Kala Mahogany Soprano Long Neck Gloss Uke

The Kala Mahogany Soprano Long Neck Gloss Ukulele (model number KA-SLNG) is a unique and popular hybrid instrument that combines the best features of a soprano and a concert ukulele. It is a soprano-sized body with a concert-length neck, which offers a great balance of portability and playability.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Core Concept & Design:

• "Long Neck Soprano": This is the key feature. It has the classic small, "plinky" soprano body, but the neck is the same length as a concert ukulele's. This gives players more space between the frets, making it easier to form chords and play melodies, especially for those with larger hands, while retaining the bright, traditional tone of a soprano body.

• Size: Long Neck Soprano.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 14.8125 inches (37.6 cm), which is the standard scale length for a concert ukulele.

  • Overall Instrument Length: Approximately 22 inches (55.9 cm).

  • Number of Frets: 18, which is more than a standard soprano ukulele.

Construction & Materials:

• 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 with a balanced midrange.

  • Laminated Construction: The body is made from layers of mahogany veneer. This is standard for instruments in this price range and provides excellent durability and stability against changes in humidity and temperature.

• Finish: Gloss. This is a key distinguishing feature from Kala's satin-finished models. The high-gloss finish enhances the simple elegance of the mahogany wood grain and gives the instrument a polished, upscale appearance. It also adds a layer of protection to the wood.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. Consistent with the body wood, the mahogany neck has a comfortable profile and provides good stability.

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or Laurel. Both are durable woods that provide a smooth playing surface for comfortable fretting. It typically features white dot inlays for fret markers.

• 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 Die-Cast Tuners. These are closed-gear tuners, known for their precision and excellent tuning stability, which is a step up from the open-gear tuners on some entry-level models.

• 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: Features Cream Binding around the body, which provides an elegant contrast to the mahogany and the gloss finish, giving it a more refined look.

• Rosette: A simple black and white rosette around the soundhole adds a clean, classic detail.

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

Overall Impression:

The Kala Mahogany Soprano Long Neck Gloss Ukulele is an excellent choice for:

• Players with larger hands: The longer neck and extra fret space make it much more comfortable to play than a standard soprano.

• Soprano fans who want more playability: If you love the small body and "plinky" tone of a soprano but find the frets too cramped, this model offers the best of both worlds.

• Beginners: It offers easy playability, reliable tuning, and a pleasing tone, all in a very durable and aesthetically pleasing package.

• Anyone looking for a distinctive and high-value ukulele: The combination of a unique body/neck configuration, quality components, and a gloss finish at an affordable price makes it a very appealing option.

It's a fantastic, durable instrument that solves a common problem for many ukulele players, offering a great balance of classic sound and modern comfort.