Description
Sound demo of a D-1 Core soprano, serial 29147, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio (the super soprano has a slightly larger body and longer neck).
Sound demo of a D-1 Pro soprano, serial 28921, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio.
Sound demo of a K-1 Core super soprano, serial 29723, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio: the same super soprano body with a round soundhole.
The Kanile'a D-1 Hawaiian Koa Super Soprano Ukulele is a Hawaiian-made super soprano ukulele with a 15.365” concert-length scale on a soprano-style body, built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and bridge, Kanile'a's D-shaped soundhole and the Kanile'a Crown headstock. It keeps the classic soprano look and sound with more room on the fretboard. Choose the Core, Pro or Natural Series below; each one ships with a Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag and Kanile'a's lifetime warranty.
Specifications
| SKU | D-1 SS + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Super Soprano (concert scale) |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Top | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Back & Sides | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Neck | Single Piece Genuine Mahogany |
| Fretboard & Bridge | Ebony |
| Headstock | Ebony, Kanileʻa Crown |
| Headstock Logo | White Mother-of-Pearl |
| Top & Side Fret Markers | White Mother-of-Pearl |
| Soundhole | D-Shaped |
| Tuners | Chrome Kanileʻa Open Geared |
| Tuning | G-C-E-A (High G on Core and Natural, Low G on Pro) |
Series differences
| Core | Pro | Natural | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koa Grade | Deluxe Grade | Premium Grade | Select Grade |
| Finish | UV Gloss body, UV Silk neck | UV Gloss body, UV Silk neck | Single Layer UV Cured Natural (satin) |
| Nut & Saddle | White NuBone | Graphite Infused Black TUSQ | White NuBone |
| Side Sound Port | No | Oval | No |
| Bracing | TRU-R Bracing | TRU-R Bracing | TRU-R Bracing |
| TRU-Reduction Soundboard Etching | No | Yes | No |
| Strings | Worth Fluorocarbon High-G | Worth Fluorocarbon x GHS Phosphor Bronze Low-G Set | Worth Fluorocarbon High-G |
| Tuning | G-C-E-A, high G | G-C-E-A, low G | G-C-E-A, high G |
Measurements
| Scale Length | 15.365” |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.5” |
What is included
- The ukulele for the series and serial number you choose, or a new one built for you when you choose Build to Order
- Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag
WARRANTY - Kanile'a Lifetime Warranty
BUILD TO ORDER - Kanileʻa builds your D-1 Super Soprano by hand in Hawaiʻi in the series you choose. We have no photos of a finished D-1 super soprano yet, so the examples show the front of earlier D-1 sopranos (same D-shaped soundhole, slightly smaller body and shorter neck) and the back of an earlier K-1 super soprano (same super soprano body). Your koa grain will be different. Build time is usually 6 to 8 weeks, and we confirm it with you after you order.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Core, Pro and Natural D-1 super soprano?
All three are solid Hawaiian koa with the same body, neck and Kanile'a TRU-R Bracing. The Core has Deluxe Grade koa with a UV gloss body and UV silk neck. The Pro uses Premium Grade koa and adds an oval side sound port, TRU-Reduction soundboard etching, a graphite infused black TUSQ nut and saddle, and a low-G string set. The Natural has Select Grade koa with a single-layer UV cured natural (satin) finish.
What is TRU-Reduction soundboard etching?
TRU-Reduction is a Kanileʻa process that uses laser etching to remove wood from selected areas on the inside of the koa soundboard. The lighter, more flexible top vibrates more freely, which gives more projection and sustain without weakening the top. It is one of the Pro Series upgrades; the Core and Natural Series do not have it. All three series share the same Kanileʻa TRU-R Bracing.
What is a super soprano ukulele?
A super soprano has a soprano-style body with a longer 15.365” concert-length neck. You get the bright, classic soprano voice with more room between the frets and a little more volume.
How does the D-1 compare to the K-1?
They share the same Hawaiian koa, mahogany neck, Crown headstock and series options. The D-1 has Kanile'a's D-shaped soundhole, and the K-1 has a traditional round soundhole.
Is the Kanile'a D-1 super soprano solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a D-1 super soprano, Core, Pro or Natural, is built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck.
How is the Kanile'a D-1 super soprano tuned?
The Core and Natural come with Worth fluorocarbon strings and a high G for standard re-entrant G-C-E-A tuning. The Pro comes with a Worth fluorocarbon x GHS phosphor bronze set with a wound low G.
Where is the Kanile'a D-1 ukulele made?
The Kanile'a D-1 ukulele is made in Hawaiʻi by Kanileʻa ʻUkulele.
How do I choose the exact ukulele I get?
Every Kanile'a D-1 Super Soprano is hand-built from solid koa, so no two have the same grain. When a finished ukulele is in stock, it is listed under its series and its own serial number with Ships Now, and its photos show that exact ukulele. Choose Build to Order to have Kanileʻa build a new one for you.
How does Build to Order work?
Pick a series with Build to Order and check out as usual. We place your order with Kanileʻa, who build the ukulele by hand in Hawaiʻi, and the build usually takes 6 to 8 weeks; we confirm the timing with you after you order. It ships to you with a Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag and Kanile'a's lifetime warranty.
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📸 NOTE ON PHOTOS
The photos show a representative example of this model. You will receive an instrument that matches the specs and quality shown — it may not be the exact piece pictured. Questions before ordering? We're happy to help.
