Oooh, Kala are playing catch up and pushing on. This is the first Baritone I have heard that makes me want one. Thanks for bringing another fresh review Baz, have a great week.
Oh my! I can’t believe it. It’s a Kala? I have to take a step back, and rethink about everything I’ve said about that brand of Ukulele. They have stepped up to the plate, and hit a home run! What a beautiful, wonderful sounding instrument. It’s making me think seriously about forgetting about the Snail 🐌 Baritone I was planning to buy. I must go to a dealer, and play this to compare them now to see if I’ve changed my mind. Thank you so much for giving us a look at this NEW Kala Baritone! Have a safe, and healthy day/week.
Wow, this looks and sounds gorgeous. Wouldn't normally give much thought to the baritone scale but this beauty would tempt anyone. Thank goodness they didn't feel the need to put a pickup in it. Thanks for the review Baz as per. Stay safe mate! 👍
Really nice uke! Both looks and sound. I've not kept up with Kala - mostly haven't been impressed but you are right- this is different. Love baritones and hope to see more baritone reviews. Thanks!!
Good to see Kala catching up! I’ve got a couple of Kala baritones, never had a problem with the quality or playability of them, but agree they were starting to seem a bit outdated.
A lovely instrument & an equally lovely review. Thanks. If I were to purchase another baritone, I would seriously consider this one. Clear, clean tone, a more than reasonable price & beautiful looks, too.
Another ukulele that looks great. I love the wood and one piece build! Love the grain and satin. I agree the pegs are great. I think this one is priced right in the USA. Wow it does sound like a larger box being so thin. There is a little pop coming from the thin body but it fits the sound it has. Thanks for this review my friend…. DOC
Hi Barry , great review as always. I’ve been intrigued by the baritone for the last few months and looking to get one to add to my growing collection. This is definitely a contender. Never thought I’d consider Kala for anything other than a starter. ( full disclosure I love my Kala concert cherry burst maple. It’s what made me fall in love with ukulele). I can’t wait to read the written review. Have a great week.
I love the looks and price on this one. The sound is beautiful. I really never thought about playing a baritone because I always see it as a twinner between a ukulele and Guitar and this has really changed my mind. Love it… thanks BAZ…., DOC
I share your enthusiasm Barry this is a beautiful instrument. I was very surprised at the price. I presume the chords are different when playing another scale as it is tuned differently. Many thanks. Hope that cold is better.
Same relative tuning Richard - so shapes are same, just play different chords - just a case of counting to work out the difference. E.G - A G shape on a GCEA uke plays a D and an F shape plays a C etc
Great review, as usual. I have changed to unwound strings on my (cheaper) Kala Baritone and the boominess has been replaced with a much more balanced tone and they last longer.
After the fact a week later played a contour tenor I'm sorry It didn't play as good as it looked to each his own I expected more after review maybe played odd one out
Hi mucka. You got lovely channel. I just bought Kala (KA-PWT) Pacific Walnut Tenor Ukulele which cost me about 140£ specs are below. I couldn't find this ukulele in your review. Btw that baritone sounds really lovely. I might get in the future this one too when I learn proper play. I am just beginner.
SPECS SIZE: Tenor TOP: Pacific Walnut BACK & SIDES: Pacific Walnut BINDING: Black NECK: Mahogany FINISH: Satin FINGERBOARD: Rosewood HEADSTOCK: Standard STRINGS: Aquila Super Nylgut® ELECTRONICS: N/A NUT & SADDLE: Graph Tech NuBone® STRAP BUTTON: Black x1
Hey Baz, really nice review as ever, the price is really good ! I wonder if the bassy sound could not be partially offset with better strings than those Aquilas, if you put fluorocarbon on it, the highs might reveal themselves :).
Yeah, I suspect so - though it's really more in first position stuff - I do find most baritones play that way - it's the lack of higher steel strings compared to a guitar I think - all a bit more compressed down that end. But yes, string experimentation could lose a bit of that I am sure.
After your review of the Kala Revelator it looks like Kala did pay attention to criticisms of their relative stagnation. This is a beauty with an interesting non guitary sound and heavens, a gig bag. Shocking. Flight always seems to lead the way in new model introductions so seeing an old timey maker “taking flight” shows that ukuleles are still popular.
