Kala Concert Ukulele Exotic Mahogany

The Kala Exotic Mahogany Concert Ukulele is a very popular and attractive option within Kala's extensive ukulele line. It's often designated by model numbers like KA-CEM (Concert Exotic Mahogany) or KA-CEMB (if it has black binding). The "Exotic" aspect refers to the visual figuring in the mahogany wood, giving it a distinctive look compared to standard mahogany.

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 compact 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 14.8125 inches (37.6 cm)

  • Overall Instrument Length: Approximately 23.9375 inches (60.8 cm)

  • Number of Frets: Typically 18

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

  • "Exotic Mahogany": While tonally similar to standard mahogany, "exotic mahogany" typically refers to mahogany with more pronounced, unique, and often "figured" grain patterns. These can include wavy curls, flames, or other visually appealing characteristics that make each instrument unique. This is primarily an aesthetic enhancement.

  • 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: At this price point, the exotic mahogany is laminated (layered wood). This offers several benefits:

    • Durability: Laminated instruments are more robust and less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature compared to solid wood, making them excellent for gigging, travel, or less controlled environments.

    • Consistency: Laminated construction ensures a consistent tone and build quality across units.

    • Affordability: Keeps the instrument accessible while still offering the visual appeal of exotic wood.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. Consistent with the body wood, the mahogany neck contributes to the overall warmth and stability of the instrument.

• Fingerboard Material: Walnut or Rosewood. Both are durable and provide 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 more freely compared to a thick gloss finish, contributing to a more organic and open sound. It also feels very smooth and comfortable to play, reducing stickiness.

• 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: Chrome Die-Cast Tuners. These are closed-gear tuners, known for their precision and excellent tuning stability, keeping the ukulele in tune reliably.

• 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: Often features black binding around the body, providing a sleek contrast to the exotic mahogany.

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

• Electronics: None. This is an acoustic-only ukulele, unless specifically indicated by a model variant like "KA-CEME" (Concert Exotic Mahogany with EQ).

Overall Impression:

The Kala Exotic Mahogany Concert Ukulele is an excellent choice for:

• Beginners: It offers a comfortable size, a classic warm tone, good playability due to quality components, and reliable tuning, making it easy to learn on.

• Intermediate Players: Looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing ukulele for practice, casual playing, or even recording acoustic tracks.

• Players who appreciate aesthetics: The "exotic" figuring of the mahogany is a major draw, providing a unique and visually appealing instrument at an affordable price point.

• Travelers/Casual Players: The laminated construction makes it durable and less sensitive to environmental changes, making it a good choice for taking to jams or on trips.

It's a solid, dependable ukulele that delivers the classic mahogany sound with an added touch of visual flair, making it a popular choice for a wide range of players.