Comparing ukulele tonewoods: Mahogany, Spruce and Koa sound comparison

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  • Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024

Комментарии • 104

  • @Hi-hs3kj
    @Hi-hs3kj 2 года назад +10

    Solid Wood Concert Ukuleles
    Mahogany- 0:22, 1:18, 1:43, 2:37, 3:07, 4:18, 4:44
    Koa- 0:48, 1:04, 1:55, 2:52, 3:17, 3:38, 5:12
    Spruce- 0:28, 1:31, 2:08, 3:28, 3:59, 5:14

  • @roxiethecockapoo1138
    @roxiethecockapoo1138 2 года назад +4

    Thank you, these are actually my top three tone woods lol.
    The mahogany produces a warm, mellow sound that really combines well. Similarly, the koa seems to produce that same warm sound but just slightly brighter. As for the Spruce, it produces a louder, more vibrant sound. All of them are great choices!

  • @marieandersson5730
    @marieandersson5730 2 года назад +4

    The mahogany was the best sound in my ears. Thanks for a nice and interested video ❤

  • @mr.keebler7927
    @mr.keebler7927 5 лет назад +18

    There is nothing like the sound of mahogany on acoustic instruments. So mellow and full. Adding the low G puts the sense of warmth over the top making it a superb instrument.

  • @DanielFlores-ku8os
    @DanielFlores-ku8os 5 лет назад +6

    I liked the comparison of the three different concert ukuleles. It was really a sound comparison of three different models from 3 different companies.
    There were too many variables, all affecting sound, to be a true tone wood comparison. There were different body shapes and sizes, different strings (type and number), different bracing sizes and patterns, different widths of necks, different sound hole shapes and sizes, etc.
    The only way to do an actual tone wood comparison is using the same model from the same company with the same setup all with different tone woods
    Once again I did enjoy the video and the comparison of the three different models of concert Ukulele from these three different companies. All of them sound nice.
    My personal favorite tone wood is probably Spalted Mango, next would be Mahagony.
    Regarding these three instruments the Kala Elite and Koaloha were my favorites. To my ear the Ohana just seemed out classed by the other two.
    That is just my opinion regarding their sound.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад +1

      I agree that there are a lot of variables that contribute to the sound of an instrument. I do believe that this comparison does start to explain the differences in the tone woods though. I wish they all had the same number of strings and type of strings but had to go with what was in my own personal collection. You have a good ear. The Ohana is definitely the least expensive of the bunch. But there is just something special about it that I quite enjoy. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 😊

  • @domdimensions9219
    @domdimensions9219 Месяц назад +1

    To me the mahogony sounds the most mellow. And koa sounds brighter than mahogony. The spruce sounds very responsive and punchy with more sustain. I like the mahohony the best. A lot of great ukuleles are made of solid mahogony and I think with good reason. It seems to suit the instrument very well.

  • @Visygoth57
    @Visygoth57 5 лет назад +15

    i liked the mahogany the best, and strangely i think my second favorite was the spruce which was not my expectation going into this video. Thank you.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      It’s hard not to love the sound of that Ko’Aloha ❤️❤️🎶❤️❤️

  • @intoitreviews
    @intoitreviews 2 года назад +2

    They all sound great, I am a sucker for spruce and a 5 string...

  • @wildphoenix7861
    @wildphoenix7861 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for this demonstration. It really helps out in purchase process for a suitable Uke.

  • @Kermoedi77
    @Kermoedi77 5 лет назад +5

    I think I like the mahogany best, but I don’t dislike any of them. I’ve never played a 5 string ukulele. That’s really cool.

  • @KarenRouzaud
    @KarenRouzaud 3 дня назад

    Thanks for this, very well done

  • @sallyalwayswins
    @sallyalwayswins 5 лет назад +3

    Sound comparison videos are really helpful! I'm still learning the differences in how they sound. I closed my eyes for the first part of the video to see if I could identify them. Got Koa and Mahogany mixed up- I liked the mahogany best.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      I’m getting ready to switch the strings on that mahogany. I can’t wait to hear it with Martin fluorocarbon strings. 😊

    • @sallyalwayswins
      @sallyalwayswins 5 лет назад

      Awesome! Love those Martins so much

  • @bonniedavidson936
    @bonniedavidson936 Год назад

    Very helpful. I like all 3. Mahogany was my favorite. But I would be happy with any of the three !!

  • @chuckvt5196
    @chuckvt5196 5 лет назад +1

    Great video, Jodi! I have always been partial to the warmer tones of mahogany, but they all sound great!

