Hey this is a good looking Kala. I like how they didn’t just copy Anuanue or flight but had their own touch on it. I think the price is good. They mostly sell Kala or cheaper brands in Minnesota at this price range. Not even Ohana. So it’s nice to see Kala go in this direction ! Different strings would sound good on this also ! Good review !
Beautiful lookin uke. Considering the fit and finish, and the tone(will open up and better strings will help) this is a nice, value for money instrument. Consider the work that is in it. Like it a lot.
Review is bang on - I was keen to hear what Baz thought of this one as I had picked up one of these as a sample at GNUF last year and was really pleased with it. Build quality is great and is easy to play. It came with clear fluorocarbons so it was interesting to see that they have reverted to Aquila’s - I fitted brown Worths and, personally, think it sounds better with them. I have a few Kala’s but Kala have really upped their game with this range.
I have numerous Kalas, an Elite, flame maple and mahogany. If it wouldn’t be grounds for a divorce I’d think about giving this one a shot. For strings may I suggest Fremont Black line on Kala mahogany’s, Kala Elite strings on their flame maple and Uke Logic on their koa ukuleles. I’ve never been a fan of Aquila’s on my Kalas. I had problems with the koa Elite 2 and received no help from Kala USA. That was very disappointing. I corrected all of them and absolutely love the ukulele now, just not their customer service. I hope you feel better soon and thank you for taking the time to post these reviews. I’ve always loved them. Wes
It’s very pretty. Thanks for your very comprehensive review. I don’t love the through bridge string system. And I like a standard 35 mil nut. But if I had bigger hands and that budget, I’d give it a try. You’d think that with that big lower bout, there would be more volume, wouldn’t you?
I have always had a soft spot for Kala, as way back when it was my first ukulele. They have been lost lately, but even with the scruffy issues, I think this is an amazing leap for them, and I hope the beginning of a renaissance for Kala. Thank you Baz, get some rest and get better!
I have a solid Ohana Mahogany concert that I felt so so about for a long time. The set up was perfect so it was a dream to play. Then suddenly after playing a lot during Covid it opened up and the sound was magical.
WOW!. Huge improvement. Kala was my first uke and it's good to see them breaking out of their rut. They also released a beautiful solid black dog hair mahogany tenor that I managed to snag from Uke Republic in the states. I don't think they are in full release yet, but they have really stepped it up this year.
I like mahogany sound and this ukulele looks real nice. I like to see new styles but i personally am a traditionalist when it comes to Ukulele’s. I agree it is the innovation that helps us ukulele players to promote our instrument. I like the sound and the price is ok. Thanks for another good one….DOC
Thanks Baz - that does look good. I agree, there’s generally nothing much wrong with Kala, but they often don’t inspire me. Nice to see an exception, and I like the tone. I wonder if this is one of those tenors which sound better tuned down to Bb?
Actually looks pretty good from Kala. I'm getting definite anuenue vibes from the aesthetics. The headstock and front on is giving me amm3 vibes with cheaper mahogany.
Now this is a change for Kala, my first Uke was an SMHT, which so opened up over 4years and I will never sell it. I have black water strings on it as the mahogany really finger picks lovely with these strings. Love the comfort edge, the gig bag, through bridge and the ebony headstock. Kala listening, hope it does well for them and can’t wait to see and hear there other offerings. You have a good week and thanks for the great review.
I just recently ordered the acacia model, myself. It was very hard to choose between the three, especially with the lack of reviews and demos (I’ve only found two demos of each, and your review). I decided on the acacia, because “go big, or go home”, I figured. I was limited to Kala due to complicated situations, and thought the contour line looked and sounded good for the money. My only solid experience is with my Lanikai SPST-S, which is a solid spruce top, with morado laminate back and sides. As someone who has only dealt with “higher end” laminates, the sound of a solid top blows me away. I can only imagine what it’ll sound like in person; I know that videos don’t do it complete justice, and the strings may need to be swapped too to enhance the sound further. I can’t wait for her to come in!
