I vaguely recall you saying in a video that you asked Kanile'a to add your name to the Manako as you mentioned selling instruments and regretting it later. Unless I dreamed it, would be a really odd and specific dream. And the Manako sound is glorious to me. The Ilikai series - I get it. It's new, it's exciting, and Kanile'a are improving and innovating over time. The looks are amazing, and the sound is something unique. But it's got a sound hole on the wrong side for a left-handed player. So I vote Manako. But it's absolutely not about me!
Go with the maple, really made you smile when you played it. Both are clearly different and also lovely. Thanks for sharing, may even take a look at thinning my emotional purchases. Have a great week and can’t wait to hear the new songs you will create on your new Uke 👍
I'm all in for warmth and depth on this one. It doesn't have to make you sad, it really doesn't. It's a blanket you're familiar with. But you want to wear those flip-flops too. Perfectly do-able with a mango 😉. But I would pick the mango one every time plus one...
Thanks for going through your evaluation of each ukes sound and your thoughts about each uke. Its helpful to hear how you are personally evaluating them for yourself. I think I would stay with the mango. I like the lush, low notes. I have mahogany, cedar and koa, with cedar my favorite. Im thinking I should have tried mango!
I prefer the sound of the mango, but they are both lovely. It’s too bad they are not a low enough price to have both since I could imagine each would sound better depending on the song, but having to choose one, I would go for the original.
Hi Alex, 2 very beautiful ukuleles, and each time, adorable musical demonstration themes, to better magnify them. Great work from SUS, as usual. Thank you dear Alex. Eric
Both are gorgeous sounding instruments. It sounds like you really want the maple though, and it better reflects who you are now so maybe it’s time to make a change. Will be interested to see what you decide.
I love that you suffer like the rest of us. Of all the buying and trading I have done over the years I think I have only regretted losing one of them. I've always tried to trade up and I think that is what I have done. If this is the one you want, I say go for it.
Alex, im a lefty like you. It amazes me when you play a righty upside down. I'm like you in a way of the colors of the uke. It draws me to it. You have to go with your heart on this one. They're both fabulous ukes. Good luck.
Illikai by a mile for me, Alex! I've always leaned toward spruce and other brighter tonewoods, and maple is my favorite to look at, so to say that Illikai ticks all the boxes is an understatement. At the end of the day, you acknowledge the loss of innocence and embrace growth and progress. That's what Kanile'a does too. That's why this next step feels so right. Trust yourself! Go for it!
I would recommend you play mandolin! The most common tonewoods are spruce top/maple back and sides, and it really projects! That's what I like about them - I like their sound (but ukes are interesting, too)!
for me the Manako sounds like a big hug and a cup of hot chocolate - and the Ilikai sounds like dancing in the sun If I ever were that lucky to choose one, I know which I would choose ☕ - and am curious to see how you decide 😎
Funny you write that! I know which one I’d choose, too. Clear choice. BUT, I also understand all points made in the lead up to the decision. All valid perspectives as put forward by Alex. Interestingly, my favourite ukulele is a blend of these two tone woods, a blue Flight Comet tenor, and I LOVE it. There is place for both for Alex, save for economics. I look forward to seeing the outcome of his dilemma in choosing ⚖️
I really find it impossible to part with any of my instruments and no matter how I think of it, I just can't... main reason my uke collection is growing.. 😅
Two gorgeous ukes ❤. I love my new ukulele, it's the blue pineapple Uma. Everyone has commented on it, and they love the tone. Thanks again for your great service x
I sold a Kala Cedar top Acacia and I knew as I was doing it I would regret it. I too often this of it and sadly sigh. The Mango is one of a kind and the Maple is available to you at a later date. I say wait until you no longer question your choice. It is a one way trip, this decision!
I’ve got my eye on the Pohaku, Ilikia’s sibling. Kanile’a makes some amazing ukuleles. You can’t go wrong either way. I’d drive myself crazy just seeing all the uke options if I worked in a ukulele shop. 😊
The mango suits me all over the place. I'd buy it (and love it) and let you buy it back if you had regrets. I think what is happening with the mango is that you have said all you can say with it. Do you think it is holding you back at this point in your life? You sound like the way you would like to express yourself is quite different than you wanted to when you ordered the mango. The beautiful, safe appearance of the mango isn't you anymore either. You are ready to hold something up in front of you that is much more alive. You need livelier response in an instrument as well, to go where your increased emotional energy wants to take it.
