Really odd this but to my ears in the first and third pieces the Koa was more punchy but in Yellow Bird the hog was brighter. In isolation I think they're both winners so for solo work it'll be the hog but in a group situation the Koa would hold its own.
Yes, I think you are hearing that right. I always felt that mahogany was brighter and projected/sustained more - so I might use mahogany for a song with a heavy Strum, and maybe even Rock? 🤔😅 The mellow tones of Koa seem to make it more ‘musical’ somehow - and more suited to instrumentals and ballad songs. It’s possible to accentuate this difference even more with strings selection. I would currently go for Fremont Blacklines on the Koa (A light sound which picks out the acoustic properties), and Worth Clears on the mahogany - which sound fuller and really ring out. Anyway, hope this helps. Ttfn, Bobby 🌺🎶
@@UkuleleBobbyKemp I think it also depends on the ukulele brand. If you listen to Braddah Iz's song White Sandy Beach his ukulele sounds mellow but bright at the same time, I don't know could just be him the guy was unreal. I think it's also a mixture of how old the instrument is.
@@kawikadee9670 Yeah that’s a really good point. And here’s a major tip for you, if you don’t already know this: Many of the Hawaiian guys go for a very mellow tone, and they mostly do this by playing with the fleshy parts of fingers and thumb rather than nail. The second technique is striking the strings very close to the 12th fret, (rather than further back towards) the sound hole. I’ve just had a quick look at Iz - he definitely played with finger tips/flesh, but he appeared to be striking the strings further back. The other aspect to consider too, is that his Martin was probably vintage - and so the tones of the instrument are likely to be more ‘righteous’ and pleasing to the ear. * I bought a 90+ year old Jonah Kumalae recently, (solid Koa). The sound is just *nuts beautiful* - but alas, she’s not really a player for various other reasons... 🥴😅 Anyways, lots to think about and hope that helps. Bobby 🌺🎶
@@UkuleleBobbyKemp I agree with you. Striking the strings with your nail gives an attacking sound which some people like and is good in lots of music, but if you are playing a song like white sandy beach than the fleshy part of the fingers would be more appropriate. Congratulations on your new ukulele. I always wanted an old Martin but it's scary to buy on ebay. What do you think about the new American made Martians? Do you think it's worth buying?
Thanks a lot for comments (and for noticing ;). One thing I should point out, is the Mahogany one is a bit louder than the Koa. It's like - it has most of the 'mellowness', but with a little bite added on top... I tried my best not to try and make them sound the same... I reckon the Koa prob. records better tho'... B :0).
Some really lovely playing there , as for the tone, it's hard to call , I seriously only because your saying which is which sound very similar ,that giving the mahogany wood still a great vfm versus Koa, and like you said , Strings,tweaks ,and styles change an instrument , id be interested knowing what strings ,( I'm guessing Aquila"s and I really hate saying that word ) but I'd be interested what they'd be like with eg Clearwater or D'adario ( sorry if misspelt D'adario) strings on as a sound comparison ,but thanks , again,some lovely playing
Hi Darren - thanks for the great compliments and feedback 🙏. The question is complicated to answer - but I’ll try, and forgive 🙏 me for being brief... As follows: * I still stand by Aquillas - I’m using them on both here, I think... * It’s an oldish video tho’ and I mostly play with Worth fluorocarbons now these days, as they seem to sound slightly more ‘real’ / acoustic, whereas the nylguts seem to add a little harshness. * (I’m mostly recording atm, and find it an easier job getting good sounds with the Fluoros...). * As for the 2 ‘woods’ in the video, my string choice tends to be affected by the fact that I have them both. I’ll try to explain: * The Koa, for me, is a much mellower sound. Truly ‘warm’ and acoustic, as most ears imagine when thinking of ukulele. I tend to use Worth Browns on it, (as they seem to bring out the mellow wood more), and I’ll use this Uke for instrumentals, jazzy stuff, and anything mellow generally. * I find the Mahog has more power and sustain, (tho’ still a lovely wood timbre). I use Worth Clears here, as they accentuate this power and sustain - and I’ll play more Pop/Rock type stuff on it, (& much less instrumentals...). * If I only had one of these btw, I’d switch the 2 strings mentioned ☝️ depending on the style of the song. * Lastly, for live purposes - I’d prob. choose the Mahog, with the Worth Clears, as the whole setup is louder and punchier, which would always help with my confidence in trying to ‘sell’ a song... 🥴😅 Anyways, hope this all makes sense matey? and best of luck playing with strings & Ukes... Ttfn, Bobby 🌺🎶
