So, I have my heart set on either of the Pono's (moreso AT than MT) right now, but they're a bit more costly. I also have my sights set on the Ohana TK-35 and Kala SMHT. Can anyone offer any advice? Are the Pono's really $150 more than the Ohana or Kala, or will I be able to get similar sound/performance from the Ohana or Kala? An excellent beginning uke, the TK-20 combines good-sounding tone with quality construction. Skip to content. Left-Handed Instruments. Amps & Pickups. Effects & Signal Processors. Ohana TK-20 Tenor Ukulele.
Thanks everyone for the input so far. I was heavily leaning towards a Pono, but now the Ohana and Kala are really tempting.Would you say that the Ohana wasn't setup yet? I've read that Ohanas come stock with pretty high action, but a dealer like Mims states she makes sure to get the action nice and low. This kinda worries me. The Kala on the other hand looks beautiful with the non-glossy finish and slotted head.I'd really consider a Mainland if they offered a tenor with slotted headstock and satin finish.No, Elderly doesn't put any instrument on the floor unless it's passed inspection and has been setup by their shop. What they tell me is that because they're setting instruments up for general sale, they don't know what action the buyer will prefer.
![Tenor Tenor](/uploads/1/2/4/7/124789407/563817182.jpg)
So they just make sure the action is 'within tolerance.' Every Ohana I've played in their store has had action that was too high IMO, so my guess is that Ohana ukes just some with higher action than some other brands. If I felt comfortable adjusting action on acoustic instruments, it would be different. But I don't want to buy an instrument with action that's too high only to have to pay the shop to lower it for me. If I really wanted an Ohana, I'd buy it from Mim or another shop that will set the action to the buyer's specs w/o an additional charge.The Kala is very light and resonant. The neck is comfortable, and I don't notice any real difference in the necks between the Ohana and Kala. Their profiles are very similar if not identical.
I really like the satin finish, and the Grover tuners are really nice. I've only owned the Kala a few months, but it's opening up nicely.
I have no regrets in purchasing it.I hope this helps. Good luck with your choice, and please keep us posted.
No, Elderly doesn't put any instrument on the floor unless it's passed inspection and has been setup by their shop. What they tell me is that because they're setting instruments up for general sale, they don't know what action the buyer will prefer. So they just make sure the action is 'within tolerance.' Every Ohana I've played in their store has had action that was too high IMO, so my guess is that Ohana ukes just some with higher action than some other brands. If I felt comfortable adjusting action on acoustic instruments, it would be different. But I don't want to buy an instrument with action that's too high only to have to pay the shop to lower it for me. If I really wanted an Ohana, I'd buy it from Mim or another shop that will set the action to the buyer's specs w/o an additional charge.The Kala is very light and resonant.
![Ohana Ukuleles Tk 20 Tenor Ukulele Left Handed Ohana Ukuleles Tk 20 Tenor Ukulele Left Handed](/uploads/1/2/4/7/124789407/423929145.jpg)
The neck is comfortable, and I don't notice any real difference in the necks between the Ohana and Kala. Their profiles are very similar if not identical. I really like the satin finish, and the Grover tuners are really nice. I've only owned the Kala a few months, but it's opening up nicely. I have no regrets in purchasing it.I hope this helps.
Good luck with your choice, and please keep us posted. Thank you very much for this. I'm always a fan of low action and honestly, the SMHT just looks nicer to me. Now leaning on the side of the SMHT lol.
I will def update you guys on my decision.
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