Description
Sound demo of a K-1 5-string Core tenor, serial 29376, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio.
Terry Carter explains how a Kanile'a 5-string with high and low G compares to a 4-string (shown on the super tenor, which uses the same 5-string setup).
Kanile'a explains the Natural, Core and Pro Series.
The Kanile'a K-1 Hawaiian Koa 5-String Tenor Ukulele is a Hawaiian-made five-string tenor ukulele with a 17.08” 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. It is tuned G-g-C-E-A with both a low G and a high G, for a fuller low end with the classic re-entrant sparkle. The K-1 is Kanileʻa's foundational model. Kanile'a makes it in the Core, Pro and Natural Series, and every one comes with Kanile'a's lifetime warranty.
Specifications
| SKU | K-1 T5 + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Tenor |
| 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 |
| Tuning | G-g-C-E-A (low G and high 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 |
| Case | Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag | Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag | Kanile'a Oha Case |
Measurements
| Overall Length | 27” |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 17.08” |
| Nut Width | 1.5” |
| Lower Bout Width | 9.25” |
| Upper Bout Width | 6.75” |
| Body Length | 12” |
What is included
- The ukulele for the series and serial number you choose
- Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag (Core and Pro) or Kanile'a Oha case (Natural)
WARRANTY - Kanile'a Lifetime Warranty
PHOTOS - Photos labeled with a serial number show that exact ukulele. Photos marked as examples show earlier K-1 5-string tenors (Core serial 29019, Natural serial 29276) and a four-string K-1 Pro tenor (serial 29873) with the same body and oval side sound port.
SOLD OUT - CONTACT US - When a series shows Sold Out - Contact Us, contact us and we'll let you know when the next one will be available or get one ordered for you.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Core, Pro and Natural K-1 5-string 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 and comes with a Kanile'a Oha case.
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.
How is the Kanile'a K-1 5-string tenor tuned?
It is tuned G-g-C-E-A on a Worth fluorocarbon x GHS phosphor bronze 5-string combo 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.
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 tenor solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a K-1 5-string 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 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 Tenor is hand-built from solid koa, so no two have the same grain. When a finished 5-string is in stock, it is listed under its series and its own serial number with Ships Now, and its photos show that exact ukulele.
What does Sold Out - Contact Us mean?
It means that series isn't in stock right now. Contact us and we'll let you know when the next one will be available or get one ordered for you.
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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.