This is the exact model I’ve considered getting; and honestly it’s mostly because I love the way it looks (and yes, that is an important factor to me) I really like that it has such a cool design, uses solid mahogany, and to a rather reasonable price at that. Feels like most of the really pretty ukes are often almost twice the price, e.g. the Flight Fireball Great review, definitely gonna save up for one of these later this year! Currently, I’m head over heels with my Fanner Pixelator, absolutely stunning instrument
Thinking about ordering this one. I have one of the older Kala mahogany tenors. Probably had it 5 years or so. It's opened up to a mellow sound, but I don't like the neck and I hate to tie strings. Definitely giving this one a good think!
My new tenor arrived today! So far, I'm loving it. I'm not a big fan of the strings or high G, but it's not a big thing to swap in Worth Browns. Thanks so much for this review!
My first good uke was a Kala KA-SRT-CTG-CE Comfort Edge, based partly on your review Baz. Have purchased better ukes since but still return to my Kala as a solid, comfortable, durable soldier. This reminds me a bit of that one. Also winning a great recomendation from you Baz.
Hi Baz, I Just got the Mahogany Baritone from W O U I'm not a fan of Aquila's strings so I changed the strings to my favourite strings Uke logic D G B E soft tension with smooth wound low D And I'm loving the sound and tone, I think the change has made a great difference, like you said Barry, If only Kala would be brave and change from Aquila's to something else, Well I think the new strings have made a massive difference 👍 the make of string I put on are only my preference But sounds good to me 🎸👍 Thanks for all your reviews every week I really look forward too them 👍 🎼🎵🎶🎸
So nice, welcome back to the world Kala! I like it, and I can't believe I'm saying that about a Kala. I'm sure as it's played it will start to opening up, and sounding much better. Baz do you think putting a Low G on it would help? I'll have to go look at it when I get back to the States. Another nice review, Thank you.
Can't imagine getting excited about paying $349 for a Kala. I hope they have success with it and it leads to more unique models. But I doubt it will. Kala suffers from boring brand ubiquity. On top of that, it sounded a bit subdued as if the soundhole is too small or the wood isn't mature enough compared to many I've heard on this channel. Thanks for another excellent review. Very sorry to hear your "diarrhea is all over the place".
Why? Cheaper than some of theirs, cheaper than several Flights - and is a lovely looking uke? Soundhole size is a myth on tone - it's only there to let air in and out - most sound comes from the board. I do suspect it needs to open up a bit, but it's not much different to the (superb) Eastman mahogany tenors
@@stoneyrunva Not really much - some of the loudest ukes I've played had tiny sound holes. Sure, they give off some volume, but most of if comes from the top around the bridge. The hole is about allowing air in and out and allowing the top to move. Bracing, thin top etc also have MUCH more impact It's like side ports - sure you will hear them because they are there, but they are not making MORE volume, just directing some This one for example - tiny sound hole - sounds like a bomb going off www.gotaukulele.com/2019/05/zt-tenor-ukulele-review.html
Equally there are Millar mahogany tenors with less decor for £400. I thought it kind of sits in the middle and was fair. Worth a 9 out of 10 but not a 9.5
@@GotAUkulele Just placed my order for one with Sweetwaters. They had 2 left so I decided to pull the trigger. Thanks for the review...I would have missed this otherwise!
I have this ukulele in the Acacia. I put Worth brown strings on it with a low G and love the mellow tone. And it has really nice sustain. I would love to see your review of the Acacia uke in this model @GotAUkulele.
I have been borrowing a uke from a friend and been looking buy one of my own. I want one I can grow into, I am not looking to buy more than one. Would you recommend this one or should I keep looking? Thanks 😊
If you like the look and price - I absolutely recommend it - but there's a lot out there - check my full review list on the website linked below the video for others!
@@GotAUkulele right after sending a comment I realized you have a website. It is a treasure of info. Thank you. I have only watched r or two of your reviews, and I appreciate you being blunt and honest, so your appreciation of this uke makes me feel more confident. Thank you for replying 🙏
I've tried them and found the complete opposite. Regular Aquila squeak on my fingers, Sugars don't. That's why I don't get into string debates - totally subjective!!
Some of the features here make me think they've been listening to your reviews and getting some free design consultancy.
