Got A Ukulele Reviews - Kiwaya KSU-1L Long Neck Soprano
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2018
- Got A Ukulele reviews and buyers guides looks at a new departure for Kiwaya with their KSU-1L Long Neck. Read the full review at www.gotaukulele.com/2018/07/k... Help support Got A Ukulele! www.patreon.com/user?u=671103...
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Great to see this Ukulele getting a 9.1 overall score. For all the solid wood snobs out there, as Baz always said, a good laminate Ukulele is better than a bad all solid wood Ukulele. Great review.
Indeed - this wipes the floor with certain solid wood sopranos that cost more than twice this price
What a great video! So pleased to see you grinning from ear to ear like I did. Having played some amazing and expensive ukuleles, I did wonder if the days had gone when I'd get so excited about such a modestly priced instrument! I got this at the same time as a big range of fantastic Kiwayas, but I couldn't keep my hands of these most of all as they were just outstanding at the price! It was the first time I considered doing a little dance since the aNueNue Moon Bird (thankfully, I restrained myself - not a good look!)
I heard you had the moves Matt!
It is a great joy to watch you do a review when you are reviewing an instrument that you really like! Plus you always play the ones you like more which is a real treat for us! I have this ukulele also and I love it too!
Thank you!!
I should add that I also appreciate your honesty in these reviews. You don't seem to be in anyone's pocket. Commendable.
Thanks Cliff - it's the only way the reviews can work - anything else is just advertising and can't be impartial
Mine arrived today and I agree with everything you've said. I love the sound and will be selling my solid Acacia and koa soprano. The playability is what has swung it for me. I want to pick this up and play it.
And that’s what matters! The best instrument is the one that makes you play it!
Thanks for the review, Barry.
I just received my Kiwaya Famous FS-5G (with friction tuners) only to find out that the online seller also carries the less expensive KSU-1 Long Neck. I didn't realize it during my browsing because the ukulele is shown in the pic with the Aloha box. I thought it was a kid's starter set.
Nonetheless, I am extremely happy with the FS-5G.
The sound of this is very pretty. Wow. I think it's quite nice, especially for that price. You are the best uke reviewer out there! Thank you!! All uke players ought to be smart enough to sub you. 😊👍🏻
Thanks so much - yes this one was quite the surprise. You wouldn't expect something so differently priced from Kiwaya to get it right - but it shows you that it can be done (and that other brands are cutting corners!)
@@GotAUkulele Oh, wow! Good point you make at the end!!! I think I just might add this model to my collection. :-)
Almost 500 views in 5 hours. Wowzer! I wish I had the funds to collect ukuleles but some things are not meant to be. Keep the reviews coming and the dreams alive. 😊👍🏻
Thank you!
Hi Barry
Great review, I just got the standard soprano from Mark Pugh @ Stones, what a really nice guy, and it is great.
Good volume do nice to play, you were absolutely right. Thanks again for what you do. Cheers. T
Thank you - enjoy it - remarkably good value!
Fantastic, Barry! Look at all the smiles on your face! Kiwaya has a sure winner! Thanks!
Sure is
Thanks so much, Barry. I was obsessively looking for a ukulele, one that wouldn't break the bank or cause me too much concern like my Kanile'a or my 1920s Martin -these instruments I'd rather not bring on trips. I was also looking for one that had the punch of a soprano, with volume, but the playability of a longer neck.
Your review was quite helpful in my decision making process. Very much appreciated. I couldn't find a dealer who had one in the US, so I ordered mine from the World of Ukes.
You are in safe hands with World of Ukes!
whoa - sounds lovely!
Wow barry i love this one,,i will order this one, this one that im looking for, soprano with wide neck,,love it,,
They are remarkable!
Real loud and bright sound. Thanks for this review, as always!
My pleasure!
I possibly have one incoming on Monday, thanks Barry. 👍
Good choice!
I love Kiwaya Ukulele =) Thanks again for this amazing review. Peace!
My pleasure!
I ordered the martin smith one a couple of days ago (cringe) and i’ve never played a ukulele but i knew it sounded weird. I just ordered this one which will be here soon. Thank you! so excited
Hey Barry. Thank you for your nice video one more time. Let me ask you please, in your opinion does it sound different the Kiwaya KSU-1 Soprano Ukulele? (i mean without long neck)
Sorry - not played the standard soprano myself.
Super review 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Couldn't resist! Have been looking for a good sounding, affordable long neck. This is the one! On order.
Yeah - ticks all the right boxes
Great review Barry! Had my eye on a Kala KA-SSLNG. Waiting for these to be available in the US so I can go after my first Soprano!
I'd definitely recommend this above the Kala - leagues better
Got one recently from World of Ukes. Can't put it down, especially after lowering the action some more. It's what a soprano should sound like, and the Martin styling, even without the friction pegs - classic. A real player.
Good ain't they?
