Kona KS2NE

This is a new guitar made in China. 22 frets solid spruce top w/ clear finish - Built in Pre Amp w/ nice flip feature for replacing battery, Mahagony neck - Tuners seem to be good quality though not name brand - Inlay and binding are beautiful - although not mother of pearl it's very attractive for the $$. Cut away gives great access to upper frets and the Oval Soundhole is a nice unique touch.

Great full sound. I play classic rock and folk and it works great for both. I run it with just a little reverb on it to give some extra sustain but it sounds great just on it's own preamp. Sounds good unplugged too. Much richer then my old Fender acoustic.

When it arrived the action was a little high - so I brought it down where I like it and found that the 5th fret was much too high - like it was set in wrong at the factory. Also the strings it came with had a pretty good amount of corosion on them. So - a new set of strings and a little dremmel work later it plays just fine.

All reliability questions will have to wait for a year or two.

I've been playing in a band for about 4 years now - I play lead and rythem depending on what we need. I took a long time to buy a new acoustic. This hobby can get kind of expensive. This guitar fit all my criteria - - Jumbo body - Cut Away - built in pre amp - Attractive Block Inlay. I've looked at guitars at shops and online for about a year and I couldn't get all my requierments for less the $400. Got this one for much less then that $258 included shipping and hard shell case.- hopefully it will hold up well to playing out.

this came with a preamp that was great. you could adjust the volume when pluggedin and you could also afjust the treb., bass, and mid. awesome

it sounds great, better than my washburn and fender

love the finish, and the shape/design

just got it so not sure

havent had any problems yet

great beginers guitar with great sound

2005-06 year
please read others rather then more repeating of the same here.
things I did not see mentioned;
2 strap buttons - nice thoughtful. kona's claim maybe? (for/by musicians)
nut and compensated saddle look and sound tusk.
abalone in binding and rossete around oval sound hole.
.... but it's important you read what others have said here also!

I believe only a few can make a 10 in sound. Still, what a great sounding guitar - balanced well - but not a lower end to say of the D-Martin/Gibson OOOO and Jumbo fammily. it'll be interesting to listen as the solid top ages. Actually like it best pure - unplugged but through PA, Acoustic amp, modern recording equip. ...... NICE!
Not a real hard rocker guitar (IMHO) - no pick gaurd to shred across for example. personally I find it great for finger picking styles - works great for ballads - solos - worship/country/rock/folk stuff - but am sure it fits well into other musical styles (traditional blues come to mind).

nut width is 1-11/16" .
these are mass produced so action seems to vary.
the benefits of taking it in for a pro set-up should be considerd.
Alone my action- <8 .
I almost hate to put an 8 on this rating because this guitar is astonishingly beautiful. To get all this in a guitar at this price, I couldn't find it!

This is a guitar must have been made for stage work. It has show off looks, and if it gets dropped, bumped, dinged, scratch, you didn't just eat your Martin. Everything seems solid and able to have a long life - but this is tough given only a couple months.

Here is where my input makes a contribution to this page.
First, Marcus Lawyer is Kona's Customer Service man. He should be getting paid well if he is not. Period!
My guitar came via an Ebay buy. I am going to not mention the outlet but they sent me a guitar that had easily been played for a while (action was nice however), and the pick scuff was awful - for a "brand new guitar". The replacement had a couple dents.
So, I called Kona - stage left .... Marcus. What I ended up with from Kona was an absolute beauty. I wish these guitars where in more music stores .... but then the price likely would go up.

I first seriously picked up guitar (lessons - public) 38 yrs. ago. Old timer. There's been a bunch of guitars, amps and recording equip. since. As to the question, replace if stolen .... I know I am going to buy another one soon so heck yes I would replace it!
I am not a flashy sort .... at my age maybe it would be helpful though. I only say this, because I want to repeat what I said before and be understood. Looks could kill but the sound of this box is a killer .... well really killer is a poor word. In the right hands, this guitar can put life into a piece of music. A new guitar player could REALLY benefit from starting out with this guitar. A semi pro or wannabe would be able to spend hours a day on this tool and only put it down if a thousand dollar plus was available in da house. I am not a pro so I cannot speak for them. A profitable song writter I know loves it but like most I would guess, he isn't wanting his name used.

