Best Kala Ukulele Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
Whether you’re new to ukuleles or you’ve already explored this instrument, this paragraph might be of help if you’re on the lookout for the best Kala ukulele for your needs, yet you don’t know where to start. After considering the features of various such products, we concluded that the first Kala ukulele to take into account is the Kala Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit. Ideal for beginners, this bundle includes anything you need to learn to play this instrument and do so immediately upon arrival. The pack comes with a high-quality mahogany soprano ukulele that features Aquila strings and a GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle, a starter guide, and a tote bag. Moreover, you will get access to a tuner app and online lessons to help you advance your skills. In case this model is temporarily unavailable, you might want to try the Kala KA-15S Stronghold.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
If a soprano ukulele is the one that best suits your needs and musical preferences and you need a new one, you might want to try this bundle. The pack includes a high-quality mahogany soprano ukulele and various accessories such as a starter booklet to advance your skills and a tote bag for easy transportation.
The bundle does not include a strap, which proves to be a very helpful accessory for beginners.
Providing you with a quality soprano ukulele, a beginner booklet, a carrying case, and a free app, this bundle will help you learn with greater ease. The app works with iOS and Android devices.
2nd Best
Built to produce bright yet warm tunes, this model is a great addition to your musical gear not only from a sonic point of view but also from an aesthetic standpoint. The quality mahogany, satin finish, and classic design used are bound to cut a nice figure. The unit is lightweight and travel-friendly.
The case provided makes transportation easy and comfortable but might not protect the uke fully.
Stylishly designed, the soprano uke features high-quality mahogany that will keep up with frequent practice sessions and comes paired with a soft case for easy transportation and storage.
Also To Consider
Whether you’re a student or a seasoned musician on the lookout for a quality concert ukulele, this unit is worth adding to your list of options. Thanks to the balanced and warm tone it produces, you can employ it for various musical genres and songs. Even if it is a concert model, the item is lightweight.
The metal edge featured on the fretboard might be a bit uncomfortable at first.
Featuring a durable mahogany construction and a stylish satin finish, this concert ukulele is bound to perform nicely and do so for many live sessions. It is lightweight and travel-friendly.
10 Best Kala Ukuleles (Updated Reviews) in 2021
What’s great these days is that the market does not fall short when it comes to both expensive and cheap Kala ukulele models. The downside of this abundance is that it might turn your shopping and decision-making processes into a time-consuming activity. To help you find the best unit for your needs more rapidly, we have compiled below a list of Kala ukulele reviews.
- 1. Kala Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit
- 2. Kala KA-15S Stronghold
- 3. Kala Mahogany Concert Ukulele
- 4. Kala Color Chord Ukulele Kit
- 5. Kala Makala Pink Burst
- 6. Kala KA-15 Tenor Ukulele Bundle
- 7. Kala KA-PWC Pacific Concert
- 8. Kala KA-SWB Waterman Soprano
- 9. Kala KA-15C Satin Mahogany Uke
- 10. Kala Makala Waterman Aqua Blue
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Kala Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit
Including anything you need to start playing, this beginner soprano ukulele kit will make sure that exploring your creativity with this instrument is an enjoyable task and you will achieve your goals with greater ease. The pack includes a high-quality mahogany soprano ukulele, a great option for beginners and professional players alike, given its size.
Since the soprano ukulele is small and easy to carry, you can take it with you wherever you go as it won’t affect your comfort. Moreover, the kit also includes a booklet with instructions that will make your learning sessions easier and more pleasant and will enable you to learn even on the go.
To further boost your experience, the pack includes an app that you can download to both Android and iOS devices. The app includes songs, lessons, and a tuner. To ensure easy transportation, the ukulele is paired with a tote bag.
Pros
If you’re new to this instrument and you need a kit that will help you explore the ukulele successfully, this bundle might be right up your alley as it includes all the items you need to start playing right away.
The mahogany soprano ukulele boasts Aquila strings, a GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle, and a stylish and durable build.
Thanks to the starter guide and the step-by-step instructions included, you can play the uke even when traveling and do so properly.
The Kala app you can download to your iOS/Android device provides lessons, songs, and a tuner that will enhance your overall experience and help you produce pleasant sounds.
The size of the instrument and the tote bag included in the pack allow for easy storage and transportation.