Bought one. Love it.
Enjoy - they are terrific!
Not seen you so happy since the Ken Timms review. I'm selling my binoculars to get one of these.
Ha ha - at this price they are really a no-brainer
How do you rate this compared to other laminates like the Martin OXK/Bamboo? Thanks
Brent E. It’s not as good as the bamboo, but that’s a bit of an Unfair comparison - the bamboo isn’t laminate in this sense
I mostly play tenor but for some reason have been having an urge lately to have a soprano kicking about just to play certain things, after making a little short list I've came to your site to check them against your scores and it looks like I've found my soprano. For the price your going to struggle to get a better sound than that and for what I want it for I can live with the minor finishing flaws. It's a no brainer really. Thanks for your help.
chris quinn definitely. This punches well above its weight !
Do you have any experience with the KSU-1? I assume it should be similar to this model but with just the standard 12 fret soprano neck? I'm looking for a one and done, no fuss, quality uke to learn to play on and enjoying relaxing playing ukulele with my daughter. Thanks Barry! Best uke channel on youtube!
not played one, sorry. but I’m told very similar!
I see that this is not available in the US. I see it on the US auction site shipping from Japan. May have to go that route and just wait. A great sounding soprano uke, for sure!
Their supply lines are the worst thing about Kiwaya - they 'should' be available, but they go in and out..
i ordered mine today 146.00 shipped to usa from japan.a little bit excited for such a cheap ukelele but it sounds great to me as well .if only it had friction tuners would be perfect.thanks for turning me on to this one barry.good job
good choice!
from where did you buy it from?
if you just want the soprano standard not long neck ebay had them also about 100 dollars .
Isaac Moran world of ukes in the UK
Looking at ordering this model. Just wondering if you have any better recommendations than this at this time? I know your review was 4 years ago. I'm in the us and the price is 175 dollars witch is about 40 dollars more than what you paid years ago. Thanks.
Can only refer you to the full review list (linked below video) and look at highest scores - there's a LOT of them!
Hi Barry would it be easy to swap out the gears for friction pegs?
It would, though you would need to widen the peg holes with a reamer plus you would leave screw holes from the gears. All cosmetic though.
Baz, Can you recommend a gig bag or light case (capable of shoulder strap carry) that will fit this long neck soprano ukulele? I have lots of cases but none will fit. Well, my concert cases will accept the neck length, but the body bouts swim around in the oversized space.
BTW, I purchased this ukulele 3 or 4 years ago based on your review. Although mine has a very nice and good quality tone, it's it is anything but loud. It's really among the quietest ukuleles I have and I have more than I'd care to admit.
But my oldest adult daughter loves it; she's absolutely devoted to the soprano sound with the concert playability, so I gifted it to her and she's thrilled. Of course, I'd like to supply here with a case that fits reasonably well.
Really next to impossible to reliably advise you Paul - there are no real standard sizes for any ukes as lower bouts can differ as can widths, not just overall length. If it was me i'd be taking the dimensions overall and getting in touch with a reputable uke store and asking them to measure internals on their bags. I'd hate to advise you wrongly. Heck, i've bought 'regular' ukes and found they don't fit some cases which are also 'regular'!
@@GotAUkulele I've had the same experience.
But your advice is well taken; taking measurements and sending to some dealer/stores is what I'm going to do. Thanks
Just got one ☝️ I will be testing it out tomorrow. Let’s hope it’s good 👍 Got it . Fantastic sound love it
I love the Kiwaya brand myself
I'll presume the intonation is sufficient up and down and across the fretboard. That would be fantastic deal.
If I don't point out intonation issues in the video then safe to assume it's set up properly
How do you find the Kiwaya KCU-1 and the Anuenue C3?
Not played either I'm afraid
Is the normal soprano Ksu 1 as good
Same build quality - just a bit shorter in scale.
Thanks. Always great reviews. Nice work.
Does this long neck different with the Ks5 koa? Do you recommand the concert Kcu1?
Great job
Pou Gigi it’s different insofar as it’s made in a different country - but it’s the same dimensions. Not played a KCU1 I’m afraid
GotAUkulele thanks for the answer, grats of your Ks5 review i already have the Ks5 (thanks you again for your help , i love it)
I love Kiwaya, but can’t afford the high price
and i want to buy a new one maybe different size, so i wonder if this long neck Ksu1l is very different with the Ks5 (maybe if i change the string) or for a very different sound i would test the concert KCU and hope it is as good. :)
Thanks again
Hahha, could almost hide the joy at the start but not for long. Wonderful sound, lovely to play it seems. Maybe kala will take note.
Hope so
Great sound and awesome price. Must get my hands on one!
Off topic, has the Hora uke arrived?
No - they got in touch, I sent them my terms for reviews and never heard from them again.
Not a good sign !
