Words fail to adequately convey what might be referred to in Hawaiian as the nani ko-kı- (supremely beautiful) appearance of 's Hawaiian koa guitars, especially those featuring an all-koa body. The K26e celebrates that beauty with an all-wood appointment scheme that features their fluid Island Vine fretboard inlay in blackwood and maple, along with rosewood binding and maple top trim. A hand-sprayed shaded edgeburst enhances koa’s rich blend of color, figure and grain structure, adding a tasteful vintage aura. The best part: With time and extended play, a koa guitar’s voice will only grow sweeter and warmer, especially in the midrange.
Grand Symphony
Compared to the Grand Auditorium, the Grand Symphony has a bigger, rounder lower bout and slightely wider "waist" area, and the bigger sound board (top) means more tonal output. Expect a meaty lower midrange and strong treble shimmer. A GS is best if you want a guitar with a robust low end, strong volume when strumming or flatpicking, and clear articulation in response to light fingerpicking attack.
Tonewood Pairing
A guitar's top is the primary filter and distributor of vibrating string energy through the guitar, which means it has a huge impact on its sound. Think of the top as a speaker driver. It's also one reason why the sounboard bracing architecture is important - it helps orchestrate the movement of the top and the voice of the instrument. The back and sides help flavor the overall sound. Koa is a fairly dense tropical hardwood with a strong midrange focus similar to mahogany, with a bit of extra top-end brightness and chime. The more koa is played and has a chance to open up - especially when the back and sides are also solid koa - it promises to grow warmer and sweeter, especially in the midrange.
Electronics
's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in ’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is ’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acousticly or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with ’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your guitar. The Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls.
Other Features
Maple top trim, blackwood/maple "Island Vine" fingerboard inlay, peghead inlay, single ring rosewood/maple rosette, Indian rosewood binding.
The Difference
What sets Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.
Enjoy the best that has to offer. Order today.
SPECIFICATIONSKoa Series K26e Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Shape: Grand SymphonyNumber of Strings: 6
Back/Side Wood: Hawaiian Koa
Scale length: 25-1/2"
Top Wood: Hawaiian Koa
Body Length: 20"
Electronics: Expression System 2
Body Width: 16 1/4"
Cutaway: None
Body Depth: 4 5/8"
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Neck Width: 1-3/4"
Neck/Heel: Tropical Mahogany
Bracing: CV Bracing with Relief Rout
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Fretboard Inlay: Island Vine
Headstock Overlay: Ebony
Binding: Indian Rosewood
Bridge Inlay: None
Bridge Pins: Ebony
Tuners: Gold
Truss Rod Cover: Ebony
Back/Side Finish: Gloss
Top Finish: Gloss
Neck Finish: Satin
Pickguard: None
Case: Deluxe Hardshell Brown
Number of Frets: 20
Armrest Binding: None
Back Config: 2-piece No Wedge
Backstrap Wood: None
Backstrap Finish: None
Brand of Strings: Elixir Phosphor Bronze Medium
Buttons: Gold
Edge Trim: Maple
Fingerboard Ext: None
Fretboard Binding: Indian Rosewood
Heel Cap Binding: Indian Rosewood
Heel length: 3-1/2"
Peghead Finish: Gloss
Peghead Inlay: Island Vine
Peghead Binding: Indian Rosewood
Peghead Logo: Maple
Peghead Type: Standard
Rosette Mat.: Rosewood/Maple/Rosewood
Rosette Size: Single Ring
Stain/Sunburst: Shaded Edgeburst
Type of Neck Joint: Scarf
Wedge: None
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
Displaying review 1
Back to top
Tone: very rich right out of the box. The guitar has dual personality, bright when strummed, but becomes dark and mellow when fingerstiled. The bass response is much stronger than I expected, I suppose it's from the Grand Symphony body shape. The ES2 pickup is absolutely fantastic, a great improvement from ES. The plugged in sound is very natural, as if you had a mic inside the guitar, unlike the twangy ultrabright sound of the previous generation.Playability: excellent, with low action and very smooth neck.
Look: No need to say anything here, the picture speaks for itself.
Chaylor Koa Series K26e Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar Shaded Edge Burst
.
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review