Cons
The part holding the strings might not be that durable and the kit does not include a strap, which would be of great help especially if you’re a beginner.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($59.99)
2. Kala KA-15S Stronghold
In case a soprano ukulele is what you have in mind for your musical adventures, this model is worth paying attention to as it promises to flavor your gigs with full and rich sounds while adding a nice visual touch to your performance as well. Featuring mahogany back, top, and sides, the instrument is committed to producing bright yet warm sounds as well as a remarkable volume.
The quality geared tuners featured will make sure that staying in tune is not a problem. Easy playability is coupled with stylish visuals as the ukulele sports a satin finish and a classic design that will cut a fine figure. The die-cast tuning machines add to all that.
The instrument comes paired with a quality soft case that will help you reach your gig or practice destination comfortably and keep the ukulele safe while doing so. The uke measures 24 x 4 x 9 inches and weighs 2.46 pounds.
Pros
Exploring the sonic capacities of a ukulele beautifully is what you get to enjoy with this Kala soprano model.
The instrument was carefully built with high-quality mahogany and materials that will work together to help you produce pleasant sounds.
The unit is committed to creating bright yet warm sounds and ensuring enough volume for the instrument to be heard even when employed in a band.
The satin finish and classic body will add a touch of style to your performance whereas the deluxe soft bag included will make sure transportation is a comfortable activity.
Thanks to the quality geared tuners featured, getting your instrument in tune and keeping it so won’t pose any problem.
The unit is small and lightweight, which means that you can easily add it to your travel gear.
Cons
The case is not padded; therefore, you need to be careful when employing it to carry the ukulele from one place to another.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($59.99)
3. Kala Mahogany Concert Ukulele
Built to produce rich sounds and add beautiful visuals to your performance, this concert ukulele is an option both beginners and professional players will benefit from. The musical instrument is designed to ensure a balanced and warm tone that makes it ideal for a variety of songs and musical genres.
To ensure such results, the uke features high-quality mahogany and a carefully-designed body. What’s more, this concert ukulele features a stylish satin finish as well as a contrasting cream binding; therefore, the item will make a nice addition to your stage gear.
The uke boasts Aquila strings that will stay in tune for a long time even if you use the instrument frequently. Since this is a concert soprano, it measures 24.2 x 8.2 x 2.8 inches and weighs 1.25 pounds, which means that traveling it with it won’t require too much space or effort.
Pros
Whether you haven’t played the uke before or you’ve already explored the sonic properties of this instrument, this concert ukulele is an option that should not be ignored.
Like many other Kala instruments, this model stands for quality craftsmanship and features a durable build.
The mahogany used for its construction will not only stand the test of time but will also make sure that the tone you get is warm and balanced.
Due to the Aquila strings employed for this unit, you will find it easier to get the instrument in tune and keep it so even if you engage in frequent practice sessions or gigs.
The satin finish and contrasting white binding make nice visuals part of the benefits you will enjoy when using this item.
Cons
The edge of metal on the fretboard might not be polished well enough and might be a bit uncomfortable when you move your fingers from one chord to another.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.99)
4. Kala Color Chord Ukulele Kit
Providing you with everything you need to start playing right away, this is a starter kit that will make sure playing the uke is easy and fun. The pack includes a quality soprano uke as well as a starter guide to help you take one step at a time and do so successfully.
What sets this instrument apart is its color chord system that will help you learn to play your favorite songs with greater ease. You just need to follow the colored arrows to play properly. The uke features a quality composite plastic body as well as premium open-gear tuners and Aquila Super Nylgut strings that will make sure staying in tune is an effortless task.
You can also use the free Kala Ukulele app and tuner to simplify the entire tuning and learning process. The pack also includes a tote bag for easy storage and transportation.
Pros
Designed to meet a beginner’s needs, this ukulele kit comes packed with anything you need to start learning immediately upon arrival.
The bundle comes with a stylish black soprano ukulele made of a high-quality composite plastic that promises to keep up with countless practice sessions and gigs.
To simplify the learning process, the instrument features colored arrows so you can know where to put your fingers.
Tuning the uke and keeping it in tune will be significantly easier thanks to the open-gear tuners and Aquila strings featured; moreover, you can use the free tuner to carry out this task.
The pack includes a starter guide and you can also use the Kala Ukulele app for more lessons and tutorials.
The tote bag provided will make it easy and comfortable for you to transport the instrument.
