Kala Ebony Soprano Ukulele

The Kala Ebony Soprano Ukulele is a visually striking and sonically distinct instrument, often designated by model numbers like KA-EBY-S. It's part of Kala's Exotic Wood Series and stands out for its use of ebony, a tonewood that is more commonly associated with fingerboards and classical guitar bodies.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Soprano. This is the smallest and most traditional ukulele size. It's known for its compact portability and the classic, bright, "plinky" ukulele sound. It's a great choice for beginners and players with smaller hands.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 13.625 inches (34.6 cm)

  • Number of Frets: 12

• Body Wood: Laminated Striped Ebony Top, Back, and Sides.

  • Ebony as a Tonewood: Ebony is a very dense and durable wood. When used for the body of an instrument, it's known to produce a bright, clear, and articulate tone with a strong attack and good sustain. Its sound can be more crisp and focused than the warmth of mahogany.

  • "Striped Ebony": This refers to the characteristic visual grain of the wood, which features dramatic streaks of light and dark brown/black. The "striped" pattern is a major aesthetic feature that makes each instrument unique.

  • Laminated Construction: The body is constructed from laminated (layered) ebony. This is standard for instruments in this price range and provides several benefits:

    • Durability: Laminated ukuleles are generally more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, making them robust for casual use or travel.

    • Visual Appeal at an Accessible Price: It allows Kala to showcase the beautiful and expensive striped ebony grain at a price point that is affordable for many players.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. Mahogany is a stable and tonally warm wood, providing a nice contrast to the brightness of the ebony body.

• Fingerboard Material: Walnut. A durable and common wood for fingerboards, offering a smooth playing surface. It typically features white dot inlays for fret markers.

• Finish: Satin. A thin, open-pore satin finish allows the wood to resonate freely, contributing to a smooth, comfortable feel. It also gives the instrument a more organic look that highlights the ebony's natural grain.

• Nut & Saddle: Graph Tech NuBone. This is a significant upgrade from generic plastic components. NuBone is a high-quality synthetic material designed to enhance sustain, clarity, and consistent string vibration transfer, improving the overall tone.

• Tuners: Chrome Open Gear Tuners. These provide smooth and reliable tuning stability.

• Strings: Comes factory-strung with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. These are widely regarded as some of the best ukulele strings, known for their clear, bright tone, good intonation, and consistent feel.

• Binding: Often features black binding around the body, which creates a sleek and elegant frame for the striped ebony.

• Rosette: Typically a simple but elegant laser-etched or silkscreened rosette pattern.

• Electronics: None. This is an acoustic-only ukulele.

Overall Impression:

The Kala Ebony Soprano Ukulele is an excellent choice for:

• Players who prioritize aesthetics: The dramatic striped ebony grain makes it a visually stunning and unique instrument that stands out from the crowd.

• Beginners and students: It offers a comfortable size, good playability with quality components, and reliable tuning.

• Anyone looking for a bright, articulate tone: The ebony body provides a different sonic character than the warmer sound of mahogany, offering more clarity and attack.

• Players seeking good value: It provides an exotic and beautiful tonewood aesthetic at an accessible price point.

It's a fantastic blend of Kala's quality craftsmanship with a premium visual and tonal twist, making it a very appealing and distinctive option.