Shipped my beloved uke to the hospital.

My favorite ukulele is my Kamaka HF3 tenor.  I noticed a couple of months ago that there was some seam separation occurring on the top portion (where the bookmatching occurs) under the bridge.  I took it into the Kamaka factory and they told me that they would be able to fix it within a few days and ship it back to me.  Unfortunately, the only case I had with me was my new Kamoa -- and I didn't want to get it all dinged up so I opted to take the uke back home with me.

I tried some home remedies to rehumidify the uke, in the hopes that I could stabilize the issue until I return to Oahu in September.  I used dampit humidifiers, as well as an Oasis.  While it appeared to stabilize it a bit, I was too nervous about the uke trying to make it through a long, hot summer in Pasadena.  So I shipped it to the factory and told them the problem, in the hopes that they can repair it before I return to Oahu. 

Apparently, they have a six month waiting list, but I'm hoping since they were willing to do the repairs in only a couple of days that they will be able to fix it sooner than that.  The woman on the phone told me it could take that long but they will try to fix it before I return in September so I can pick it up then.  I'd really rather have them ship it back to me, as I sent it over in my Ameritage case (for better protection). 

While that heavy, sturdy case is much more protective than my Kamoa, it cost me a small fortune to send it back to them -- and surely will to return.  But I'd rather not have to drag that Ameritage around Hawaii for two weeks...plus, I'm in the middle of my uke lessons right now and I'd prefer to get the uke back as soon as possible so I can use it during my lessons.  I figure if they fix it within two or three weeks, I'll definitely pay to have them ship it back.  If it takes five or six weeks, I'll have them hold it until September for me.   In four weeks?  I guess I'll flip a coin.

Instead, I'm now depending on my Kanilea or KoAloha to use in class.  They are both great ukes, but they are not the uke of my heart.  I'm obsessively checking the UPS tracking number to see when it gets delivered (it is due to be delivered to the factory today), and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they can fix my uke sooner rather than later.  Until then, I'm a sad little panda until my "Pele" returns home to me. 

The case on cases - Kamoa, Ameritage and Kamaka

Back in January I heard about a new fiberglass ukulele case that was coming onto the market.  After doing a little research, I discovered Kamoa fiberglass cases.  http://kamoaukulelecompany.com/line/cases/  They looked like a lightweight, attractive option for those who do a lot of traveling with their ukes, so back in March I made the decision to purchase one.  Initially I intended to get a red one, but when I went to place my order, Sam (the owner) told me that I could opt for a custom color. 

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the color teal, so the opportunity to get a case in that color seemed like a dream come true.  So I went ahead and placed my order.  After months of worrying over whether I made the right color choice, and tons of emails that I sent pestering Sam about the status of my order, I finally received the magic email from him, my case had arrived.

Fortunately, I planned on being in Kauai the next week anyway so I made the decision to pick up my new case in person - with the caveat that if I didn't like the color in person, I could opt for a red one.  I finally got there and saw it in person, and I really liked it a lot.  I wish I could capture the color in a photo better than I did (and I spent a ton of time trying with three different cameras and still couldn't adequately show it accurately). 

It is, as best I can describe it, a bright teal under direct sunlight or in bright lighting.  Which I absolutely love!  In other light, it can appear periwinkle or powder blue -- less attractive to me but still not bad.  I guess I would say when the lighting is right, I love the color.  When it is not (as in my photos), I might prefer the red.  Was it worth the wait for the custom color?  I can't say for sure, I think in the end it was, as I do really like it in the right lighting.  But would I do it again?  Probably not. I'm planning on ordering a red one for my Kanile'a rather than trying another custom option.

For starters, this is an extremely lightweight case.  I weighed it with the ukulele inside and it barely registered at four pounds.  It has four latches, which make it quite secure.  I should note, you have to take care to latch it properly. You need to push on the top of the latch before adhering the bottom portion or else it won't latch securely.  I made that mistake the first time I put my uke in it, and noticed the bottom latch wasn't closed properly and was hanging open.  Now that I know it takes no time at all to close it, but I do take care to ensure it is done properly. 

In addition to the black latches and trim, there is a black lightly padded handle.  It is made out of leather (or pleather) and is very comfortable to hold onto -- by far the most comfortable of the three tested in this review.