Beautiful, and a tone monster. Sister Kate sounded very good, but the other strummed tune was a bit boomy, as you warned. Finger picked? amazing. I'll repeat a comment from below: the first baritone that made me want to buy one. Sweet.
Nice review. Equally nice to hear and see an instrument without excess bling and a subtle arm rest! It’s a shame that they didn’t book match the back/but that well. A minor point in the scheme of things 😊
Once again great to see a review from you , thank you . We have the earlier Kala baritone , acacia back and sides solid cedar top , but have replaced the wound D to a nylon high d making it now re-entrant as we are mainly strummers and find with a high d the “boominess “ when strumming that you mentioned is lessened. Also , of course , with a capo on 5th fret we get back to gCEA if needed .
I bought a Duke baritone a few years back so I have one and don't really play that scale very often so I really shouldn't get another I think. If I was in the market I'd get this! Nice price, looks and sounds stunning and also seems to play well.
@@GotAUkulele Yeah I noticed that they were gone when I googled them a year or so back. I got my Duke because your review of it. Happy to have it! Think I might tune it and play it a bit tonight.
I prefer the tenor scale over the baritone scale, but don’t care for the usual gcea “C” turning on tenor ukes. I think it chokes the sound of the top, impeding resonance. I’ve recently been experimenting with Aquila Reds Baritone strings swapping out the baritone “e” string for the Aquila tenor red “e” on my tenor ukes. It provides a lot more sustain and a nice mellow tone, but with a little more clarity than baritone scale.
@@nickiemcnichols5397 hi Nickie - Being negative - It think Kala have 'got their act together'. But that seems churlish and unfair. I review as I see them, and this series is a breath of fresh air. Fair play to them - and nice to see a truly great Kala on my reviews. Short version (as I hinted to in the review). If I was buying a new baritone today - i'd buy THIS one.
Would be great if your did a video covering the differences between playing Baritone and Tenor. I understand the shapes are the same, example C on a tenor is a G on baritone. .You are playing the same shapes as you normally do. I cant find any content to clarify this. Love your channel!
do you recommend a parlor size guitar that is close to the same size body as a barrier one ukulele? HI’m looking for a smaller bodied guitar. Thank you!
Push string in bridge hole. Keep pushing and eventually you see it start coiling inside the sound hole. Fish the end out and tie a large stopper knot or tie a glass bead on it, then pull it back.
Oooh, Kala are playing catch up and pushing on. This is the first Baritone I have heard that makes me want one. Thanks for bringing another fresh review Baz, have a great week.
Thanks Mike!
I saw this Baritone in person recently, gorgeous!
Oh my! I can’t believe it. It’s a Kala? I have to take a step back, and rethink about everything I’ve said about that brand of Ukulele. They have stepped up to the plate, and hit a home run! What a beautiful, wonderful sounding instrument. It’s making me think seriously about forgetting about the Snail 🐌 Baritone I was planning to buy. I must go to a dealer, and play this to compare them now to see if I’ve changed my mind. Thank you so much for giving us a look at this NEW Kala Baritone! Have a safe, and healthy day/week.
Yep / really turned a corner with these!
Wow, this looks and sounds gorgeous. Wouldn't normally give much thought to the baritone scale but this beauty would tempt anyone. Thank goodness they didn't feel the need to put a pickup in it.
Thanks for the review Baz as per.
Stay safe mate! 👍
Couldn't agree more!
Now that was a complete review one could go forward with !
Thanks
Glad to help
Really nice uke! Both looks and sound. I've not kept up with Kala - mostly haven't been impressed but you are right- this is different. Love baritones and hope to see more baritone reviews. Thanks!!
Totally agree!
Good to see Kala catching up! I’ve got a couple of Kala baritones, never had a problem with the quality or playability of them, but agree they were starting to seem a bit outdated.
Agreed - and thanks for your support Tom!
Wow!! Sounds so full, warm, mellow and smooth. Like riding a beautiful wave.
Glad you like it!
Oh my! I have now put one of these in my cart for when they're back in stock with my dealer. Thanks ever so much for all your wonderful reviews, Baz.
You are so welcome! I think Kala nailed it with this new line
Nice! I like to experiment with High D on the baritone, Lyle Ritz style. I guess I need one of each.