Love your thoughtful comment. What happened since this video is Kanile'a reached out to me and told me to keep the mango uke. They have incredibly built me a left handed Ilikai and gifted it to me. I think to be honest I've been getting rid of a lot of things from my old life the last 2 years but there are a few things I've got rid of impulsively that I regretted after a bit of time passed.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore What a lovely gesture. I don't remember how many years ago I wanted a uke and thought I would have to build it myself. A few years later it exploded. Now here we are.
I can really empathise, like many of us I have been there! If you choose to make the change then in ten years you risk 'the one that got away' syndrome. Only you can make this decision, but as you say it's a production model, and given how consistent Kanile'a product is maybe you have time to reflect and make a very considered decision.
Question. I play both ukulele and guitar. You touched upon your preferred nylon string tension. I can’t find good videos that really display the differences between string tensions from a playability standpoint, as well as a tonal standpoint. It gets very confusing when you factor in different types of materials like fluorocarbon, wound/unwound strings, etc. Have you ever made a video about this? If not, any chance you’d consider making one? Thanks!
I prefer your Mango Uke, perhaps because I love the sound of Mango. I have a Pono Mango baratone and I love it. If I were you I’d keep both because they are different and they each have different songs that will sound better. They’re both beautiful.
Hi Alex, I like the sound of the maple. However, I am more of a traditionalist so the color scheme is not one that I would consider purchasing. However, maybe in the future I would consider a maple topped ukulele. Didn't Flight have something like that? I just bought a Kanile'a Koa DK Tenor at the factory and I am thrilled to finally own one! Love your videos, keep up the great work. Thank you!
Alex, did you make a final decision? So curious. Hard to find the new models in the USA Kanile’a retailers. Might have to come to SUS to check them out. Visiting SUS is a bucket list item for me. 😊👍
The mango is unique and has some history to it, I'd hang on to it for now. Once it's gone, it's gone. It's imo better to sell an instrument when you want to get rid of it, rather than when you want a "new" thing because the new one is always tempting and more interesting for a while, until you regret and can't get it back. Or, get both and think on it for longer!
Go for both... have you considered there may be certain bodily organs you could maybe do without for a price? If you have to choose one... then one of them literally has your name on it
I came to check the channel after looking at my CV and saw you posted a video literally the moment I checked. Glad to see you are still posting videos. Ill have to pop in when im back in the UK next year. Regards from Japan! - Floyd
I feel your state😂 love you’re doing this video…! Whilst watching I’m guessing you’ll move on… you’ve got Monk helping out so all will be good lol! Edit again… what a dilemma… there must be dozens of us out here wanting to help you out and longing for your Kanile’a😂
I love maple as a bright tonewood - whether it's a guitar or a ukulele so I would generally purchase the maple, be it guitar - and I have a couple of Hofner vintage guitars - or ukulele. I do have a couple of mango ukuleles. However, the painted / coloured / stained soundboard puts me off straight away on the maple. I will say my very favourite ukulele is a very cheap, B-stock flamed maple that I bought 7 years ago and I always come back to this instrument.
A tricky one! I don’t suppose you still have your concert and tenor Koalohas in mango, if you’re in the mood for the soulful sound of the wood from that tree?! 🌳
Unless you have a ton money, you’re always going to have choices to make, I guess. Plus, we grow. But I’d think twice before deacquisioning a personalized uke as good as that Kanile’a. Don’t you have a kidney you could sell instead?
That's what so nice about tonewoods such different voices I think you'll regret getting rid of it if it's your go to if that maples really speaking to you get it nothing wrong with 2 I'd never get rid of my go to if it's about the money well I'd eat beans and rice and wear socks with holes for awhile
My, KAI, has a bright sound, cedar top, bocote back and sides with a side sound port. You noted that the solid mango cost had increased since 2020. It seems to me that most prices have gone up, everywhere, since 2020. I just wonder hy?
Hawaiian minimum wage, cost of freight internationally has sky rocketed. If you were Kanile'a buying a wood from outside of hawaii now compared to 6 years ago, you are going to pay a lot more in logistics costs. There will be more reasons but they are the ones I have heard from multiple sources in different countries. It's a challenge I face at SUS with Importing ukuleles as well with the average uke cost from Hawaii costing 3 times what it did a few years back...