Cons
The unit is more suitable for beginners and young players than for professional musicians.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)
5. Kala Makala Pink Burst
Featuring various quality materials and a pink body that will surely make heads turn, this soprano ukulele is suitable for beginners who want to master this instrument while adding a touch of color to the entire process. The item is coupled with a tuner so you can get it in tune easily as well as a polishing cloth to keep the instrument in good shape.
The uke sports several materials that will work together to produce a nice tone and meet your needs for a long time. The item thus comes with composite sides and back, plastic nut and saddles as well as a mahogany neck.
The Super Nylgut strings will contribute to your overall experience and the sounds produced whereas the tote bag will make it easy for you to travel with this instrument. The uke boasts a beautiful dolphin design on the top side and a nice gloss finish.
Pros
If you want a soprano ukulele that will not only express your creativity but will also add a colorful touch to your practice sessions, this unit might be cut out for you.
This Kala soprano ukulele boasts a pink body that features a nice dolphin design on its top as well as a stylish gloss finish.
Given the variety of materials used for the construction of this body, the instrument promises to last even if you engage in frequent playing sessions; it features quality composite, plastic, and mahogany.
Thanks to the Aquila strings and the tuner included in the pack, getting and keeping the instrument in tune will be done effortlessly.
This soprano bundle also includes a tote bag for ease of storage and transportation and a polishing cloth.
Cons
The tote bag makes it comfortable and easy to carry the instrument yet it does not come with extra padding to ensure maximum protection.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($64.99)
6. Kala KA-15 Tenor Ukulele Bundle
Boasting a durable and stylish body, this model is part of the brand’s flagship mahogany collection and makes a great option regardless of your age or skill level. It comes with all the items you need to start using it right away.
The instrument is traditionally designed and features a satin finish that will complete your performance with nice visuals. The quality of the materials used promises to ensure durability. The unit measures 8.5 x 3 x 22 inches and weighs 3.31 pounds. However, it is available in three sizes to cover all needs and preferences.
Besides the tenor ukulele, the bundle includes a strap for comfortable playing, a clip-on tuner for easy tuning as well as an extra set of Aquila strings. The pack provides a battery for the tuner. Moreover, you will also receive a tote bag to carry the instrument easily and comfortably.
Pros
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this tenor ukulele kit should not be ignored before you make your final decision as it includes anything you need to start playing as soon as you get it.
The quality mahogany used for the construction of this uke promises to help you produce warm tones and employ the item for countless practice sessions.
The item boasts a traditional design as well as a satin finish that will enchant from a visual point of view as well.
The pack includes a tuner with battery, an extra set of Aquila strings, and a strap so you can play comfortably for hours on end.
Thanks to the bag included, you can add the instrument to your gear when traveling or carry it from one place to another with ease.
Cons
This model is a bit more expensive than other items from this brand yet it is a tenor ukulele and comes with various accessories.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($124.99)
7. Kala KA-PWC Pacific Concert
Learning to play the ukulele is a comfortable activity with this concert bundle, given the size of the instrument and the accessories included in the pack. You get everything you need to start playing immediately, which makes this kit a convenient option as it will save you time and effort. Not to mention that buying all the items separately might cost you more.
This Kala concert ukulele is built with quality materials that will last and thus sports walnut top, back, fingerboard, and sides, a mahogany neck, and GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle. Moreover, the unit is equipped with Aquila strings and a clip-on tuner so you can get the uke in tune and keep it so easily.
The satin finish and the dark brown patterns pair the item with stylish visuals. You will also receive an instructional DVD to advance your skills gradually, a polishing cloth to keep the instrument shiny, and a bag for safe and easy transportation.
Pros
The concert ukulele bundle is worth taking into account if you’re new to this instrument and you’d like a pack that will provide you with anything you need to start playing immediately.
The bundle comes with a concert ukulele that features walnut for its back, sides, top, and fingerboard, a mahogany neck as well as GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle.
Thanks to the Aquila strings and clip-on tuner provided, it will be easier for you to get your uke in tune and keep it so for a longer time.
Carrying the instrument safely and comfortably from one place to another is ensured by the case included in the bundle.
The uke is also coupled with an instructional DVD to help you advance your skills and a polishing cloth.
Cons
The bundle falls on the expensive side, but it provides the player with all the accessories needed to play.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
8. Kala KA-SWB Waterman Soprano
Available in a variety of colors ranging from pale yellow to pink, this soprano ukulele is committed to helping you play your favorite songs beautifully and engage in practice sessions for a long time. Considering its size, the instrument is ideal for touring musicians and students who’d like to practice even when on the go.
