Is this instrument good … Welcome to our community of sharing and learning this wonderful little instrument of aloha! Just slightly larger than a Soprano, the Concert size can be easier for many individuals to play than the Soprano without sacrificing the genuine Ukulele sound we all love. Below we’ll discuss the most popular sizes of ukuleles and explain the differences between them to help you make a more informed decision when purchasing your … Whatever you decide, you’ll be sure to love it! I saw a massive difference between my Stagg and his Makala and I then kept nicking his Makala! Both are made of cheaper materials on the MK line. Kala Makala Concert Ukulele – $59.99 Kala Makala Concert Ukulele Starter Pack – $79.99 Included: MK-C Ukulele, UB-C Gig Bag, and KC-02 Clip-On Chromatic Tuner . But on the back of the headstock, there's the Kala logo, put into the plastic. I picked the Makala all 3 times. The ukulele is a four-stringed Hawaiian instrument in the lute family with roots in the island of Madeira in Portugal. I dont think theres any difference in quality between them. Kala Ukulele Comparison: KA-S KA-C KA-T sound samples - Duration: 3:46. As … The Kala replaces a solid koa Honu baritone that shrunk and became unplayable. That doesn’t mean that Kala ukuleles are expensive, and they’re a brand well-known for producing quality affordable instruments. Kala is the brand - Makala is a budget line of theirs, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Kala makes a wide range of ukuleles for brand-new students as well as for musicians who have decades of experience. Kala’s flagship beginner model, the KA-15S is the most popular ukulele in the world. Makala is Kala’s less decorative, no-frills line that’s designed to cut costs in all the right places while still providing excellent value for ukulele players who are just starting out. It is the biggest ukulele among its counterparts. The major difference, from what I understand, is that Makala are laminated wood, where the core Kala lines are solid. Length: 30″+ Tuning: DGBE; Number of frets: 19+ Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the baritone will not let you down. The main Kala line, the Kala Elite Series, and the Kala U•BASS® are all known for their superior quality and great value. The durability of Kala’s Makala Shark is undisputed, but not absolute – you won’t have to worry about damaging this instrument. They combine great value with good playability and sound. In this ukulele size guide we'll give you all you need to know about ukulele sizes by breaking down the four main ukulele sizes pros and cons so you can make an informed decision when selecting your next Kala ukulele. The ukulele comes in many shapes in sizes, but what is most important is finding the instrument that works best for you. Many of the company’s best-selling ukuleles are in the mid-range, with dozens of choices priced well below the $500 mark.. Bone is the traditional material used on historic and high-end ukuleles. The beginner collections include Kala’s budget friendly Makala line and the Waterman line. Honestly, I'm a huge fan. They look the part. The company isn’t Hawaiian, but not many of the modern ukulele makers are. Here’s a rundown of some of the main differences, and some advice towards choosing the right brand for you! They come in a wide variety of colours and are very well rated. I initially compared every ukulele available on amazon.com and amazon.ca before settling for this one. But a deeper look into the materials shows some big differences. They’re almost identical in design, and it can be confusing if you’re trying to decide which one is better. Required fields are marked *. Strings can make a b… I researched more about Makala and read rave reviews about them. They make another similar priced one that instead of saying "KALA" on the headstock, says "MAKALA", but they're both made by KALA. They’re also known for being great travel, camping, and knockaround ukuleles, built to take a beating when you don’t want to bring more expensive ukuleles at home. It features a mahogany wood neck as well as an agathis body and head. It produces a fuller and much deeper sound, ideal for specifically composing blues. 6) Makala Tenor Mahogany Ukulele MK-T For those who are unsure if they want to go all-in when it comes to learning the ukulele, the Makala MK-T is sure to make their first experiences great. For one, the MK ukuleles are made of laminate agathis, a less expensive wood than the mahogany the KA series is made from. Kala MK-S Makala soprano. Both are quality instruments (and local to my area of Sonoma County!). I spent $500+ on the Honu and wanted a relatively inexpensive replacement for it. