Ana'Ole ASH Hapa Solid Koa/Mango Soprano Ukulele Made in Hawaii #25300323

This solid Hawaiian koa and mango soprano ukulele from Ana'Ole is brought to you straight from Hawaii. If you've always dreamed of owning an authentic Hawaiian ukulele but want to avoid the big brands, this is for you. We're so excited to bring this incredible ukulele brand to a European market that does so well in Honolulu, Kaikoloa and the far East.

Ana'Ole means immeasurable in Hawaiian. We can't help but agree when we consider the value for money you get with this stunning ukulele. This model, the Hapa, is made with solid koa and mango wood, which is not just a treat for the eyes, but for the ears too.

The koa brings a lovely crispness to the attack, and a nice brightness to the trebles, whilst the mango gives a lovely creamy mellowness to the lower register, combining to make a very lovely, rich and clear sounding soprano that barks like a soprano should when you want it to, but can sound floaty and relaxed as well.

The sound and vibe is very similar to many older Kamaka ukuleles we have seen. The finish is also very reminiscent of years gone by too with an almost waxy high gloss finish that reminds us of KoAloha pre-2012 or 1970s Kamakas.

I can see many customers comparing these to Pono ukuleles at a similar price and walking away with the Ana'Ole. It offers something a bit more unique with rustic charm. The waxy finish can make the instrument appear older than it is but the important thing is the way in which the gloss finish works with the tone woods. 

The price of these instruments is much lower than the K brands not because they sound inferior (quite the opposite in fact, they sound stunning!) but because not a huge amount of time is spent on the finishing. So, cosmetic issues with the finish are to be expected - some runs in the gloss, drying marks and pockmarks where the nitrocellulose finish has sunk into the open pores of the wood are common. No grain filler is used on these ukes, which goes towards the sound being as good as it is, but be aware that this comes at a cost to the finish. You have to overlook small cosmetic issues with Ana'Ole instruments - they are such stunning value for money, but they are a little rough around the edges.

Pictures show actual instrument you will receive.

There really isn't anything to say about Ana'Ole except where have you been all my life?

Specification:

ASH Hapa soprano model
Solid Hawaiian Koa/Mango top, back and sides
Kiawe fretboard and bridge
35mm nut width, with 28.5mm G to A string spacing
345mm scale length
Bone nut and saddle
Sapele neck, gloss finish
Open geared Grover tuners
Fluorocarbon high G GCEA strings
Nitro cellulose high gloss finish over open pore