The Hawaiian word, kanilea translates to “joyful sound.” This is true of the ukuleles that come from Kanilea Ukuleles. The makers of the ukuleles work under the super vision of Master Luthier Joseph Souze. Based in Kaneohe, Hawaii, this company manufactures standard-grade and professional-level instruments for performances.
Kanilea Ukuleles are made with air dried lumber. By using this traditional way of seasoning the wood, the tonal characteristics unique to different woods can be heard more distinctively. The company produces ukuleles in a variety of different woods, including sitka, spruce, walnut, maple, myrtle, mango, rosewood, purple heart and cocobolo. The standard wood that is used for these ukuleles, however, is koa.
Every wood component used in Kanilea Ukuleles is created and fitted by the craftspeople in the company shop. Each wood used in the manufacturing process is hand-selected to guarantee the best tone and aesthetic result for the instrument.
The design elements of these instruments can be customized to your liking. A “slanted” headstock is an option. This option can change the cut and shape to appear like the headstocks seen on most electric instruments. Stringing options are also available. All instruments manufactured by Kanilea Ukuleles can be fitted with a “G” string in the forth course. Doing this allows depth in sound, and this course can be tuned one octave lower if you choose. This is noticeable on open-cords when the instrument reaches its full resonance and body.
The 6- and 8-string variations of this manufacturer’s instruments have carbon fiber rods embedded in the neck. This increased the strength of the nice and improves the tone of the instrument. With the exception of the baritone and soprano ukuleles, Kanilea Ukuleles can be manufactured as multiple string variations. Prices vary on these instruments depending on what grade instrument you are interested in.
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