The lightweight uke measures 21.5 x 8 x 3.2 inches, which means that it won’t take too much space. The composite used for its neck, fingerboard, nut, and saddle makes this unit a reliable instrument that you will get to use for countless gigs.
Due to the Aquila Super Nylgut strings, it will be easier for you to keep the uke in tune for a longer time. To help you transport the item from one place to another easily and comfortably, the instrument is coupled with a carrying bag.
Pros
Built to help you play your favorite songs no matter where you go, this soprano ukulele features a sturdy and stylish body that will serve your needs for a long time and do so beautifully.
The instrument features a quality composite that ensures durability as well as nickel-plated open-gear tuners and Aquila Super Nylgut strings to help you get and keep the uke in tune.
The unit is lightweight and measures only 21.5 x 8 x 3.2 inches, which makes it portable and easy to use; the pack also includes a bag to further help you when transporting the uke.
The product comes in various colors including pale yellow, green, pink, and red, so you can easily find the one that best meets your color preferences.
Cons
The fret marker paint might wear off after short use; therefore, durability might be an issue.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
9. Kala KA-15C Satin Mahogany Uke
Ideal for beginners and more advanced players as well as musicians of all ages, this bundle includes a stylish and traditionally-designed concert ukulele as well as a variety of accessories that will enable you to use the unit right away.
The uke features quality mahogany for its top, back, sides, and neck and walnut for its fingerboard. It also sports GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle as well as Aquila Super Nylgut strings for hours of practice. Since the concert model is a bit larger than a soprano uke, this product is great if you need more arm room.
What’s more, you will receive a clip-on tuner to get the instrument in tune easily, an instructional DVD to help you get started, and a gig bag so you can reach your gig or practice destination comfortably. You will also receive a polishing cloth to keep the ukulele in mint condition.
Pros
Whether you haven’t played the ukulele before or you’re familiar with it, this bundle is an option you might want to consider as it will help you learn and explore the musical capacities of this instrument for a long time.
Thanks to the quality mahogany and walnut used, you will get to enjoy a balanced tone and produce rich sounds.
The Aquila Super Nylgut strings and the clip-on tuner will make sure that tuning the uke is an easy task.
The gig bag included in the bundle ensures easy and comfortable transportation whereas the instructional DVD will help you advance your skills.
After your practice sessions, you can use the polishing cloth provided to wipe down the uke and keep it clean for your next session.
Cons
Although the clip-on tuner included in the pack makes it easy to tune the instrument, this Kala brand ukulele might need frequent tuning.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.99)
10. Kala Makala Waterman Aqua Blue
If you’re very much of an explorer and you’d like a ukulele that would match your outdoor lifestyle, this water-resistant model might be cut out for you. Just as its name suggests, this product is built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, that’s why it features an ABS plastic construction.
The material used to design the Kala Makala Waterman Aqua Blue was chosen thanks to its durability and water-resistance properties. Not to mention that it is easy to clean. The unit further comes with nickel-plated open-gear tuners to enhance your playing experience.
What’s great about this model is that it can be used by left and right-handed musicians alike. Thanks to the logo backpack bag included in the pack, you can easily and comfortably carry the instrument from one place to another. The blue used for this ukulele will also add a nice aesthetical touch to your performance.
Pros
In case you’re on the lookout for a durable ukulele that will keep up with extended use and enable you to employ it even outdoors, this water-resistant model shouldn’t be left unchecked.
The unit features an ABS plastic construction that will make sure frequent practice sessions won’t damage it anytime soon.
The material used is not only durable and water-resistant but is also easy to clean; therefore, if you want to employ the instrument outdoors where there might be dust and other elements, rest assured that cleaning it won’t be difficult.
The item can be converted for left-hand players easily and comes with a backpack bag that will make it easy for you to carry it safely and comfortably.
Cons
The material used for the backpack bag included is thin, which means that it might not provide the desired protection.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Learning to play a musical instrument is significantly easier these days thanks to the many online resources one can use to explore the sonic capacities of an instrument step-by-step. It is also considerably less difficult to find the product that best meets your interests and skill level.
If you’re excited about playing the ukulele and you already have an affordable Kala ukulele in mind, yet you don’t know all the features to consider before such a purchase, this short guide might be of help. We have highlighted below some of the most important things to pay attention to when looking for a ukulele.
