Kiwaya KPS-1K Solid Hawaiian Koa Strummer Series Soprano Ukulele

We've got nothing but time for this amazing strummer series Kiwaya soprano ukulele at the Southern Ukulele Store. Over the past couple of years a quiet revolution has been taking place at Kiwaya in Japan. Traditionally, we associate Kiwaya with making the best high end copies of vintage Martin and Co designs on the planet but out in the far east but this brand have a far reaching impact in their native region.

The new strummer series has taken all of that mojo and expertise and set about creating a series of ukuleles with a more modern aesthetic, modern cosmetic and practical appointments like the high gloss finish and a different neck shape that is slightly wider along with the wider nut width of 37mm.

Of the strummer series ukes, this Hawaiian koa example has the brighter, chimey - more bell like sound. The koa sound with high gloss has a natural healing ability on the soul, as you would expect. Compared to Artist series models like the KTS-4, the gloss finish really adds something to the sound making for a more vivaciously lively, sustaining instrument. It is everything you would want from a modern instrument when played all the way up the neck. I love it!

The Gotoh tuners feel lightweight but hard wearing and accurate. Very much an upgrade on the more commonly seen Grover tuners. Other details we are also really impressed with are the new neck shape and 37mm nut width. It gives the instrument a real Hawaiian/USA built feel to it but with Japan's precision and attention to detail. Finally, this soprano ukulele has Worth Brown strings fitted by Kiwaya which is a really elegant choice and an improvement on the strings used on the traditional Kiwaya models.

For a company that have always been associated with making excellent sopranos - this model continues to highlight what Kiwaya do best. Even taking a move away from the traditional models that made them famous, this makes a real statement that Kiwaya know what their players want from a more contemporary ukulele too.

Specification:
Solid Hawaiian koa top, back and sides
High gloss finish
Ebony fingerboard and bridge
Bone nut and saddle
Gotoh geared tuners
Worth Brown high G strings
37mm nut width
Made in Japan

Pictures show typical example. If you'd like some more information, please get in touch.