Made in china electric acoustic, active pick ups

Believe me when i say tis guitar sounds very beautiful. Great full and ballanced sound. Sounds great plugged in or not.
Playing through digitech pedal into P.A..
Very responsive rings very well. Compares easily with guitars costing 3 or 4 time as much. This is not hype this guitar plays like a thousand dollar plus guitar. I have owned and play expensive guitars. this one is right up there.

I've read reviews about a wonderful factory set up..well not this one. The strings were very high off the frets. The nut and saddle needed to be refiled because they were binding and deadening the strings. I was a little worried, but took it to my tech. In no time flat he had this thing playing and sounding like a dream, and I mean a dream. This guitar can be stellar with a good set up. Hey, spend the 50 or 60 bucks it is well worth it.
Finish is fine.

This guitar is as sturdy as any. Everything seems solid.
I don't like playing without a back up. If at all possible gigging musicians should have a back up.

Been playing for 37 years, have owned sooo many guitars I can't even attempt to name them all, I have had very high end stuff and very low end stuff.
I love playing this guitar it is so worth the money...not just saying that...I love it It plays and sounds better than many brand names I have owned and tried. Before you plop down 500 to 1000 dollars get your hands on one of these Kona's for 2 bills put another $50 into it and you will be smiling from ear to ear. I have given mostly nines in the other catagories...but for the money this guitar is deserving of a n overall ten rating
I really do want to get another one and hope to in the future. I am so impressed with this KS2NE

New off of Ebay from P-Hill auction(B stock).Made in China,active electronics,nice neck...beautiful guitar.

OK,I got this guitar so that I wouldn't have to retune to play "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" on stage,as we end our first set with it and I tune to all e's and b's.To make a long story short,I have read reviews on here and figured that if the reviews were half accurate,it would be ok for one song.The kicker is that it sounds fantastic.It rings forever.Also sounds excellent through the amp(Peavy acoustic amp direct out to PA).

The action was too high,but still playable.The preamp and pickup are surprisingly good.The finish is gorgeous.I bought it as a "slightly-damaged" item and you need a magnifying glass to see the body damage.I was originally going to put decals of my favorite sports team all over it,as i figured it would be a hacker...no way now.

I have no idea about the duravbility,but it seems to be really well made.I have several guitars on stage.

It has no warra,as it is a B item

I have been playing professionally for 35 years.Honestly,this is as nice sounding and looks as nice as any of the higher end Taks,and is nicer than the Ibanez,Alvarez,ect.I am tempted to buy a couple more..might get a black one.

Same as every body else.

My style is some pop, easy rock, ballads. Set up was horrible out of the box.
Tweaked it with truss rod and 5mm wrench. Strings great now. Tried 9mm Ernie Super Slinky's on it. (originals were like lifting cables) Sound was good with the Slinky's, me thinks I will go to Phosphor Bronze Markley's or DR's 10's instead. Lacks a little punch if you hammer it with the 9's.
Sound is full and very bright, needs a little more deep warmth.

Action sucked bad, WAY too high, great now. Pretty guitar. Very Light!
All fit and finish was nice. (I bought used so a few dings and dongs, but not bad.

Will withstand live playing, Hardware should last, no strap buttons, the idiot who owned this guitar before me drilled holes into the side and bottom of it. They rattle like hell when you shake it.
(some people should be given a anti-dumbass injection when they are born)

Never had to. 5 year warranty.

Been playing a while. I have 7 guitars. 3 Electrics, (strat and Les Paul) a Samick J-5CE (best accoustic sound ever!) a Takamine, a Crafter 12 string, an electric Resonator and the Kona.
I like the sound very much, much better than that expensive Takamine I am trying to sell. It sound almost as rich as my Samick, probably will when I install the Phosphor Bronze 10's. I can't complain about the looks, it is used and not Kona's fault somebody treated it like a scrap "test out your screwgun" piece of lumber, instead of a guitar.
I like that it is amazingly light, pretty decent hard case came with it.

