This is a one-off, brand new ukulele, made in Japan from all solid Hawaiian koa. It’s a one off as it is no longer produced. This is the only one of this model to come into the UK and part of an extremely limited run of instruments. The stylised 'K' on the headstock came out looking similar to the iconic headstock of Mya-Moe ukuleles, so Kiwaya only made a handful before stopping production. Cary at Mya-Moe and Kiwaya discussed this and agreed that the handful of ukes that were made could find new owners.

The KTS-3 is a lovely looking uke, with a traditional Hawaiian look - a look that is very popular in Japan (and elswhere of course!). It’s a lovely, light build, with the thin top giving a lovely resonance and a nice traditional-style soprano bark paired with sweet, long sustain from the Kiwaya fluorocarbon strings. It’s a lovely, golden tone, with pretty harmonics and an attractive shimmer.

This soprano ukulele has a 36mm nut width, and quite a flat neck profile that I find very comfortable, allowing me to arch my fingers round nicely for accurate fretting, making further up the neck feel more slick that it does (for me) normally with a soprano. It is also fitted with excellent Gotoh UPT rear facing geared tuners.

It’s a fine uke, with excellent materials and a lovely tone. It’s made in Japan and a good bargain for someone who wants something if not unique, then very rare indeed.