The Koa definitely has a "warmer" sound in my opinion. The Mahogany is a touch "Punchy/piercing"... In no ways a criticism. Both make an absolutely darling noise. Wonderful comparison vid Bobby.Keep at it pal... (by the by, I prefer the look of the mahogany finish 👍)
I feel as though the super thick glossy finish on those two ukuleles greatly masks the differences between the koa and mahogany. Martins use a light finish, what do you think? Thanks, nice playing by you, btw
Hey, sorry late getting back here... I'm not a *big* authority on ukes, but I have played and listened to many, many... :). I honestly think the tone-wood (and specifically if it's 'solid' rather than laminates) makes the biggest difference on tonal signature and quality. I've never noticed 'finish' making that much difference, but I could be wrong... What I'll also say is, (regarding Martins), I absolutely adore the vintage ones - their 2K and 3K sopranos/concerts have to be the absol. Zenith of all ukes, however I tried a couple of modern (lower end) ones, and I didn't like them at all. The woods felt cheap and they felt really hard to play (like I was 'fighting' against them... ;(. I was 'hot' for a style '0' at the time - I also checked out a vintage one,, but the intonation was off (unlucky really - I wouldnt expect that to be often the case). I ended up buying a hand built replica Martin style '0' by Ken Timms. It's wonderful!! :). TTFN, Bobby ( o)==::
The hog definitely has a mellower sound. You can get some nice highs using different strings on the mahogany to brighten it up a bit. Whereas It’s more difficult to mellow down a koa with strings. The koa just has that Hawaiian vibe though.
Great video and really enjoyed learning about the different types of ukulele wood's and learning about the different player's, 😊
Oh I love this comparison video Bobby... it will help a lot of uke enthusiast! :) good work on it! and i really love those Ukes! HEHE!
Nice. As you said, strings make a huge difference.
I have both koa & mahogany. Koa I had strung with a high G. Both beautiful timbers... Great video!
Thanks 🙏 a lot Dave - means a lot matey... Bobby 🌺 🎶
Great review and playing my friend😁😀
Really odd this but to my ears in the first and third pieces the Koa was more punchy but in Yellow Bird the hog was brighter. In isolation I think they're both winners so for solo work it'll be the hog but in a group situation the Koa would hold its own.
The mohogany is kind of bright, which confuses me because for years I was told that mohogany was mellow. The koa sounded together and mellow.
Yes, I think you are hearing that right. I always felt that mahogany was brighter and projected/sustained more - so I might use mahogany for a song with a heavy Strum, and maybe even Rock? 🤔😅
The mellow tones of Koa seem to make it more ‘musical’ somehow - and more suited to instrumentals and ballad songs.
It’s possible to accentuate this difference even more with strings selection. I would currently go for Fremont Blacklines on the Koa (A light sound which picks out the acoustic properties), and Worth Clears on the mahogany - which sound fuller and really ring out.
Anyway, hope this helps. Ttfn, Bobby 🌺🎶
@@UkuleleBobbyKemp I think it also depends on the ukulele brand. If you listen to Braddah Iz's song White Sandy Beach his ukulele sounds mellow but bright at the same time, I don't know could just be him the guy was unreal. I think it's also a mixture of how old the instrument is.
@@kawikadee9670 Yeah that’s a really good point. And here’s a major tip for you, if you don’t already know this:
Many of the Hawaiian guys go for a very mellow tone, and they mostly do this by playing with the fleshy parts of fingers and thumb rather than nail. The second technique is striking the strings very close to the 12th fret, (rather than further back towards) the sound hole.
I’ve just had a quick look at Iz - he definitely played with finger tips/flesh, but he appeared to be striking the strings further back.
The other aspect to consider too, is that his Martin was probably vintage - and so the tones of the instrument are likely to be more ‘righteous’ and pleasing to the ear.
* I bought a 90+ year old Jonah Kumalae recently, (solid Koa). The sound is just *nuts beautiful* - but alas, she’s not really a player for various other reasons... 🥴😅
Anyways, lots to think about and hope that helps. Bobby 🌺🎶
@@UkuleleBobbyKemp I agree with you. Striking the strings with your nail gives an attacking sound which some people like and is good in lots of music, but if you are playing a song like white sandy beach than the fleshy part of the fingers would be more appropriate.
