What is TRU Reduction? - The Breakdown (Builderʻs Edition)

The Breakdown (Builderʻs Edition) is back with an episode this time about TRU Reduction! What is it, and how does it affect the playability and tone of our newer instruments? Here we have Joe Souza explaining the production process behind this important element.
TRU Reduction is a laser etched pattern on the inside soundboard of our ʻukulele and guitar to increase the tonal response of the soundboard. The reduction of mass increases the peaks and troughs when the soundboard vibrates and creates sound waves. This increases volume, sustain, and range of the instrument.
Letʻs listen to our guitar which has TRU Reduction: • Kanile'a KG-5 Guitar -...
Links:
Website: www.kanileaukulele.com/
Instagram: / kanileaukulele
Facebook: / kanileaukulele

[@fbales]

I’d choose number 2.

[@mikegallier263]

Beautiful Ukuleles. I am fortunate to have just recently obtained one with the TRU-R bracing in April 2024, and it sounds great. I definitely heard a better tone from the second one, but since volume is also determined by how hard the strings are plucked, I would not judge them based on volume comparison.

[@bobkiefer3501]

I consider myself a tin-eared chorus strummer, but even I noticed the punchier sound from the second ukulele.

[@Fernwald84]

Definitely #2. The differences I heard were more volume/projection ("presence") and a bit more bass and more treble, too. The treble/bass boost wasn't enough to create an unbalance in the midrange. The effect was, rather, to give a bit more "presence" and not just volume. Definitely a master stroke in ukulele design.

[@TheOriginalCyber3d]

No.2 However, the timbre is also different.

[@pmorey2378]

sustain and "chime" was pretty apparent on #2

[@mikek4708]

My inner engineering nerd is well and truely delighted. Love the breakdown. Thanks Kanile’a. To me number 2 was more balanced and harmonised stunningly, with more clarity. That said, number one was still better than anything I have, hands down. Thank you and have a great week.

[@chrismiller6390]

Cool video!
I thought the fingerstyle was about the same, strumming had more sustain with the 2nd, but it might also be affected by the intensity of the strumming.

[@johnkleczewski5671]

I love this!

[@tjbissues5889]

Both instruments are great but nuber 2 was just a bit better tonally. Interesting comparison. You put a lot of time & effort into innovation and research for which thanks are deserved.

[@sonofrat]

Wow noticeably increased decibel level.

[@timbenware7893]

I preferred #1.

[@stephenbonner323]

Number two, obvious difference, even though #1 sounds good.

[@kithg]

The difference is remarkable.

[@user-tn2kw1et7l]

#2 has a more open sound.

[@sonofrat]

Number 2 sounds like it was the one with tru-reduction.

[@user-tn2kw1et7l]

#2 is lighter and has more clarity.

[@davidornelasii9898]

Instrument 2, beautiful sound and brighter

[@ponomcdowell2068]

Elua

[@kawikadee9670]

Braddah Joe, I didn't know you had a store at Ala Moana I seen it on Monday, congratulations! However, you have some lazy workers there that only sit down and play there ukuleles all day. I would have them clean the store if it's not busy, but then again I'm not their boss.

[@KanileaUkulele]

Aloha, we apologize for your experience. We aim to make every experience with Kanile’a special and we are sorry you didn’t receive that level of service. We received your email yesterday and we have already addressed it with the staff who were on duty at the time. We also tried reaching back out to you via email to have conversations and give you the service you can expect from Kanile’a. Please give us a call or email back when you can. Mahalo!

[@kawikadee9670]

@@KanileaUkulele Aloha, thank you for getting back to me and addressing my experience. I appreciate your genuine kindness.