First some background,..... I spent quite a bit of time looking for a guitar with great sound. Earlier this year,.. I spent time visiting music stores in the area that carried Takamini, Oscar Schmidt, Martin (lower end), and some others that don't immediately come to mind. Anyway, the *only* guitars I wanted to buy were the high end Takamini Limited. The dealer had a store model 2003 he said he would sell to me for $1300 which lists for $2700. Ultimately I bought a 1971 Guild D25 cherry which was close to the sound I was looking for but for a lot less.

When the luthier told me that my Guild had to be tied up for 2 months to have the neck readjusted, I decided to go looking for a lower cost guitar that I could play while the Guild was in the shop. From looking at this and other websites,.. I decided to purchase a Kona,... and the KSNE2 sounds better than the Guild,....comparable to the Takamini limited. I can't figure out how they were able to pull this off??

I am very impressed with the looks, and impressed with the features!!
I was leery about pursuing a guitar with laminate back and sides,... but in reading the Kona's claim on the sound, other people's reviews,... and low cost,.... I figured I'd take the chance.... MAN AM I GLAD I DID !!! Looking on the outside and on the inside, you can't tell it's a laminate,... at least to the layperson it's not visible.

The inlaid mother of pearl and abalone in the fretboard is unbelievable,....

* 2004-2005 Designed by Fort Worth TX company, manufactured in China.
* 21 Frets, Solid Spruce top, book-matched laminated rosewood back & sides.
* AEQ-302 Controls - 3 eq. + vol. control + battery tester light
* Faux Abalone Binding and Rosette (beautiful!!!)
* Two-Tone Gold 16:1 Tuning Machines
* Body Style: mini-jumbo cutaway

My music style is mostly country / gospel,.. so I do a lot of strumming and am looking for a guitar that projects well, is bright on the highs,.. but has that low end punch when you hit the low E - well balanced,... with emphasis points that stand out.

When I first received it and was tuning it up for the first time,... I hadn't even played a note yet,...but immediately I knew this guitar was special because of the tone, resonance of the sound board, and the sustain!! I commented to my wife as I was tuning it "this guitar is going to sound awesome,... I can tell right now even as I'm tuning".

Of the guitars I've owned or played,.. I would compare it to an upper end Takamini,... not quite the warmth,.... as it is more brassy and bright, but has some punch.

My luthier suggested I change out the 12 ga. strings for 13's, which I went with his advice. I think this made the guitar louder, but not quite as punchy as the 12's,... maybe this is just my perception. I'd classify this as a loud guitar.

To manage your expectations properly,.... you should expect the sound of a $300 - $400 guitar,... not a $1200 - $1300,.... and you will be pleased,... at least that's been my experience.

The bass punch is not going to be as good as jumbo,.. and maybe not as good as a dreadnaught,... but it's very respectable,... we balanced.

As far as the electronics on it go,.. I'd rate them as average,.. they sound nice,... but not like what you'd expect from a higher end set (e.g. with onboard tube, etc.). They will do just fine on stage or at home,.. you'll just need to adjust your sound system accordingly.

I sing in an acapella gospel group which also uses guitar accompaniment on some of our songs. When I let two of my buddies play the guitar,... they were impressed with the sound. When I told them how much I paid for it,.. they were speechless. When I wsas leaving for the evening,.. my buddy who is a big Guild fan said "man,... you did great on this one !!" and I could tell he meant it.

Action was set up medium to high. Plan on having to take it to a guitar shop / luthier to have the action lowered. Also, I had the saddle replaced with a custom bone saddle,... seems a bit louder,.. but it was loud to start with. There were no issues with the sound prior to replacing the saddle,.. but I thought that it sounded that great with a plastic (or whatever it was made of),... it would only have to sound better.

Strings on the guitar looked new.

Finish of the guitar is great - no complaints.

I can find a few minor, unnoticeable flaws in workmanship around the mother of pearl / abalone in where it appears the tolerances of the cuts were just a thousanth of an inch (maybe smaller) than the insert - like I said very very minor.

This guitar has great reliability and durability so far. The tuners are smooth when adjusting,... and the guitar has been holding tune. The finish on my guitar seems to in better shape than reported by another person on this website. Strap buttons are solid. No doubt I can depend on this guitar,... and will use it to gig without a backup.