In addition to the hand carry option, you can choose to wear it on your back -- backpack style, or slung over one shoulder.  This is another advantage over the other cases reviewed below.  Neither of those have any option but the hand carry -- tough when you are traveling or loaded down with a lot of stuff.  (In both cases I added d rings to add a leather strap so I could sling those over my shoulder, but neither was as comfortable as the Kamoa -- which you literally could forget is on your back it is so comfortable).

The case itself is extremely compact as well.  It measures 29" long, 10.5" at its widest point, and only 4" tall.  My Kamaka ukulele fits very snugly into the case, with only 0.5" clearance at the top. I do have an input jack on my ukulele, and the case accommodates that fine. Another nice feature to the body design is the rubber feet (four of them) on the bottom of the case, allowing it to stand upright -- a feature that is a sure plus.

An additional nice feature is the small hygrometer that comes with the case.  While it may not be 100% reliable, it doesn't hurt to have an idea of the temperature and humidity readings.  The hygrometer initially was placed on the interior top of the case, but Sam decided that it was likely to scratch the headstock in that position, so it has now been moved to the bottom, under the neck portion of the ukulele.  In mine, it had not been glued in yet, allowing me to choose any position I wished, and I opted for that location. 

The padding in this case is not very plush, but it is well padded.  Unlike other cases I have owned, this one does not use a faux fur lining.  Instead, it has a velvet like interior on all the surfaces, including on the little pillow cushion the neck rests upon.

 Now, it should be noted, this case is not perfect.  Unlike the minimal storage in the Kamaka case, and the maximum storage offered in the Ameritage, there is literally NO storage compartment in this case.  None.  So if you want a case that will allow you to bring along your string winder, extra strings, tuner, etc., this may not be the case for you.  It is not a big factor for me as I usually carry a backpack to my lessons, and a carryon bag on trips.  But for those times when I do want to get away with just my case, I sewed a small, removable pouch to place inside the case, under the headstock.  It fits perfectly and snugly, and allows me to go with just the case. You can see it here, with the hygrometer that is included with purchase.

The other potential downside on this case is connected to its upside -- the shiny, pretty fiberglass.  Like a car, it is bound to get some scratches.  Now I understand that normal wear and tear will result in scratches and nicks -- I have had the case about a week and it already has some of both.  But since this case was bought primarily so that I could take it traveling, I didn't relish the idea of putting it in the overhead compartment unprotected -- for someone's wheel bag to dent or scratch it.  So I decided to make a coverbag just for those times when it is in an overhead compartment. I got a towel of matching color, cut it down to size, sewed it shut vertically and horizontally, then added a leather cord for a drawstring.  It isn't perfect, but it gives a bit of padding and protection.  Yes, I realize it is crazy to get a case for a case, and that is OCD, and I have already been told once I need medication for that, but after waiting six months for a custom color, and spending nearly $300 bucks on it, I'm not going to just toss it up there to get damaged.

All in all, this case is extremely lightweight, easy to carry (by a very comfortable handle, or the included shoulder straps), and it is a very snug, protective fit for my ukulele.  It is also a fashion statement, in a variety of beautiful colors (red, yellow, navy, silver, black or a custom option).  It is not, however, for everyone.  If you want lots of storage capacity, a low maintenance case, or you don't want to blow your budget on a case it might not be right for you.  The MSRP on these is $258 (mine cost $279 after taxes and since it was custom) but you can get them for as low as $206 on Elderly Instruments.  http://secure.elderly.com/accessories/items/KFGC4-RED.htm

For me, though, it is a great case and the only one I plan to use.  I am going to get a red one for my Kanile'a, and if my Pineapple Sunday had fit one of them (tenor or concert), I would have bought a yellow one for it as well.  Sam says they are like Corvettes - and they are, flashy, expensive, and not a lick of storage to speak of.  But they are also beautiful, unique and well worth every penny I spent.

---------------------------------

If the Kamoa is a Corvette, then the Ameritage Silver Series is a Hummer.  This is the sturdiest, most protective, heartiest case out there.  It has a ton of storage capacity, and it is extremely practical -- with a couple of caveats, it is very heavy, and it is not easy to carry.

The Ameritage comes only with the padded leather handle, and no strap option to speak of.  Because I do a lot of traveling, I had to come up with a solution.  So we drilled into the case and added d rings.  The screws were then covered on the inside with rubber screw cap protectors, to ensure I would not damage the uke.  I then was able to wear the case over my shoulder with a leather strap I purchased.  But if you aren't willing to do a little DIY, then be prepared to carry over 9 pounds (the weight of the case with the ukulele inside) by hand.

