Description
Terry Carter compares 4-string and 5-string Kanile'a super tenors.
The Kanile'a D-1 Hawaiian Koa 5-String 17” Super Tenor Ukulele is a Hawaiian-made five-string super tenor ukulele with a 17.08” tenor scale and the larger super tenor 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. Its doubled G course pairs a high G with a low G, so you get the bright re-entrant sound and a deeper bottom end at once. 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 ST5 + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Super Tenor 17” (tenor scale) |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| 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 | Kanileʻa Open Geared Chrome |
| Strings | Kanile'a x Worth Fluorocarbon 5-String Set (wound low G) |
| Tuning | G-g-C-E-A (high and low G) |
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 |
Measurements
| Overall Length | 27” |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 17.08” |
| Nut Width | 1.5” |
| Saddle Width | 2.25” |
| Lower Bout Width | 10.25” |
| Upper Bout Width | 6.75” |
| Body Length | 12” |
| Frets | 19 |
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 5-String 17” Super Tenor by hand in Hawaiʻi in the series you choose. Photos marked as examples show earlier D-1 5-string super tenors, and 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 5-string super tenor?
All three are solid Hawaiian koa with the same body, neck, five strings 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 and a graphite infused black TUSQ nut and saddle. 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.
Is this the 17” or the 19” super tenor?
This page is the 17” super tenor: the larger super tenor body with a tenor's 17.08” scale, so it plays like a tenor with more volume and a deeper voice. Kanileʻa also builds a 19” long-neck super tenor.
How is the Kanile'a D-1 5-string super tenor tuned?
It is tuned G-g-C-E-A on a Kanile'a x Worth fluorocarbon 5-string set. The G course has a wound low G next to a high G, so chords ring with both the classic re-entrant sparkle and a fuller low end, using the same shapes as a four-string ukulele.
Is the Kanile'a D-1 5-string super tenor solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a D-1 5-string super tenor, Core, Pro or Natural, is built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck.
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 5-String 17” Super Tenor is hand-built from solid koa, so no two have the same grain. When a finished 5-string super tenor 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.