Yeah - a nice option for sure
Wow! VERY nicely done Kala!👍👍
A lovely instrument & an equally lovely review. Thanks. If I were to purchase another baritone, I would seriously consider this one. Clear, clean tone, a more than reasonable price & beautiful looks, too.
Yeah - ticks all the boxes for me!
Oh man! I like it! Ain’t in the market for a baritone yet, but really enjoyed the review. Thanks! 😊
Glad you liked it!
Another ukulele that looks great. I love the wood and one piece build! Love the grain and satin. I agree the pegs are great. I think this one is priced right in the USA. Wow it does sound like a larger box being so thin. There is a little pop coming from the thin body but it fits the sound it has. Thanks for this review my friend…. DOC
Think this is a comment for another uke ?
I’m impressed with the kala.
Turned a corner with these!
So nice to see the fine skill of these Java based luthiers at work here for Kala too, great job! All of their work is always excellent
Not sure who the luthiers are (though could have a guess) but these are labelled as made in China I think
Ahh maybe that's just the Metropolitan series, but these sound lovely too whatever luthier team happens to make them@@GotAUkulele
@@scrambledeggspdx I'm guessing same sort of line that makes some of the Flight models - they have the feel to them
Hi Barry , great review as always. I’ve been intrigued by the baritone for the last few months and looking to get one to add to my growing collection. This is definitely a contender. Never thought I’d consider Kala for anything other than a starter. ( full disclosure I love my Kala concert cherry burst maple. It’s what made me fall in love with ukulele). I can’t wait to read the written review. Have a great week.
I think this series has thrown a cat amongst the pigeons!
I love the looks and price on this one. The sound is beautiful. I really never thought about playing a baritone because I always see it as a twinner between a ukulele and Guitar and this has really changed my mind. Love it… thanks BAZ…., DOC
Thanks Doc!
Just ordered one. Woohoo! Now the wait begins...
Enjoy it!
I share your enthusiasm Barry this is a beautiful instrument. I was very surprised at the price. I presume the chords are different when playing another scale as it is tuned differently. Many thanks. Hope that cold is better.
Same relative tuning Richard - so shapes are same, just play different chords - just a case of counting to work out the difference. E.G - A G shape on a GCEA uke plays a D and an F shape plays a C etc
Thanks Barry will check out some videos about it. Cheers
Great review, as usual. I have changed to unwound strings on my (cheaper) Kala Baritone and the boominess has been replaced with a much more balanced tone and they last longer.
I can imagine that would do that
About time Kala the little things make all the difference good review thanks but wouldn't expect any less from an award winning reviewer😊
Thank you!
After the fact a week later played a contour tenor I'm sorry It didn't play as good as it looked to each his own I expected more after review maybe played odd one out
Another great review sir
Thank you kindly
Always liked Kala compared to many. This is a quality instrument, can hear the rich tone. A very desirable ukulele. Beautiful finish. Nice review,
Couldn't agree more!
Can't find this one anywhere. Sold out! Hope they make more.
Am sure they will - brand new line!
Their new Black Doghair Mahogany is also great. They are really stepping it this year.
Yeah - it looks it!
Hot damn!
What to say other than: BRAVO KALA 👏🏻
Yep - this is a killer lineup I think
Hi mucka. You got lovely channel. I just bought Kala (KA-PWT) Pacific Walnut Tenor Ukulele which cost me about 140£ specs are below. I couldn't find this ukulele in your review. Btw that baritone sounds really lovely. I might get in the future this one too when I learn proper play. I am just beginner.
SPECS
SIZE: Tenor
TOP: Pacific Walnut
BACK & SIDES: Pacific Walnut
BINDING: Black
NECK: Mahogany
FINISH: Satin
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
HEADSTOCK: Standard
STRINGS: Aquila Super Nylgut®
ELECTRONICS: N/A
NUT & SADDLE: Graph Tech NuBone®
STRAP BUTTON: Black x1
Yeah, heard of them, but not reviewed one - sorry!
Hey Baz, really nice review as ever, the price is really good ! I wonder if the bassy sound could not be partially offset with better strings than those Aquilas, if you put fluorocarbon on it, the highs might reveal themselves :).