  • @monkeydluffy4870
    @monkeydluffy4870 2 года назад

    Im planning to buy ukelele soon, thanks for this video , now I know what should I buy " Mahogany was the solid one❤

  • @frankhinckley3756
    @frankhinckley3756 2 года назад

    Thanks Jodi. You just confirmed my love of spruce. Btw I crown you the “Queen of Chuck” Awesome chucking on all your videos. Keep up the great work

  • @missollaa
    @missollaa 5 лет назад +4

    Thanks for this video, I always wondering about the different of the wood. Koa usually more expensive, hope someday can have one😄

  • @bradferguson9840
    @bradferguson9840 Год назад

    The Ohana is my dream instrument (in appearance). I wish this was available as a tenor model. Thanks for the great overview!

  • @theproofreader3204
    @theproofreader3204 3 года назад

    Thanks for this awesome comparison video! Helps me a lot in choosing my new ukulele.

  • @StephanieDouglassMusic
    @StephanieDouglassMusic 5 лет назад +1

    Something about that mahogany to me is so special! I think it allows some of the lower overtones to get through and that raises the complexity and resonance of the sound for me. Aha, the 5 strings is what it was. That sound is to die for.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      I would have to agree with you! I love this pairing of 5 strings on a solid mahogany instrument. ❤️❤️❤️

  • @idkillforcill
    @idkillforcill 2 года назад +2

    It's the koa for me. Clearer than mahogany. Spruce was a bit thin sounding but finger picking on it sounded good. With these wood types, such as mahogany, if I understand correctly, I believe there are different species so one solid Mahogany instrument may sound different to another.

  • @Potatoalex538
    @Potatoalex538 Год назад

    Beautiful comparison and beautiful video 🙂👍🏻

  • @randomperson712
    @randomperson712 5 лет назад +4

    Great idea doing this and making it very concise. I like warmer tones so:
    #1 Kala Koa, #2 Ohana Mahogany, #3 Ko'Aloha Spruce Top.

  • @timoflynn2531
    @timoflynn2531 3 года назад +2

    Very helpful vid - thank you! It's such a subjective thing isn't it? For me (and I stress it's just my ears!) the spruce has it. I've got a good mahogany but it sounds a little muffled compared to the spruce. The Koa is excellent too. Thank you.

  • @michaelpopp5185
    @michaelpopp5185 5 лет назад

    Mahogany is always nice because its so warm, but your new Opio sounds so clear and articulate, and like it sustains for days! It also looks like it fits you well, like its easy for you to play. The Opio just oozes coolness!

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      Well, you aren’t wrong! I do feel like it fits me well and yes, it is so easy to play. And the sustain and clarity are incredible. So when are YOU getting an opio 😉

    • @michaelpopp5185
      @michaelpopp5185 5 лет назад

      @@girlmeetsuke2980 Well, there is this Tenor Opio on Reverb identical to yours, but it says Opio, and not just KoAloha like yours. Im going to Oregon in the next few weeks and there are a couple KoAloha dealers there, and no sales tax!
      I did order a new Tusq nut and saddle for one of my ukes. Im excited to see if it makes a huge difference like it does on a guitar.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад +1

      Michael Popp well, good luck and happy shopping! I know the 2019 models do not have the opio on them. You are so lucky that you get to play them first. It’s tough buying this sort of thing online when you are spending so much. Let me know how the tusq works out!

  • @Coleton33Music
    @Coleton33Music 3 года назад +1

    About spruce back and sides- it is not possible to bend softwoods/coniferous tree woods. Usually the back is matched to the sides, so that explains why a spruce back is not used usually. I am unsure of the reason that softwood doesn't bend but learned this while studying to build a ukulele.

  • @baddinosaur1548
    @baddinosaur1548 4 года назад

    I have both a solid Koa and a solid mahogany Ukulele. The mahogany blows the Koa away in every way. Great video. Thank.

    • @gsharpslayer3287
      @gsharpslayer3287 4 года назад

      What kinds are they?!

    • @baddinosaur1548
      @baddinosaur1548 4 года назад

      My best sounding Uk is a Cordoba 30T-CE with a low G sting. The Best.

  • @marinah4590
    @marinah4590 5 лет назад +2

    That's a nice video! I've always liked warmer and dark sounds better but I have to say I absolutely love the sound of your spruce top and acacia sides and the 5 strings Mahogany has such a nice full sound.

  • @timelyuke
    @timelyuke 5 лет назад +7

    They all sound great but the Koa was just a little more to my liking, followed by mahogany then spruce.

