he following are comments and letters received from
Ko'olau customers."

From Jon Prown, performer and "home" recorder (see "Home Recordings") comments on his new Pono PGK Koa "00" guitar.

John, .... gorgeous morning here in Wisconsin. Winter is on the way out and finally the birds are happy at last. It is about 7 am and I've been picking on the little koa beauty for the past half hour. What a treat. It just keeps opening up tonally. Lowered the action a bit and that worked out nicely for me. Anyways, while picking away at a nice open-chord fingerstyle tune, absolutely lost in the music, the brilliant morning sun comes in over Lake Michigan and through my window. As the light hit the figured koa there was an amazing explosion of color and pattern from the lovely figured wood. The sight brought a big smile to my face and I just kept on playing .... and playing .... and playing .....

Jon

From Ron Gordon, comments on his second Ko'olau 'ukulele:

John,

It was a nice way to start the new year, speaking with you about ukes and such in a warm, sunny place - compared to below 0 and 2 feet of snow here. Looking forward to playing the tenor - and by the way - I like the dots at one side of the fingerboard. There will definitely be some new sounds in town! Anyway, my Ko'olau concert from years ago is still my favorite - and I play it for almost all my serious performances. It really has what I would call a "dense" sound - many overtones and very rich - but still retaining that critical ukulele "bounce" All the best and have a great '08 ! thanks, Ron

January 2008

Hey John .... My son Jairus got back from Hawaii a couple of weeks ago and I finally picked up my 8-string this past weekend and used it on stage last night. I just want to again tell you how much I love these instruments !!! It's opened up a whole new world of songwriting for me ... they sound so freakin' awesome that I hae a hard time putting them down ... and I have many other beautiful handmade mando's and bouzoikis' and guitars ... and I love to play them all but man, there is something going on here with the ukes ... and everyone who hears them feels the same way .... the pickups deliver a wonderful tone .... very true to the wood .... I'm currently recording my first solo effort, and almost half of the tunes on cd are songs I wrote since last June when I returned home from Kona with my 4-string Pono. So, thanks again for such a great deal and for picking out such a fine instrument, and for setting it up for Jairus to come on by while he was there. Mahalo, mahalo, all the best to you and your company, cheers, Greg Madill, Victoria, Canada

June 16, 2007

April 18, 2007

March 29, 2007

Dear John,

Ray Naito
Ko'olau Tenor Model 200

October 5, 2006

Aloha John, Noa, Andrew and Kilin,

Today, I bought my 5th Ko’olau ukulele! Yes, you heard it right, 5 of them.

My story with you and your family started January 2003 when I bought my first Ko’olau Baritone, Model 200SP.

I was searching for an ukulele with the right sound. I had been to practically every music store on the island and played many fine ukuleles but none of them had “that sound” I was looking for. Finally, somebody mentioned a custom ukulele shop named Ko’olau Guitar and Ukulele. I walked in and saw John and Noa hard at work. John looked up and said if you want to order anything it will be six months to get anything. I said, “Ok, I’ll have a look around anyway”. I saw a Ko’olau baritone hanging on the wall so I picked it up and played it. It was the most fascinating thing to hear the notes ringing in my ears. I thought, this is “nuts”. I smiled and laughed to my self. I went and got my son Joshua and my wife Diane to come and hear. I played the Ko’olau and John played it for us as well. Evidently, we heard the same thing, music bouncing around in our ears. Excitement, joy! Sold!

In October 2006, Joshua told me that I wasn’t getting any younger and he wanted to learn how to play the treasured Ko’olau he would inherit one day.

I called John Kitakis and explained my situation. John suggested a tenor for Joshua and said he would have one to see that he just finished, a Model 300 all Hawaiian Mahogany. When Josh and I saw it our first reaction was wow, the most beautiful ukulele we had ever seen. I told Josh let’s not tip our hand and hear what it sounds like. Well, if sparkling and kicking sound gives you any idea what an impression this ukulele made. Let me tell you we bought it right there and then! When I got it home an additional surprise had me mind boggled. THE RESONANCE! Vibrating my hands and arms. It is exhilarating and a joy to play. I pray that as an amateur or pro you would find such an instrument to play to enrich your life and those around you. Now the down side, I wanted it to be my main squeeze.

I called John again and said anything else to look at? John said the he just finished another two more that I could look at. I figured well it would be easier to teach Josh if we both had tenors. What colluded thinking was that? Ah, just another way to get another Ko’olau.

Guess what? A Model 300 all Koa gem was found in one of the ukulele cases that arrived two days later. I have got to tell you. Sometimes when I open the case I have just got to stare at it before I take it out of the case. What a splendid treasure! Oh yes I bought it. And yes we all know that Koa produces warm sweet sounds but does it also project so loud that the volume makes you wonder how it can do that, amazing. This Ko’olau is Joshua’s main squeeze.

