Kala Courage Concert Uke with Bag

The Kala KA-COURAGE-C (Kala Voyage Collection Courage Mahogany Concert Ukulele with Bag) is a popular and aesthetically unique instrument from Kala's "Voyage Collection." This series stands out for its collaboration with Maori cultural artist Sam Mangakahia, featuring laser-etched designs that tell a story. The "Courage" model, specifically, embodies themes of strength and resilience.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Concert. This is a highly popular and versatile ukulele size, offering a good balance between the portability of a soprano and the fuller tone and longer scale length of a tenor. It provides more fret access for complex chords and melodies.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 14.875 inches (about 37.8 cm)

  • Overall Instrument Length: Approximately 24.25 inches (about 61.6 cm)

  • Number of Frets: 18

• Body Wood: Laminated Mahogany Top, Back, and Sides.

  • Mahogany as a Tonewood: Mahogany is a classic and widely used tonewood for ukuleles, known for producing a:

    • Warm, mellow, and rich tone.

    • Balanced sound with a good midrange presence.

    • Clear articulation for both strumming and fingerpicking.

  • Laminated Construction: While not solid wood, the laminated construction offers excellent durability and stability. This makes it less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, which is beneficial for an instrument that might be taken to various environments.

• Artistic Design: This is a major distinguishing feature. The ukulele features a laser-etched "Courage" motif by Maori cultural artist Sam Mangakahia. This artwork is intricately detailed and adds a unique, meaningful aesthetic to the instrument, contrasting beautifully with the natural mahogany. The design elements within the wave symbolize courage and strength in facing new challenges.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. Consistent with the body wood, the mahogany neck contributes to the overall warmth of the instrument and provides good stability. It often has a comfortable "D" shape.

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood. A durable and commonly used wood for fingerboards, providing a smooth playing surface for comfortable fretting. 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 more organic and open sound. It also feels very smooth and comfortable to play.

• Nut & Saddle: Graph Tech NuBone. This is a high-quality synthetic material designed to enhance sustain, clarity, and consistent string vibration transfer, mimicking the properties of natural bone.

• Tuners: Open Gear Tuners (often with white or chrome buttons). These provide smooth and reliable tuning stability.

• Strings: Comes factory-strung with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. These are widely popular among ukulele players for their clear tone, good intonation, and consistent feel.

• Binding: Typically none, allowing the laser etching to take center stage, though some descriptions mention simple black binding in specific variants.

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

• Strap Button: Includes a black strap button on the lower bout for convenience if you wish to add a strap.

Included Accessory:

• Voyage Collection Gig Bag: A key part of the package, it comes with a custom-designed padded gig bag that matches the aesthetic of the Voyage Collection. This provides convenient and protective transport for the instrument.

• Story Card Hang Tag: Each ukulele in the Voyage Collection also comes with a story card detailing the inspiration and meaning behind the specific artwork, adding to its unique appeal.

Overall Impression:

The Kala Courage Concert Ukulele with Bag is an excellent choice for:

• Beginners and Serious Entry-Level Players: It offers a comfortable concert size, the classic warm mahogany tone, good playability with quality components, and reliable tuning.

• Players who appreciate art and storytelling: The laser-etched design is a major draw, making the instrument visually unique and personally meaningful.

• Anyone looking for a distinctive and reliable ukulele: It's a step above basic beginner models in terms of aesthetic appeal and component quality.

• Those seeking a complete package: The included custom gig bag and story card make it a ready-to-play and thoughtfully presented instrument.

It's a fantastic blend of Kala's trusted craftsmanship with a compelling artistic narrative, making it more than just an instrument but a piece of art that inspires.