Description
Terry Carter reviews a Kanile'a K-1 19” 5-string super tenor on the Uke Like The Pros channel.
Terry Carter compares the 4-string and 5-string Kanile'a super tenors.
The Kanile'a K-1 Hawaiian Koa 5-String 19” Super Tenor Ukulele is a Hawaiian-made five-string super tenor ukulele with a long 19.06” scale, built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, bridge and headplate, a traditional round soundhole and the Kanile'a Crown headstock, tuned G-g-C-E-A with both a high and a low G. It pairs the larger super tenor body with a longer neck, for more string tension, wider fret spacing and a bigger voice. The K-1 is Kanileʻa's foundational model. 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 | K-1 ST5 19 + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Super Tenor 19” (long scale) |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Top | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Back & Sides | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Neck | Single Piece Genuine Mahogany |
| Fretboard, Bridge & Headplate | Ebony |
| Bridge Pins | Kanileʻa Exclusive Ebony |
| Headstock | Kanileʻa Crown |
| Headstock Logo | White Mother-of-Pearl |
| Top & Side Position Markers | White Mother-of-Pearl |
| Soundhole | Traditional (round) |
| Tuners | Kanileʻa Chrome Open Geared |
| Strings | Worth Fluorocarbon x GHS Phosphor Bronze 5-String Combo 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
| Scale Length | 19.06” |
|---|---|
| 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 K-1 5-String 19” Super Tenor by hand in Hawaiʻi in the series you choose. Photos marked as examples show the body and headstock of an earlier K-1 5-string 17” super tenor, which shares the same body; the 19” has a longer neck, 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 K-1 5-string super tenor?
All three are solid Hawaiian koa with the same body, neck, five strings, round soundhole 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 19” super tenor: the larger super tenor body with a longer 19.06” scale, for more string tension and wider fret spacing. Kanileʻa also builds a 17” super tenor with a tenor's 17.08” scale.
How does the K-1 compare to the D-1?
They share the same Hawaiian koa, mahogany neck, Crown headstock and series options. The K-1 has a traditional round soundhole and ebony bridge pins, and the D-1 has Kanile'a's D-shaped soundhole.
Is the Kanile'a K-1 5-string super tenor solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a K-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.
How is the Kanile'a K-1 5-string super tenor tuned?
It is tuned G-g-C-E-A on a Worth fluorocarbon x GHS phosphor bronze 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.
Where is the Kanile'a K-1 ukulele made?
The Kanile'a K-1 ukulele is made in Hawaiʻi by Kanileʻa ʻUkulele.
How do I choose the exact ukulele I get?
Every Kanile'a K-1 5-String 19” 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.