It is a large case, to be sure.  The length is 31", the width at its widest point is 12", and its height is 5".  This makes this case more than twice as heavy and almost five inches larger than the Kamoa case.  It will go onto airlines in the overhead compartment, but to be honest, on each trip, unless I'm flying Hawaiian Airlines, I have been nervous about its measurements.

The Kamaka fits well within this case.  There is about 1" of room at the top of the headstock, and the bottom of the case completely allows for an input jack or strap button.  The case has three latches, all heavy duty easy to latch (easier than the Kamoa to ensure closure). 

The large storage compartment (5.5" long by 5.5" wide, by 3" deep) not only supports the neck of the ukulele, but also allows for a TON of stuff to fit inside. I have fit tuners, humidifiers, strings, winders, cords, straps, you name it in that compartment.  This is one of the biggest pluses for this case to me, as it allows you to bring anything you might need all in that compartment.

The lining is very soft and plush, and provides very good protection for the ukulele as it snuggles it inside your case.  One thing to point out, when you go to close one of these cases, I recall being initially concerned as it looks as though it isn't going to close properly.  Just gently push on the top of the lid and the padding will give, allowing your ukulele case to close without damaging the uke.

The exterior is a canvas like feel, over solid wood -- while it is protective, it certainly isn't flashy or sexy like the Kamoa case.  It is, however, classy looking in the Silver Series with the charcoal canvas and silver latches and black handle.  I'm less fond of the Gold Series tan exterior with the burgundy handle and gold latches, but that is just a matter of personal preference. It should be noted, you can order these custom as well -- in whatever colors you prefer, but it isn't cheap.  

The Silver Series retails at an MSRP of $251, but you can get them a bit cheaper than that if you look around. So essentially, it costs the same as the Kamoa.  I have both but for my purposes (taking it to class, flying with it), I much prefer the Kamoa for the same price.  I know without a doubt, there will be many who feel the exact opposite.  If, however, I ever have to mail my uke anywhere this is the only case I would consider using for shipping. If you want extreme protection, and lots of storage, go for the Ameritage.  It should be noted that the Jake Shimabukuro Kamaka special edition ukes come in Ameritage cases, and that Ko'olau has used them as well.  Whether it is better or worse than the Kamoa just comes down to whether you would prefer your uke drive a Corvette or a Hummer. 

---------------------------------

Last, and actually least, is the "Kamaka" hard case that often comes with Kamaka ukuleles.  It is almost as light as the Kamoa and almost as functional as the Ameritage but not as good as either.  The exterior is covered with a pleather like black substance that I found peels and scratches easily.  So unless you want your case to be covered in stickers, it is going to look worse for the wear.

It has three latches, which function fine, but lack the style of the Kamoa ones or the heartiness of the Ameritage ones.  The handle is plastic, and not nearly as comfortable to hold as the ones found on the other cases.  It is the middle size of the three, with a length of 31", a width at the widest point of 11", and a height of 5".  With the uke inside, it weights 4.5 pounds, and it also lacks a strap option.  As I did on the Ameritage, I drilled the d rings with the strap attached so I could carry it on trips.

It does have a compartment, albeit a skinny one.  The compartment is as long as the Ameritage one, at 5" long, but it is only 2" high and 2" across.  You can fit a tuner and string winder in there, or a humidifier, but that is about it.  When I used this case, I used a pouch similar to that I made for the Kamoa, so I could carry extra strings and accessories.

My Kamaka ukulele fit well within the case and its plush, faux fur lining (as I suppose it should since it is the "Kamaka" case).  It did, however, have the most excess room at the headstock of the three options (2"), but the velcro strap across the fretboard was a nice way to secure the uke into its case.  (Oops not in use in this photo).

These cases can be had for about $75 but to be honest, I would skip them.  I have never owned a Kala case, but lots of people swear by those cases and they just seem to hold up better than these Kamaka ones do.  I had one metal staple in this case that kept cutting into me, and the pleather was peeling in a lot of spots.  I ended up getting rid of mine when I bought the Kamoa case.  I told them to donate it to the next person who couldn't afford a case for their new ukulele -- someone ended up buying it from them for $30 used, which isn't a bad price but it isn't worth much more than that.

