Good day to you sir Ken! It’s IAM, I used to contact you a lot in messenger, and your are so very helpful to me. Thank you for your videos, and your great response to us. I purchased my first soprano the SK- 38 back in May2016 and this Kiwaya Kts-4 back in Aug2016. I love them both and thanks to your videos and advice.. This year I got the Ohana SK-390 what a lovely instrument.✌🏻&🙏
While my budget allowed for a KTS-7, after much research, playing comparisons and digesting it all before making the final decision, I chose the KTS-4 to join my 2 most prized Martin sopranos: A vintage '60s S-0 and a new (2015) Style 3 Cherry. None of course are the same, but all are spectacular with their own feel and voices. And the Kiwaya so far is very delightful to play. Though I will be tempted to add a KTS-7 in the future, the KTS-4 was the clear choice for me as my first foray into these fine Made in Japan Kiwaya ukuleles. After spending a good amount of time with the Kiwaya models I was fortunate enough to try before I made my choice, I can say without any reservation or hesitation these are at the top of the list for the finest built Ukes any money can buy. I could not find any faults whatsoever even after a careful evaluations, which is not something I have been able to say even with semi-custom Ukes I purchased who's costs were in the thousands...
Your reviews of all ukes are the best online. Practical, reasonable, and you give the positives and negatives of each ukulele. Sincere, straighforward and useful. You are a fine person, I can tell.
Great review of a great looking uke. I'd buy it at once, but then again I'd probably buy a dozen of bad eggs off of you without hesitation because you have such a nice and trustworthy attitude...
Very nice and detailed review as usual Ken. The sound is excellent and judging by the many close-up pictures I have seen of the KTS4, the craftsmanship is exquisite! THIS KTS4 is definitely on my "to get" list! ;-) Cheers!
Hi Ken, thanks for the reivew. Would you say that the fretboard for the Kiwaya is wider than most other modern soprano ukes? From what I've seen, the older ukes were wider (at least, the Harmony's I've played give me that impression) and I like wider fretboards.
The problem is that at that price you could get a really good instrument or it could be dreadful. My best advice would be to take someone with you that plays (or plays guitar) and just choose something you like the look of. BUT, make sure it plays in tune.
lol thanks for the review ^^ Your reviews not only tell us about the particular ukulele, but some valuable knowledge about ukes in general. "plastic with fancy name".. I believe it is "Corian" ^^
I personally don't think that there is any real difference in sound. However, I contacted the makers and they say that the brown string are just a tad warmer. Don't know about the trad Hawaiian sound.
@1997ilovepringles That question is really impossible to answer. If you can afford it, get a factory made uke with all-solid woods. You need to choose the size for yourself though. I play a tenor. Lots of people like the soprano size, or the concert. I work for Ohana. That's the brand I would get, but there are plenty of good ukes out there.
All-solid pineapples, like the Ohana, sound great. they don't have that traditional soprano sound though. The body produces more mid-frequencies. This is why they sound so mellow. I personally do not like the shape that much.
Hi Ken, really nice review again! I was wondering if you could answer me a question please. I currently own a Kanilea K1 concert which is very nice but am now wanting to own a nice solid Soprano. Have been looking at this and the KTS5, and also the new Martin S1. What would your opinion be? Many thanks for your help.
Thanks for a very thorough review Ken! I'm going to try out a KTS-4 in a week. I wasn't sure mahogany was the wood for me, but this uke seems to be very nice in tone. I'm a bit concerned about the being light bit. I always wanted feather light ukulele, but recently I realised my old uke was starting to fold, which is why I'm no in market for a new uke. I'm using Aquilas because I find other strings to floppy usually, and I tune in D6th (aDF#B). Will the Kiwaya stand for that, do you think?
Ken, Im wondering what's the string height at the 12th fret on your KTS-4? Ive just got one and love it but wondering if I should have it lowered just a bit for a little better playability and intonation. Thanks! Great review video!
Thank you for this review and for all the details . In Vienna, Austria, good old Europa, there aren't good quality uke's to try. It's the first instrument i by with internet, without trying it myself before. I will get it by mail this friday! From RISA, Germany.: 500 euros (incl. transport and case) Seems to have everything i need als Clown, stand up comedian and musician. On sunday i do a gig with it! Little bit nervous!
