Kiwaya KM-KS (Koa Master series styled after the KTS-7) and KTS-6 with Aquila Nylgut Strings

I've tried to make this comparison "Apples to Apples" as much so as possible. The same song and the same strings and the same mistakes... ; )

I do hope this will give you the ability to judge for yourself between the two instruments.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ukulele
• Kiwaya
• Koa
• Mohagany

[nsteck]

Thank you for doing a comparison video of the two! I always wanted a Martin 3M but can't afford one, so I looked at the KTS-7, but I actually think I prefer the sound of your koa model. Great video and playing!

[pawpawsailor]

@nsteck Thanks for listening! I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Kiwaya ukulele's. The KTS series will all sound and play great. Any of them will compare favorably with most of the vintage Martin's and I think will surpass the modern ones. If price is a concern, I'd go with a KTS-5 or KTS-6. The KOA master series are hard to find. Only a few are made each year as quality wood is increasingly more difficult to obtain.

[Flintox]

Nice review. The reference of this model is KMS-7K. I own the #001.

[pawpawsailor]

@Flintox - Thanks! There seems to be some confusion concerning the proper designation for this series of Ukuleles. Musicguymic listed it as a K-3. The internal label identifies it as a KM-KS. It certainly appears to be a KTS-7 made in Koa.

[Flintox]

On my label : KMS-7K

But because it is handwritten I guess it may exist other variations ;-)

[pawpawsailor]

@Flintox Based on the e-mail I received from the distributor, five sopranos and one concert ukulele's were made for the Winter 2010 NAMM show in California. All of them were of Koa wood and otherwise alike. I really appreciate you pointing out the variance in the model designations. That is information that could prove useful at some point in the future should someone wish to trace the instruments history.

[wininboy]

@ukulelepe I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Kiwaya dealer in Belgium?! Where can I try these Kiwayas?

[pawpawsailor]

@Nealpaisley - Thanks Neal, I've been enjoying your excellent videos. Might I ask why you no longer have the KTS-7? Just curious! I do enjoy playing both Kiwaya's but I tend to pick up the KM-KS Koa first... I'm amazed every time I get the KTS-6 out, at how feather-light it is. "Torn between two ukes... etc."

[pawpawsailor]

@ukulelepe - Thanks! I love the Kiwaya's. The quality is outstanding.

[pawpawsailor]

@ukuleleduccio - Thanks!