Re: NMC - 'Ukulele Tone Wood
Koa is the traditional wood for ukuleles, that’s what the original ones were made from. Koa is part of the acacia family. When acacia is specified, it can be from a number of different species. But Koa is a specific species of Koa. So Koa is the best wood for Ike’s from a tone and tradition standpoint, but any acacia would be in the same tonal ballpark. And mahogany would have similar tone qualities. All of them are good.
When Martin first got into making ukuleles, they made rosewood with spruce tops. They were a dismal failure. I never played one, but reports are they sounded horrible, built very heavily. Martin had to realize they shouldn’t make miniature versions of their guitars and call them ukuleles. So they started going lighter (like the native builders were already doing) and making bodies of all Koa or all mahogany, and that made all the difference.
You see all kinds of wood combinations on ukuleles these days. Most aren’t worth a darn. I definitely prefer all solid Koa, acacia, and mahogany. My main uke is a Martin T1K. They are made in Mexico and all solid Koa. Very simple appointments, understated elegance. The strings they come with are not great, but it really sings with low G tuning Aquila Nylgut. At 500 or so, it’s the lowest price all Koa uke that I’m aware of.
Don
2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
2011 Weber Bitterroot A
1974 Martin Style A
Bookmarks