Kanile'a Islander Ukuleles history & Kanilea Ukulele Australia
Founded in 1998 in Hawaiiby Master Luthier, Joseph Souza, Kanile'a 'Ukulele specializes in building professional grade Ukulele instruments for the serious ukulele player.
Famous for their beautiful woods like Curly Koa, each handcrafted Ukulele is hand-crafted by a master Hawaiian ukulele builder using the highest grade, perfectly-seasoned Koa wood, and every Kanilea Ukulele is scaled for perfect intonation and playability. Kanilea Ukulele make all kinds of ukes too, including various concert ukulele, baritone ukulele, curly Koa 5-string tenor ukulele, Koa Super Tenor Electric Ukulele and more!
Admired by ukulele makers, and featuring in some of the world's most famous ukulele articles, Kanilea Ukulele is actually the sister company of Joe Souza brainchild Islander' Ukulele. Kanile`a means “Joyful Sound”, and with a more relaxed approach to life, Kanilea's mission is for you to experience this joyful sound tooy, as a reflection of the Hawaiian Islands that the Kanilea team call home.
Kanile’a is hands-down one of the popular, durable ukulele builders that look beautiful, sound amazing, and are good value for custom acoustic instrument all across the line.
Here are some of our favourite Kanile'a Ukes!
Are Kanile'a Ukuleles good value in Australia?
Absolutely! If you are looking for a premium Uke, each Kanilea is a first class Ukulele using premium grade, well-seasoned woods. Each instruments is what we'd call a deluxe instrument, meticulously built by skilled craftsmen in state-of-the-art, humidity monitored facilities in Kāne`ohe, Hawai`i. It's this approach to custom instruments building that allows Kanilea Ukulele to balance “Traditions and Technology”. As exceptionally well-crafted instrument, every`’ukulele includes a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee with an industry leading lifetime warranty.
Joe and Kristen Souza lead the master builder team in thie humidity controlled workshop in Kaneohe, with their team of craftsmen. Kanilea Ukulele also recently acquired a large forest area on the Big Island, and they are currently planting Koa trees and using fallen trees for their selection of excellent wood. Kanile’a really has an advantage when it comes to woods, with amazing Koa available all the times with rich tones, gorgeous looks, the hardest part is choosing from the hundreds of different Kanile’a models! aAnd they always introduce more.
Here's why we here at Colemans Music Melbourne, Lynbrook and online Ukulele stores think Kanilea Ukuleles are great value:
- All hand-selected straight grain Koa bodies
- Solid and perfectly-seasoned mahogany necks
- Dark ebony fingerboards, bridges, bridge pins and head plates
- Lovely and stable chrome Kanile`a open geared tuners
- NuBone nut and saddle for resonance
- Stunning mother-of-pearl position markers and Kanilea logo
- UV cured finish for optimal durability
- Cases included with all Uke's!
Which famous artists use Kanile'a Ukuleles?
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Jake Shimabukuro: Known as the "Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele," Shimabukuro has been playing Kanile'a ukuleles for many years. He's known for his virtuosic fingerstyle playing and has released multiple albums featuring his playing.
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James Hill: A Canadian musician who plays classical and folk music on the ukulele, Hill is also a Kanile'a player. He's known for his creative arrangements and has released several albums and instructional materials.
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Taimane Gardner: A Hawaiian musician who combines traditional Hawaiian music with rock and classical styles, Taimane has been playing Kanile'a ukuleles for many years. She has performed all over the world and has released multiple albums.
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Brittni Paiva: A Hawaiian musician who specializes in fingerstyle ukulele and is a Kanile'a player. She has released multiple albums and has been performing for many years.
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Aldrine Guerrero: Aldrine Guerrero is a Kanile'a player and a YouTube personality, He is the founder of Ukulele Underground, a website and YouTube channel that provides ukulele lessons and resources.
These are just a few examples of famous artists who use Kanile'a ukuleles, and there are many more out there. If you're interested in learning more about Kanile'a ukuleles or ukulele music in general, you can check out the websites and social media accounts of these and other artists to get a sense of their playing and what they're all about.
What styles of music are Kanile'a Ukuleles good for?
