Kanile'a D-1 PRO Premium Hawaiian Koa Tenor Ukulele #28814

Kanile'a took a step back at the end of 2024 and reviewed the companies well known wood grading system... To our surprise they took a broader look at the whole catalogue and changed many popular models for the first time and simplified each model into a Natural, Core or Pro specification.

The Natural series are simple with satin finishes and a more stripped back traditional ukulele personality, the Core series are the most similar to what they have done previously with TRU reduction bracing but a more standard Kanile'a spec. The Pro series were the ones that impressed us the most with several upgrades that Kanile'a say are the most requested add-ons in their custom shop.

The Pro series has Kanile'a's trademarked TRU reduction which is laser thinning on select points of the top to tune the instrument and offer more stability whilst allowing the top to vibrate more freely. A side sound port which allows the player to hear everything back as if they are the audience (particularly useful if you play in loud rooms).

The Pro-series also features a black TUSQ nut and saddle which as a standalone component can cost as much as an additional $120 when Kanile'a build them custom to order. The black TUSQ components create more sustain and volume. Finally, the Pro series ukes feature upgraded wood; premium or master grade koa selected for its curl, aesthetic quality (Kanile'a call is 'drama') and personality in the wood.

OK, so we covered what makes the Pro series tick; what about the uke itself? Well, the D-1 is a new model for 2025 that takes Kanile'a's popular offset soundhole and unique bracing pattern and applies them to the standard Hawaiian series for the first time. Previously, Kanile'a's D soundhole models were reserved for small run customs or platinum concept models. For 5 years; customers have been asking Kanile'a to produce a standard tenor ukulele with this feature and now they have.

The D series is braced to project the tone and sound the instrument produces projects upwards as well as outwards. Whilst, admittedly this feature is subtle; it definitely feels noticeable when you play delicately as the D-1 we have here has a bit more natural shimmer and sparkle than a K-1 model with a normal placed soundhole and bracing from the same batch.

The D-1 is the new Hawaiian standard and it's been 25 years in the making from Kanile'a! The Pro upgrades are a welcome addition to what is definitely a forever uke.

Listing shows the actual Kanile'a ukulele you will receive.

Specification:
Solid premium grade Hawaiian koa top back and sides
Ebony fingerboard and bridge
South American mahogany neck (satin finish)
UV gloss body
38mm nut width (30mm string spacing at nut)
TRU reduction
TRU-R bracing
White mother of pearl fret dots
Ebony faceplate with MOP K logo
Ebony bridge pins
Open Gear Kanile'a tuners
Unique bracing pattern with offset sound hole
Black TUSQ nut and saddle
Side port
Premium Kanile'a gigbag
PRO spec (first month of production)