Definitely Kala for me. Firstly, i love the looks of kala, especially cream binding. Secondly, i love the bright sound. ...and the third reason is...I just bought kala ka-t this morning~😆
Hi Terry, I like the Ohana more for its more articulate warmer sound and wider string spacing. As an FYI, if Kala does not specifically state "Solid" on the fretboard then it as generally a laminate fret board with a hardwood veneer on top.
They both sound nice. I'm going to give the edge to Kala because the sound chimes or rings. I'm also going to say that I like the look of the Kala with the cream binding.
The Ohana does have a warmer, fuller sound, which I prefer. The Kala sounds "tinny"--has a harsher sound. It does project more, but for the kind of playing I do, that's not needed. I don't like the look of either of them, though. They seem "flat," lacking personality. I like a uke that I also enjoy looking at!
I'm a KALA collector The top plate of KALA is thick and the sound is bad at the beginning, but if you play it for 2 years, the sound will improve considerably. This model is the latest June 2020 model (20_06) I used another company's ukulele, but I switched to a durable KALA because of its poor durability.
Recently tried the Kala AT and Ohana TK-14. I was originally attracted to the Kala shape. The Ohana had a mellower sound and easier to play at lower frets. I tried another Kala. I chose the Ohana. I would have been happy with the Kala. I was going with playability.
When deciding on my first tenor to purchase, I listened to several in a music shop. There happened to be 2 Kala KA-T's in stock. One of the Kala KA-T's sounded clearer and much warmer than the other. In fact it's sound is richer and warmer than the Ohana's in stock as well as other popular brands in the shop that day. Since there was a difference between 2 of the same model, it makes sense to me to play before you purchase - based on that experience I purchased the Kala
I prefer the darker binding and the slightly wider nut on the Ohana. The Kala sounded a bit fatter to me, and the Ohana noticeably cleaner. I expected to prefer the Ohana, just because I generally do, but my snap judgement in this instance favors the Kala overall. It's by a really narrow margin, though. I could live with either of them.
Duo to a previous shoulder injury , I can not push my shoulder forward like playing guitar with big bodies. I wanna buy a new ukulele, because I can not play guitar anymore. I am still not sure about concert or tenor, but I can say the Ohana maybe a better option duo to thickneas of the body.
I own and love my three Kalas but in this comparison the Ohana definitely sounds richer. I only hope that those hearing this do not assume all Kalas sound like this. These are bottom of the lineup ukuleles. Just sayin’
Ohanas are my favorite! I had one Kala and it was significantly less comfortable and the sound was not as nice. I now have 2 Ohanas and they are beautiful, comfortable, and sound great! I think the shape of the Ohana is nicer too. Love them!
Right off of the bat I noticed that the Kala was a little louder. In the fingerpicking the Ohana seemed crisper without any buzz. The real test for me is how well the instrument holds its tune. I hate having to constantly tune any stringed instrument. I purchased a used Kala ka-stge-c and I am head over heals thrilled with how well it holds a tune. I have an Oscar Schmidt by Washburn OU7T and seems like I am constantly tuning it. The other test will be durability. How well will the neck stand up to time and will the bridge let go.
Good observation. In strumming, KALA sounds better. It's more vibrant and resonant. It plucking, the Ohana sounds better but I still think it has to do with the ability to pluck. Anyways, final judgement, I go for KALA.
Well really I don't care for either I have a 8 string LUNA which has a wound wired G string which gives everything a much richer sound it also is electric and has a cutout... it cost me $200.00 you can't get them in Canada only in the States... Springwater I think it was... REALLY GREAT UKULELE!!!
I think I am a first time person wanting to invest into a ukulele and I think look wise I want to get a kala ka-t tenor ukulele. But how would I put the neck strap on I am new
While I prefer Kala as a brand and both models sound to me like they have the same exact pitch, Ohana wins this battle 3-0. Its sounds just has more texture than the Kala.
Was the Kala set up? I mean an un-set-up instrument vs. one that comes that way from the factory doesn't really seem fair does it? I own an SMC and a white tenor arch top. The shop I bought them from set them up for me before sending them out. In the sound comparison, the Ohana sounded better than the Kala. The Ohana sounded warmer.
Whenever you're holding two ukes and waving them around while talking, I get so stressed out! :0) If it were me, I would accidentally bang 'em together, for sure.
I have recently bought a Kala PWT and I am very disappointed with it. The C string is dull especially at the 5th fret where it is thuddy. the dealer says there is nothing wrong, Kala say change the strings. I am wanting to get rid of this uke now and get a better make.
Definitely Kala for me. Firstly, i love the looks of kala, especially cream binding. Secondly, i love the bright sound.
...and the third reason is...I just bought kala ka-t this morning~😆
Hi Terry,
I like the Ohana more for its more articulate warmer sound and wider string spacing.
As an FYI, if Kala does not specifically state "Solid" on the fretboard then it as generally a laminate fret board with a hardwood veneer on top.
They both sound nice. I'm going to give the edge to Kala because the sound chimes or rings. I'm also going to say that I like the look of the Kala with the cream binding.
The Ohana does have a warmer, fuller sound, which I prefer. The Kala sounds "tinny"--has a harsher sound. It does project more, but for the kind of playing I do, that's not needed. I don't like the look of either of them, though. They seem "flat," lacking personality. I like a uke that I also enjoy looking at!
I liked the Ohana more because of the warmth. However, I would prefer the thickness of the Kala. Very cool comparison.