If you're considering purchasing a Kanile'a ukulele, you might be wondering what styles of music it's good for. Here are a few examples of the types of music that Kanile'a ukuleles are commonly used for:
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Hawaiian music: Kanile'a ukuleles are made in Hawaii and are used by many musicians who play traditional Hawaiian music.
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Fingerstyle: Kanile'a ukuleles are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and are often used by fingerstyle players.
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Jazz: Ukulele can be used in a jazz context, Kanile'a ukuleles are known for their clear, warm tone and are well-suited to jazz music.
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Pop: Ukuleles are often used in Pop music, Kanile'a ukuleles are versatile and can be used for a wide range of pop music styles.
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Classical: The Ukulele is not typically associated with classical music, but Kanile'a ukuleles are used by some musicians who play classical music on the instrument.
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Folk: Kanile'a ukuleles are used by many musicians who play folk music, and are well-suited for fingerstyle arrangements of folk songs.
It's worth noting that the ukulele is a versatile instrument, and a good ukulele player can make it sound great in different genres. Kanile'a ukuleles are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, so they can be used in a variety of musical styles.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if a Kanile'a ukulele is a good fit for you is to try one out for yourself and see how it feels and sounds to you. If you're interested in purchasing a Kanile'a ukulele, you can visit the company's website or contact a local music store that carries their instruments to learn more about them and try one out for yourself.
What lines of Kanile'a Ukuleles are there in Australia?
Kanile'a is a Hawaiian based company that specializes in crafting high-quality ukuleles. They offer a variety of lines of ukuleles that cater to different players' preferences and skill levels. Here are a few examples of the lines of ukuleles that Kanile'a offers:
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K-Series: The K-Series is their flagship line of ukuleles. These ukuleles are made with all solid koa wood, which is a traditional wood used for Hawaiian ukuleles. They offer a wide range of models, including soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone sizes, and they feature a beautiful, warm tone and excellent craftsmanship.
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K-1 TENOR: The K-1 TENOR is a more affordable line of all solid koa tenor ukuleles. These ukuleles are designed for the beginner and intermediate players, who want to experience the sound of solid koa without breaking the bank.
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S-Series: The S-Series is a line of ukuleles that feature a spruce top and koa back and sides. They offer a bright, clear tone and are well-suited to fingerstyle playing.
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I-Series: The I-Series is a line of ukuleles that feature an all-koa wood construction but with a more affordable price point. These ukuleles are perfect for beginner and intermediate players who want to experience the sound of solid koa without breaking the bank.
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L-Series: The L-Series is a line of ukuleles that feature a laminate koa wood construction. These ukuleles are perfect for beginner players and those who are looking for an affordable option that still has a beautiful sound and look.
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Custom Ukuleles: They also offer the possibility of customizing your ukulele, allowing you to choose from a wide range of woods, finishes, and other options to create a unique instrument that is tailored to your preferences and needs.
These are just a few examples of the lines of ukuleles that Kanile'a offers, each line has its own features and prices range. To get more information and details about the different lines, you can visit the Kanile'a website or contact a local music store that carries their instruments.
What other products does Kanile'a Ukuleles make?
Kanile'a is a company that specializes in crafting high-quality ukuleles, but they also offer a few other products that might interest you. Here are a few examples of the other products that Kanile'a offers:
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Ukulele Cases: They offer a variety of cases designed specifically for their ukuleles. These cases provide excellent protection for your instrument and make it easy for you to transport it.
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Ukulele Straps: They also offer straps for ukulele, which allows you to play your ukulele while standing up, and makes it easier to play for an extended period of time.
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Ukulele Strings: They offer a variety of strings options, they are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and are well-suited to their ukuleles.
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Ukulele Accessories: They also offer a variety of accessories, such as tuners, picks, and other items that can help you get the most out of your ukulele.
It's worth noting that the selection of products may vary depending on the location and availability, and the company may introduce new products or discontinue some of them. To get more information and details about the different products, you can visit the Kanile'a website or contact a local music store that carries their instruments.
Where are Kanile'a Ukuleles made?
Kanile'a Ukuleles are made in Hawaii, specifically in the island of Oahu. The company was founded in 2000 by Joe and Kristen Souza, and since then, they have been building high-quality ukuleles that are inspired by the Hawaiian culture.
