Is there typically any difference in sound quality from a brand’s standard level ukulele compared to the deluxe version? Or is the deluxe version just fancier to look at? For example, would the Kamaka HF-3 sound any different from the HF-3D?
On a recent TUS podcast, CF stated that Kamaka routes the underside edge of the soundboard thinner on D models to allow more movement and enhanced sound. But on some brands, gold colored tuners and gloss finish = deluxe.
See 13:05
It really depends on the player. Some people sound better with one uke and others sound better with other ukes. Ukes by themselves don't have a sound.It really depends on the maker.
What? The OP asked about different build techniques and this varies by maker.It really depends on the player. Some people sound better with one uke and others sound better with other ukes. Ukes by themselves don't have a sound.
No the OP asked about sound quality. Build features are known and documented.What? The OP asked about different build techniques and this varies by maker.
As someone who is perfectly fine with two closely related Kamaka tenors, I am fine with this arrangement. I've had a similar experience with a KTM-25 factory special (since sold, for better and worse). This has been followed by a 25th Anniversary Red Label (which I still do own and is not blem - or for sale, lol) and sometime in the future a special order KTM. By now, we all know what we like and what we do not, so why not focus on what what we like the most?I am really hooked on KoAloha now. I bought a used 2013 KTM 00 and got hooked. Bought a new 2022 KTM 00 this summer. Great Uke. the old 2013 and 2022 models have different sounds, both pleasing. Newer models underwent some changes. KoAloha makes a KTM and a Royal Pikake.
I agonized over which model to buy. I bought the gloss KTM 00.
Kept thinking about the other model recently. Decided I only live once and just ordered a Royal Pikake. Satin finish and different appointments but may sound slightly different than the KTM-00. Logic might say own one or the other as they might be pretty close in sound to one another, but I'm so impressed with the KTM 00 that I am going to own the Pikake KTM10 RP too. So after clearing it with the War Department I grabbed the one I was ogling from TUS/HMS. Now just have to wait for set up and shipping. Woo - hooh.
Poul, For the sake of fostering interesting dialogue, I have a different opinion regarding the uke appearance analogy, "A meal that looks good does actually taste better than the same food mashed together". I happen to very much enjoy Moon Pies, SPAM (Specially Processed American Meat, not the annoying digital variety) and Vienna sausages. Meanwhile, even the most ardent fan of such processed foods will agree that none of those look good to anyone in their original form. SPAM in particular has an extremely unappetizing appearance but is wonderful when either sliced and fried in an iron skillet or roasted over a campfire while impaled on a sharpened stick. The top "gel" alone should be sufficient to prevent anyone from sampling Vienna sausages. Oysters also spring to mind, as well as King Crab.Our senses are intertwined. A meal that looks good does actually taste better than the same food mashed together.
Why not the hearing as well? Maybe it really does sound better if it looks good?
I can't say for myself but I definitely like instruments that look good. They give me pleasure even when not played.
I'd include corned beef hash only if taking it to the next level, which makes it SOS. SOS was my hands-down favorite US Army breakfast food. Army mess sergeants could never get grits right because all they had on hand was farina/ Cream of Wheat. Definitely with an RC Cola, or a Coke in a bottle with peanuts dropped down the neck.Moonpies, spam, Vienna sausages...but what about corned beef hash? And is that moonpie accompanied by an rc cola?