videos a few times. They are good.

KEN

[timvdstaak]

good reviews ken,

are you ever going to revieuw a baritone ukulele?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, but I will need to buy one first. Maybe later this year.

KEN

[timvdstaak]

Hi ken,

could you tell me what would be a better purchase,

- a koa concert ukulele (all koa, not solid)

or a

- all solid mahogany soprano ukulele

what instrument should give the best sound of those?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Personally I would always go for an all solid instrument. Koa is not a better sound than mahogany, just different. Koa undoubtedly looks better though. However, I would prefer a concert rather than a soprano.

I don't know if this helps but why not think about solid mahogany concert? I would definitely not go for a laminate instrument over a solid wood one though. Solid wood should always give a better sound than laminate.

Hope this helps.

KEN

[timvdstaak]

yea i thought so too, but i'dd also like to know what you think of the sound of a concert ukulele for example with Spruce top and a Rosewood body, did you ever consider buying such a ukulele?

[GUGUG]

interesting and thorough review. I think ive got aquila on my bushman sprano. maybe i'll try different ones cos they sound harsh, thanks.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

A few days ago, after doing some surgery on this uke to fix the saddle and nut, I put a new set of brown worth string on it. I have to say that they sound really good. They give it a more traditional, softer, more mellow sound. It isn't as bell-like and loud as the Aquila, but I prefer it. I know that Worth strings sound really good on a mahogany soprano.

KEN

[UkuCouS]

Hey Ken, thanks for the review !

By the way try guitar strings D'Addario EJ44 on your Kanile'a Tenor, they fit perfect on mine !

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for the tip. KEN.

[UKISOCIETY]

Great review. As for the action, I go thru a dealer who fixes the action before I get the instrument. So - no worries for me when I get it. I dearly love my Ohana sopranino and may someday buy a soprano and concert and never add to my uke collection again. EVER!

Maybe... :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Alan.

[TeleTubeee]

I always enjoy your uke reviews, Ken.

Thanks,

Doug

Oakland, California

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you Doug.

KEN.