Koolau 'Ukulele's and Guitars

A - In our ongoing endeavor to maintain and continually improve quality we have made several changes in design and construction. Thus, the last several months there have been very few Pono 'ukuleles available. We realize this has been an inconvenience, however quality, not quantity is of more importance in our long term goal. Our current production is nearly complete, and instruments will again be available in music stores by early April 2010.

Some past models have been either modified or eliminated. Over the past several years we have introduced many different styles, made of a variety of woods. Most were very popular. However, some woods were difficult to acquire, and some environmentally endangered by forestry mismanagement. And so, due to various factors, the cost of production became prohibitive.

To simplify production and keep cost as low as possible, Pono ukuleles have been narrowed down to five models. The first two are the most affordable. They are made of all Mahogany, one with a gloss finish, and one with a satin finish. The other three models are fancier and made of more expensive woods. They have been named the Pro-Classic Series. One is Rosewood, one Maple, and one Mahogany (but more adorned than the Mahogany Delux Series).

Our decision to use Mahogany, Rosewood, and Maple is availability. All three are historically excellent tonewoods. The two less expensive Mahogany models are more affordable due to less adornment, however the quality of woods and construction are the same as all others.

The Mahogany Series and the Mahogany Delux Series have a simple wood soundhole rosette inlay. The satin model includes a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and chrome tuners. The gloss Delux model includes an ebony fingerboard and bridge, and gold tuners. Soprano 'ukuleles have friction tuners and all other sizes have geared tuners.

3. Pro-Classic Series Rosewood: Rosewood back and sides, cedar top. Ebony binding, faceplate, fingerboard, and bridge. Abalone rosette (one model with abalone top purfling). Headstock available either solid or slothead). And one cutaway model. Tenor size.

4. Pro-Classic Series Maple: Maple back and sides, spruce top. Ebony binding, faceplate, fingerboard, and bridge. Abalone rosette (one model with abalone top purfling). Headstock available either solid or slothead). And one cutaway model. Tenor size.

5. Pro-Classic Series Mahogany: Mahogany top, back, and sides (one model available with a spruce top). Ebony binding, faceplate, fingerboard, and bridge. Abalone rosette. Headstock available either solid or slothead). Available in Concert or Tenor size.

A - That's not an easy question, but here is a simple answer (and it's important to remember that one wood is not better than another, just different):

- Mahogany top, back, and sides: warm and mellow tone. Very even note equalization.

- Mahogany back and sides with Spruce top: with the addition of Spruce to the top of a guitar or ukulele the overall tonal range is increased. In other words, because Spruce is technically a "soft" wood, with more tensile flexibility it can vibrate more freely and thus create clearer and pronounced treble and bass notes. Again, not better, just different.

- Koa top, back, and sides (available on Ko'olau models only): somewhat similar to Mahogany, but due to it's density and weight (41lb/ft and .55sg, compared to Mahogany at 34lb/ft and .54sg), Koa produces a brighter, more projecting tone.

- Rosewood back and sides: Rosewood is a relatively heavy and dense wood that produces deep warm tone. Due to its weight and density Rosewood cannot be used as a top soundboard wood, and the most common choice is either Spruce or Cedar. We use Cedar with Rosewood for our current Pono production. Cedar on guitars or ukuleles produces a warmer, more aged tone (like having the wisdom of a 90 year old, with the body of a twenty year old). Pono Pro-Classic Rosewood/Cedar models resemble miniature classical guitars.

- Maple: Maple is also heavy and dense, however, being a tight grained wood tone is different than Rosewood. Maple is usually combined with Spruce, and results in an excellent and well balanced tone and volume. Perfect for recording due to clarity of tone and projection. The Pro-Classic Maple/Spruce is a combination of woods that provides a somewhat opposite sound to that of the Rosewood/Cedar model. But again, not better, just different.

A - For a while we tried to provide a more economical instrument, and so the gig bag. However, most customers ended up buying a case separately, so we have decided to go back to our original design, which is to include a hardshell case with every instrument.

A - Due to limited availability, and the environmental endangerment of Koa, we will no longer use Hawaiian Koa for Pono guitars and 'ukuleles. Traditionally, Mahogany and Koa have both been used for stringed instruments, and both have their own distinctive sound. They are both good, but again, Koa is becoming rare and difficult to acquire quantities of high grade lumber. A similar wood that we use, and actually has been prized by guitar and 'ukulele makers for many centuries is Mahogany. Pono mahogany ’ukuleles are very similar to the classic Martin and Gibson mahogany ‘ukulele. Sweet and mellow, with good volume and projection.

A - The Mahogany Series is available in a satin finish. All other instruments have a gloss finish.

Q - Are Pono Guitars and ‘Ukuleles made by the Ko’olau Guitar and ‘Ukulele Company?

A - A simple answer is yes, but not in Wahiawa. But we actually do work in our other factories. We personally manage and oversee all of our Pono manufacturing. All designs and styles are patterned after our Ko'olau instruments, and manufacturing techniques are supervised on a daily basis by our staff in Hawaii.

In the past, stringed instruments made in Asian countries were thought of as cheap and of poor quality. But times have changed. Actually, much of the problem was due to European and American contractors who commissioned Asian manufacturers to make cheap products. So they accomodated our needs. But again, things have changed. You can still buy inexpensive products from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam (actually about everything we own). But these other countries also manufacture some of the finest quality guitars and violins. Most high end products remain in their own country, bought and played by their own middle and upper class musicians.

