A – All necks, for all models are made of quartersawn Mahogany. Mahogany has been accepted in stringed instrument manufacturing as the most stable and lightweight wood, the least likely to warp or twist due to variations in weather and humidity. Although pretty to look at, Koa is not as stable for necks.

A – We now have two different finishes. Either Satin or Gloss. They are both a high quality nitrocellulose lacquer, specially designed for stringed instruments.

A common question is which sounds the best. For many inexpensive guitars and ukuleles on the market this is a valid question, because a high gloss finish usually has too much lacquer built up to accomodate the necessary final wet sanding and buffing. But when applied professionally, namely very thin applications, all finishes will produce excellent tone and volume. For a technical description of our final finish thickness, satin is .02 and high gloss is .04. This may not make much sense to most players, but be assured that there are very few instruments makers anywhere achieving this standard in finishing. The result is virtually no hinderance to tone and volume.

A – Yes, although most customers prefer abalone shell, the rosette may be wood or shell.

A – A “tie” type of bridge is similar to a classical guitar, where the strings are fed through a small hole, looped around and tied in a knot. The “pin” bridge is similar to most steel string guitars, holes drilled through the bridge, into the body, and a bridge “pin” is then inserted to hold the string.

A – We select and cut the highest grade lumber for all models. But obviously for our less expensive models we will use less figured woods. Still pretty with good color, but we reserve highly figured and curly woods for our more expensive models.Koa is one of the most unusual of all instrument woods, with the widest variety of colors and grain patterns. The color of Koa can be light blonde, red, brown, and black, and a mixture of all of the above. And grain pattern is a simple straight select to magnificent premium curl. To answer the question, as regards Koa, for custom orders we will try to closely accommodate color requests, with no guarantee of exact matches, however at least close to “light, medium,or dark” requests.

A – Some inlays are standard on certain models, and others are custom ordered. All instruments have the Ko’olau logo inlay on the headstock faceplate.  But as a custom option the Ko‘olau logo can be different shell or stone material or on the fretboard instead of the faceplate. All fingerboards have pearl position dots. But again, as a custom option some prefer no fingerboard dots, and others want custom inlay designs on the fingerboard, custom inlays can be any design you want and we will work with you to make sure its however you envision it.  And inlay materials can be shell, stone, and various colored woods.

A – Ko‘olau guitars and ukuleles can be custom ordered And we have select music store dealers who sell our Ko‘olau models.

A – Construction time depends on the level of adornment.  The average time is 8 to 12 months to completion.

A – Call or email and we will discuss options and pricing.

A – Ko‘olau guitars and ’ukuleles are sold with a custom made Ko‘olau hardshell case, included in the cost of the instrument.
Ko‘olau Cases are very high quality, made of an arched top wood with the common black, leather like cover material, and a velvet velour interior, with nickel hinges and latches. Nickel is used because gold just looks good for a while, but tarnishes quickly. In addition to our standard hardshell case we also offer for an upcharge our Ameritage Ko’olau climate control cases.

A – Yes, any tenor or baritone model can be made with a cutaway body.

A – Yes, we have various amplification systems that can be installed in your instrument. The least expensive is the passive system, no preamp inside the instrument. We also install an Active Pickup system, made by L.R.Baggs. This active system has a tiny volume control wheel mounted for easy access just inside the soundhole. Another L.R.Baggs system has volume/tone controls mounted on the side of the instrument.

A – As with guitar strings, there many options, and many opinions as what is best. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of a different tone and volume, not necessarily quality. We currently have two different types of ‘ukulele strings.  Neither one is better, just different. 1. Ko’olau Mahana: clear nylon strings. Warm and mellow tone. 3. Ko’olau ‘Alohi: slightly different than nylon, our ‘Alohi strings are a monofilament material. Harder and more dense than nylon. Tone is brighter with stronger projection.

A – Fed Ex.  Most shipments are 2 day Express.