Congratulations on your new ukulele. I always wanted an old Martin but it's scary to buy on ebay. What do you think about the new American made Martians? Do you think it's worth buying?
When you played the songs 'Yellow bird" the Koa ukulele sound obviously warmer and fuller.
Thanks a lot for comments (and for noticing ;). One thing I should point out, is the Mahogany one is a bit louder than the Koa. It's like - it has most of the 'mellowness', but with a little bite added on top... I tried my best not to try and make them sound the same... I reckon the Koa prob. records better tho'... B :0).
Some really lovely playing there , as for the tone, it's hard to call , I seriously only because your saying which is which sound very similar ,that giving the mahogany wood still a great vfm versus Koa, and like you said , Strings,tweaks ,and styles change an instrument , id be interested knowing what strings ,( I'm guessing Aquila"s and I really hate saying that word ) but I'd be interested what they'd be like with eg Clearwater or D'adario ( sorry if misspelt D'adario) strings on as a sound comparison ,but thanks , again,some lovely playing
Hi Darren - thanks for the great compliments and feedback 🙏. The question is complicated to answer - but I’ll try, and forgive 🙏 me for being brief... As follows:
* I still stand by Aquillas - I’m using them on both here, I think...
* It’s an oldish video tho’ and I mostly play with Worth fluorocarbons now these days, as they seem to sound slightly more ‘real’ / acoustic, whereas the nylguts seem to add a little harshness.
* (I’m mostly recording atm, and find it an easier job getting good sounds with the Fluoros...).
* As for the 2 ‘woods’ in the video, my string choice tends to be affected by the fact that I have them both. I’ll try to explain:
* The Koa, for me, is a much mellower sound. Truly ‘warm’ and acoustic, as most ears imagine when thinking of ukulele. I tend to use Worth Browns on it, (as they seem to bring out the mellow wood more), and I’ll use this Uke for instrumentals, jazzy stuff, and anything mellow generally.
* I find the Mahog has more power and sustain, (tho’ still a lovely wood timbre). I use Worth Clears here, as they accentuate this power and sustain - and I’ll play more Pop/Rock type stuff on it, (& much less instrumentals...).
* If I only had one of these btw, I’d switch the 2 strings mentioned ☝️ depending on the style of the song.
* Lastly, for live purposes - I’d prob. choose the Mahog, with the Worth Clears, as the whole setup is louder and punchier, which would always help with my confidence in trying to ‘sell’ a song... 🥴😅
Anyways, hope this all makes sense matey? and best of luck playing with strings & Ukes...
Ttfn, Bobby 🌺🎶
The Koa definitely has a "warmer" sound in my opinion. The Mahogany is a touch "Punchy/piercing"... In no ways a criticism. Both make an absolutely darling noise.
Wonderful comparison vid Bobby.Keep at it pal...
(by the by, I prefer the look of the mahogany finish 👍)
I feel as though the super thick glossy finish on those two ukuleles greatly masks the differences between the koa and mahogany. Martins use a light finish, what do you think? Thanks, nice playing by you, btw
Hey, sorry late getting back here... I'm not a *big* authority on ukes, but I have played and listened to many, many... :).
I honestly think the tone-wood (and specifically if it's 'solid' rather than laminates) makes the biggest difference on tonal signature and quality. I've never noticed 'finish' making that much difference, but I could be wrong...
What I'll also say is, (regarding Martins), I absolutely adore the vintage ones - their 2K and 3K sopranos/concerts have to be the absol. Zenith of all ukes, however I tried a couple of modern (lower end) ones, and I didn't like them at all. The woods felt cheap and they felt really hard to play (like I was 'fighting' against them... ;(.
I was 'hot' for a style '0' at the time - I also checked out a vintage one,, but the intonation was off (unlucky really - I wouldnt expect that to be often the case).
I ended up buying a hand built replica Martin style '0' by Ken Timms. It's wonderful!! :). TTFN, Bobby ( o)==::
Super video, thank you so much. Mahogany for me, :-)
😊
The hog definitely has a mellower sound. You can get some nice highs using different strings on the mahogany to brighten it up a bit. Whereas It’s more difficult to mellow down a koa with strings.
The koa just has that Hawaiian vibe though.