I haven't contacted customer support.

I've been playing for 10 years off and on. I've owned 5 other guitars,... this has been the best investment yet!! If this was stolen,.. I'd buy another in second,... in fact,... I'm thinking about buying their tabocco-mahogany version, and tell my wife I'm buying it for one of our daughters (heh!! heh!! heh!!).

If Kona Guitars can make this great of a sounding guitar for this kind of $$,... they are going to take marketshare,..... this comes from playing a lot of other respectable guitars. I still don't know how they pulled off this sound for the $$. Their ad that stated " Never before have you played a guitar such as this. Never again will you play another." maybe isn't absolute,.. but it sure is close !!

Solid Spruce Top, Laminated Rosewood back and sides. Mini Jumbo with Abalone and faux pearl inlays. The body design is fantastic and balances really well when sitting while playing. Excellent design.

For the price I paid for this guitar it has a fantastic sound once set up properly. It is bright and full but a little thin when plugged in. After adjusting the amp set up it sounding pretty good and great if you consider the cost paid. Don't base the sound of this guitar out of the box. To reach it's full potential it needs new strings and a set-up

The guitar was not well set-up and buzzed out of the box. Unfortunately a normal set up would not reduce the buzzing and it needed a fret level. Once returned, the guitar played very nice and with no buzzing at all. The top and back are well matched. There are many gluing issues around the soundhole and inlays were not level. I sanded them down with 2000 grit and they are perfect now. There is not enough lacquer on the back of the body and the grain is coming through.

Like someone else previously said, what's the difference if I play on stage or on the throne, I still have to play it. Finish is lousy but I really don't care about the finish. We'll see if it stands up to the riggers of travel in my house. Sure I would play it out, why not, even if it sounded horrid it would still be music and that's all that matters to me.

N/A

I bought this guitar on pure reviews from this site and took a chance and I'm glad I did. I have been playing since 1984 and have continued to try more and more Asian built guitars. I have found that for the money they can not be beat. I'm not saying that a Kona is like my old Taylor that will only increase in value, but For the price paid, it is the best deal going. The finish was not disturbing because it's what I expected but the fret level was unfortunate. It appears that no one else has had this issue so I guess I'm just the only loser who got the melon. With this said I'm only into the guitar for $300.00 and it sounds and plays like a million bucks so if it were lost or stolen I wouldn't go ballastic but I would buy another one.

This is a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides guitar that looks FANTASTIC! No one I meet has been able to guess that I paid $170.00 for this guitar. It has the look of a much more expensive guitar.

I play mostly folk style music and it sounds fantastic. The sustain lasts forever and the guitar holds tuning forever. It has to be set-up though (unless you are an expert.. you can damage the thing if you don't know how to work the truss rod). The guitar can go hog-wild on rock songs too. It feels solid and substantial.. in other words, you feel comforttable that it will produce the beautiful sounds it does.

I received the guitar all set-up and it played great right out of the box. I purchased a hard-shell case made for it and it justnestles the guitar. I have't dropped it or smashed against the wall (not that I would) but I assume teh darn thing is solid enought o protect the guitar. I could not find a single flaw in the cosmetics of the guitar (and I really looked all over) People are impressed with the inlay on the frets. I had to buy a new battery as the battery supplied immediately died.

I would play this guitar in performance in a heartbeat. It looks like a guitar worth 2 or 3 x as much as it's listed retail price ($400). It sounds out-of-this-world. Usually people ask to try it as they cannot believe it sounds this good, but I am hesitant to let anyone touch this baby. When I lend it out, I keep an eye on it and warn the user to be extremely careful with "my baby". One shouldn't lend out one's axe anyway, better to lend out the wife! jejejejeje

Haven't had to deal with them, but after a visit to their website, I wouldn't hesitate to contact them if necessary.

