Frequently Asked Questions
Ko'olau Guitars & 'Ukuleles

Q - Are Ko’olau guitars and ‘ukuleles hand made in Hawaii?

A – Yes, they are completely hand built in our facility in Wahiawa, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Q - You now have another line of instruments named “Pono” Where are they made? Are they the same as Ko’olau? Are the Ko’olau’s made in Java also?

A - We now have production facilities on the island of Java, in Indonesia, southwest of Hawaii, and about 100 miles north of Australia. At this factory we make our “Pono” guitars and ‘ukuleles, not Ko’olau. Pono guitars and ’ukuleles are very closely patterned after our “Ko’olau” models, but the Ko’olau line is still exclusively manufactured in Hawaii.

Q - Besides the cost of each Ko’olau model, what are the differences? Is the quality of each model different?

A - Model differences are primarily cosmetic. Basic construction for optimal tone, volume, and durability is the same for all models, from the Model 1 to Model 500. ‘Ukuleles in the past were thought of as simply a a cheap “throw away” toy. But today, some manufacturers are producing very high quality ‘ukuleles, and prices have risen dramatically.
Our ‘ukulele line is categorized into six different models, and reflective prices. We retain the same quality of craftsmanship for each model, however, the decorative additions and finishes are different as you move up to the next category.
The Model 1 is our basic, most “unadorned” ‘ukulele, still pretty, but simple. Woods are high quality and as with all models, quartersawn (a costly method of cutting woods for greater strength and stability). Although wood grain will have good color and some figure, the Model 1 will not have the wavy or curly grain patterns of higher models. To lower costs on the Model 1 and 100, there is no binding (strips around the top and back of the body) or purfling (decorative strips next to the binding), and no rosette around the soundhole, whereas abalone shell is inlaid for a Model 100. 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.
The Model 200 is similar to the Model 100 with the exception of top binding, a choice of ebony, rosewood, koa, or maple. Also, for a Model 200 the top soundboard wood may be different than the back and sides, with a choice of Spruce, Cedar, or Sequoia Redwood.
Model 1, 100, and 200 have a traditional “tie” type bridge. A “pin” style bridge may be added as an option.
All models have a Ko'olau logo pearl inlay. Unless custom ordered, all models have pearl dot fingerboard position inlay.

Next up the line begins our Delux Series Model 300. Both the top and the back are bound with a choice of either Koa, Rosewood, Ebony, or Maple. Wood marquetry purfling is inlaid next to the binding and a center strip is inlaid down the center of the back, and abalone sound hole rosette. Body woods have more figured grain.
Model 400 is similar to Model 300, with the addition of abalone shell inlay around the entire top, fingerboard binding, and exceptionally beautiful, master grade body woods.
The highest, most exquisite model is the Model 500. The top and back have abalone inlay, and the fingerboard tongue is bordered with shell inlay. The head faceplate and fingerboard are beautifully inlaid with various cuts of shell to resemble the Hawaiian Maile vines and leaves, a common plant used for head and neck leis in the most formal of ceremonies and weddings in Hawaii. And of course, woods used for this instrument are the finest we have available.
Model 500 SP is a custom order, similar to our stock Model 500, with the exception of the “maile” leaf/vine inlay, which is replaced with an inlay of your choice. We can provide suggestions, or you can submit your own ideas and drawings and we will try to accommodate your needs.

Q - Explain the different sizes of an ‘ukulele?

A - There are four different sizes, and as the size increases, obviously the tone and volume increase. The Soprano (often named “standard” in Hawaii) is the smallest, and the original size ‘ukulele. In the 1920’s the Concert size was developed, and designed to be an enhanced Soprano, being slightly larger and thus slightly louder and deeper in tone. And a few years later the Tenor was created, being much larger than both the Soprano and Concert, and thus more volume and deeper bass tone. The Tenor size often has one or two wound bass strings, producing even more deep resonance. The largest size ‘ukulele is the Baritone. With a 10” body width, and tuned DGBE (the same as a guitar), it could be considered a miniature 4-string guitar.
When one is new to ‘ukulele it may be difficult to choose which to purchase. If possible it would be best to try the four different sizes to see which feels best, and what type of sound you are interested. No one is best, just different. The Soprano and Concert are going to have a more traditional, light and bright tone. The Tenor and Baritone are larger and produce more of a “little” guitar sound. Aside from what’s traditional, the most popular sizes today are the Concert and Tenor. But we still have customers loyal to the Soprano and Baritone. In addition to the 4-string instruments above, multiple string ’ukuleles are available. The Concert size can be made with five strings, the top two in high unison. And the Tenor and Baritone ’ukulele are available with six and eight string combinations.