In conclusion, I think it is a toss up between the Ameritage and the Kamoa and it all depends on what you want.  If you want a sturdy, hearty case with lots of storage, you can't go wrong with an Ameritage -- and if I ever had to ship my ukulele I would do so only in that case.  If, on the other hand, you want a lightweight, good looking, fashionable case, I love the Kamoa.  That is going to be my go-to case to use on a daily basis, and also when traveling.  For me, it is the best option due to its light weight, comfortable handle and backpack option -- it is like carrying a gig bag but with a lot more protection and style.  As I mentioned above, I hope to get a red one for my Kanilea (or whenever my Kamaka feels like wearing red).  

I hope this helps people that might be in the market for a high end case -- unless you can get a Calton, I think you can't go wrong with the Kamoa or the Ameritage, it just depends on whether you like a sexy, flashy option (Kamoa) or whether you prefer sturdiness and protection (Ameritage) as to which is the case for you.

Pursuit of Pualani

So today I leave onboard the Golden Princess.  We are sailing to Hawaii from Los Angeles and then back.  It is a great cruise (this is my fourth time doing it) but you really have to like sea days, as only 4 of the 14 days are in port.  So what am I doing on my day in Honolulu (Dec. 14)?  It is insane, but I am going to Honolulu airport where I will fly to Maui, back to Honolulu, back to Maui and then back to Honolulu, all in one day.

All this insanity is in pursuit of Hawaiian Airlines Pualani status. 

If you fly 20,000 miles onboard Hawaiian airlines in one year, you get Pualani status -- the benefits including bonus miles, reduced fare costs, free bag check, free drinks, priority boarding, etc.  I  actually did fly four times from the mainland this year, but one of those trips was using a reward ticket, so I didn't get credit.  As a result, I have currently obtained 18,300 miles in travel this year.  In order to get the remaining miles, I booked two round trip tickets. 

I know it sounds crazy, but I will be flying four times to Hawaii next year, and the bag fees alone cost more than the amount I spent on these interisland tickets.  It is a total waste of a day in Honolulu, but fortunately, I was just there in October and will be there again in February.  Plus our ship doesn't leave the port until 11pm so since my flights end by 5pm, I will get to at least have dinner there.

Most of the connections are pretty good (with about an hour in between) but only one is bad, from Kahului back to Oahu I only have about 30 minutes.  Luckily no luggage, so I just have to make it to the gate and that airport only has three Hawaiian interisland gates so I should be okay. 

I'm sure it will be an awful, tiring day, but well worth it when I relax onboard in my priority seat with my free mai tai and free bags this February.  Wish me luck! :)

Extreme Makeover - Ukulele Edition

As posted previously, I had my Kamaka tenor (my go-to ukulele) refinished in a gloss finish.  They did a great job (albeit with one bubble) and removed a lot of the scratch marks the ukulele had suffered.  Unfortunately, I played my newly refinished ukulele while wearing a Hawaiian shirt with coconut buttons and they scratched up the back of the uke.  I apologize for the poor viewing angle, but you can probably see some white scratch marks across the back, mainly on the left and right sides.

So I did a little research online, and found that some people had used a product called Fender Guitar Instrument Kit (by Meguiar's - the car care people).  It consists of a mist and wipe, swirl and haze remover, and polish and conditioner.

I figured it couldn't hurt to try it so I visited my local Guitar Center in Pasadena, CA to pick up a box.  Unfortunately, they didn't have it, so I had to drive out to Cerritos to get one.  (About 33 miles away).  I headed out and got there, only to discover that the one box they had had leaked and was only about 3/4 full.  I had already spent 40 minutes driving out there in LA area traffic so I didn't want to leave empty handed and I bought the bottle. 

I went home and proceeded to follow the directions, only to discover that the bottles were not only leaking (as they had done all over the back seat of my BMW) but the swirl remover -- which is supposed to have a consistency of lotion or condensed milk, was like cloudy water.  I applied it repeatedly, and was able to get ten of the twelve scratches out, not perfection -- but still a success.

I figured that the box was not only leaking, but probably way beyond its shelf life.  Since I knew Guitar Center wouldn't have it, I did a check for a local Sam Ash store that did.  The one in City of Industry did, and at 8pm, I made the drive out there to get a box.  So I drove the 27 miles (only took a half hour at that time of night) and they had seven boxes in stock.  I told the sales clerk what happened with the Guitar Center box, and he allowed me to check the consistency of the swirl remover.  I did so, and was glad to see it was indeed like lotion.  It turns out it didn't make that much difference, and those two scratches are still visible, but on the whole, what a remarkable transformation!  

