If you’ve been looking into Ukuleles, maybe even reading up on buyers’ guides, you’ve likely run into the high praise and prices attributed to Koa ukuleles. But if you’re like me, when you first got into ukuleles, you likely had no idea what Koa meant.
I even thought it was an acronym for the brand or type of ukulele. You too?
Regardless, you found your way here and we’ve got you covered.
Koa ukuleles are made from a species of acacia that is native to Hawaii, called Koa wood. Koa is a traditional hardwood that Hawaiian warriors used in battle, which is where the name came from, as Koa means warrior. Ukuleles made from Koa produce a high-quality sound that is classically bright and warm which is especially popular among players that want to represent the Hawaiian tradition.
Now that you know it’s a type of wood, you likely want to know what it sounds like and how it compares to other wood varieties used in ukes. Once again, we’ve got you covered. Let’s first talk about the classical and traditional nature of the wood, as that is just as important as the quality for many players who opt for a Koa uke.
Koa is Traditional
The ukulele, before it became known as the ukulele, was introduced to Hawaiians in 1879 by a Portuguese immigrant. It only took a few short years for the instrument to become embraced around the Islands.
Many of the earliest ukuleles in Hawaii were made from Koa wood, and by the 1920’s the Ukulele was finding a global audience. Major manufacturers of stringed instruments, like Martin, began using Koa to replicate the classical Hawaiian sound and quality.
You can see some of the oldest ukuleles still around, one as early as 1916, here (link takes you to Kamaka Ukuleles).
Koa is Quality
Koa wood is a very strong wood which makes it ideal for string instruments like the ukulele. Because it is so strong, there is little chance that the wood will warp over time due to string tension and playing. Additionally, it’s a durable wood even when pieces are cut small enough and thin enough for ukuleles.
Additionally, with the wood being an exotic species, it is fairly expensive. This in most cases, means that a highly experienced luthier is likely crafting a high quality instrument with such materials. The instrument must live up to the price tag of the wood.
Koa is Beautiful
Koa wood is a beautiful species of wood that can have a very interesting pattern of golden and dark brown curling wood grains. Depending on the figuring and grade, the cost of a Koa ukulele can run upwards of $10,000 for the durability, craftsmanship, and certainly the beauty. In general, the more interesting the figuring or curling, the more expensive the price tag.
Koa is the Quintessential Sound
As I mentioned above, in the 1920s mass manufacturers began using Koa to achieve the Hawaiian sound. It has a bright and warm sound that other quality hardwood types like mahogany, can’t quite replicate.
Over the years, it has become known as the quintessential ukulele sound, especially the Hawaiian sound. Which as I shared above, is the major appeal for a Koa ukulele.
Is Koa Best?
This question has to be asked with context attached to it, as “best” is quite objective. Most ukulele players will use specific wood types in order to achieve a specific sound to match the style that they are playing. Koa ukuleles are especially good with melodies and finger-picking. They have a bright tone that instantly sounds like a ukulele, but also stays in a warm range that is enchanting.
With a ukulele, there can be a fine line between something that makes you feel like you’re in a comedy club rather than on a sandy beach. I enjoy both of those venues, but it depends on my mood. But, the player often has more to do with that than the instrument itself.
For a beginner to moderately advanced player, the skills needed to really make a Koa sing are likely not quite developed. But if you can make a Koa sing, you likely can make any ukulele sing. 🙂
What About Koa Wood Combined with other types of Woods?
This often comes down to cost. But not always. In the video above, a Koa side and back is paired with a spruce top in order to achieve the same warm and bright tones with a punchier sound. The punch coming from the spruce top.
Different woods have different tonal properties. Listening to people playing Koa ukuleles compared to others on Youtube is a good place to start. But, keep in mind who is playing it and what style they are playing in.
I often see ukuleles being played like a guitar (nothing wrong with it) which hides some of the benefits of the warmer tones in ukuleles. When looking for comparison videos, find folks who are playing a variety of pieces and styles in such videos.
Here is a great example of a comparison video! We love the Southern Uke guys.