Kinnard Ukes Custom "Kiku" (#6151505)
Pictures and video show the instrument now available (if it says "In Stock").
This is a baritone size and scale (20") 6-string instrument called a kiku (kee-koo). It has been called guilele, guitalele, and other things alluding to the fusion of guitar and ukulele. Zanuck thought it deserved its own unique name and chose kiku as it denotes an independent spirit in Hawaiian.
This instrument has a string set made by Southcoast strings that is a high E and A followed by a DGBE like baritone. The difference in this tuning and regular guitar is that the 2 bottom strings, E and A, are an octave higher. This allows you to play it like a guitar but gives a different voicing for rich, beautiful sounds normally only heard on piano.
Aaron gives a short review and sound sample. Our sound samples are recorded for true reference and have no alteration or enhancement. Use quality playback for the most accurate listening.
From KinnardUkes website:
We are proud to announce the commissioning of the first John S. Kinnard six string ukulele that will, from here on out, be referred to as a “Kīkū”-a name coined by Nara Cardenas, a noted Hawaiian artist and linguist, and the accomplished Hawaiian musician, Zanuck Kapala Lindsey.
The name Kīkū (pronounced Kee Koo) means “independent” in Hawaiian and is often used to praise a precocious or headstrong child. It’s a name that embodies the
spirit of innovation yet captures the essence of its lineage as the word “Kika” is the Hawaiian word for guitar.
Our vision is to provide an instrument worthy of its name. One that inspires bold visions of modern invention and traditional sounds. An instrument that is beautiful to
look at, plays like a dream and captures the love of “nahenahe” or soothing music.
The ukulele Aaron just showed you is the second Kiku from John Kinnard. The first one was made for Zanuck Lindsey and he demonstrates that one for us, along with a review and explanation of the instrument and the advantages of this tuning. This particular video is not a "raw" acoustic sound sample because Zanuck is plugged in but it has the same K&K Aloha Twin pickup so you can hear the amplified sound and learn more about the instrument.
Here Zanuck and Kimo give us a beautiful rendition of this classic song using a kiku and tenor ukulele. The EQ on the amp was adjusted from the video above for a more natural tone. Enjoy!
So that's an example of the Kiku in action. The one for sale here is inspiring in sound and just gorgeous to look at. The cocobolo is simply stunning and the craftsmanship is top-notch. We have waited many months for it to arrive but it can be yours now!
| Specs |
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|---|---|
| Options | This is ukulele comes with a deluxe UkeCrazy Tweed wood hardcase. Extra Options It also includes the more expensive Oasis Ukulele Humidifier (OH-18). This is suggested if you live in a low humidity area (parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, etc.) or also areas with winter seasons, especially if you heat the air in your home. For more info see our Ukulele Care page. Put a note in the Special Instructions if you need to let our setup or shipping department know anything. Comes set up low G unless you ask for high G in Special Instructions. After adding this to your cart, take advantage of great deals on Ukulele Accessories. With the purchase of this ukulele you won't pay shipping! Strap Buttons can be installed by going HERE. Aloha!! |
| Brand | Kinnard |
Shipping Information
For more even more details and FAQ visit our Shipping Page under the Company Info tab at the header menu.
SHIPPING CARRIER OPTIONS:
FedEx is our primary shipping carrier, all orders that qualify for free domestic shipping will be sent using FedEx. UPS and DHL can also be chosen as alternative options upon checkout, USPS is only used for smaller accessory orders.
As soon as the shipping label is created you will be automatically notified via email with tracking information. All packages will be shipped with a signature requirement by default. If you do not wish to have a signature requirement you will need to notify us, either by leaving a note in the “special instructions” when adding the item(s) to your shopping cart or by emailing our shipping department directly. Any shipping related requests (hold/delay/address change) should also be directed to our shipping department ( [email protected]).
NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: You may also be required to pay import duties/taxes, this will vary depending on your location and the value of the item(s). To estimate these taxes, you can contact your local customs office. Fedex also offers a helpful estimation tool: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/international.html
UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE PERMIT: If your ukulele contains any amount of shell inlay (abalone or pearl) it will require a permit to be shipped internationally. The cost of this permit is $93.00 USD. We will handle the paperwork and file the permit for you, but the cost of all duties and fees are the responsibility of the customer.
