Lanikai Curly Koa CK-C Ukulele

8 Comments

1. Wendy Kess November 24th, 2012 2:31 am
   

   Trying to determine which uke would be best for me to buy – want to learn to play for my dad…so was hoping to hear DiscoStu30 play this CK-C and was disappointed it was “private” and had to “login” IF permission to listen… sooo “DiscoStu30” wanna grant me permission? 🙂 Peace & Blessings to all!

2. Jan January 22nd, 2013 2:45 pm
   

   I bought this with my Christmas money. I wanted to test out several ukuleles, not just order off the Internet and so I had to shop at a local big box music store. Of all of the available models, this one sounded the best. The action is nice and low, I love playing it.

   That being said, however, there are some cosmetic problems. If you have looked up images of this ukulele on the Internet, you can see that on the face of the ukulele, and on the sides and back dividing the light tones from the darker tones of wood, there are black lines. These have been drawn on with what looks like black Sharpie marker. That is also how the fret marks on the neck of the ukulele have been applied. The lighter and darker tones of wood are not separate pieces of wood, but apparently one piece of wood laminate that has been taped off and stained two different colors. In the poor lighting at the store, this wasn’t really detectable, but in the light of day is very noticeable. For $200.00, I think I would have preferred they be honest in their decoration. Don’t try to make it look like something it is not, because it is a beautiful ukulele, except for the hand drawn accents and the poor job trying to stain it to make it look like two separate types of wood.

   I won’t be returning the ukulele; like I said before it sounds very nice, I’d only be able to get store credit, not a return of my money, and there weren’t any ukuleles there that sounded better. This is my ukulele to learn on, and when I go to buy a better uke, I will know better. If you are buying online, though, I thought you might like to know this info before you make your purchase.

3. Jan January 25th, 2013 4:26 pm
   

   I wrote the above review. Since then, several people with more stringed instrument experience than I have looked at my ukulele. It seems that it is actually curly koa (probably laminate) with maple binding. However, the lines do definitely seem to be drawn on, or at the very least, gone over in places with a black sharpie pen. I have updated its marks for construction accordingly. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t mislead anyone.

   It still sounds absolutely wonderful!

4. Tim May 18th, 2013 11:10 pm
   

   I bought my CK-C six years ago from Ukulele World. $230 with a hard foam Hohner case, and they aren’t much higher now, six years later. I loved it right out of the box. Nice bookmatched Koa on the front, and good grain everywhere. The maple binding is different, and looks great. The abalone soundhole trim was perfect. No issues with it, ever.

   The segmented purfling inside is done well, nice looking compared to the “strip” purfling on cheaper ukes. Construction is top notch inside and out.

   Plays as perfect as I’ve found, with a crisp tone; would be good for a solo uke with a group.

   Only negative is that the tuners are mounted a bit off “square” with each other. This seems common on Lanikais and other brands. No problem, to me.

   A great uke for the price. As good as some $500 ukes I’ve tried.

5. Tim May 18th, 2013 11:29 pm
   

   I’ve noted Jan’s comments above. I can’t find any hint of “Sharpie marker” on mine, anywhere. I have four cat’s abalone eye fret markers and two cat’s eyes on the bridge, well done. The fingerboard edges have a black filler applied, nothing unusual there.

   The neck is three pieces, with the heel and peghead spliced into the center neck. Nothing unusual about that, even high dollar Martin guitars do that.

   The back maple binding has a black base, while the base of the front maple binding is black/white/black. No Sharpie.

   Lanikai was up front about it being laminate, but it’s a good, thin laminate. You’re not going to get a solid Koa uke for less than $600. I honestly prefer laminates, as they aren’t nearly so delicate in temperature and humidity requirements.

   I don’t understand her comments at all, like they’re about a totally different uke.

6. Dooner June 8th, 2013 4:16 pm
   

   Just bought the lanikai ckc,great sound and great construction,braces and construction on the inside are clean.The looks are top shelf and the sound while high pitch also has a good quility tone.

7. Steve July 7th, 2013 10:25 pm
   

   I have had this uke a week, and love it. I already have a Hilo soprano, and a Johnson concert. This is a big step up. The sound is bright and balanced with a nice bottom sound that isn’t overwhelmed by the bright tones. This uke has so much sustain it reminds me of my Epi Les Paul. To top it off, it’s a looker. The abalone rosette…brilliant. The fret inlays are a clever visual affect, and the maple binding accentuates the Koa body nicely. I particularly like the maple trim on the heel of the neck. I wish there could be 10 stars possible for looks and playability. I need to go, there’s songs waiting to be found in Blondie (that’s her name).

8. Mimiche August 13th, 2021 3:52 pm
   

   en existe-t-il pour gaucher svpmerci ? je joue depuis huit mois sur un droitier dont j’ai inversé les cordes; je suis enchantée du son mais ma corde de do n’a pas assez de place et celle de mi bouge trop; au début, je pensais que c’était mes défauts de débutante et maintenant ? à arranger