This is a good video. It clearly demonstrates the differences between the two ukuleles (of course there is nothing better than hearing them in person). The Koaloa is clear, articulate, resonant, and balanced. The Martin is less clear (with the possibility of being more distinct), equally articulate, but it resonates at different frequencies. I believe the characteristic resonance frequencies of koa are better represented by the Martin. In the end, they have different sounds (as well they should). I like them both, but I will give the nod to the Martin. Not because it is better (the Koaloa is probably the better constructed and more balanced ukulele), but because of its strident, barky, East Coast attitude. Of course, I play mostly Tin Pan Alley and "creatively interpreted" pop music, so a uke with a little bluster feels appropriate.
Sound is completely subjective. "Best" is in your ear only. The Koaloha has a warm mellow Hawaiian sound that I prefer over the Martin's brighter sound but that is just what my ear wants to hear. I've owned hundreds of ukuleles over the last 50 years. When I started collecting them none of these current builders existed except Martin and Kamaka and Martin had quit building ukes at that time. The best of the vintage Hawaiian koa ukes had that warm mellow tone that still sounds right to me. Even vintage Martins are mellower than their current production. Now it is new times and folks are playing new music in new styles and want new sounds. It's all good.
I agree. I own both in tenor models. Koaloha has the mellow Hawaiian sound and the Martin is bright. I also have Martin IZ model which is great. Also has the bright sound. It is amazing with the quilted mahogany
Put those headphones on and switch back and forth. That Martin sounds fuller, brighter, and somehow warmer at the same time. The KoAloha, sounded very midrangey, lacking in sparkle, and kind of muffled even. Crazy! Considering the price difference.
As I was listening a thought came to me. How hard would it be to admit that the much more expensive instrument might not sound better than the less expensive.
Which do you like better and why? Both sound great, but it's hard to really tell from the recording which is better. Thanks for the video and also your other video of the two Martins. I've been looking at all four of these ukes.
I let the Koaloha go. It's really warm sounding and with strumming it is hard to hear the high G and the A string. The C1k is vanilla sounding but all strings ring clear, alas i returned it before the 14 day return period. The OXK is great but boomy like all laminates BUT a cut above other laminates (i have yet to try the Kiwaya/Famous laminates). Yup i returned before the 14 days. The S1 was my out and out winner. I tuned it up and it made me sit forward in my seat. Plucky, warm, clear just awesome! I kept it and for now it's my one and only. Hope this helps. :)
DEK431 Did you purchase the S1 at a place that did a set up on it? I've heard some of the new Martin's come with high strings, rough edges etc. Can I buy it from an online store & be safe or does it need a set up? Thanks.
Brent E. I'm not sure if your in the U.K. But, mine came from Redcowmusic and did get a set up. The intonation is perfect and I'm really fussy about that. I think no matter what ukulele you buy a setup is needed although sometimes you get lucky. I have had loads of instruments read loads of forums and posted on them too. I believe stories get out of hand with instruments that are expensive. While it's true you can get cheaper solid wood sopranos I personally haven't had one I like as much as this one. I have had Ohana's etc.
The Headless Uke Player. I agree about the S1. There's something magic about the sound of that one....but it feels so delicate to me. I like mahogany a lot better than koa. Mahogany just sounds more resonant. You have some really nice videos. I haven't yet, but I really want to play an Ohana SK-39...and an SK38....Martin vintage copies. On videos that sound terrific, and they have a nice price.
Judging from the sound coming from this video, Martin C1K definately sounds better than Koaloha KCM 00, which could mean Martin C1K has a better structure inside than Koaloha KCM 00. In my opinion, it is the build of Martin in C1K that brings out the potential power of Koa wood. Tom Lee sold the last Martin C1K in Hong Kong today, with a serial number being 17637, and there is no more Martin C1K can be bought at any Tom Lee in Hong Kong, at least at the moment.
I think they might temporarily stop producing it, for the serial number is going to 20000, which is already too many on the market for the C1K ukulele. By the way, I believe Aquila New Nylgut strings would enhance the sound quality of this ukulele, making it more classical in sound quality as well as nice sound volume (loud in deed but very nice sound).
I replaced my Martin C1k with Aquila nylgut strings and I was not happy with the result. No sustain power, intonation was bad so I switch back to the original strings which is the M600 . It’s good for fingerpicking as well. It just depend on how you prefer the sound of your ukulele I guess.
I preferred the TK35G. The build of the Martin is better but it’s a bit vanilla sounding. I sent it back. I think the Ohana looks better. The gloss makes for a bell like tone. The best Martin made was years ago. :)
How do you like your Martin C1K ukulele? I’ve got one from last year and It has a real warm or a bright sound ( whichever term is appropriate). It was really crafted well but after I got my soprano S1 it mostly sets in its case. I still play it just to loosen it up. Keep strumming ....
To be fair, there's nothing in them, they sound like the same uke,,, if you didn't break the solo and loop it into one you really would have ears sharp as!!
This is a good video. It clearly demonstrates the differences between the two ukuleles (of course there is nothing better than hearing them in person).
The Koaloa is clear, articulate, resonant, and balanced. The Martin is less clear (with the possibility of being more distinct), equally articulate, but it resonates at different frequencies. I believe the characteristic resonance frequencies of koa are better represented by the Martin. In the end, they have different sounds (as well they should). I like them both, but I will give the nod to the Martin. Not because it is better (the Koaloa is probably the better constructed and more balanced ukulele), but because of its strident, barky, East Coast attitude. Of course, I play mostly Tin Pan Alley and "creatively interpreted" pop music, so a uke with a little bluster feels appropriate.