SHIPPING COST will vary depending on the size dimensions and weight of the package as well as the destination. To get a quote, use the “Calculate Shipping Cost” link located next to the “Add to Cart button” on each listing.
This is made even easier when you are already logged in to your customer account. Follow this link to create an account if you don’t already have one go HERE.
FREE SHIPPING: All orders within the USA with a total over $500 will qualify for free FedEx 2-day air shipping.
SHIPMENT AND TRACKING NOTIFICATIONS are sent automatically via email as soon as the shipping label is created so please make sure your email address is accurate when placing the order. Outgoing shipments are picked up by our shipping carriers Monday through Friday.
ACCESSORY AND CASE ORDERS: While non-instrument orders for cases and accessories do not require the same processing time needed for instruments, they do require time for processing and packing. The typical processing time for accessory/case orders is (1-4 business days) depending on current order volume.
CURRENT SETUP PROCESSING TIMES AND DETAILS ARE LOCATED UNDER THE “SETUP OPTIONS” TAB.*
*If you would like to receive your instrument as soon as possible you can forego the full setup process by selecting the “Basic QC Only” option or by selecting the “Full Setup RUSH” option when adding instruments to your shopping cart. More details are available under the “Setup Options” tab.
Setup Options
Current Turnaround Time: Amount of time it takes before shipment-
Full Setup: 10-14 Business Days
Basic Quality Control: 2-3 Days
BASIC QUALITY CONTROL covers inspecting the instrument for any major defects that would have been missed by the factory and any faults in construction that could potentially damage or limit the functionality of the instrument over time. Any defective instruments are rejected and replaced. We make sure that each Ukulele meets the basic standard for a brand new instrument and will be ready to play once you receive it. A final cleanup is also included after inspection before packing and shipment.
Full Setup - FREE for all Ukuleles $399 and over / $20.00 for Ukuleles from $300-399 / $30.00 for Ukuleles Under $300
Includes:
-Overall QC evaluation: To find defects in construction as well as to get an overall view of the instrument and note the areas that need extra attention and adjustment during the setup.
-Saddle Adjustment: The height of the saddle is lowered to reduce the distance between the strings and the fretboard, making it easier to play than the factory setup, especially higher up the fretboard.
-Nut Slot Adjustment: The depth, width, and angle of the nut slots are adjusted to create a more comfortable playing experience especially on the lower frets.
-Fret Dressing: After adjusting the nut and saddle heights, high spots in the fretboard or uneven frets will potentially cause fret buzz, dead spots, or other unwanted problems. The frets are filed to create a more consistent level across the fretboard. We then crown the frets to return their rounded curvature back to the top of each fret creating a clear contact point for each string. We then smooth and polish the frets and condition the fingerboard to bring them back to new condition.
-Final Cleanup: We always do a final overall cleanup of the instrument to make sure it is in new condition and ready to play before it is prepared for shipment.
Rush Setup & Delivery - Additional $50.00
The RUSH SETUP AND DELIVERY service is for customers who would still like to receive everything included in the full setup but on a shorter time frame. One of our setup technicians will work overtime outside of normal business hours to complete the setup within 2-3 days of the order being placed and immediately hand it over to the shipping department for packing and shipment. The $50.00 rush charge is in addition to the cost of the full setup.
Additional services (see individual product listings to add these services to your order)
Re-stringing: We will replace the factory installed stock string set with a new set of your choosing. Select the “replace stock strings” option when adding your desired string set to the shopping cart.
Strap Button Installation: 1-2 buttons are installed to allow the use of a strap. Color options available.
Pickup installation: for players who would like the option to play or record with amplification.
Friction Tuner Upgrade (friction tuners only): We offer upgrade options for select instruments with friction tuners to be retrofitted with new geared tuners for better precision and comfort when tuning.
Left-handed Setup: Left-handed setups are also available upon request. Occasionally an additional charge may be added for compensated saddles on select models.