Not to be critical but the sound recording on your videos don't capture the beauty of these instruments 😢 ie Hawaii music supply recordings sound night and day compared to your videos. But I do love your in depth review and commentary and playing skills 😊
I'm obviously getting oversensitive but man these comments bum me out. I use quite an elaborate set up for the normal videos but admittedly this one was more of a point and click video recording because I was working around the shop being open and having to be quick. I get what you are saying though... Ukulele site use a literal Pro rig, I've seen it myself and it's amazing but also requires a lot of perfect conditions and time to get right. They do a fantastic job, I'm never gonna be able to match them though as I simply don't have the budget or the relaxing space to film and chill. Take care bud x
@@SouthernUkuleleStore hey Alex sorry I didn't mean to be hurtful or critical. Apologies if it came across as such. Keep up the good work 💯 I appreciate your love for ukes and music. Sincerely, Pablo
I know Pablo and I wasn't taking it as personally as it probably came across. It's just like anything when you try your best, it can be easy to feel a bit *bleugh. It really is all good!
I enjoyed hearing the candid comment and candied notes 🥁 I would hang on to your OG because it is sooo good, personal and different to the new one. Rob a bank or make it happen to get the new one at a steal somehow. But maybe part of you wants to move on. Only Alex knows 🪄
You deserve both of them. They compliment each other very well.
Agree. Go with both if you can. We’re not here for a no long time, we’re here for a good time.
I vaguely recall you saying in a video that you asked Kanile'a to add your name to the Manako as you mentioned selling instruments and regretting it later. Unless I dreamed it, would be a really odd and specific dream. And the Manako sound is glorious to me.
The Ilikai series - I get it. It's new, it's exciting, and Kanile'a are improving and innovating over time. The looks are amazing, and the sound is something unique. But it's got a sound hole on the wrong side for a left-handed player.
So I vote Manako. But it's absolutely not about me!
Alex, That mango uke sounds beautiful. You may regret getting rid of it.
Go with your heart!! No one's choice but your own!! 👍👏😎✌️
I think you’ve talked yourself into it! I think you’ve made the right decision too - brighter place, brighter look, brighter sound!
I like the sound of the mango one hands down but to each it’s own.
Go with the maple, really made you smile when you played it. Both are clearly different and also lovely. Thanks for sharing, may even take a look at thinning my emotional purchases. Have a great week and can’t wait to hear the new songs you will create on your new Uke 👍
I'm all in for warmth and depth on this one. It doesn't have to make you sad, it really doesn't. It's a blanket you're familiar with. But you want to wear those flip-flops too. Perfectly do-able with a mango 😉.
But I would pick the mango one every time plus one...
Thanks for going through your evaluation of each ukes sound and your thoughts about each uke. Its helpful to hear how you are personally evaluating them for yourself. I think I would stay with the mango. I like the lush, low notes. I have mahogany, cedar and koa, with cedar my favorite. Im thinking I should have tried mango!
I prefer the sound of the mango, but they are both lovely. It’s too bad they are not a low enough price to have both since I could imagine each would sound better depending on the song, but having to choose one, I would go for the original.
Hi Alex,
2 very beautiful ukuleles, and each time, adorable musical demonstration themes, to better magnify them.
Great work from SUS, as usual. Thank you dear Alex.
Eric
I bet you could set up a layaway plan for the new one, and keep both!
Both are gorgeous sounding instruments. It sounds like you really want the maple though, and it better reflects who you are now so maybe it’s time to make a change. Will be interested to see what you decide.
I love that you suffer like the rest of us. Of all the buying and trading I have done over the years I think I have only regretted losing one of them. I've always tried to trade up and I think that is what I have done. If this is the one you want, I say go for it.
Alex, im a lefty like you. It amazes me when you play a righty upside down. I'm like you in a way of the colors of the uke. It draws me to it. You have to go with your heart on this one. They're both fabulous ukes. Good luck.
Wow, both are gorgeous and each have their own sound & style, I see the appeal but the Manako , amazing!
that harmonic Mario riff was nuts!!!!
Thanks dude. Sammy makes all this harmonic stuff look much more complicated than it actually is.
Glad to hear that you are in a brighter place now. They are both so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your thought process as a buyer.
Illikai by a mile for me, Alex! I've always leaned toward spruce and other brighter tonewoods, and maple is my favorite to look at, so to say that Illikai ticks all the boxes is an understatement. At the end of the day, you acknowledge the loss of innocence and embrace growth and progress. That's what Kanile'a does too. That's why this next step feels so right. Trust yourself! Go for it!
I would recommend you play mandolin!
The most common tonewoods are spruce top/maple back and sides, and it really projects! That's what I like about them - I like their sound (but ukes are interesting, too)!
I would choose both. Some days I want more lows and some days I want more highs so having both would fit those sound cravings.