Thanks for this review. One of the (many) things I like about your videos is that you do them in one take - makes for a very watchable style.
Glad you like them! Thanks!
Hey this is a good looking Kala. I like how they didn’t just copy Anuanue or flight but had their own touch on it. I think the price is good. They mostly sell Kala or cheaper brands in Minnesota at this price range. Not even Ohana. So it’s nice to see Kala go in this direction ! Different strings would sound good on this also ! Good review !
Yep - very good looking. So pleased to see this one
Beautiful lookin uke. Considering the fit and finish, and the tone(will open up and better strings will help) this is a nice, value for money instrument. Consider the work that is in it. Like it a lot.
Agreed!
I noticed a danish Intrument shop imbed your youtube videos as reviews of the ukes they are selling. So cool.
Oh really? Which shop?
@@GotAUkulele i think you have to seach up stepnote denmark on google. If i put in a link it gets deleted
Review is bang on - I was keen to hear what Baz thought of this one as I had picked up one of these as a sample at GNUF last year and was really pleased with it. Build quality is great and is easy to play. It came with clear fluorocarbons so it was interesting to see that they have reverted to Aquila’s - I fitted brown Worths and, personally, think it sounds better with them. I have a few Kala’s but Kala have really upped their game with this range.
Interesting to hear about the strings. I too am not taken with the Aquilas here
Mahogany + brown Worths = favourite combination !
I have numerous Kalas, an Elite, flame maple and mahogany. If it wouldn’t be grounds for a divorce I’d think about giving this one a shot. For strings may I suggest Fremont Black line on Kala mahogany’s, Kala Elite strings on their flame maple and Uke Logic on their koa ukuleles. I’ve never been a fan of Aquila’s on my Kalas.
I had problems with the koa Elite 2 and received no help from Kala USA. That was very disappointing. I corrected all of them and absolutely love the ukulele now, just not their customer service.
I hope you feel better soon and thank you for taking the time to post these reviews. I’ve always loved them. Wes
Thanks Wes!
It’s very pretty. Thanks for your very comprehensive review. I don’t love the through bridge string system. And I like a standard 35 mil nut. But if I had bigger hands and that budget, I’d give it a try. You’d think that with that big lower bout, there would be more volume, wouldn’t you?
Maybe, but I think it's more that it just needs to loosen up a bit. Also not convinced Aquila are the right strings for it
I have always had a soft spot for Kala, as way back when it was my first ukulele. They have been lost lately, but even with the scruffy issues, I think this is an amazing leap for them, and I hope the beginning of a renaissance for Kala. Thank you Baz, get some rest and get better!
My view exactly
I have a solid Ohana Mahogany concert that I felt so so about for a long time. The set up was perfect so it was a dream to play. Then suddenly after playing a lot during Covid it opened up and the sound was magical.
Yep - it does happen!
WOW!. Huge improvement. Kala was my first uke and it's good to see them breaking out of their rut. They also released a beautiful solid black dog hair mahogany tenor that I managed to snag from Uke Republic in the states. I don't think they are in full release yet, but they have really stepped it up this year.
Yep - nice change!
I snagged the second and last kala doghair all solid uke republic had in stock. I love it, great looks and great sound. And the price was fair too!
I like mahogany sound and this ukulele looks real nice. I like to see new styles but i personally am a traditionalist when it comes to Ukulele’s. I agree it is the innovation that helps us ukulele players to promote our instrument. I like the sound and the price is ok. Thanks for another good one….DOC
Fair enough!
Cheers Baz, great review as ever. Looking for a tenor in this price range. Maybe this one🤔. I've still got L plates on my Ukes, slowly getting there 👍
Would be a good choice!
Thanks Baz - that does look good. I agree, there’s generally nothing much wrong with Kala, but they often don’t inspire me. Nice to see an exception, and I like the tone.
I wonder if this is one of those tenors which sound better tuned down to Bb?
You might be right on the tuning!
Actually looks pretty good from Kala. I'm getting definite anuenue vibes from the aesthetics. The headstock and front on is giving me amm3 vibes with cheaper mahogany.
