Apr 3, 2017

Kala Beginner Ukulele Review and Recommendations: Makala MK-S; Kala KA-15S; Kala KA-S


Mike Upton launched Kala in 2005. Prior to starting Kala he worked at Hohner and was responsible for the development of the Lanikai ukulele line.


Kala Beginner Ukulele Review and Recommendations: Makala MK-S; Kala KA-15S; Kala KA-S

After starting Kala, Mike quickly established the new ukulele manufacturer as the leader in the market by providing the best and most consistent instruments in the price range.

You will Learn More and Play More with Play Ukulele NOW.

Find out for yourself why teachers and students have depended on Play Ukulele NOW Methods and Songbooks since 2009


DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Also See: Why do I recommend Tenor ukes for beginners?

These are the ukuleles:

  • Makala MK-S (made of agathis, a cheaper wood similar to mahogany, rather than mahogany and has brass frets)
  • Kala KA-15S (made of mahogany, still has brass frets)
  • Kala KA-S (made of mahogany and has nickel frets which will keep their shape better than brass frets do; the KA-S also has white binding around the body)
Some specs may have changed over the years...

Learn More:





So, will a beginner be able to tell the difference in the sound quality of these ukes? 


Probably not...

These ukuleles are made out of laminates, not solid wood. A laminate* is a number of pieces of wood glued together, rather than a solid piece of wood. 

The MK-S is made out of agathis rather than mahogany, although agathis is a less desirable wood, the difference in sound quality is difficult to detect for most people, especially because it is made from laminates* rather than solid wood. 

Even if most people listened to a uke made from solid agathis and solid mahogany they would not be able to tell the difference.

*About laminates

It doesn't matter much what type of wood is used for the top when laminates are used, laminates will sound like laminates.

If the ukulele is made from solid wood rather than laminates it will have better volume, projection and tone.

  

What are the differences?


Wood

The MK-S is made from agathis because it is less expensive, the KS-15S is the same ukulele but with mahogany rather than the agathis. Typically KA-15S a very nice ribbon grain mahogany and looks nicer than the MK-S.

I've noticed over the years that the wood can vary on these, this is likely due to availability of wood where they are manufactured. 

You'll usually find a ribbon grain mahogany on the KS-15S and the KA-S, I've noticed nicer looking wood on the KA-S. It is possible that a KA-15S or a KA-S won't have a ribbon grain.

What's ribbon grain? See pictures below: the KA-15S has a ribbon grain look and the MK-S dose not


Binding

Only the KA-S has a white binding around the body, making it a noticeably nicer looking ukulele, while they may all sound similar to you; you may want the nicer looking one and that might be worth the extra money to you.


Frets

Another difference between the KA-S and the others is the frets. The MK-S and the KA-15S have brass frets, the KA-S has nickel frets, brass is softener than nickel, so the nickel frets will retain their shape longer.

Will brass frets be a problem, with the soft nylon strings? 

Probably not, but may want the better frets because they are a little better.

Strings

If you notice any difference in the sound of the MK-S when compared to the others it's the strings. 

The KA-15S and the KA-S come with Aquila strings on them and the MK-S comes with inexpensive black nylon strings. If you choose the MK-S and put a set of Aquila strings on it it'll sound just like the others.

About the Aquila strings found on the KA-15S and the KA-S 

The New Nylgut Series of ukulele strings by Aquila were developed by blending three different synthetic components to make a composite material that sounds better and stays in tune better than standard nylon strings, but with the feel and playability of genuine gut. 

An added feature of this exclusive composite material is that is was designed to absorb less moisture than other strings; which greatly improves intonation and tuning accuracy.

If you choose the MK-S grab a set of these.


      


So, which uke do I get?


Decide what you'd like to invest in your first (or new) ukulele and pick one of these you'll be pleased.

The MK-S is what many teachers recommend for their students, but if you want something a little nicer and don't  mind investing a little bit more go for one of the others.

Conclusion: 


MK-S



Although the MK-S is made out of agathis rather than mahogany, it will difficult for anyone to tell the difference.

If you upgrade the strings to the Aquila that comes standard on the others, it will sound the same.

Check pricing and availability: Makala MK-S Soprano Ukulele


KA-15S


This is almost the same uke as the MK-S but it is made of mahogany rather than agathis, and it comes with the better quality Aquila strings.

As you an see by the pictures they usually (not always) have a nicer appearance than the MK-S. The uke pictured above has a ribbon grain mahogany top.

Check pricing and availability: Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele


KA-S



Typically the best looking of the three with better wood, nickel frets and white binding.

Check pricing and availability: Kala KA-S Soprano Mahogany Ukulele

Take your pick and have fun!





Kala Beginner Ukulele Review and Recommendations: Makala MK-S; Kala KA-15S; Kala KA-S

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