It gets just a bit sharp as I move up to the 12th, seems like the string needs to bend more to reach the fret as the action gets higher from the fretboard, thus making it just a tad sharper than it should be, lower action should fix that it seems. Im right at 3mm at 12th now.
Hey, I'm a guitarist but I just recently got into wantin to learn how to play a ukulele. I was wondering if you have some consumer advice for a misinformed begginer like me. What brand is a good beginer brand, what strings to use, and any fun chord progressions that you like? Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Hello really good review again though I'm thinking that I will buy one and stop looking at them, what would you say would be the best ukulele to get for a beginner ?
Personally, I would never buy an S1. If I were given one, I would sell it. There are plenty of other good sopranos that can play above the 12th. Buy an American Martin, they are great, or maybe save for a KTS-7.
Hello Ken. I'm fairly new to ukulele but now wanting to play tunes rather than simply strumming chords. I was looking at your tab for Ashokan Farewell but it requires going up to the 15th fret in places. This doesn't work with the SK-38 which I'm playing at the moment nor would it on my dream KTS-4. Should I consider the Martin S1 purely because it has 17 frets? I suspect it will sound no better than the SK-38 and wonder whether those extra frets are going to be used much or even how playable?
Nope! Kiwaya have a different sound to Martin. However, they are certainly in a completely different league to the current Mexican-made Martins. The new US made Martins are very, very good though.
i found a kts6 had been looking long time for one but SOUTHERN UKELELE INTHE U.K makes excuses why the dont want to sell it .i think they keep ukes for prefered customers .once a ukelele is used you can sell it to anyone but anyway not usa friendly bewareof this shop . these are great ukeleles if you can find the solid wood ones and they dont false advertise refuse to sell it lol great review thanks
I'm just curious. What's everyone using in terms of strings to "brighten up" the sound of that KTS-4? I am not really a fan of the deep muddy reverberating sound of mine. Nothing a good set of strings won't fix, I'm sure.
Good day to you sir Ken! It’s IAM, I used to contact you a lot in messenger, and your are so very helpful to me. Thank you for your videos, and your great response to us. I purchased my first soprano the SK- 38 back in May2016 and this Kiwaya Kts-4 back in Aug2016. I love them both and thanks to your videos and advice.. This year I got the Ohana SK-390 what a lovely instrument.✌🏻&🙏
While my budget allowed for a KTS-7, after much research, playing comparisons and digesting it all before making the final decision, I chose the KTS-4 to join my 2 most prized Martin sopranos: A vintage '60s S-0 and a new (2015) Style 3 Cherry. None of course are the same, but all are spectacular with their own feel and voices. And the Kiwaya so far is very delightful to play. Though I will be tempted to add a KTS-7 in the future, the KTS-4 was the clear choice for me as my first foray into these fine Made in Japan Kiwaya ukuleles. After spending a good amount of time with the Kiwaya models I was fortunate enough to try before I made my choice, I can say without any reservation or hesitation these are at the top of the list for the finest built Ukes any money can buy. I could not find any faults whatsoever even after a careful evaluations, which is not something I have been able to say even with semi-custom Ukes I purchased who's costs were in the thousands...
+Uke Den Very good choice then Den. Hope you enjoy it for a long time to come.
+Ken Middleton Thanks Ken! Your input and video were most helpful!
Your reviews of all ukes are the best online. Practical, reasonable, and you give the positives and negatives of each ukulele. Sincere, straighforward and useful. You are a fine person, I can tell.
Great review of a great looking uke. I'd buy it at once, but then again I'd probably buy a dozen of bad eggs off of you without hesitation because you have such a nice and trustworthy attitude...
Very nice and detailed review as usual Ken.
The sound is excellent and judging by the many close-up pictures I have seen of the KTS4, the craftsmanship is exquisite!
THIS KTS4 is definitely on my "to get" list! ;-)
Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback. There are some good shops where you can try instruments: Fieber in Germany, Charle in Paris, Exquisite in Nice.
Yes, it is twice the cost and made in a great factory in Japan.