I agree!
I'm a KALA collector
The top plate of KALA is thick and the sound is bad at the beginning, but if you play it for 2 years, the sound will improve considerably.
This model is the latest June 2020 model (20_06)
I used another company's ukulele, but I switched to a durable KALA because of its poor durability.
I'm a brand new subscriber watching from London UK 🇬🇧❤️
KA-T was my first Uke. Run a Kaoloha Concert now. Still practice with the KA-T sometimes
Recently tried the Kala AT and Ohana TK-14. I was originally attracted to the Kala shape. The Ohana had a mellower sound and easier to play at lower frets. I tried another Kala. I chose the Ohana. I would have been happy with the Kala. I was going with playability.
Ohana KT 10 natural, clean, warmer, and cheaper, but fantastic for a beginner. ❤
I have a 20 yr old Kala it still looks the same and still plays great but I did change the strings to low g worth strings it's a Japanese brand
When deciding on my first tenor to purchase, I listened to several in a music shop. There happened to be 2 Kala KA-T's in stock. One of the Kala KA-T's sounded clearer and much warmer than the other. In fact it's sound is richer and warmer than the Ohana's in stock as well as other popular brands in the shop that day. Since there was a difference between 2 of the same model, it makes sense to me to play before you purchase - based on that experience I purchased the Kala
I agree. KALA sounds better.. More resonant and clearer. Ohana's body seems sleek ang comfortable to use though but I go with the sound
Thanks for this comparison I like it thanks 🙏🏼 I like more de ohana
Thank you!
Ohana. I agree it sounds warmer. Plus I like it's appearance more, as well. Do more comparisons; really helpful to this newbie!
I prefer the darker binding and the slightly wider nut on the Ohana. The Kala sounded a bit fatter to me, and the Ohana noticeably cleaner. I expected to prefer the Ohana, just because I generally do, but my snap judgement in this instance favors the Kala overall. It's by a really narrow margin, though. I could live with either of them.
Thanks for sharing!
Duo to a previous shoulder injury , I can not push my shoulder forward like playing guitar with big bodies. I wanna buy a new ukulele, because I can not play guitar anymore. I am still not sure about concert or tenor, but I can say the Ohana maybe a better option duo to thickneas of the body.
I love my KalA tenors have two of them one with cut away
I'm stuck trying to decide between two 5 strings; the Kala KA-ATP5-CTG or the Ohana TK-35G-5.
I own and love my three Kalas but in this comparison the Ohana definitely sounds richer. I only hope that those hearing this do not assume all Kalas sound like this. These are bottom of the lineup ukuleles. Just sayin’
Ohanas are my favorite! I had one Kala and it was significantly less comfortable and the sound was not as nice. I now have 2 Ohanas and they are beautiful, comfortable, and sound great! I think the shape of the Ohana is nicer too. Love them!
Thanks for sharing!
My first and current use is a KA-T. I am currently looking for a solid top tenor. I'm considering Kai 700 or Koalana (trembsi)
I will buy the real most favourite Kala Tenor Ukulele by Saturday!
Right off of the bat I noticed that the Kala was a little louder. In the fingerpicking the Ohana seemed crisper without any buzz. The real test for me is how well the instrument holds its tune. I hate having to constantly tune any stringed instrument. I purchased a used Kala ka-stge-c and I am head over heals thrilled with how well it holds a tune. I have an Oscar Schmidt by Washburn OU7T and seems like I am constantly tuning it. The other test will be durability. How well will the neck stand up to time and will the bridge let go.
Good observation. In strumming, KALA sounds better. It's more vibrant and resonant. It plucking, the Ohana sounds better but I still think it has to do with the ability to pluck. Anyways, final judgement, I go for KALA.
Well really I don't care for either I have a 8 string LUNA which has a wound wired G string which gives everything a much richer sound it also is electric and has a cutout... it cost me $200.00 you can't get them in Canada only in the States... Springwater I think it was... REALLY GREAT UKULELE!!!
I have a kala as a starter uke
the Kala sounds thin to me, the Ohana has a bit of a softer or warmer tone
Awesome Great choice
Ohana First. Sounds round and warmer. Nicer than Kala. OK With you.
I think I am a first time person wanting to invest into a ukulele and I think look wise I want to get a kala ka-t tenor ukulele. But how would I put the neck strap on I am new
While I prefer Kala as a brand and both models sound to me like they have the same exact pitch, Ohana wins this battle 3-0. Its sounds just has more texture than the Kala.
I am surprised. I would have to go with the Ohana. It does have a warmer sound.
#TeamOhana
Was the Kala set up? I mean an un-set-up instrument vs. one that comes that way from the factory doesn't really seem fair does it? I own an SMC and a white tenor arch top. The shop I bought them from set them up for me before sending them out. In the sound comparison, the Ohana sounded better than the Kala. The Ohana sounded warmer.
Whenever you're holding two ukes and waving them around while talking, I get so stressed out! :0) If it were me, I would accidentally bang 'em together, for sure.
I have recently bought a Kala PWT and I am very disappointed with it. The C string is dull especially at the 5th fret where it is thuddy. the dealer says there is nothing wrong, Kala say change the strings. I am wanting to get rid of this uke now and get a better make.
Both sound blog but I like the sound of the kala better.
Ohana is definitely warmer. I like it better.
#TeamOhana
Ohana
Keren
Aren't they both made in china?
ohana sounds better