KoAloha KCNP-00 Naupaka Solid Hawaiian Mango and Koa Concert Ukulele w/Hard Case #0421_02

The KoAloha naupaka concert ukulele took my breath away when I first opened the box. I am in utter disbelief that it has been more than 3 years since KoAloha produced a run of naupakas for us because the feeling when you see one in front of you is so visceral.

The half koa, half mango wood design is not just a cosmetic gimmick, although it looks absolutely astonishing. Koa is used on the bass side to give the sound power and richness (which is in the KoAloha DNA in spades) and mango is used on the treble side to give that beautiful, peaceful, floaty sweetness that mango wood is good at. The resulting sound is extraordinary, probably a little more restrained than the all koa models but in a good way; the natural flamboyance and character that you expect is still there in abundance, but perhaps with a little more poise and refinement.

Interestingly, part of the inspiration behind the naupaka model is the naupaka flower itself which grows two different ways on the islands of Hawaii. One type grows in higher elevation and the other thrives near the ocean. Despite never growing in the same place they both have a look as half a flower and each piece completes the puzzle. Much like the tonal relationship between Hawaiian koa and Hawaiian mango, when you put them together, the tonal spectrum is complete.

In the hand, there is nothing finer. This concert ukulele is lightweight but with a solid body, very slinky, sensuous feeling neck. On the ear you'll struggle to find something more pleasing!

Specification:
Hawaiian koa and Hawaiian mango body
CNC-shaped sapele neck
TUSQ(tm) nut and saddle
KoAloha 5-pointed crown headstock
17-fret fretboard, joined at the 13th fret
Ebony fretboard and bridge
Friction tuners
KoAloha’s patented “Musubi” soundhole
High gloss finish
TGI ABS Hard case included
37mm nut width