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Either way, my Makala concert is a blast to play. The Makala Classic line is simply the best entry-level ukulele on the market. 2 Chances are, you’re going to have to play a lot of different ukuleles and read a lot of reviews in order to find the best one for you. I researched more about Makala and read rave reviews about them. Some people actually prefer agathis, but it’s telling that many high-end ukuleles are made from mahogany, while few are made from agathis. Fingerpickers also find it a great ukulele to play on. The Top 4 Best Solid Body Electric Ukuleles, Top 5 Acoustic-Electric Ukuleles On A Budget, Using An Internal vs External Ukulele Pickup, Choosing Between Solid Wood vs Laminate For An Acoustic-Electric Ukulele, Acoustic Electric vs Solid Body Electric Ukulele, Best Ukulele Pickup Lines (Caution: Some Are Very Risqué! with a dolphin bridge – these are particularly popular with kids. 4. The second one I purchased was a concert Kala ukulele, which was two-hundred dollars. It can be daunting for a beginner to figure out exactly what they want. Kala KA-TE Mahogany Tenor Electric Ukulele. This instrument also comes equipped with a sturdy bridge saddle. But once you’re looking for an upgrade, Kala is the way to go. They’re almost identical in design, and it can be confusing if you’re trying to decide which one is better. Other key differences are in the tuners and frets. The KA series uses NuBone, a synthetic material meant to imitate bone. Have a nice day! Ukuleles come in many different shapes and sizes, this can sometimes be daunting for new comers trying to pick out the right size for them. However, Makala ukuleles tend to have cheaper materials and components than their Kala cousins. Fan Guitar and Ukulele 61,397 views Most players do end up buying another uke (or five!) Pick whichever matches your personality! The Makala MK-T is cheaper and a bit less nice looking (just my own personal feeling) than Kala KA-T because the Kala focuses more on aesthetics. The tenor is the largest ukulele that is tuned in the traditional sense. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. Makala is Kala's more affordable line of Ukes. There are many great brands out there, but some trusted, well-known brands that make great beginner instruments include. One of the best ways to compare the two brands is to look at the MK and KA lines. New stimulus checks fuel Jan. spending boom at retailers. I researched more about Makala and read rave reviews about them. They are made with a plastic back and sides and a laminate agathis top, the same wood as the MK ukuleles. Kala Concert Ukulele. Please rate this. For one, the MK ukuleles are made of laminate agathis, a less expensive wood than the mahogany the KA series is made from. On the other hand, Kala has a huge range of ukes, going from the budget-friendly KA line to the high-end Elite line. They are among the best in the budget price range. I, of course, noticed the Makala branding on the ukulele, the box it came in, as well as the travel bag. This means that both the saddle and nut have a huge impact on tone. I got a Waterman plastic ukulele the other week so I can take it out on the river and such. Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit. The Kala Makala is an exotic Soprano ukulele – it got the name ‘shark’ from it’s shark-shaped saddle, not because it “bites”. Kala is an incredibly prolific ukulele manufacturer. Electric Ukulele Review is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Published November 20, 2018 by Jason Galvin. The Makala is about $115 and the Kala is $145. The concert size is a little bigger than the traditional Soprano ukulele, but still has the classic ukulele sound. When I got it home I gave it the appropriate time to acclimatize to the ambient temperature and humidity of my kitchen .a.k.a. test lab. Most Makala ukes are targeted towards beginners, while most of Kala’s ukuleles are more mid-range instruments, with some higher-end lines. I played guitar for 6 years and I want to also start playing ukulele. 4 Comments. Vibrations travel through these two points of contact to the soundboard and body. I bought this concert Makala because I wanted something ever so slightly bigger than a soprano. 4.