Know what you mean!
Certainly a looker thanks Barry
So glad they went in this direction. Found Kala quite boring in recent years.
I agree Barry. I have toyed with the idea of getting one but was never really struck until now. Hope your cold gets better I've had one 2 weeks now.
Thanks Richard - yep - whole family now coughing and spluttering - it's certainly lingering!
Thanks! I love my Kala mahogany travel ukes (one high G, one low G) and like the design of this one although I much prefer a satin finish
Thanks for sharing!
Love it. Loving that solid mahogany. With they would go with some nice flourocarbons.
Nice complete review, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Now this is a change for Kala, my first Uke was an SMHT, which so opened up over 4years and I will never sell it. I have black water strings on it as the mahogany really finger picks lovely with these strings. Love the comfort edge, the gig bag, through bridge and the ebony headstock. Kala listening, hope it does well for them and can’t wait to see and hear there other offerings. You have a good week and thanks for the great review.
Thanks Mike!
I just recently ordered the acacia model, myself. It was very hard to choose between the three, especially with the lack of reviews and demos (I’ve only found two demos of each, and your review). I decided on the acacia, because “go big, or go home”, I figured. I was limited to Kala due to complicated situations, and thought the contour line looked and sounded good for the money. My only solid experience is with my Lanikai SPST-S, which is a solid spruce top, with morado laminate back and sides. As someone who has only dealt with “higher end” laminates, the sound of a solid top blows me away. I can only imagine what it’ll sound like in person; I know that videos don’t do it complete justice, and the strings may need to be swapped too to enhance the sound further. I can’t wait for her to come in!
Enjoy!
This is the exact model I’ve considered getting; and honestly it’s mostly because I love the way it looks (and yes, that is an important factor to me)
I really like that it has such a cool design, uses solid mahogany, and to a rather reasonable price at that.
Feels like most of the really pretty ukes are often almost twice the price, e.g. the Flight Fireball
Great review, definitely gonna save up for one of these later this year!
Currently, I’m head over heels with my Fanner Pixelator, absolutely stunning instrument
Would be a good choice I think!
Thinking about ordering this one. I have one of the older Kala mahogany tenors. Probably had it 5 years or so. It's opened up to a mellow sound, but I don't like the neck and I hate to tie strings. Definitely giving this one a good think!
I think these are a breath of fresh air for Kala
My new tenor arrived today! So far, I'm loving it. I'm not a big fan of the strings or high G, but it's not a big thing to swap in Worth Browns. Thanks so much for this review!
My first good uke was a Kala KA-SRT-CTG-CE Comfort Edge, based partly on your review Baz. Have purchased better ukes since but still return to my Kala as a solid, comfortable, durable soldier. This reminds me a bit of that one.
Also winning a great recomendation from you Baz.
Thanks!
I like Kala compared with many. This is a beautiful instrument. Apart from the minor gripes, a nice sounding ukulele. Thought it had a nice tone.
Yep, a very pleasant tone - just want it to open up a bit and punch more (i'm sure it will)
Hi Baz,
I Just got the Mahogany Baritone from W O U
I'm not a fan of Aquila's strings so I changed the strings to my favourite strings Uke logic
D G B E soft tension with smooth wound low D
And I'm loving the sound and tone, I think the change has made a great difference,
like you said Barry, If only Kala would be brave and change from Aquila's to something else,
Well I think the new strings have made a massive difference 👍 the make of string I put on are only my preference
But sounds good to me 🎸👍 Thanks for all your reviews every week I really look forward too them 👍 🎼🎵🎶🎸
Thanks Bev!
I like everything about this one except the slothead. Just not a slothead guy...hope they make it in a standard headstock too
Very divisive things
So nice, welcome back to the world Kala! I like it, and I can't believe I'm saying that about a Kala. I'm sure as it's played it will start to opening up, and sounding much better. Baz do you think putting a Low G on it would help? I'll have to go look at it when I get back to the States. Another nice review, Thank you.
A string change will certainly help - not sure it needs more bass as such -just strings that drive the top more
All I can say is Yay!!
