Kanile'a K-1 ST 17'' PRO Hawaiian Koa Super Tenor Ukulele #28819

In 2025, Kanile'a revised and have relaunched the entire Kanile'a Hawaiian Ukulele catalogue, abolishing the decade old Koa grading system and instead simplifying the various options available to the 'Natural' (basic Hawaiian Koa, satin finish), 'Core' (deluxe Koa with traditional spec and gloss finish) and finally the PRO series which offer upgraded black tusq nuts, side sound ports, Kanile'as TRU reduction body thinning and serve to produce a truly professional ukulele that features all of Kanile'as recent innovations on one instrument.

Kanile'a make some of the finest ukuleles on the sunny island of Oahu. Their instruments have incredible finishes, really second to none, and they possess incredible poise, both physically and sonically. The K-1T has been to many the ultimate Hawaiian Tenor with gorgeous wood but not too many striking and expensive cosmetic upgrades... The Hawaiian standard got a new make over recently with new upgraded bracing, ebony face plates and pearl inlays replacing the beach sand. Kanile'a also introduced two Super Tenor options - What's a Super Tenor? 

I'm glad you asked - the Super Tenors have enlarged bodies with wider stretched lower bouts that create a more open and airy sound. Slightly less sleepy and bright and a bit more direct in sound. The real innovation with the Super Tenor design is the option to have either a standard 17'' scale length (Tenor neck) or a larger 19'' scale (equates to Tenor and Baritone scale). This model, the 17", has Tenor scale, but a richness and warmth in that nice direct sound that it makes. Will take a Low G exceptionally well!

This PRO model benefits from the Kanile'a 'TRU reduction' technology. The top is thinned in key areas to produce more vibration and sustain as well as reducing the weight. Before 2025, this was only available on the top end Platinum model; the TRU reduction process thins out select areas of the top allowing the instrument to vibrate more freely. This model also benefits from the upgraded TUSQ black nut and saddle which is a premium synthetic material Kanile'a have used on custom shop models for a few years. As a standalone upgrade, this material can add as much as 10% on to the price of a new instrument but boy does it work. The whole instrument resonates like it's singing back at you. Finally, the side sound port is a winning feature - enabling the player to get the full benefit on all of the refinement Kanile'a have actioned on these instruments.

Spec:
Premium Hawaiian Koa Body
Ebony Fret Board and Bridge
White pearl position dots
South American mahogany neck
Rounded back
Ebony Bridge Pins
TRU Reduction
Side Sound Port
Chrome Geared Grover Tuner Keys
UV Gloss finish
Black Tusq Nut and Saddle
Worth Clear Strings with GHS wound Low G
38mm nut width
17" Tenor scale length
Kanile'a Deluxe Padded Gigbag
Updated TRU-R Bracing

They feel so light in the hand, thanks to very clever bracing and beautifully refined, high quality thin wood being used. Everything on the bodies is designed to maximise vibrations - the "touch and release" bracing allows the top to ring for longer, the internal binding top the top and back is as minimal as possible without compromising structural integrity, and the wood is very carefully selected for the correct grain properties which allows the soundwaves to be created. And everything is put together by master craftsmen, who love what they do, and this shows.