Mango does it for me
for me the Manako sounds like a big hug and a cup of hot chocolate - and the Ilikai sounds like dancing in the sun
If I ever were that lucky to choose one, I know which I would choose ☕ - and am curious to see how you decide
😎
Funny you write that! I know which one I’d choose, too. Clear choice. BUT, I also understand all points made in the lead up to the decision. All valid perspectives as put forward by Alex. Interestingly, my favourite ukulele is a blend of these two tone woods, a blue Flight Comet tenor, and I LOVE it. There is place for both for Alex, save for economics. I look forward to seeing the outcome of his dilemma in choosing ⚖️
I really find it impossible to part with any of my instruments and no matter how I think of it, I just can't... main reason my uke collection is growing.. 😅
Two gorgeous ukes ❤. I love my new ukulele, it's the blue pineapple Uma. Everyone has commented on it, and they love the tone. Thanks again for your great service x
I sold a Kala Cedar top Acacia and I knew as I was doing it I would regret it. I too often this of it and sadly sigh. The Mango is one of a kind and the Maple is available to you at a later date. I say wait until you no longer question your choice. It is a one way trip, this decision!
I’ve got my eye on the Pohaku, Ilikia’s sibling. Kanile’a makes some amazing ukuleles. You can’t go wrong either way. I’d drive myself crazy just seeing all the uke options if I worked in a ukulele shop. 😊
The mango suits me all over the place. I'd buy it (and love it) and let you buy it back if you had regrets. I think what is happening with the mango is that you have said all you can say with it. Do you think it is holding you back at this point in your life? You sound like the way you would like to express yourself is quite different than you wanted to when you ordered the mango. The beautiful, safe appearance of the mango isn't you anymore either. You are ready to hold something up in front of you that is much more alive. You need livelier response in an instrument as well, to go where your increased emotional energy wants to take it.
Love your thoughtful comment.
What happened since this video is Kanile'a reached out to me and told me to keep the mango uke. They have incredibly built me a left handed Ilikai and gifted it to me.
I think to be honest I've been getting rid of a lot of things from my old life the last 2 years but there are a few things I've got rid of impulsively that I regretted after a bit of time passed.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore What a lovely gesture. I don't remember how many years ago I wanted a uke and thought I would have to build it myself. A few years later it exploded. Now here we are.
I can really empathise, like many of us I have been there! If you choose to make the change then in ten years you risk 'the one that got away' syndrome. Only you can make this decision, but as you say it's a production model, and given how consistent Kanile'a product is maybe you have time to reflect and make a very considered decision.
Question. I play both ukulele and guitar. You touched upon your preferred nylon string tension. I can’t find good videos that really display the differences between string tensions from a playability standpoint, as well as a tonal standpoint. It gets very confusing when you factor in different types of materials like fluorocarbon, wound/unwound strings, etc.
Have you ever made a video about this? If not, any chance you’d consider making one?
Thanks!
If you'll play them both, have them both. Doubtful you will look back and regret keeping them both.
I prefer your Mango Uke, perhaps because I love the sound of Mango. I have a Pono Mango baratone and I love it. If I were you I’d keep both because they are different and they each have different songs that will sound better. They’re both beautiful.
Hi Alex, I like the sound of the maple. However, I am more of a traditionalist so the color scheme is not one that I would consider purchasing. However, maybe in the future I would consider a maple topped ukulele. Didn't Flight have something like that? I just bought a Kanile'a Koa DK Tenor at the factory and I am thrilled to finally own one! Love your videos, keep up the great work. Thank you!
I thought maple is more traditionally a back and sides tonewood (at least on mandolins)!
Alex, did you make a final decision? So curious. Hard to find the new models in the USA Kanile’a retailers. Might have to come to SUS to check them out. Visiting SUS is a bucket list item for me. 😊👍
Kanile'a actually told me I should keep the Manako and offered to make me a left handed Ilikai when I'm ready.
Sweet!!!
The mango is unique and has some history to it, I'd hang on to it for now. Once it's gone, it's gone. It's imo better to sell an instrument when you want to get rid of it, rather than when you want a "new" thing because the new one is always tempting and more interesting for a while, until you regret and can't get it back. Or, get both and think on it for longer!
Go for both... have you considered there may be certain bodily organs you could maybe do without for a price? If you have to choose one... then one of them literally has your name on it
I came to check the channel after looking at my CV and saw you posted a video literally the moment I checked. Glad to see you are still posting videos. Ill have to pop in when im back in the UK next year. Regards from Japan! - Floyd
3:48 Seems like because of your occupation, you are desensitized to it - so that's why you don't get emotional!
I feel your state😂 love you’re doing this video…! Whilst watching I’m guessing you’ll move on… you’ve got Monk helping out so all will be good lol! Edit again… what a dilemma… there must be dozens of us out here wanting to help you out and longing for your Kanile’a😂
😆😆
MANGO FOR THE WIN!