Although we proudly hate to admit it, Asian craftsmanship sometimes surpasses the quality of our own domestic products. Not always ... but what used to be the slogan "made in America is the best" is not always true these days. Yes, some fine quality workmanship is still available in the US, but various factors such as costs of operation and pride in craftsmanship (or a lack of it) have caused a shift of manufacturing to other countries.

But aside from where our Pono instruments are made, we are personally involved in each phase of production, spending considerable time overseeing operations. In fact we daily monitor manufacturing, and then conduct a thorough inspection of every Pono instrument first at our overseas factories, and then again perform a similar inspection and set-up at our factory in Hawaii.

Do we ever experienced problems in production? Of course, on occasion a defective instrument slips by, but what's important is that we stand behind what me make. If there is any faulty craftsmanship we will repair or replace the instrument. Our Ko'olau and Pono luthiers have many years of experience in the construction of very high end classical and steel string guitars. Pono instruments are not simply a cheap “import” but instead, made with the same pride and integity as our Ko'olau models.

We are still proud of our Ko'olau line of instruments. In fact, the reason that our Pono instruments have become popular is due to our many years of experience at building Ko'olau instruments and working to maintain our high standards of excellence. All Pono ukuleles are patterned after our Ko'olau models. We consider our Pono and Ko'olau ukuleles similar to Toyota and Lexus. Both made by the same manufacturer, made in various locations around the world, and both very high quality.

Here is an interesting quote that we read recently. "I have a dream ..... that one day 'ukulele players will not judge an 'ukulele by the location of its fabrication, but they will judge the 'ukulele by the content of its voice"

So, whether it's a Ko'olau made here on Oahu, or a Pono from our other factories, the goal remains the same, high quality.

A - We did, and may again begin production. With a new and revised ukulele line we want to achieve near perfection with ukuleles, and then again introduce new guitars.

A - All Pono ‘ukuleles are available with our “Pono” brand undersaddle transducer passive pickup. We have them custom made for us by a reputable guitar pickup manufacturer in Korea. These days it seems that Korea is on the cutting edge of stringed instrument amplification. We install what is known as "passive" pickups. They are designed for a direct conductance of tone and vibration, and thus have no internal pre-amp or battery. This decision was not only to keep costs down, but our passive system is actually the finest quality “stand alone“ pickup we have tested (stand alone meaning without a preamp). In certain settings, at high level professional amplification, an external outboard preamp may be used in combination with a passive pickup, creating an improved tone and volume. A variety of outboard Pre-Amps are available at any music store.

A - Yes, warranty is extended to the original retail purchaser, from defects in materials and/or workmanship, at the time of purchase. Upon initial receipt of your new instrument, if you are not satisfied you may return it within three days, in original condition to the Authorized Dealer you purchased it from, for a full refund, no questions asked. Afterward, our limited warranty is valid for five years from the date of purchase. A “limited” warranty is designed to cover manufacturer defects. Warranty does not include shipping costs, neglect (including improper climate control and humidity regulation), abuse, strings, finishes, fret wear, or machine head tuners. Pickups and all electronic components have a one year warranty. Proof of original purchase will be necessary for any claims. All return shipping costs will be the responsibility of owner.

A - First of all, when you purchase your Ko'olau or Pono guitar or 'ukulele we suggest that you fill out your warranty card and send it in so we have a record on file. If you have not sent in your warranty card, or have lost your card then your original sales receipt will be necessary to file any claims.

Next, if you experience a problem with your instrument it is best to contact the Authorized Dealer where you bought the instrument. They may be able to resolve the problem without the need to return your instrument to our factory, which will save you the expense of return shipping. However, you may contact us personally anytime with any questions about your instrument.

If it is determined that your instrument should be returned to our factory here on Oahu we will issue you a Return Authorization file number. This number must be legibly written on the box. Please include a short note of explanation of what you feel is the problem. Also include your contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address. And again, if you did not return your warranty card, please include your original sales receipt (we will file a warranty card for you at that time, and will return your sales receipt upon completion of repairs).

Please note: You are responsible for shipping costs. Upon receipt we will examine your instrument, and determine if the problems you have noted are due to faulty craftsmanship on our part, or possibly due to environmental factors such as humidity or lack of it, or other possible issues of misuse. A further explanation of coverage is outlined in your warranty card. If it is determined that problems are due to faulty craftsmanship, we will repair your instrument (usually within 30 days) and return it to you, and we will cover the cost of repairs and return shipping.

Note: If upon examination of your instrument we determine that issues are NOT related to faulty craftsmanship on our part, but instead due to either misuse or adverse environmental climate control of your instrument, we will notify you immediately of the cost of repairs and the cost of return shipping. Upon receipt of payment for repairs and shipping costs, we will proceed and return your repaired instrument to you within 30 days.

If you choose not to have your instrument repaired, upon receipt of return shipping costs we will have your instrument shipped back to you.

A – We have a network of domestic and foreign dealers throughout North America, Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan. Please see our website under “Authorized Dealers” for each listing. If you are unable to locate a dealer, please contact us and we provide the information you need.

For further questions and inquiries:

Ko'olau Guitar & 'Ukulele, Inc.
Pono Guitar & 'Ukulele
401 North Cane St. A-10
Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786
(808) 622-1064 • Fax: (808) 622-1646
E-Mail: sales@koolauukulele.com