Sound is completely subjective. "Best" is in your ear only. The Koaloha has a warm mellow Hawaiian sound that I prefer over the Martin's brighter sound but that is just what my ear wants to hear. I've owned hundreds of ukuleles over the last 50 years. When I started collecting them none of these current builders existed except Martin and Kamaka and Martin had quit building ukes at that time. The best of the vintage Hawaiian koa ukes had that warm mellow tone that still sounds right to me. Even vintage Martins are mellower than their current production. Now it is new times and folks are playing new music in new styles and want new sounds. It's all good.
And Kiwaya
I agree. I own both in tenor models. Koaloha has the mellow Hawaiian sound and the Martin is bright. I also have Martin IZ model which is great. Also has the bright sound. It is amazing with the quilted mahogany
0:35
a few seconds and then push
1:59
Is the best way to hear the difference imo
Put those headphones on and switch back and forth. That Martin sounds fuller, brighter, and somehow warmer at the same time. The KoAloha, sounded very midrangey, lacking in sparkle, and kind of muffled even. Crazy! Considering the price difference.
I think they are built well but overpriced. Best to get an old Martin as good as this is.
The Martin sounds so bright
As I was listening a thought came to me. How hard would it be to admit that the much more expensive instrument might not sound better than the less expensive.
Sometimes it’s only the fit and finish. I only have Ohana and Enya now.
Which do you like better and why? Both sound great, but it's hard to really tell from the recording which is better. Thanks for the video and also your other video of the two Martins. I've been looking at all four of these ukes.
I let the Koaloha go. It's really warm sounding and with strumming it is hard to hear the high G and the A string. The C1k is vanilla sounding but all strings ring clear, alas i returned it before the 14 day return period. The OXK is great but boomy like all laminates BUT a cut above other laminates (i have yet to try the Kiwaya/Famous laminates). Yup i returned before the 14 days. The S1 was my out and out winner. I tuned it up and it made me sit forward in my seat. Plucky, warm, clear just awesome! I kept it and for now it's my one and only. Hope this helps. :)
DEK431 Did you purchase the S1 at a place that did a set up on it? I've heard some of the new Martin's come with high strings, rough edges etc. Can I buy it from an online store & be safe or does it need a set up? Thanks.
Brent E. I'm not sure if your in the U.K. But, mine came from Redcowmusic and did get a set up. The intonation is perfect and I'm really fussy about that. I think no matter what ukulele you buy a setup is needed although sometimes you get lucky. I have had loads of instruments read loads of forums and posted on them too. I believe stories get out of hand with instruments that are expensive. While it's true you can get cheaper solid wood sopranos I personally haven't had one I like as much as this one. I have had Ohana's etc.
The Headless Uke Player. I agree about the S1. There's something magic about the sound of that one....but it feels
so delicate to me. I like mahogany a lot better than koa. Mahogany just sounds more resonant. You have some really nice videos. I haven't yet, but I really want to play an Ohana SK-39...and an SK38....Martin vintage copies. On videos
that sound terrific, and they have a nice price.
Judging from the sound coming from this video, Martin C1K definately sounds better than Koaloha KCM 00, which could mean Martin C1K has a better structure inside than Koaloha KCM 00. In my opinion, it is the build of Martin in C1K that brings out the potential power of Koa wood.
Tom Lee sold the last Martin C1K in Hong Kong today, with a serial number being 17637, and there is no more Martin C1K can be bought at any Tom Lee in Hong Kong, at least at the moment.
Peter Siu the KCM00 is very lightly built but the Martin has a very traditional tone. Very versatile. Have they stopped production of the Martin CK1?
I think they might temporarily stop producing it, for the serial number is going to 20000, which is already too many on the market for the C1K ukulele.
By the way, I believe Aquila New Nylgut strings would enhance the sound quality of this ukulele, making it more classical in sound quality as well as nice sound volume (loud in deed but very nice sound).
I replaced my Martin C1k with Aquila nylgut strings and I was not happy with the result. No sustain power, intonation was bad so I switch back to the original strings which is the M600 . It’s good for fingerpicking as well. It just depend on how you prefer the sound of your ukulele I guess.
Great job! How does the TK35G compare? I am considering it or the c1k and would appreciate your opinion? or is there a better option?
I preferred the TK35G. The build of the Martin is better but it’s a bit vanilla sounding. I sent it back. I think the Ohana looks better. The gloss makes for a bell like tone. The best Martin made was years ago. :)
Are they both strung with same strings? And what type.
Hey. I use Martin M600’s mainly and Worth Browns on one or two. These have the Martin M600’s. Thanks for watching. :)
How do you like your Martin C1K ukulele? I’ve got one from last year and It has a real warm or a bright sound ( whichever term is appropriate). It was really crafted well but after I got my soprano S1 it mostly sets in its case. I still play it just to loosen it up. Keep strumming ....
Harold Rull I sold it. I found it a bit vanilla. ;)
Are they the same strings ..?
Hi, yes they are. Thanks for watching!
The Martin has the koa sparkle. The Koaloha? Not so much.
To be fair, there's nothing in them, they sound like the same uke,,, if you didn't break the solo and loop it into one you really would have ears sharp as!!
Compression on UA-cam will do that. But in person the Martin is vanilla. The Koaloha has all the flavours. ;)
@@HeadlessUkePlayer I absolutely get that, it's quality wise Rolls Royce against a BMW 🙏🙏