A few days later, Kilin suggested that I look at a Model 200 spruce and blond Koa. I thought what clarity, balance and quality of sound. Andrew told me he thought it had the best professional quality sound. Kilin came walking out of the back of the store and asked if we had put it on a small amp. However, there was no pick up in the ukulele and Kilin looked a little “bendaggled”. He invited my son to the back of store to his work area to understand why he thought the ukulele had an amp on it. I played while my son was in Kilin’s work are in back. Joshua came back to the front of the store where I was playing and had an awed look on his face. I asked him, “so how was it”? He looked at me and gave me a nod of assurance. Sold! Buy the way. Did I mention the appearance of the ukulele? Have you seen beautiful “tiger clawed” blonde Koa? The main thing to remember is never let the seller see you flinch at the beauty of it. It destroys your ability to negotiate. (Actually with Ko’olau’s there is no negotiating.) Further, it doesn’t help when you confirm the sale but will leave the ukulele for a little upgrading and TWO CUSTOMERS WALK IN AND MAKE FIRM OFFERS TO BUY THE UKULELE. Only to be disappointed and somewhat irritated that it just sold before they walked in! When you play this Ko’olau ukulele you understand what clean precise sound an ukulele can make. It goes beyond the thwangs and deadened sounds that you can accept until you hear this.

Now tell me, what do you say to your wife when she says no to a 5th Koolau?

1. You have a baritone spruce and Honduran mahogany special all decked out with ebony and abalone sounding sooooo classy.

2. You have a all Hawaiian Mahogany tenor that sings to your soul and is stunning to behold.

3. You have a all Koa tenor that is a splendid gem that sounds so warm and sweet but loud enough to knock you down.

4. You have a spruce and blonde Koa tenor that inspires you to excellence that has a look desired by all.

You tell your wife, have you seen that Model 400 premium curly Koa high gloss finish that you don’t need to tilt in the light to see that tiger claw grain, it’s right there, bam? Imagine that the color was now light and dark cream (rare Mango wood, figured like this, maybe years to find another if ever.) I may be one of kind figured like this.

You tell your wife the top is the most expensive spruce they have, Adirondack “red” Spruce and the rest is decked out in ebony and abalone.

You tell your wife when you grab the neck and finger the strings you know that this is unmistakably a high quality instrument. And the sound… where are the adjectives? I will use wonderful, even though that does not cover it! John, thank you. You helped convince my wife. I am happy, overwhelmed and excited. Sold!

Warmest regards,

Harry, Josh and Diane

P. S. Joshua will inherit one of the finest and unique collections of Ko’olau Ukuleles on planet earth. ‘Till then, we remain joyfully inspired, awed with a deep sense of thanksgiving as we play on.

September 18, 2006

Dear John and Family,

P.S. I’m currently saving my pennies for a CE-3!

Dear Mr. Kitakis,

 The ukulele arrived Tuesday at 12:30 PM our time. It arrived in perfect condition.  I have been playing it for a few hours now and I can say the following:  The short form Beautiful!  The long form: exquisite craftsmanship; brilliant, deep, sonorous sound; very sensitive and responsive action.

Sincerely,

 Roberto Martinez

Dear John,

      I received today the 200 style Tenor Ukulele Milo/Spruce #52003, I was speechless the instrument is not only beautiful but it is also gifted with an incredible voice, pure exhilaration!
My sincere admiration goes to you and your family, thank you very much.

Francisco Mora

To see Mr. Mora's artwork, please click here.

To Ko'olau 'Ukulele Company,

  When I visited you recently I tried a baritone that you had on the wall.  The sound was excellent!  By FAR the best baritone that I have ever heard.  I already have two of your ukes.  One tenor 200SP, and one C-2 Tenor Curly Koa and Mahogany solid body electric (This is my DI recording uke!).

Dear John and Noa,

 This Spring I finally carried home the Ko'olau Model  300 Concert Ukulele that I had been coveting throughout the previous year. Make no mistake, it was  love at first sight, it just took me a while to get  the money together. I own and play many instruments for fun as well as professionally, among them a Martin  guitar and two Kamaka ukuleles. I have to say, my  Ko'olau gets played the most, simply because it is the  most fun. It's sound is otherworldly; everyone who has  heard it or has played it is stunned by it. The warm  tone and perfect intonation make it ideal for chord-solo playing a la Lyle Ritz. I've learned more chord theory from my new uke than from a lifetime of guitar-playing, simply because I can't put the thing away. Many thanks for a wonderful and continuous experience, and many thanks for your wonderful work.

 Michael Bristow

  Seattle, WA

Friday, 6 Dec 2002

Aloha John,

As you well know my Ukulele collection is made up of strictly vintage instruments, ranging from a mint Martin 5K Soprano with neices and nephews, a variety of Taropatches in both Koa and Mahogany, to a herd of sassy pre 1940 Hawaiian built Koa's in Manini, Soprano and Tenor sizes. One can only imagine the concern I had in introducing a "new kid on the block" to this family of old time Ukes.