  • @michelle-psl4441
    @michelle-psl4441 4 года назад +3

    I hate to say it, but I love the mahogany, followed by the spruce. The koa was third. I would like to have heard a solid acacia. I seem to like the sound of acacia when I hear it.

  • @Mad4saxBrewery
    @Mad4saxBrewery 5 лет назад +2

    They do sound different. Blind test could I guess it right ... probably not. But the Koa sounds deeper to me. I wish I had one to compare others with!

  • @JJ_TheGreat
    @JJ_TheGreat 4 месяца назад

    4:53 I liked the mahogany the best on most of your samples!

  • @JJ_TheGreat
    @JJ_TheGreat 4 месяца назад

    0:47 In the world of mandolins - they traditionally put maple back and sides with a spruce top! 😀

  • @robertfrisbee
    @robertfrisbee 5 лет назад +2

    To me the 5 string has the best sound of the 3. Probably because of the low G, but the mohogany has a warmer sound. The other ones are great ukulele and are great instruments as well.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      Thanks, Bob. Yes, you really can’t go wrong with any one of them, but I do have a sweet smart for that 5-string. ❤️

  • @daviddiamond2415
    @daviddiamond2415 11 месяцев назад

    The mahogany plays clearly and distinctly. Each note stands out. IMO, it is best for finger picking, where you want each note to be separately heard.
    The koa has a distinctly Hawaiian sound. So if you like the Hawaiian effect, use koa. However, that is a niche genre, and there are dozens of other genre's to be heard and played.
    To me, the spruce lacks luster. It does not have much of a personality.
    Mango (which was not shown in the video) seems a little soft and muted to me.
    Judging from the other comments, everyone has not only different tastes, but also different ears. The various woods sound different to each person.

  • @4Motion54
    @4Motion54 5 лет назад

    Hello GirlMeetsUke, Pops from Koaloha has build a pineapple UKE with spruce on the top and the back. I am not shure, but I think for the sides of this special UKE he uses Maple. This special pineapple UKE from Koaloha sound very interessting. Have not seen or hear it before, that someone uses spruce for the back too. Your sound samples are very interessting. Great to hear the differences between the tonewoods. Thanks for this! Have a nice Week. Mahalo from Germany!!!!

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      Thank you! I have seen their pineapple but didn’t realize it had a spruce back. I hope you have a nice week too. ❤️

  • @raymondchew8894
    @raymondchew8894 5 лет назад +1

    I like Koa best because it sounds all rounded. Next is Mogahany and next is Spruce a little bright.

  • @ssabp8313
    @ssabp8313 4 года назад

    I used to think as a kid and maybe even partly as an adult that ukeleles were a stupid instrument. But there was always something about a ukelele that has a certain Tone which sounds like love. They're cute they're adorable and when I hear the sound of a ukulele it sounds like the sound of love

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  4 года назад +1

      Glad you are coming around. To me- it sounds like happiness.

  • @britneywagner2719
    @britneywagner2719 5 лет назад +1

    I like the spruce wood the best

  • @creatingbeauty5522
    @creatingbeauty5522 4 года назад

    I overall like the koa. It sounds more traditional to me, but it's hard to tell the difference between it and the mahogany for sure because of the aquila strings it has vs. flouracarbon strings of the koa uke.

  • @jenniferlehner1849
    @jenniferlehner1849 5 лет назад +1

    I think my favorite of this bunch is the spruce topped Opio. It just has such clear tone and good distinction between the notes while still sounding sweet and not strident. The Ohana is a close runner-up though. I am really liking the sound of the 5-string model. Are you finding it easy to fingerpick that, or do you think it makes a better strumming uke? Thanks for this comparison! I would have found it invaluable a few years ago when I was shopping for my first solid wood uke.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад +1

      Your description of the Spruce Opio is spot on. I love the 5-string too. No, it’s not difficult to fingerpick, but I do love it strummed too. I like this one for r&b music especially. Sounds soooo good. 😊

    • @jenniferlehner1849
      @jenniferlehner1849 5 лет назад

      @@girlmeetsuke2980 Glad that the 5-string works for both strumming and fingerpicking. It's definitely going on my wish list!

  • @saint3210
    @saint3210 4 года назад +4

    Mahogany & Koa sounds like a normal classical guitar. Spruce has more Polynesian sound to it.

  • @39Henney
    @39Henney 5 лет назад +1

    The Mahogany and Koa sound very similar to me. The Spruce is a bit brighter.

