Description
Terry Carter reviews a Kanile'a GL6 Premium guitarlele on the Uke Like The Pros channel (K-1 GL6 shown; the KPA GL6 adds the Pāua abalone appointments).
Terry Carter plays a Kanile'a GL6 Deluxe guitarlele.
Sound demo of the KPA GL6 Core in the example photos, serial 29107, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio.
The Kanile'a KPA GL6 Hawaiian Koa Guitarlele is a Hawaiian-made six-string guitarlele 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 with a thick Pāua abalone rosette, Pāua abalone logo and position markers, tortoise binding, gold open-geared tuners and the Kanile'a Crown headstock, tuned A-D-G-C-E-A like a guitar capoed at the fifth fret. Choose the Core or Pro Series below; each one ships with a Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag and Kanile'a's lifetime warranty.
Specifications
| SKU | KPA-GL6 + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Guitarlele |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Top | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Back & Sides | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Neck | Single Piece Genuine Mahogany |
| Fretboard, Bridge & Headplate | Ebony |
| Headstock | Kanileʻa Crown |
| Headstock Logo | Pāua Abalone |
| Rosette | Thick Pāua Abalone |
| Front Binding | Tortoise Plastic |
| Soundhole | Traditional (round) |
| Top & Side Position Markers | Pāua Abalone |
| Tuners | Kanileʻa Gold Open Geared |
| Strings | Worth Fluorocarbon & GHS Phosphor Bronze GL6 Combo Set |
| Tuning | A-D-G-C-E-A |
Series differences
| Core | Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Koa Grade | Deluxe Grade | Premium Grade |
| Finish | UV Gloss body, UV Silk neck | UV Gloss body, UV Silk neck |
| Nut & Saddle | White NuBone | Graphite Infused Black TUSQ |
| Side Sound Port | No | Oval |
| Bracing | TRU-R Bracing | TRU-R Bracing |
| TRU-Reduction Soundboard Etching | No | Yes |
Measurements
| Overall Length | 30.5” |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 20.06” |
| Nut Width | 2.01” |
| Saddle Width | 2.57” |
| Lower Bout Width | 10.25” |
| Upper Bout Width | 7” |
| Body Length | 12” |
| Frets | 21 |
What is included
- The guitarlele 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 KPA GL6 by hand in Hawaiʻi in the series you choose. Photos marked as examples show an earlier KPA GL6 Core (serial 29107); a Pro adds the oval side sound port and black TUSQ nut and saddle. 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 and Pro KPA GL6?
Both are solid Hawaiian koa KPA GL6 guitarleles with the same body, neck, Pāua abalone rosette, logo and markers, tortoise binding, gold tuners and Kanile'a TRU-R Bracing. The Core has Deluxe Grade koa and a white NuBone nut and saddle. 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.
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 Series does not have it. Both series share the same Kanileʻa TRU-R Bracing.
What is the Kanile'a KPA?
The KPA is Kanile'a's Pāua abalone model: a traditional round soundhole with a thick Pāua abalone rosette, Pāua logo and position markers, tortoise binding and open-geared tuners. Kanile'a builds it in the Core and Pro Series.
How does the KPA GL6 compare to the K-1 GL6?
They share the same Hawaiian koa grades, guitarlele body, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and Crown headstock. The KPA GL6 adds the Pāua abalone rosette, logo and markers, tortoise binding and gold tuners; the K-1 GL6 has a plain round soundhole with white mother-of-pearl inlays and chrome tuners.
How is the Kanile'a KPA GL6 tuned?
It has six strings tuned A-D-G-C-E-A, like a guitar capoed at the fifth fret, on a Worth fluorocarbon & GHS phosphor bronze GL6 set. Guitar chord shapes work on it, and ukulele players get two extra bass strings.
Is the Kanile'a KPA GL6 solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a KPA GL6, Core or Pro, is built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck.
Where is the Kanile'a KPA GL6 made?
The Kanile'a KPA GL6 is made in Hawaiʻi by Kanileʻa ʻUkulele.
How do I choose the exact guitarlele I get?
Every Kanile'a KPA GL6 is hand-built from solid koa, so no two have the same grain. When a finished guitarlele is in stock, it is listed under its series and its own serial number with Ships Now, and its photos show that exact guitarlele. 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 guitarlele 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.
