This is the first video I’ve seen where someone has explained the mathematics behind fret placement. It was always a mystery to me before this. Thank you so much for sharing.
For non-professionals, the best way to evaluate a uke’s intonation is by sounding a harmonic on the 12th fret and comparing that note to the pitch of the note fretted at the 12th fret. This simple test can be done quickly in the music store before you buy. Harmonics on the 7th and 5th frets also can be used to check intonation.) By the way, string height also affects intonation.
Thank you so much for this video - I am new to the ukulele but loving the sound and learning to play my instrument (Lanikai LU-21-CE). As a beginner, it was so insightful to see how the notes change along the fret as I never had an understanding before. Also great to see some of the science behind the instrument. I aspire to own (and be good enough for) one of your ukuleles one day!
Joe, Thank you for your explanation of intonation. I live directly between the Pacific Ocean and the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. I can see both of them easily from the windows of my house. The intonation of other wooden instruments goes 'off' every time the tides change. The intonation of my Kanile'a 'ukuleles stays correct all the way up the fretboard no matter what our tides are doing!
I enjoy watching these short videos. In a few days, I finalize my order with Lani. I'm told it will be some time before it is sent to me, and in the meantime, I purchased a very cheap tenor ukulele to learn on. I'm almost embarrassed to even tell you that!
Really like your technical insights, so fascinating. Never seen such innovation right down to the saddle. May I ask, if you wish to change to a low G, is any adjustment required to the saddle of your set up? Is it best to have this done on order.
Thanks for the explanation on perfect intonation. My Kanile’a came with Aquila and are still playing fine. Will changing to another string, i.e. fluorocarbon have an effect on intonation. Also, what tolerance would you find acceptable, 10 cents either way?
I've replaced the Aquila strings on my Kanile'a Honu tenor and used several different brands/materials (including roundwound low G). The intonation has remained spot on through all my various string experiments!
Aloha, the video is not meant to discuss the scale lengths of our instruments and only how the proper intonation is achieved with the scale length in question. All builders have slightly different scale lengths (distance between nut and saddle). Our Soprano is about 12", Concert is about 15", Tenor is about 17", we also make a 19" scale, Baritone is about 20", and Guitarlele is about 20". We say "about" because there are decimal places in our scale lengths that are trade secret.
The way the presenter speaks is very soothing.
This is the first video I’ve seen where someone has explained the mathematics behind fret placement. It was always a mystery to me before this. Thank you so much for sharing.
For non-professionals, the best way to evaluate a uke’s intonation is by sounding a harmonic on the 12th fret and comparing that note to the pitch of the note fretted at the 12th fret. This simple test can be done quickly in the music store before you buy. Harmonics on the 7th and 5th frets also can be used to check intonation.) By the way, string height also affects intonation.
Kanile’a ukulele have always had the best intonation. Thank you for informing us how you make it happen. Great video. Mahalo!
Mahalo! Appreciate all the support!
I just learned something about strings. Right on!
Thank you so much for this video - I am new to the ukulele but loving the sound and learning to play my instrument (Lanikai LU-21-CE). As a beginner, it was so insightful to see how the notes change along the fret as I never had an understanding before. Also great to see some of the science behind the instrument. I aspire to own (and be good enough for) one of your ukuleles one day!
Joe, Thank you for your explanation of intonation. I live directly between the Pacific Ocean and the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. I can see both of them easily from the windows of my house. The intonation of other wooden instruments goes 'off' every time the tides change. The intonation of my Kanile'a 'ukuleles stays correct all the way up the fretboard no matter what our tides are doing!
I enjoy watching these short videos. In a few days, I finalize my order with Lani. I'm told it will be some time before it is sent to me, and in the meantime, I purchased a very cheap tenor ukulele to learn on. I'm almost embarrassed to even tell you that!
Wow, I learned something new today. Thanks for these video shorts that provides much insight.
Mahalo, Yvette
you are definitly a bot or just idk
Thanks Joe, really good information. I went on tour through your place a few years back, it was great seeing the process of ukulele making.
What strings are Kanileʻa set up for? Reading between the lines, it seems like "perfect" becomes "close enough" when you change string brand?
We set them up with a custom set of Worth Clear Fluorocarbons.
I really would like to travel to Hawaii and see your workshop and purchase one of your ukes... One of these years ! Thank you
Great information! I recognize that logo anywhere …I am counting days until I can buy one..
Really like your technical insights, so fascinating. Never seen such innovation right down to the saddle. May I ask, if you wish to change to a low G, is any adjustment required to the saddle of your set up? Is it best to have this done on order.
A great episode as I saw fret slots in fretboards…
Any chance got da kine Kupuna pricing? I own a 1926 Washburn, and a 1965 Kamaka. Would love to add one of yours!
Hi. Do you sell parts, such as a pre-compensated saddle for a tenor ukulele?
Thanks for the explanation on perfect intonation. My Kanile’a came with Aquila and are still playing fine. Will changing to another string, i.e. fluorocarbon have an effect on intonation. Also, what tolerance would you find acceptable, 10 cents either way?
I've replaced the Aquila strings on my Kanile'a Honu tenor and used several different brands/materials (including roundwound low G). The intonation has remained spot on through all my various string experiments!
Bit confused. What is the actual measurement from nut to bridge please?
Aloha, the video is not meant to discuss the scale lengths of our instruments and only how the proper intonation is achieved with the scale length in question. All builders have slightly different scale lengths (distance between nut and saddle). Our Soprano is about 12", Concert is about 15", Tenor is about 17", we also make a 19" scale, Baritone is about 20", and Guitarlele is about 20". We say "about" because there are decimal places in our scale lengths that are trade secret.