  • @snaphappee
    @snaphappee 5 лет назад

    This was great! I love all of them, but for different reasons. I have one that’s koa and one that’s mahogany (and one that’s maple). My favorite of mine and of this selection of yours is the koa. I think it has the most pleasing all-around sound.

  • @kathyplaza9883
    @kathyplaza9883 5 лет назад

    I like that Koa "jingle" sound. My tenor Koa jingles too. I like the clarity of the Spruce top and my Baritone Spruce top has that same clarity to it. But I love the Mahogany so much. I have a solid Mahogany top Concert (laminate sides) that I'm very fond of....so fond, in fact, that I just ordered a all solid Mahogany tenor and having them put on a low G. It hasn't arrived yet, so I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival! Thank you so much for making this comparison. :)

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад +1

      I really love mahogany too! It sounds so good with low G. I hope you have lots of fun playing it. 😊

  • @TheTrollMastah
    @TheTrollMastah 4 года назад +1

    That Koa sounds way better than any of them lol. Mine is mahogany but I need a new one because the neck warped really bad

  • @griffithsharp
    @griffithsharp 4 года назад

    Thanks for the video. With guitars mahogany sounds too dull and I like the brighter tone woods but I’m realizing with ukes it’s opposite. With the spruce it seems to bring out the jangley classic island sound and koa dips into that spectrum a bit but with less shimmer. But that mahogany seems to offer a versatility I’m looking for, maybe would be better if the mahogany didn’t have the low g in because I’m partial to low g, baritones and tenors, I like the uke to sound more like a guitar than a uke.

    • @zeniktorres4320
      @zeniktorres4320 4 года назад

      Not really. I have a all mahogany guitar and another spruce top both from Yamaha, and I prefer the mahogany sound, it's more balanced across the strings, beautiful indeed. But I don't like spruce on a uke, even though it seems to be trendy thing to do now.

  • @chasforman
    @chasforman 4 года назад +2

    Sounding fab as always Jodi x love your videos, and a fantastic collection of Ukes, I have kala ,soprano body and concert neck, just love it got her in our groovy capital London, and famous Denmark Street, where Fab Bob Dylan, and lots of 60s artists have been, never goes out of tune just love it, and only laminate, but want real wood to, which do you really prefer?? Check some of my songs on you tube, chas choons, thanx jodi x

  • @noremacbeez
    @noremacbeez 4 года назад +1

    I really enjoyed your video thank you. Ukuleles have such a limited range frequency reproduction that I wonder if the difference in tone quality we may be hearing in the comparison is more to do with the Geometry and construction of the instrument rather than just the construction materials in this instance?

  • @JodyM2
    @JodyM2 5 лет назад

    Cool I got 1st comment. They all sound wonderful I like Cedar, Mahogany, Acacia, & Formica

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      JodyM2 thanks for commenting. 😊 I don’t have any cedar ukes. What do they sound like?

    • @JodyM2
      @JodyM2 5 лет назад

      @@girlmeetsuke2980 I've heard it described as aged Spruce

  • @CateEales
    @CateEales 5 лет назад +1

    I'm going to have to find a solid Koa, now. Uh oh.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад +1

      Yes, I really love the sound of koa too!

    • @CateEales
      @CateEales 5 лет назад

      @@girlmeetsuke2980 Not only that, I'm going to have to find one with a pickup!

  • @girlinpanic8790
    @girlinpanic8790 3 года назад

    yo wth i have your same sweatshirt. i thought i had the only one

  • @akasp5999
    @akasp5999 5 лет назад +2

    I reall like the warm mahogany tone over the others.

  • @101popster
    @101popster 4 года назад

    The mahogany sounds warm, but the 5th low g string is a bit deceiving as far as a straightforward comparison

  • @haanemartins869
    @haanemartins869 5 лет назад +1

    Sorry didn't watch this vid before!! Loved it!

  • @dontommyg
    @dontommyg 8 месяцев назад

    which size uke and tone wood do you prefer?

  • @iamshake7778
    @iamshake7778 5 лет назад +1

    Nice one Jody😊😊😊🔈🔈🎶🤙🤙🤙✌🏻❤️

  • @brandy012173
    @brandy012173 3 года назад

    But they have different kinds of strings. Some are fluorocarbon, and the mahoghany has what looks like super-nylgut. Why does it look like you have 2 strings on the G string spot on the mahoghany? I have 2 concert mahoghany's, one with fluorocarbon and one with aquila. They almost sounds like different types of instruments. I also have a full solid flame maple concert with carbon strings. Completely different sound! I don't see many reviews on maple. I wonder why.....?