Type of ukuleles
The first feature to take into account is the type of ukulele your particular goals and preferences require. The ukuleles are divided into four categories based on their size and tonal ranges: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles. The market has started to offer an additional type of ukulele known as the sopranissimo, which is also the smallest uke you will find.
The second smallest uke is the soprano, a type of ukulele that produces a bright sound and is ideal for children or players with small hands. Although offering a similar sound, the concert uke produces greater depth and volume than a soprano.
The tenor uke creates a deeper sound and is ideal for musicians with larger hands. The baritone ukulele produces the deepest bass tone and is an inspired choice if you want to transition to a guitar later.
Wood
Once you know the type of uke you need to reach your goals, the second feature you need to carefully consider is the wood used for the construction of the model you want to buy. The most common tonewoods employed for this instrument include koa, mahogany, spruce, rosewood, maple, cedar, and redwood.
More expensive ukuleles feature a koa build thanks to the warm tonalities of this type of wood. Middle-end ukulele models sport mahogany since this type of tonewood has a softer sound than koa and is more affordable.
The way the instrument is constructed holds great importance as far as durability is concerned. You will find solid wood and laminated wood ukuleles. Both types come with ups and downs. While solid wood models are more resonant and create richer tones as they age, they are prone to splitting and cracking.
On the other hand, laminated wood ukuleles are more durable and produce the same sound throughout their life. They are also cheaper.
Strings and accessories
If you’re new to this instrument, getting a starter kit might be a good idea. Such bundles usually include all the accessories needed to start playing right away and they prove to be more affordable than if buying all the items separately.
Models that include a quality uke, a hard case, a tuner, and instructional guides are ideal if you’re a beginner. Go for a unit that boasts quality strings since they play such an important role in the sounds you produce. The market offers nylon, aluminum, titanium, and fluorocarbon strings.
Each type comes with benefits and choosing between them is a matter of preference after all. Aquila strings are highly appreciated for staying in tune and being durable. Reading a Kala ukulele review before making a purchase is an inspired thing to do as you will find out how the instrument performs and how it helped other users.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Where are Kala ukuleles manufactured?
Although we almost instantly tend to associate ukuleles with the sunny beaches of Hawaii, it is now no longer uncommon for this instrument to be manufactured outside of Hawaii even if with the highly-appreciated Koa wood. If you’ve ever wondered about where Kala ukuleles are made, it might come a bit as a surprise to learn that they are made in Petaluma, California.
The high quality of the instruments manufactured is a result of years of consulting with some of the best luthiers in the world, training, apprenticing, and lots of trial and error. All the efforts have led to what has now come to be regarded as some of the best ukuleles in the world.
The Kala Elite USA ukuleles are considered by many musicians to be a standard series thanks to the utmost care and quality materials with which they were built. The ukuleles made by Kala include soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone models.
Q: Is Kala a good ukulele brand?
Any musician playing the ukulele will tell that you can start your musical journey with a ukulele from Kala, and that’s because the instruments manufactured by Kala Brand Music Co. have become a landmark in this line of products.
From the quality woods and materials used for their construction to the ultimate care with which every piece is crafted, the Kala ukuleles stand for superior craftsmanship. What’s more, the Kala ukulele collection includes models for all ages and skill levels. You will thus easily find all the models you need ranging from soprano ukuleles for beginners to professional units.
The diversity of ukuleles manufactured by Kala does not limit itself to the types of this instrument. The woods used to build them differ as well. You will find models featuring the traditional Koa but also the classic mahogany, just to name a few. All the materials employed are hand-picked to ensure superior quality.
Q: What is the difference between Kala and Makala ukulele?
If you browse the various collections of online musical instrument stores, you will most probably run into Kala and Makala ukuleles. While there’s a difference between them, they are manufactured by the same company. What sets the Makala models apart from the Kala ukes is the material used for their construction.
Makala ukes are the budget-friendly models made by Kala. These units were built with beginners in mind and are thus even more affordable than many of the ukes produced by this brand. To lower their price, though, the company built them with cheaper woods and materials.
A Makala uke might not have the same tone as a Kala mahogany concert ukulele but it’s still a great choice for students and musicians who have just started to learn to play the ukulele. They are made to ensure easy playability while still producing the pleasant and warm traditional sound of Hawaiian ukes.
