This is the Kanile’a Islander GL6-EQ guitalele (or guilalele or guitarlele - pick a name!). It a nice, mid range option that’s a step up from your basic models, with attractive laminate acacia body and Kanile’a’s traditional body shape. It has a Fishman Kula system fitted, with preamp that includes tone and volume controls, and a built in tuner.

This instrument has a baritone scale length, with a body more similar to a jumbo tenor, and a neck like a classical guitar. The tuning is A,D,G,C,E,A, so it’s like a ukulele with two extra bass notes, with strings at the same intervals as a guitar. If you’ve played guitar, like I have, you can just pick it up and play like a guitar. Ukulele players will be familiar with the top four strings and have fun adding some extra low notes with those two bass strings.

Acoustically, the tone is rich, deep and earthy. The nature of those low strings on a shorter scale like this means they’re not overly tense, which gives a low, rolling sound to the tone, with some twinkling, but not explosive trebles. The overall character is woody and rich, smooth and mellow.

The GL6 is a handy instrument for those looking to try out a Guitalele, as they’re good enough to be a big step above the cheap entry level models that I’ve never really got on with, but not so expensive that it reaches the heights of the top level instruments. It falls in between, giving you a good sound for the price, without a price tag that means you’ll feel guilty if you don’t make it your main instrument. For me, for most, this would add a different character to an existing collection of instruments, to pick up when you feel like experimenting.

To accommodate those six strings, the neck is a generous 50mm, which is like a classical guitar. The amplified performance is strong, and I think the addition of the good quality Fishman electrics is a good choice with this instrument, to allow you to get a range of different sounds and increase your versatility.

For an acoustic demo of the Kanile’a Islander GL6-EQ guitalele, click additional info below.

For common accessories and customisations (like strap buttons / low G fitting) scroll down to the bottom of the page where you'll be able to add these common items to your basket.