D tuning with a high A is no problem. It is light but very well-built.
Hi Ken,
thanks for the reivew. Would you say that the fretboard for the Kiwaya is wider than most other modern soprano ukes? From what I've seen, the older ukes were wider (at least, the Harmony's I've played give me that impression) and I like wider fretboards.
Thanks for the compliments.
KEN.
I work for Ohana. That is the brand I would recommend for a beginner. Get a solid top or all solid if you can afford.
Don't know, and I can't get at it at the moment to check. If it is wider, the difference is only slight. It is very playable.
The problem is that at that price you could get a really good instrument or it could be dreadful. My best advice would be to take someone with you that plays (or plays guitar) and just choose something you like the look of. BUT, make sure it plays in tune.
Wow, the way you review is amazing. I love it!
My Son put them on his Eleuke prototype (read: Bushman Jenny)
solid mahogany concert and boy, did that baby come alive. Now one of his favorite ukes.
lol thanks for the review ^^
Your reviews not only tell us about the particular ukulele, but some valuable knowledge about ukes in general.
"plastic with fancy name".. I believe it is "Corian" ^^
Thanks. It is very well-made and very loud. A great uke.
I personally don't think that there is any real difference in sound. However, I contacted the makers and they say that the brown string are just a tad warmer. Don't know about the trad Hawaiian sound.
Another great informative review. Thanks Ken 👍
It's a very old review, but interestingly the product is today just as good.
@1997ilovepringles That question is really impossible to answer. If you can afford it, get a factory made uke with all-solid woods. You need to choose the size for yourself though. I play a tenor. Lots of people like the soprano size, or the concert. I work for Ohana. That's the brand I would get, but there are plenty of good ukes out there.
@coolkayaker1 Thank you very much. I appreciate your comments.
I now have them on everything, including this Uke, Phil.
I use Worth browns (Worth BM). Try Exquisite or JusteCordes.
Don't have access to it at the moment. Why do you think it needs lowering? The intonation on a Kiwaya should be perfect.
All-solid pineapples, like the Ohana, sound great. they don't have that traditional soprano sound though. The body produces more mid-frequencies. This is why they sound so mellow. I personally do not like the shape that much.
Sadly, The Ululele Shop web site seems to say that they are out of business. Still very nice links to the manufacturers sites, however.
What difference would it make? It is the way it is played that matters.
Thanks Ken, I tried an S1 today and I much prefer the Ohana. I think I'll wait and save the bit extra for the KTS-7.
Hi Ken, really nice review again! I was wondering if you could answer me a question please. I currently own a Kanilea K1 concert which is very nice but am now wanting to own a nice solid Soprano. Have been looking at this and the KTS5, and also the new Martin S1. What would your opinion be? Many thanks for your help.
Import duty, VAT, shipping, admin fee from UK courier. Why not buy from the Southern Ukulele Store?
Thanks for a very thorough review Ken! I'm going to try out a KTS-4 in a week. I wasn't sure mahogany was the wood for me, but this uke seems to be very nice in tone. I'm a bit concerned about the being light bit. I always wanted feather light ukulele, but recently I realised my old uke was starting to fold, which is why I'm no in market for a new uke. I'm using Aquilas because I find other strings to floppy usually, and I tune in D6th (aDF#B). Will the Kiwaya stand for that, do you think?
Got one after this review well happy thanks ken
Thanks, it wasn't, though I have recently seen the film.
Ken, Im wondering what's the string height at the 12th fret on your KTS-4? Ive just got one and love it but wondering if I should have it lowered just a bit for a little better playability and intonation. Thanks!
Great review video!
Thank you for this review and for all the details . In Vienna, Austria, good old Europa, there aren't good quality uke's to try. It's the first instrument i by with internet, without trying it myself before. I will get it by mail this friday! From RISA, Germany.: 500 euros (incl. transport and case)
Seems to have everything i need als Clown, stand up comedian and musician. On sunday i do a gig with it! Little bit nervous!
@KenMiddletonUkulele ok thanks that has been the ukulele that i have been looking at before thank you.
If it is solid koa, it is a good buy. If it's not, it's not.
Thank you.
Thanks very much.