Yeah, I suspect so - though it's really more in first position stuff - I do find most baritones play that way - it's the lack of higher steel strings compared to a guitar I think - all a bit more compressed down that end. But yes, string experimentation could lose a bit of that I am sure.
After your review of the Kala Revelator it looks like Kala did pay attention to criticisms of their relative stagnation. This is a beauty with an interesting non guitary sound and heavens, a gig bag. Shocking. Flight always seems to lead the way in new model introductions so seeing an old timey maker “taking flight” shows that ukuleles are still popular.
To be fair to them - this was in the pipeline long before the Revelator I think - but agreed - looks like they've turned a corner!
Beautiful, and a tone monster. Sister Kate sounded very good, but the other strummed tune was a bit boomy, as you warned. Finger picked? amazing. I'll repeat a comment from below: the first baritone that made me want to buy one. Sweet.
Thanks Joe!
👍 Beautiful 👍👍👍
Nice review. Equally nice to hear and see an instrument without excess bling and a subtle arm rest! It’s a shame that they didn’t book match the back/but that well. A minor point in the scheme of things 😊
Thanks for watching!
I have the Flight Fireball baritone which I love, but this is a real beauty.
me too
A stunner
Once again great to see a review from you , thank you . We have the earlier Kala baritone , acacia back and sides solid cedar top , but have replaced the wound D to a nylon high d making it now re-entrant as we are mainly strummers and find with a high d the “boominess “ when strumming that you mentioned is lessened. Also , of course , with a capo on 5th fret we get back to gCEA if needed .
I love a Baritone.
Because I have guitars (and parlours) i've often over looked them, but beginning to really get into them. This is a belter.
I bought a Duke baritone a few years back so I have one and don't really play that scale very often so I really shouldn't get another I think. If I was in the market I'd get this! Nice price, looks and sounds stunning and also seems to play well.
I liked those Duke models - shame they stopped trading
@@GotAUkulele Yeah I noticed that they were gone when I googled them a year or so back. I got my Duke because your review of it. Happy to have it! Think I might tune it and play it a bit tonight.
I prefer the tenor scale over the baritone scale, but don’t care for the usual gcea “C” turning on tenor ukes. I think it chokes the sound of the top, impeding resonance. I’ve recently been experimenting with Aquila Reds Baritone strings swapping out the baritone “e” string for the Aquila tenor red “e” on my tenor ukes. It provides a lot more sustain and a nice mellow tone, but with a little more clarity than baritone scale.
Great review! A bit confused, what tuning is that?
Linear DGBE
Has Kala outdone itself?
@@nickiemcnichols5397 hi Nickie - Being negative - It think Kala have 'got their act together'. But that seems churlish and unfair. I review as I see them, and this series is a breath of fresh air. Fair play to them - and nice to see a truly great Kala on my reviews. Short version (as I hinted to in the review). If I was buying a new baritone today - i'd buy THIS one.
Would be great if your did a video covering the differences between playing Baritone and Tenor. I understand the shapes are the same, example C on a tenor is a G on baritone. .You are playing the same shapes as you normally do. I cant find any content to clarify this. Love your channel!
I thinking of getting this kala or the bonanza homestead. What are your thoughts please?
Unfair to compare them - totally different origins and constructions!
I have the Flight Fireball baritone and find the pitch much better than a tenor for accompanying singing.
Surely that's the same for all baritones in G tuning though? (I agree they suit my voice better too)
do you recommend a parlor size guitar that is close to the same size body as a barrier one ukulele? HI’m looking for a smaller bodied guitar. Thank you!
If you mean baritone, no I don’t - parlours are different instruments - much longer scale than a uke. A baritone ukulele is NOT a small bodied guitar
Ok thank you for all your work! I’m just looking for a small bodied guitar
How do you attach the strings, at the bridge?
Push string in bridge hole. Keep pushing and eventually you see it start coiling inside the sound hole. Fish the end out and tie a large stopper knot or tie a glass bead on it, then pull it back.
@@GotAUkulele Cheers for that. Lovely uke BTW.
Is there a parlor guitar the size of a barrier one body?
Sorry don’t understand?
I sure like the review, but unfortunately baritone is not for me....
Wasn’t for me until recently either. I probably now get more requests to review them than other scales!