- Baritone Ukulele. It's really not an issue at all, I'm just curious about from who, and from where, my new little uke came. Makala are the lower priced range from Kala. Makala ukuleles are the budget range of ukuleles from Kala. 1. Kala MK-T Makala Tenor Ukulele 4.2 out ... (MK-S). The major difference, from what I understand, is that Makala are laminated wood, where the core Kala lines are solid. The Makala ukulele comes in the traditional wood look and also in a series of pastel colors (blue, pink etc.) With an overall satin finish, it is safe to say that this instrument is of high qualitydesign and structure. From marked fret positions to pre-strung strings and geared tuners, this one is an absolute can’t miss if you want to learn to play the ukulele. They celebrated their 15th anniversary in 2020, but you could easily think they had been around much longer if you look at the range. […] Makala vs Kala: What’s The Difference? They’re really durable instruments and are an affordable way to get your kids started in playing ukuleles. What's the difference between Kala and Makala? I was hemming & hawing between the MAKALA & KALA, & finally opted for the KALA, as I love the way it looks like a vintage … Going simple at first is a great way to learn the basics. Since they’re designed with the beginner in mind, Makala ukuleles often sacrifice a bit of tone by using cheaper woods and materials, but are still quite easy to play. They're highly recommended as a quality budget uke. The construction of the Kala is far superior to the Honu and is comparable to the Ponos, but I can still tell the Kala is a laminate. They look the part. The reason I think the Kala was between fifty and eighty dollars more expensive than the Amahi is because Kala is known to be the number … If it’s your first time buying a ukulele, or you’re looking for a great uke on a budget, Makala is a fantastic brand. I was right about those. Your email address will not be published. The Kala MK-B Makala Ukulele is constructed with quality materials. Some people actually prefer agathis, but it’s telling that many high-end ukuleles are made from mahogany, while few are made fro… What surprise. All Lanikai models come with Aquila Nylgut Strings, which are very popular among ukulele players for their warm tone and how easy they are to play. They're highly recommended as a quality budget uke. know if you are answering this question you probally know that Makala is a "budget brand" made by kala like Epiphone and Gibson. One of the best ways to compare the two brands is to look at the MK and KA lines. Ignore the following comment, which will be left undeleted as a tiny monument to my stupidity of posting while not awake. The only difference is that my pineapple's sound is a bit softer. UFC Hall of Famer fired after attending Capitol riot The neck of this beautiful ukulele is crafted of mahogany, while the fingerboard is made of rosewood. This doesn’t mean that you’re just paying for the Kala brand name, though. Is one the brand and the other the manufacturer of the ukuleles? What’s a good price … I picked her up looked squarely into the sound hole, tuned her and “we danced”. Edit 2: Except for liking Kala brand and their location. The Amahi came with a bag whereas the Kala did not. Here are the 10 Best Kala Ukulele Reviews. This ukulele was a concert size, also made out of mahogany wood and containing a figure-eight shaped body. Size: Concert Construction: Agathis (laminated) top, sides, and back Fretboard: Rosewood Frets: 18 Bridge: Rosewood Neck: Mahogany Tuners: Geared Tuners Finish: Satin. Lanikai is distributed by Hohner, a company with a long history of producing quality folk instruments like accordions and harmonicas. Thanks for any replies in advance! Specifications. When I asked some others to listen to this, they also chose the Makala. 2. The brass frets used on the Makalas are more likely to corrode over time than the nickel used in the Kalas, and the Kalas’ all-metal tuners are built to last longer than the metal and plastic Makala tuners. […], Your email address will not be published. They look quality and they sound quality. The larger fret board makes it easier to play and it is louder than the soprano model. These are very popular beginner ukes, thanks to their low price, bright colors, and great sound. Excellent Ukulele, great tone, well worth the money. The main difference is the wood: Mahogany(Kala KA-T) vs. Agathis (Kala MK-T) but they are both laminated wood. Well I bought the Kala Makala Waterman UKE. once they’ve gotten more comfortable with the instrument, but the Makalas are a great place to start. My first ukulele was a Makala and it’s still my favorite, though I think my Kala