Q - What is the difference in your finishes? You list Satin, Gloss, and Varnish?

A – Each finish is different, and we have now changed available finishes for certain models. Our satin and gloss finish is a very high quality nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically designed for stringed instruments. A satin sheen has a soft, matte appearance that, besides lower costs, some customers prefer for a more “natural” look. The labor of application is much less and consequently the satin finished instruments are much lower priced. The gloss lacquer finish has a beautiful, high sheen, mirror glow which greatly enhances the color and grain patterns of our woods. The method of application is much more labor intensive, and thus higher priced than a satin finish. Both produce excellent tone and volume. Our methods of lacquer application produce a very thin and thus responsive finish.

The third is our “Varnish” finish. This is the oldest method of final finishing in the history of woodworking. Natural resins are combined with spirit solvents and hand applied and polished to produce an extremely thin and protective finish. The acoustic properties of a varnish finish, enabling the wood to freely vibrate, are excellent. Varnish is protective, however more susceptible to wear compared to lacquers. And visually, a varnish finish is not as “perfect” in appearance. Pretty, but a more natural, hand rubbed finish, similar to violins for the past hundreds of years. A varnish finish is the most labor intensive of all of our finishes, and thus the most expensive. An additional upcharge of $1000 is charged for a Varnish Finish, and an additional wait time of one year.
Model/Finish Availability:
Model C-1, T-1, CE-1, and CE-2: Satin lacquer finish only
Model 100 and 200: Satin lacquer, Gloss lacquer, or Varnish
Model 300, 400, 500: Gloss lacquer or Varnish
Model CE-3: Gloss lacquer only

Q - Is the Model 300 available with a wood inlaid rosette around the sound hole instead of abalone?

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

Q - What is the difference in a “tie” bridge and a “pin” bridge?

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. Except for an additional upcharge, the Model 1, 100 and 200 are available with the tie type of bridge only. On all other models either a tie or pin type of bridge is available.

Q - Can I choose the color and grain of my woods, especially Koa?

A - For most woods grain and color are going to be somewhat consistent. We select and cut the highest grade lumber for all 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. As for grain patterns, i.e. curly grain, our Model 1, 100 and 200 have what is termed “select” grade woods, a designation for good quality, quartersawn lumber with straight to very light curl grain. Model 300 will have significantly more figured grain, and then Model 400 and 500 have the highest master grade wood available. For further reassurance, through the years, and after several hundreds of instruments, we have honestly have never had a customer state that they were disappointed with our selection of woods for their instrument. As you can see from the “testimonials” on our “endorsements” page, when customers finally see their long awaited instrument they are awe struck with the stunning beauty of their new guitar or ’ukulele.

Q - I notice inlays on your photos, are these standard on some instruments, or custom ordered? What can be inlaid? What materials are used to inlay?

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, with the exception of the Model 500, which has the logo inlaid at the 12th fret on the fingerboard. Again, except for the Model 500, all fingerboards have pearl position dots. The standard Model 500 has a leaf and vine faceplate and fingerboard inlay. The pearl and abalone inlay is made to resemble the “maile” lei, commonly used in Hawaii for fancy ceremonies and weddings. If requested, a Model 500SP may be ordered with a variety of different inlay options throughout the faceplate and fingerboard. Some design ideas can be seen on our website, or a design of your choice may be submitted and we will attempt to accommodate your needs. Floral, animals, fish, names, initials, just about anything can be inlayed using various shell materials, stones, and woods. Some prices are on our website under “Options/Inlay” and others prices can be quoted upon request.

Q - What cases are available for Ko’olau guitars and ‘ukuleles?

A - All Ko’olau guitars and ’ukuleles are sold with a custom made Ko’olau hardshell case, included in the cost of the instrument. They are very high quality cases, made of 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 available with each instrument, we now have a new climate control case that can be ordered for an additional fee.

Q - Do you make cutaway models?

A - Yes

Q - Are electronic pickups available?

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. Pickup systems are also available “active” or in other words, with a preamp boost, “activated” by a 9 volt battery. This active system can be controlled at the amp, or the most expensive pickup has on-board controls mounted on the side of the instrument.

Q - What means of shipping do you use?

A – UPS, FedEx, and DHL