Kanile'a is committed to using the finest materials and traditional methods to build their ukuleles, which is why they decided to set up their workshop in Hawaii. The company is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is reflected in the quality of the ukuleles they produce.
Their ukuleles are handcrafted by a team of experienced luthiers, who take great care to ensure that each instrument meets the company's high standards. The woods used to make these ukuleles are sourced from Hawaii and other Pacific islands, which gives the ukuleles a unique sound and character.
In summary, Kanile'a Ukuleles are made in Hawaii, in the island of Oahu, where the company was founded, by a team of experienced luthiers who use traditional methods and the finest materials sourced from Hawaii and other Pacific islands to craft high-quality ukuleles.
What materials are Kanile'a Ukuleles made from?
If you're considering purchasing a Kanile'a ukulele, you might be wondering what materials they are made from. Here are a few examples of the materials that are commonly used to make Kanile'a ukuleles:
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Solid Koa: The K-series and S-series ukuleles are made of solid koa wood, which is a traditional wood used for Hawaiian ukuleles. Koa is known for its beautiful figuring, warm tone and its ability to produce a rich, complex sound.
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Spruce: Some models in the S-Series feature a Spruce top, which provides a bright, clear tone, and it's well-suited to fingerstyle playing.
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Laminate Koa: The L-series ukuleles are made of laminate koa wood, which is a more affordable option that still has a beautiful sound and look.
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Other woods: They also offer custom Ukuleles, allowing you to choose from a wide range of woods, such as Mahogany, Acacia, and more to create a unique instrument that is tailored to your preferences and needs.
It's worth noting that the selection of woods used may vary depending on the location and availability, and the company may introduce new materials or discontinue some of them. To get more information and details about the different materials used, you can visit the Kanile'a website or contact a local music store that carries their instruments.
What kinds of pickups do Kanile'a Ukuleless have?
Kanile'a Ukuleles are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, which includes the selection of the pickups they use. Here are a few examples of the types of pickups that Kanile'a ukuleles have:
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Passive Pickups: These pickups are installed in the ukulele without the need of batteries, they are known for their warm and natural sound, and they are simple and easy to use.
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Active Pickups: These pickups are installed in the ukulele with the use of batteries, they offer more control over the tone, and they provide a more powerful and consistent sound.
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Dual Pickups: Some models of Kanile'a Ukuleles feature dual pickups, which allow you to switch between the two types of pickups depending on the playing situation, this gives you more flexibility and options.
It's worth noting that the selection of pickups may vary depending on the location and availability, and the company may introduce new pickups or discontinue some of them. To get more information and details about the different pickups used, you can visit the Kanile'a website or contact a local music store that carries their instruments.
Which Kanile'a ukulele model to buy? Kanile'a ukuleles for sale Australia:
Expertly hand-crafted in Hawaii, Colemans Music stocks some of the most popular Kanile'a models. So whether you're just starting your ʻukulele journey or are a pro player looking for earthier tones, or a breadth of tone like no other, our specialised ukulele shops have it all. Every Kanile'a features individual designed element that are handpicked & hand-built, from the main Koa wood body to the tiny ornate pieces, so no two ukuleles are ever the same. The only similarities is that rich, deep yet bright, the perfectly balanced sound Hawaiian koa Kanile'a are famous for.
Coleman's Music has proudly been serving the ukulele community for years, sponsoring events like https://www.muf.org.au - Melbourne own Ukulele festival! We also stock Kanile’a `Ukuleles at some of the most affordable prices in Australia, and can help with custom-built ukuleles, built-to-order ukuleles, Uke accessories, sheet music and more.
Looking to buy a Kanile'a ukulele guitar online, or Kanile'a ukulele dealers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart or Australia?
No matter what model of Kanile'a ukulele you are looking to invest in, we think you'll love it! At Coleman's Music and uke shop online, Melbourne and Lynbrook, we're always keeping up with the latest Kanile'a news and models. If you would like to know what models are right for you, be sure to get in touch with Coleman's Music in Melbourne, Lynbrook or online on (03) 9799 5400 .
We also provide fast and secure shipping that arrives in 1-3 business days, and even more lay-by options and delivery options if you need it, just let us know!