You should get them to make a left-handed one for you.
I love maple as a bright tonewood - whether it's a guitar or a ukulele so I would generally purchase the maple, be it guitar - and I have a couple of Hofner vintage guitars - or ukulele. I do have a couple of mango ukuleles. However, the painted / coloured / stained soundboard puts me off straight away on the maple. I will say my very favourite ukulele is a very cheap, B-stock flamed maple that I bought 7 years ago and I always come back to this instrument.
And maple mandolins are traditional, too! 😉
A tricky one! I don’t suppose you still have your concert and tenor Koalohas in mango, if you’re in the mood for the soulful sound of the wood from that tree?! 🌳
Okay, but, like, which arrangement is that version of jungle out there? It sounds great!
...unlike most of the tabs and sheet music out there for it
We worked it out that day to be honest. I can't even remember it without studying our own videos of us playing it.
Keep your old one sounds fantastic
Follow your intuition 😂
Unless you have a ton money, you’re always going to have choices to make, I guess. Plus, we grow. But I’d think twice before deacquisioning a personalized uke as good as that Kanile’a. Don’t you have a kidney you could sell instead?
That's good advice. I am not making the decision quickly... going to give it a day or two
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Plus, you play different things on different ukes, depending on their sound.
Yeah! Quick decisive distilled thinking = best choice.
When you hit the price point of $3,000. The video is over, but thanks for sharing. 😀
Would you add a pick up to either of the ukes please as they come as a acoustic uke
What i mentd is Do you have a pick up on your uke or do you think they are best without.
I need a pickup as 90% of the time I am playing my own ukes is at a gig or teaching a group
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thank you cause am looking at getting one and I'm thinking of getting a pickup. Not sure yet mode looking at 2 brand
Great comparison! Looks like both have the same string set with wound G & C? What strings are they?
Ukes with alex low g with daddrio wound c
Sound hole on the sides underneath for you. I think your own ones a nicer sound.
That's what so nice about tonewoods such different voices I think you'll regret getting rid of it if it's your go to if that maples really speaking to you get it nothing wrong with 2 I'd never get rid of my go to if it's about the money well I'd eat beans and rice and wear socks with holes for awhile
Oh, as the Chinese say, choosing is for kids.
Wow wow a weee a wow
Never stop doing this. I always enjoy it!
Lol choices choices I'd have both winner both ways lol
Mango seems better to me
My, KAI, has a bright sound, cedar top, bocote back and sides with a side sound port. You noted that the solid mango cost had increased since 2020. It seems to me that most prices have gone up, everywhere, since 2020. I just wonder hy?
Hawaiian minimum wage, cost of freight internationally has sky rocketed. If you were Kanile'a buying a wood from outside of hawaii now compared to 6 years ago, you are going to pay a lot more in logistics costs.
There will be more reasons but they are the ones I have heard from multiple sources in different countries. It's a challenge I face at SUS with Importing ukuleles as well with the average uke cost from Hawaii costing 3 times what it did a few years back...
Not to be critical but the sound recording on your videos don't capture the beauty of these instruments 😢 ie Hawaii music supply recordings sound night and day compared to your videos. But I do love your in depth review and commentary and playing skills 😊
I'm obviously getting oversensitive but man these comments bum me out. I use quite an elaborate set up for the normal videos but admittedly this one was more of a point and click video recording because I was working around the shop being open and having to be quick. I get what you are saying though...
Ukulele site use a literal Pro rig, I've seen it myself and it's amazing but also requires a lot of perfect conditions and time to get right. They do a fantastic job, I'm never gonna be able to match them though as I simply don't have the budget or the relaxing space to film and chill.
Take care bud x
@@SouthernUkuleleStore hey Alex sorry I didn't mean to be hurtful or critical. Apologies if it came across as such. Keep up the good work 💯 I appreciate your love for ukes and music. Sincerely, Pablo
I know Pablo and I wasn't taking it as personally as it probably came across. It's just like anything when you try your best, it can be easy to feel a bit *bleugh.
It really is all good!
❤ all the best ☺️ keep rocking my man
Do you really want to sell a ukulele that literally has your name on it? Take out a loan and keep both.
Keep the original as it sounds and looks classy.
The new one looks rather chavvy like a coloured toilet seat.
More isn't always best.
I enjoyed hearing the candid comment and candied notes 🥁 I would hang on to your OG because it is sooo good, personal and different to the new one. Rob a bank or make it happen to get the new one at a steal somehow. But maybe part of you wants to move on. Only Alex knows 🪄