Description
Terry Carter reviews the Kanile'a KPA Pro (shown in tenor size; the soprano has the same KPA appointments on a smaller body).
Sound demo of a KPA Pro concert, serial 30107, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio.
Kanile'a explains how the KPA compares to its ISL and HNS models.
The Kanile'a KPA Hawaiian Koa Soprano Ukulele is a Hawaiian-made soprano ukulele 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. 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-S + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Soprano |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| 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 |
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 |
| Strings | Worth Fluorocarbon High-G | Worth Fluorocarbon x GHS Phosphor Bronze Low-G Set |
| Tuning | G-C-E-A, high G | G-C-E-A, low G |
Measurements
| Overall Length | 22” |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 14” |
| Nut Width | 1.5” |
| Lower Bout Width | 7” |
| Upper Bout Width | 5” |
| Body Length | 9.5” |
| Frets | 21 |
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 KPA Soprano by hand in Hawaiʻi in the series you choose. We have no photos of a finished KPA soprano yet, so the examples show earlier KPA concerts (Core serial 29911, Pro serial 30306), which have the same Pāua abalone appointments on a slightly larger 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 and Pro KPA soprano?
Both are solid Hawaiian koa KPA sopranos 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, a white NuBone nut and saddle and high-G Worth fluorocarbon strings. 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.
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 gold open-geared tuners. Kanile'a builds it in the Core and Pro Series.
How does the KPA compare to the K-1 and D-1?
They share the same Hawaiian koa grades, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and Crown headstock. The KPA adds the Pāua abalone rosette, logo and markers, tortoise binding and gold tuners; the K-1 has a plain round soundhole with white mother-of-pearl inlays, and the D-1 has Kanile'a's D-shaped soundhole.
Is the Kanile'a KPA soprano solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a KPA soprano, 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 ukulele made?
The Kanile'a KPA ukulele is made in Hawaiʻi by Kanileʻa ʻUkulele.
How do I choose the exact ukulele I get?
Every Kanile'a KPA 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.