I have been playing on and off for 20 years. I have a Palmer that sounds fabulous. If this were stolen, I would dangle the criminal by his ----. But I doubt that would happen because I don't let my baby out of my sight. I love the solid feel of lthis guitar and the sound.. oh, the rich sound is fabulous. I play it with D'Adarrio strings, and can't wait to try some Elixirs. I can't imagine it sounding better. The action is perfect and the hand just glides up and down the frets. Dunno if I just got lucky, but the more I read reviews of Kona guitars, the more I feel that this company just makes quality guitars. I would buy another Kona guitar in a heartbeat.. and will! I am a Kona loyal follower. I know there are many others out there also. You get fantastic value for the money... you can keep Takamine, Washburn, Gibson and Martin.. I am a KONA man!

This is an import but the quality is good enough to fool you. It has a solid spruce top with an active pickup and 3 band eq that rocks. It has a laminated rosewood back and sides. It is a Medium jumbo cut away. The neck is fast and firm and a fitted hard shell case can be had for it.

The full bodied sound is great for everything from rock to country to jazz. My only dislike on the guitar is the same as with any acoustic, they ship with basic batteries and they need replacing almost right away.

The guitar was tuned up and I played it on a live outdoor show right out of the box and was AMAZED at the action and playability out of the box. The factory did a better than custom job on this one.

Played the guitar live at an outdoor festival and it never waivered. Stayed in tune when some others on stage went out due to weather. Gloss finish seems good and should last through years and years of gigs. Everything is solid and the guitar seems reliable to be a gig ready piece without fear of failure.

The unit comes with a five year warranty and I sincerely doubt that would ever be used.

I have been playing for over 30 years. What is amazing is that I was asked (more than once that day) what the guiytar cost, I asked for guesses and they ranged from $750 to $1000.

I used it at the 2nd Annual Nashville Folk Festival this past Friday (Sept. 10, 2004) where I was performing.

After I got off stage at least 5 different players came up and said they would like to try the guitar because it looked and sounded awesome.

The "round" I was in had me on the Kona, An older model Martin and a newer Takamine being used by the writers / performers. EVERYONE in the audience (performers and the show crew) said that the Kona sounded the best of the three "hands down" and I gave everyone the
website information.

My own personal take?

We pulled it right out of stock put it in the case and I played it, no set up, no string change nothing and the thing was phenominal. The action was great, the sound was full, rich and powerful even before plugging in and it was thuderous through the outdoor tri-amped PA. The only real problem I noted was that the battery died when tuning (figured that would happed). Other than
that, it is the best sounding, best playing guitar straight out of the box that I have EVER used. I also play a '73 Martin with an LR Baggs pickup I use for recording, a '96 Takamine with stock setup I use for big high visability shows, a Martin Backpacker I use when
traveling and a '98 Johnson 610 with stock electronics that I use for the knock around gigs. I also have a Taylor which I play occasionally around the house that has never seen a gig.

I honestly feel that the Kona could easily take the place of all of those and be the one all around guitar.

For the money ($399 list) this is VERY hard act to follow. Kudos to M&M Merchadisers for such a great value.

GREG

Spruce top, rosewood sides and back. Beautiful pearl inlay. Few features on the pick up. Mini Jumbo body. Beautiful finish, very glossy. Suits the rosewood very well. Oval soundhole.

Play just about anything. Guitar suits folk, adult alternative, some jazz, coutry... Sound is sweet, round and full. Amazing for the price (I paid $200 for a new one at trade show). Play it acoustic with mike or through PA. Not a whole lot of feedback that way.

Finish was good out of the box. Action was nearly perfect for me. Change the strings as they are D'addario out of the box (not bad but old and rusty). A little glue around the soundhole area, not bad. Pickup was ok, but the cables were all over the place. I had them secured by tech.

I've had it for a year and I play live with it. Very reliable. I bought as backup but it has become my main guitar. The hardware stays in tune well. Finish looks good still. I have the Kona case made for it ($70 at Kona's website) and it has protected it quite well. Strap buttons are still ok. I have backup but have not used it... I guess I could gig without it.

Just by e-mail. quick responses.