and Lanikai both sound better. So Kala is the parent, and Makala is just a branding on some of their ukes! Another important factor is the material of the nut and saddle, the primary parts of the ukulele that come into contact with the strings. Edit: I was wrong. I really enjoy this ukulele, so I agree, it's top notch for what it is! Tenors are normally around 26'' long and have around 18 frets. Not that it sounds bad, just that it doesn’t have the fullness of sound that my solid wood ukes have. Kala MK S Makala Soprano Ukulele Bundle – Budget-Pick Good intonation, strings stay in tune pretty darn well, and it wasn't bothered by beach weather. Kala really starts to shine with their mid range ukuleles. Kala. alexandra May 26th, 2013 11:56 … Its tone is generally lower, like the last few strings of a guitar. In fact, they’re both made by the same company, and some of the designs are essentially the same. While the Sharks and Dolphins are technically two separate lines, the only difference is the shape of the bridge. Either way, my Makala concert is a blast to play. Kala Tenor Ukulele. Some have … So as for the sound, it is not different from each other so much. I guess higher price doesn’t mean better sound. But a deeper look into the materials shows some big differences. Here’s a rundown of the features on the tenor ukuleles in both lines: Besides the MK line, Makala only really has one other kind of ukulele: the Dolphin/Shark. Ukulele brands you can trust. ), Unsure about a ukulele brand you’ve seen online? This famous uke is widely considered the best ukulele under $60. The Makala Dolphin and Shark series are excellent first ukuleles for kids. It can be tough to compare Makala vs Kala ukuleles, especially when they seem so similar! In addition, it has a rosewood fretboard and bridge to add to the impressive aestheticsof this instrument. (of course all important when breaking in a fine instrument. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. From laminate to solid wood, standard soprano down to the relatively new bass ukuleles, Kala has tons of options. The mahogany Kala KA-C ukulele is an excellent choice for the beginners since it has adequate space between the fret, therefore making it easier for the learners to explore the fingerboard. After 6 months of playing, I realise his feels a bit better but if I had to choose between 150$ for his or 50$ for this ukulele, I would definitely pick my makala pineapple. Kala KA-15T Tenor Uke. The Kala KA-TE Mahogany Tenor Electric Ukulele comes in a beautiful satin finish and white binding that gives it a traditional look to go along with a great sound. This super portable electric ukulele has a truly unique sound and include a pickup system with active EQ and built in tuner. They're highly recommended as a quality budget uke. They all have a bright and full rich sound. If you’re looking for a ukulele for your youngster, these are great options. There’s a lot that goes into making a good ukulele, and some decisions you can make along the way to keep costs down. Makala is essentially the budget brand for Kala. This can make for a very different playing experience and sound. I bought this concert Makala because I wanted something ever so slightly bigger than a soprano. Both are quality instruments (and local to my area of Sonoma County!). It's the perfect travel uke, but I digress. They look quality and they sound quality. They have a vid on you tube where the MAKALA is put up against a 1920's vintage Martin soprano, & I don't hear enough difference to say so. Check out our guide to ukulele brands to avoid…, Top 5 Best Electric Concert Ukuleles - Electric Ukulele Review, Active Shadow NANO-FLEX system (on the KA-TE), Passive PS-900 system (on the Makala MK-TE). They look quality and they sound quality. But overall, you’re going to pay more for a similar Kala ukulele. From what I understand Makala is Kala's budget brand. With a range of ukuleles that are still quite affordable, Kala has something for everyone (and every budget). The MK series uses plastic, which still works well, but the NuBone definitely has an edge. This Kala ukulele speaks high-quality on so many levels and takes care of the tiniest details to make sure you never stop strumming. I saw a massive difference between my Stagg and his Makala and I then kept nicking his Makala! The geared tuners and sturdy tuning head make it easy to tune the instrument smoothly and efficiently. I saw a massive difference between my Stagg and his Makala and I then kept nicking his Makala! They look the part. It may not …