Needless to say the coming out party was a success. The craftsmanship and sound of my new concert sized Koa from Koolau Ukulele is spectacular and fits right in with the sweetness and style of even the best the Hekili Collection.

Mahalo Nui Loa to you and Noa for a truly exquisite Ukulele.

E. Kaheaokalani Bailey
The Hekili 'Ukulele Collection

It is a happy day for me John!

I have played the uke for 57 years (my mother taught me to play when I was 10). This is by far the best instrument I have ever played and the most beautiful. I tested it on J.S. Bach's Minuet 1 in G Major and it produced just the right sound for me. This is probably my last Baritone and it will undoubtedly increase the enjoyment I experience when playing.

Thanks for a wonderful instrument.

John Milhouse
Oxford, Mississippi, USA

A letter from Mr. Milhouse on another Ko'olau instrument ordered....

Dear John,

The Tenor is very beautiful and the tone is perfect. You are craftsmen who have not only made instruments that are my treasures but have also given me a greater appreciation for the mystery and possibility of wood selection. I have enjoyed the process of acquiring what I consider the best custom made ukuleles available today.

John Milhouse

John, Noa, and Susan,

The uke arrived as planned. It's everything I'd hoped for, clean intonation with palpable sustain; a sweet, resonant voice. Very easy on the eyes (a jewel). Played all night and overslept, missing my 6:05am train to the City (there's always another train). Many thanks for creating such a delightful, responsive instrument. I'm overjoyed.

Sincerely, Michael Dwyer
New York, NY
(2002 Limited Edition Concert Pineapple)

March 11, 2002

Dear Kitakis Family,

I can't stop shaking, since I got the call from my son Ari that my ukulele had arrived. I ran home from work practically panting. I just opened the case and there was the most beautiful ukulele I have ever seen. I actually was afraid to pick it up, out of fear I'd drop it.

When I finally picked it up to look at the back of it, I actually believe it was breathing. I was holding it like a newborn baby for at least 10 minutes before I had the nerve to strum it.

What a voice! The voice of an angel came to mind. The finish looks like a Stradivarius violin, but this masterpiece sounds better.

I had done a lot of research on this purchase and I wanted this ukulele to be something I could love and hold and make a novice, like myself, sound good. My wife Susan says that the sound from it actually has improved my playing. Almost as good as Lyle Ritz! I think she is pulling my leg.

How do I thank you for such a work of art? Everything without exception far exceeds my hopes. John, Noa "Bonk", Andrew, and of course, Susan, all I ask is to please give each other a hug from me, and know that your pursuit of quality and excellence has been met.

Your craft is very rare, your dedication to perfection has been met with flying colors. Sometimes people forget how noble their work is.

This client and friend can only praise you and your craft. I'm humbled by your artistry. I promise to take care of it and protect it.

Most sincerely,

Gary Goldstein
Riverdale, New York

Aloha John,

My ukulele arrived ... It's everything I had hoped for ... beautiful in appearance and exciting sound. Thank you for your excellent craftmanship. As a woodworker myself, I appreciate the details and am very excited by the sound.

Mahalo,

Frank Algarme
Cody, Wyoming, USA

I just received my new Ko`olau ukulele…does anyone, anywhere make a better looking or sounding instrument? … it's super … better than I anticipated. Mahalo nui loa,

Mike Magielski
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

It is not often in a lifetime that one meets up with perfection, but the little Soprano uke you have just sent has exceeded all of my expectations. As a wonderfully sounding and beautifully made instrument. …by far the best ukulele I have ever encountered. Thank you very so very much, I couldn't be happier with the instrument. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Dr. Patrick B. de Mare
London, England

Dear Mr. Kitakis,

I just wanted to send my thanks for the wonderful job you did on my 12-String Ko'olau Guitar. I'm still very excited about playing it. The sound just resonates so nicely with so much warmth. It's truly a "Hawaiian" guitar as the songs I have practiced with it sounds so "Nahenahe." At first I was unsure that spending more on this instrument may have been a mistake, when I could buy a national brand for less. I'm now convinced that my investment in your product was well worth it and will serve me well for many years to come. My goal is to save some money and one day have you make me a 6-String guitar. Thanks again and will call in 5 weeks to have the guitar adjusted if needed.

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana

Jon Taguchi

John and Noa ...

I just had to send a note to you guys thanking you, again, for making one of my dreams come true! I love the maple custom 400 I recently ordered from you. All of my friends are knocked out by its great looks and awesome sound. I've tried a lot of different brands before deciding on Ko'olau. Other brands had great looks, too. But, none had the great looks, great sound, and great feel like Ko'olau.

Sometimes you have to adjust to the feel of a new instrument. Not this one! From the moment I picked it up, it played very easily in my hands. I put on the Savarez strings which only enhanced the sound more. They really offer a distinct sound when combined with the maple.

Thanks again for finishing the uke quicker than expected. It was nice to get it for my Christmas gift to myself! Ko'olau is number one in my book!

Nick Sierra