Since I had all the strings off, I also put a very thin coating of lemon oil on the fretboard...just left it on for about fifteen minutes then wiped it off.  

The entire ukulele feels like glass -- just like a freshly waxed car would.  It shines like crazy and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.  For a twenty five dollar investment (okay plus the cost of gas to Cerritos and City of Industry!) I gave Pele an extreme makeover.  She is almost wrinkle free and looks better than ever. :)

Wall hangers

Most people recommend that you store your ukuleles in cases, preferably ones that are humidity controlled.  I know I should, but I am too lazy, plus my cat has a habit of peeing on anything luggage like that is left out and about, so my Ameritage Silver Series cases (more expensive than some ukuleles) are much better protected in the closet.

As you all know, I'm a big Hawaii fan, so my home office has a Hawaii theme.  I have uli ulis, and an ipu on a shelf in my office.  

 So it was only natural for me to hang my ukuleles up there. I didn't want to use generic boring hangers, so I ordered some hand carved Hawaiian themed hangers.

For my small soprano, I have a honu turtle design.  My Pineapple Sunday is, naturally, on a pineapple hanger.  The Kamaka hangs on a whale hook, and my Kanile'a sits on a plumeria hanger.  I ordered them from a Ukulele Underground member named Toucan Mango, and got them from his eBay store. http://stores.ebay.com/Toucanmango

I highly recommend them, as they feature great wood designs, and padded protection for your ukuleles.

Closer inspection of satin vs. gloss finish on my Kamaka HF3

I originally posted a couple of quick photos showing the difference between the original satin finish and the new glossy finish on my Kamaka.  Here are some more detailed comparisons -- I still think that as a general rule, there is not a huge difference when the satin had been viewed under ideal situations (with fluorescent lights or a flash camera), but in just a glance, or less than idea scenarios, the gloss shows the curl in the koa much more than the satin did.  So I have tried to find photos that show the satin in its natural state -- not an easy task because I usually was meticulous about how I took pictures to best reflect the curl in the koa.

Here are some comparisons taken of the ukulele under the same conditions -- no flash, just the top portion of the face near the soundhole.

Satin top

Glossy top

As you can see, the glossy really brings out the curl in the koa.  Although you do have to account for the brighter sunlight conditions in the second photo, it is that dramatic a difference.

The next set of photos are of the side of the ukulele.  This shows the satin finish under the best possible conditions, with lighting/flash that allowed the curl to show through, so the difference is much less dramatic.

Satin side

Glossy side

Hopefully, this gives a bit of an insight into the difference in appearance between the two finishes.  As for sound, my uke sounds exactly the same as it did during the satin finish. As Fred Kamaka, Jr. noted, there is no difference in sound in their ukuleles in either finishes, they endure the same six bottom coats, it is only the top coat of finish that determines whether the ukulele will be satin or glossy.

As for feel, I did like the smooth, silky feel of the satin probably better than the stickier finish provided by the gloss.  But the funny thing is that my ukulele had originally had a gloss finish on the back of its neck (I'm not sure if that was by accident or design) so the majority of the portion I touched feels the same.  I actually really like that I don't have to worry about sweat/body oils in the portion of the ukulele where my right forearm rests any longer.  That had been touched so often that it was starting to show a shiny spot in that area.  The satin finish was also much easier to damage and the gloss hides more of a multitude of sins.

Chris Kamaka was able to remove the gouge marks and most of the scratches on my uke, leaving her pristine and beautiful.  I don't regret it for a second, even though I do still see the value of a traditional satin ukulele.
So on the whole, I'm very happy with my decision to refinish it, and I can't thank the Kamaka guys enough for taking care of it for me!

Glossy refinishing on my Kamaka HF-3 tenor ukulele

As I mentioned in my last post, I had my Kamaka tenor ukulele refinished from satin to gloss.  Here are a couple of photos that show the difference between the original to the newer makeover version

This is a photo taken of me with the original satin finish ukulele (in Lahaina, Maui).  It did show the curl more when the pictures were taken with a flash camera, or it was reflected in the right lighting.  But this photo is an accurate portrayal of how it generally looked at a glance, when those proper situations were not present.

As you can see from the photo below, the ukulele in its gloss version brings out the curl in the koa a little bit more (taken in my backyard, while wearing my Reyn Spooner official Kamaka Ukulele Hawaiian shirt).