Andy Dobbs no - and the terms are not onerous. Just about agreeing dates and asking them to sort shipping etc. Maybe they didn’t like the bit about me having total sat on what is written
*say
That's odd... Well I hope they do send it at some point.
Great to see you enjoying it so much. Now how can I justify spending 120 quid to the misses, mmmm?
Don't you just buy it, and then when it is spotted just say 'what? This old thing? Had it for years!'....
What about the normal soprano KSU-1? Just as good?
Absolutely
@@GotAUkulele Great! Thank you for replying and Happy Xmas! 😀 I just started learning. Completely newbie. My first and only uke is a Kala KA-15S. To me the Kiwaya you played sound so harmonious. Round warm sound. Will I hear the difference comparing to my little Kala?
LoL 1.37 your eyes on the tuners,know you don't like them.
But it have a nice sound.
Think it's a bit of a shame - the other cheap Japanese laminate Kiwaya's offer friction pegs - not the greatest pegs, but not terrible either (Gotoh Standards). Would be great to see them on these too. Still, that aside - this is a terrific ukulele.
Hi, I live in rural Japan. The Famous FS-1 you reviewed recently has been my beginner uke for a year or so. The Aranjuez strings you asked about may be named of Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo and covered on Miles Davis` classic with Gil `Sketches in Spain.` Finally living in rural Japan will pay off on a uke! It is usually a nightmare. There are two shops in my little town where I can order and purchase this Kiwaya KSU-1L Long Neck Soprano. One of the shops onIy sells Famous and Kiwaya Ukes. I dislike these tuners. Which friction tuners would you recommend for this one? I am going to buy it this weekend. Thanks for reviewing the two Kiwaya`s and the Famous. They needed some love:)
Interesting! For tuners - switching to Gotoh Deluxe friction pegs should be a straight swap. It’s what Kiwaya use on their high end stuff
Thank you! Have a great weekend.
Barry- I tried to make a donation but it said that paypal doesn`t take donations from Japan. I can`t afford the 59 pounds per month as a patron. Is it possible to lower the limit for a patron? Thanks for all the help!
robert bollert hiya - not sure why PayPal doesn’t work - the 59 for pAtreon is the total of all patrons so far - not an individual requirement. You can patreon one dollar if you like!
Paypal works for purchases from Japan. I bought something last night using paypal as my service. It just blocked me from a donation. I will try Patreon now with a lower limit! Cheers!
I like it! all the things you want in a uke practically. And the price yeah? 😎 🙌
Price is a TOTAL steal!
Can't find one for sale in the states?
I’m in the UK so dont know the US dealers. But they DO have US dealers. Presume any Kiwaya dealer should be able to source one - try here takumiukulele.com/find-a-dealer/
I spoke to Mike (McQueen?) at ukerepublic.com on August 23, 2018, he said to call him back in a month and he should be able to get them, 770-235-6606. He said I was the fifth person to call about this model recently. They are just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
Brilliant 👍👍
Thanks Stuart
PLEASE REVIEW THE Kmise - Ukulele 23 Inch Concert Ukulele Solid Spruce Rosewood
Yo Ma no chance - I have a fundamental issue with the way Kmise promote themselves. I want nothing to do with them
How is the action?
Karlos Ortiz perfect
GotAUkulele thanks for the great review, as usual. This might be then the time to finally buy that Kiwaya I've always wanted.
I don't think you will regret it
You might just have made Matt a sale..... 🤣
If it did - GOOD CHOICE!
Kiwaya/Famous keep calling my name. Now they make a really affordable one? Where’s my wallet?
Rick Henderson feel the same way! Gotta try one!
Sorry "so nice to play"
The family company Kiwaya is now bought buy Takumi. I'm not sure that even the made in Japan ukuleles are built by the people who gave Kiwaya it's good reputation any longer. I'm the happy owner of a real Kiwaya. As they even't tried to make this uke look like a Kiwaya i suppose it's a generic ukulele with a Kiwaya sticker. I't doesn't sound like a Kiwaya and I'm pretty shure it doesn't play like a Kiwaya. If you looking for a cheap uke it may be ok for a couple of months but it's very, very far from a 700 pounds family made Kiwaya. Sorry for my Swedish/English.
Takumi have owned them for a while now and I have played one of the latest Japanese solid Kiwayas - they are every bit as good as they used to be. I don't think this is generic at all though - if it was a re-badge off a Chinese line it would unlikely have a 36mm neck and flat profile. I think it sounds terrific for £120 and on a par with many solids costing twice that. Yes, it's far from a 700 Kiwaya, but then it's not trying to be. It's £120... It's a different thing altogether. Doesn't make it invalid.
Summed up exactly.
Have you played one of these Jorgen?
Why isn't this uke on the Kiwaya/Takumi homepage? Why is a part of the logotype missing? Why is the heel of the neck completely different from any other Kiwaya. No I have not played it.
Jörgen Petersson groan.....