  • @HollyMcLaughlinArt
    @HollyMcLaughlinArt 5 лет назад

    Which one would you say is the loudest in real life? In the video, sounds like maybe the spruce top.

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад +1

      Yep, that one’s definitely the loudest of the bunch. 😊

  • @lynburke5715
    @lynburke5715 4 года назад

    The Ohana

  • @elisa5940
    @elisa5940 5 лет назад +1

    I like the spruce one more! It's sounds nicer!

  • @cherrytang1946
    @cherrytang1946 5 лет назад

    Right off the bat, I like the mahogany’s rich tone.
    Did you get the Beatles’ tune from Katie Denure? I’ll have to put that one on my “wish to learn” list.

  • @phenixreturns
    @phenixreturns 5 лет назад

    hi
    i hesitate between Kala solid mahogany eq vs Kala solid acacia : any idea ?:)

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  5 лет назад

      It really comes down to personal preference. Are you able to play them both? Generally speaking, the mahogany will be warmer and the acacia will be a little more balanced.

  • @Mapscowboy
    @Mapscowboy 5 лет назад

    I favor the Spruce - I have a Luna spruce top and it just seems to ring louder - however the mahogany has a richer tone - thanks for the video 😉

  • @cpasradi
    @cpasradi 5 лет назад

    My favourite is the Kala😍 the last one ❣️

  • @charliewb96
    @charliewb96 5 лет назад

    The ohana is sooooo pretty💕💕

  • @creatingbeauty5522
    @creatingbeauty5522 4 года назад

    It's too bad they don't all have the same strings since string sound varies so much.

  • @squishylover4326
    @squishylover4326 5 лет назад

    They all sound amazing though!

  • @ssabp8313
    @ssabp8313 4 года назад

    Rather surprised at the sound of koa I thought it would have a deeper tone but it doesn't yes I would go with mahogany 1st then spruce And then the koa. What's even funnier is I was gonna ask cheese has anybody played any metal or any hard rock on ukeleles Then she starts playing sweet child O mine

    • @girlmeetsuke2980
      @girlmeetsuke2980  4 года назад +1

      Haha. Yes, you can play anything of ukulele. 😊

    • @ssabp8313
      @ssabp8313 4 года назад

      @@girlmeetsuke2980 It sounds adorable it really does like they ask you how did you get in to ukuleles

  • @Y0JA
    @Y0JA 4 года назад

    What's the fingerpicking song?

  • @maxfx7067
    @maxfx7067 4 года назад

    I prefer sruce

  • @CKWINN11
    @CKWINN11 4 года назад

    Koaloha all day everyday!

  • @terrencemahanna6418
    @terrencemahanna6418 3 года назад +1

    Not a Ukelele player but I am a lifelong musician. My questions come from my ignorance of Ukeleles and balanced by my knowledge of music and many different types of musical instruments. By the way your use of the word tone is often confused with the word timbre. I am sure you know the difference. Maybe that is what you are intending to point out as a difference.
    There are 7 elements of music, Pitch, Duration, Dynamics, Tempo, Timbre, Texture and Structure. Notice that tone is not among the basic elements of music
    \What is "tone wood"? You said it at least twice. After watching many videos and talking to Ukelele players I have never heard that term. Do you mean that we will hear difference in timber based on the wood the Ukelele is made of? "Tone wood" is a confusing term to me.
    If all the ukuleles you are using in this video were of the same maker and same strings one could make an apples to apples comparison. I believe that string type can make a big difference in sound, yes? Yours are different strings one to the next, right?
    Are all of your instruments in the same or even similar price class? Surely that plays (no pun intended) into the quality of sound from any instrument. If it didn't there would be no reason to buy the more expensive instrument.
    Lastly the 5th string on the one instrument alters timber a fair amount too. Is that correct?
    Your video leads me to believe that the comparison is moot. The differences between instruments obfuscates objective comparisons. For me it would be like comparing the timbre of a silver Bach trumpet to a gold Besson trumpet. Not a fair comparison, even if they cost the same, and certainly not objective. What I did learn is that the material the instrument is made of is just one factor influencing what we hear. That is the crux of my argument. The sound differences are the sum of the differences you clearly stated.
    I am about to buy a Ukelele and was looking for reasons to buy one type over another. I was hoping that your video would help in that decision. In fact it made me a bit more undecided because there is little logic to your comparisons and it is completely subjective.
    I welcome your comments and answers to my questions. Do not make the mistake of taking any of this personally. We are all works in progress. I learned what makes up a good review video, for me, by watching others, like you, make them.
    Looking forward to your response.