KEN
I don't remember saying that. Can you send me the link?
the very first thing you played sounded like math is a wonderful thing, from school of rock
You need to check their website.
I ordered a Kiwaya Master tenor koa tonight, influenced by your review and my KS-0. Perhaps you can review it for me. Oh, wait, your in UK. Lol
Thanks very much for that.
It gets just a bit sharp as I move up to the 12th, seems like the string needs to bend more to reach the fret as the action gets higher from the fretboard, thus making it just a tad sharper than it should be, lower action should fix that it seems. Im right at 3mm at 12th now.
Thanks.
Sounds like a Kamaka. Maybe not but it is a very good ukulele made in Japan, which they do quality first before quantity.
Thanks for the comment.
Thanks. KEN.
Hey, I'm a guitarist but I just recently got into wantin to learn how to play a ukulele. I was wondering if you have some consumer advice for a misinformed begginer like me. What brand is a good beginer brand, what strings to use, and any fun chord progressions that you like? Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Either CM or BM.
Hello really good review again though I'm thinking that I will buy one and stop looking at them, what would you say would be the best ukulele to get for a beginner ?
@ombracorta Thanks for watching.
I think you will be pleased.
Thanks Ken. I've just ordered one from Southern Ukulele. Would I be right to say that Kiwaya do Martin better than Martin ? ;)
hi ken, really nice review! I need an advice.. is this better than an ohana sk-38? thank you.
Good choice.
Personally, I would never buy an S1. If I were given one, I would sell it. There are plenty of other good sopranos that can play above the 12th. Buy an American Martin, they are great, or maybe save for a KTS-7.
Not that easy, I'm afraid. Start with my review videos.
I have this ukulele and I love it with Living Water strings 🙌
Thanks Julia.
Hi, any opinion abaut pineapple ukuleles ?, i like them a lot
Forgot to ask: after trying a little bit more, which strings would you recommand? And where to buy? Thanks!
Thank you very much, I will check them out now. By the way, I thought your playing was great.
Hello Ken. I'm fairly new to ukulele but now wanting to play tunes rather than simply strumming chords. I was looking at your tab for Ashokan Farewell but it requires going up to the 15th fret in places. This doesn't work with the SK-38 which I'm playing at the moment nor would it on my dream KTS-4. Should I consider the Martin S1 purely because it has 17 frets? I suspect it will sound no better than the SK-38 and wonder whether those extra frets are going to be used much or even how playable?
fatherkeith
Can't remember I'm afraid. I think it was just under £300. They are cheaper in the US $419 at MGM on eBay.
KEN
Yes, it is a great shame that they have closed.
Wonder how your Living Water strings would sound?
Nope! Kiwaya have a different sound to Martin. However, they are certainly in a completely different league to the current Mexican-made Martins. The new US made Martins are very, very good though.
i found a kts6 had been looking long time for one but SOUTHERN UKELELE INTHE U.K makes excuses why the dont want to sell it .i think they keep ukes for prefered customers .once a ukelele is used you can sell it to anyone but anyway not usa friendly bewareof this shop . these are great ukeleles if you can find the solid wood ones and they dont false advertise refuse to sell it lol great review thanks
Thanks for watching.
Well done.
THEY MAKE A TENOR, KINDA PRICEY THOUGH
whats the average cost of that soprano
I'm just curious. What's everyone using in terms of strings to "brighten up" the sound of that KTS-4? I am not really a fan of the deep muddy reverberating sound of mine. Nothing a good set of strings won't fix, I'm sure.
As you'd expect, I use my own Living Water strings on mine. If you don't want to use them, just use any fluorocarbons.
Ken Middleton Thank you Ken.
where did you get it ?
They are very nice, but expensive.
@thefutureproofed I have sent a PM.
I have no idea, sorry.
Ken, you are not making videos about ukuleles anymore. What happened? You got bored of the instrument?
I am just not doing reviews any more. Too many others doing them.
which one though be more specific
@senorsquiid And I would agree!
Watch the video.
Brown. Not sure what tension. Sorry.
Thanks :0)
Don't know. Sorry. Black ones. KEN.
The Ukulele Shop
Thank you.
Thanks.
Thanks for that.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.