I have played for about 10 years. This is my third acoustic and bought as a backup for a Martin. I bought because it was pretty (high end looking) and electric. I can compare the sound to the Martin and in fact I tend to prefer the feel and sound of my Kona over the Martin. It has a fuller/mellower sound with the action of an eletric (after set up). It has the feel of a very high end guitar with the low price. I wish it had a different pick up system or controls, with more options. If you had around $300 for a guitar, this will be a great choice. I'm glad I took the chance and bought it.

The KS2nE comes with a 3 band eq/pre-amp. The top is solid spruce, the back and sides are rosewood. The neck looks to be Mahagony, not sure. Tuners are very accurate, and shouldnt wear out like the other review I've read. The finish is clear on top of the above woods. The body has a really nice shape called "mini jumbo". Neck thickness is medium. Action is typical, not too high, not to low for an out of the box acoustic.

Without an amp, using Phosphor bronze #10 strings, the sound is rich and full. Through a sound system, no effects, there was no problem, once again, a very rich sound that is fully adjustable. There is feedback if you stand in front of the speakers, but thats normal for any hollow body guitar. I will use this guitar for recording and just hanging out jamming with friends. I have done side by side comparisons, and have found this model to be superior among guitars costing 100"s more, and I'm one critical bastard!

WARNING: This guitar does not come "set up" Strings are loose, and Truss rod (neck rod) MUST be adjusted for the first time after un packing. If you don't know how to adjust a neck for the first time, than either have someone do it for you, or don't buy the guitar, cause you can ruin it if you don't know what you're doing! As far as fit and finish, in general, the guitar is actually beautiful, but looking REALLY close, too close, you'll find some imperfections. My advice is to not waste your time looking so close. If thats whats important to you, than ask Stevie Wonder how his piano looked! Get my point!

This is the dumbest question I will answer. What the hell is the difference between playing live or playing in your kitchen?
The machines will probabaly last longer than the player. The finish is a typical multi layer laquer, or epoxy clear coat. Strap buttons are nothing special, just solidly mounted strap buttons. If you plan on hitting someone with this in a concert, than I would recommend a backup! :)

Company is MM Distributing. Don't expect a problem with these people, unless you used the guitar as a baseball bat! Watch these so called "web retailers" unless they specify full set-up upon delivery! VERY IMPORTANT!!!

Right to the point: Ive been playing electric for 28 years, acoustic, 5 years. I've done side by side sound comparisons with Martin, and other high priced acoustics. There is no way that these other companys can justify the price difference! OK, not crafted to the precision of the $2500 Martin, but lets be real, We're talking $2500 bucks!OK! I personally didn't hear the $2200 dollar difference!
My personal opinion is that; Kona is going to make a very big impression with their grossly under priced guitars in the future. The company is only 2 years old! Save this review, you,ll see! Now maybe they'll hire me! :> I wont leave my email address, cause there are too many crazys out there.

This guitar was simply amazing to look at. While it is no Taylor 912ce, it is beautiful. 5 Peice inlays, medium frets, two tone gold hardware, 4-band pre amp eq, Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides (book-matched), Mini-jumbo sized with dreadnaught depth. The designers of this guitar really thought it through! Made in China.

Sounds good both acoustically and through the amp. Was a bit too bright when plugged into the hi input but shaped right up after changing to the low. Not too noisey through the amp although it did feedbak well as any other good acoustic would. I liked the shape and feel as well as the tone....not too much to complain about. Alot of bang for the buck.

The overall finish was good. I didn;t like the fact that in a few small areas I saw glue. Other than that the high gloss finish was pretty and flawless. I would probably replace the nut too. It is just an inexpensive plastic one. The top was nice and bookmatched. The bridge is cool too....kinda like Dean's but reverse. The action was okay from the factory but needs to be set up for regular play.

This guitar will play well live although fighting feedback may be a problem. The soundhole is oval. The hardware may need to be replaced down the line but should hold up for about 5 or so years. The strap buttons were placed well and should hold up. Seems to be very dependable.

Called in to verify warranty as it did not have a card attached. The people were very nice and helpful.

I have been playing professionally for about 10 years and have owned dozens of guitars. Thsi guitar is not a high dollar custom shop peice....but it is a good instrument. I would use it in the studio in a heartbeat and think it would do well on stage. Overall, it is great for the price paid. I am happy.