Can't imagine getting excited about paying $349 for a Kala. I hope they have success with it and it leads to more unique models. But I doubt it will. Kala suffers from boring brand ubiquity. On top of that, it sounded a bit subdued as if the soundhole is too small or the wood isn't mature enough compared to many I've heard on this channel. Thanks for another excellent review. Very sorry to hear your "diarrhea is all over the place".
Why? Cheaper than some of theirs, cheaper than several Flights - and is a lovely looking uke?
Soundhole size is a myth on tone - it's only there to let air in and out - most sound comes from the board. I do suspect it needs to open up a bit, but it's not much different to the (superb) Eastman mahogany tenors
I agree. Kala has been boring. Hope they keep trying to improve anyway
Does the soundhole size affect volume?@@GotAUkulele
Would also be nice to see some nice concert Kala’s !
@@stoneyrunva Not really much - some of the loudest ukes I've played had tiny sound holes. Sure, they give off some volume, but most of if comes from the top around the bridge. The hole is about allowing air in and out and allowing the top to move. Bracing, thin top etc also have MUCH more impact
It's like side ports - sure you will hear them because they are there, but they are not making MORE volume, just directing some
This one for example - tiny sound hole - sounds like a bomb going off www.gotaukulele.com/2019/05/zt-tenor-ukulele-review.html
That looks really good but a little dear for what it is
I think it's actually below the price I expected. A Millar solid hog tenor will cost you more like £400 with far less decor for example.
Nice showing for Kala! Hope they keep it up.
Agreed!
Is it an optical illusion from the comfort edge, or is the lower bout actually asymmetrical?
Optical illusion! (check the picture of the back!)
It’s very nice but I have an Enya mahogany which is around £220.
I think £250 would be a more reasonable price for this model.
Equally there are Millar mahogany tenors with less decor for £400. I thought it kind of sits in the middle and was fair. Worth a 9 out of 10 but not a 9.5
They just need a cedar topped edition and my life would be complete.
Ammoon is still my favorite.
Never even seen one myself
I like it and i think it's worth the money 👍.
Agreed!
would you say barry this has the same neck feel as the flight ukuleles like the fireball etc
Yes - much closer to the ukes from Flight
@@GotAUkulele thanks allot for answering i couldn’t get on with those type of necks. not a criticism just a me thing.
I am now looking at this model in solid acacia. $449 USD...hmmmm. You got me thinking, Baz!
The Acacia's look lovely!
@@GotAUkulele Just placed my order for one with Sweetwaters. They had 2 left so I decided to pull the trigger. Thanks for the review...I would have missed this otherwise!
Excellent!@@chuckvt5196
I have this ukulele in the Acacia. I put Worth brown strings on it with a low G and love the mellow tone. And it has really nice sustain. I would love to see your review of the Acacia uke in this model @GotAUkulele.
well done KALA 👏🏻
I have been borrowing a uke from a friend and been looking buy one of my own. I want one I can grow into, I am not looking to buy more than one. Would you recommend this one or should I keep looking? Thanks 😊
If you like the look and price - I absolutely recommend it - but there's a lot out there - check my full review list on the website linked below the video for others!
@@GotAUkulele right after sending a comment I realized you have a website. It is a treasure of info. Thank you. I have only watched r or two of your reviews, and I appreciate you being blunt and honest, so your appreciation of this uke makes me feel more confident. Thank you for replying 🙏
@@lucyl.8827 all my reviews are fully independent - I don’t work for them so if I am blunt you can take that as a real view!
@@GotAUkulele which makes you awesome 😎
The only innovative thing I’ve ever seen come out of Kala was the U Bass.
To be honest most brands make ukes which are variations on a theme. Just think it’s nice to see Kala move away from their very traditional look
Anyone use the strings made from sugarcane? I have and I don't recommend them. They squeak, they have a lot of drag, and they are truly uncomfortable.
I've tried them and found the complete opposite. Regular Aquila squeak on my fingers, Sugars don't. That's why I don't get into string debates - totally subjective!!
Kala is a little bit as a swedish Volvo. Reliable, but however a bit boring 😂
I'd agree - until this series came along