Well, this KPT-1K from Kiwaya is a real powerhouse - like a koa ukulele on steroids! You do get a really nice balance across the strings, and a nice, even mid-range, with some gentle warmth feeding in - all things that I’d expect from koa. But you get everything with a volume that’s huge when you want it to be too, with each note singing out with excellent clarity.

Part of Kiwaya’s ‘strummer series’, made in Japan, the KPT-1K matches the mahogany instruments in the same range in its capacity to make that ‘strummer’ name seem silly. If anything, their modern sound is more adept at picking and chord melody than strumming. Not that it isn’t lovely to strum, but you can do a lot more. That said… if you wanted this as a strummer in your ukulele group, you’d certainly be able to hear yourself at all times!

The sleek looks of this tenor ukulele, with its pleasingly shaped headstock and slightly larger bottom bout, are all about the nicely grained koa rather than inlays and other distractions, with a flawless gloss finish too.

Good quality (well, very good quality) Grover geared tuners are fitted, as are Worth Brown strings, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The nut width is 37mm, which is slightly wider than I play but still comfortable I find, for someone used to average width like me.

For a video demo of the Kiwaya KPT-1K tenor ukulele in action, click additional info below.

For common accessories and customisations (like strap buttons / low G fitting) scroll down to the bottom of the page where you'll be able to add these common items to your basket.