Kala Concert Banjo Ukulele - Mahogany With Bag

The Kala KA-BNJ-MHG-C (Kala Mahogany Concert Banjo Ukulele with Bag), often referred to as the "Natural Mahogany Banjolele," is a popular and distinctive hybrid instrument. It's part of Kala's Americana Series, designed to capture the unique sound and aesthetic of vintage banjoleles from the early 20th century.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Core Concept & Sound:

• Hybrid Instrument (Banjolele): This is the main draw. It combines the playability and tuning (standard G-C-E-A, like a ukulele, with a high G) of a concert ukulele with the bright, percussive, and "twangy" sound characteristics of a banjo.

• Concert Size: This provides a comfortable playing experience for most players, with a slightly longer scale length than a soprano banjolele, contributing to a fuller tone and more fret access.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)

  • Overall Instrument Length: Approximately 24.25 inches (61.5 cm)

• Distinctive Tone: The combination of a banjo head and nylon ukulele strings results in a unique sound that's brighter and has more attack than an acoustic ukulele, but is generally mellower and less aggressive than a full-size banjo. It's great for folk, old-time, bluegrass-lite, or just adding a unique texture to any genre.

Construction & Materials:

• Head: Remo Weatherking Banjo Head. This is a high-quality, durable synthetic banjo head from a leading manufacturer. It's essential for achieving the characteristic bright and resonant banjo tone and projection.

• Shell/Rim: Five-Ply Mahogany Back & Shell. This forms the "body" of the banjo-ukulele. Mahogany is known for its warm tonal properties. The 5-ply construction provides stability and contributes to the overall warmth of the instrument's voice.

• Back: This model typically features a closed-back resonator design (as opposed to open-back found on some banjoleles). The resonator helps to project the sound forward and increase volume and sustain, giving it a more "banjo-like" projection.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. Mahogany is a stable and tonally warm wood, complementing the resonator shell.

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood. A durable and commonly used wood for fingerboards, providing a smooth playing surface. It typically has white dot inlays for fret markers.

• Finish: Stained Satin Mahogany. This finish highlights the natural grain of the mahogany, offering a rustic and elegant aesthetic. The satin (matte) finish also allows the wood to resonate more freely compared to a thick gloss finish.

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

• Saddle: Maple/Ebony Cap Floating Bridge. This type of bridge is not glued; it's held in place by string tension. The maple body with an ebony cap helps efficiently transfer string vibrations to the head. Proper placement is crucial for intonation.

• Tuners: Open Gear Tuners (often with black buttons). These provide a classic look and offer smooth, reliable tuning stability.

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

• Truss Rod: Yes, this model includes a truss rod, which is a beneficial feature for maintaining optimal neck relief and playability.

• Headstock: Features a standard banjo-style headstock.

Included Accessory:

• Gig Bag: Comes with a custom padded banjolele gig bag. This provides convenient and protective transport for the instrument.

Overall Impression:

The Kala Mahogany Concert Banjo Ukulele (KABNJMHGC) is an excellent choice for:

• Ukulele Players Seeking a New Sound: It's an easy transition for ukulele players looking to add a distinct, brighter, and more percussive voice to their musical palette.

• Players Who Love the Banjo Sound in a Compact Form: It delivers an authentic banjo tone, volume, and projection in a ukulele-sized instrument, making it more portable and approachable than a full-size banjo.

• Performers: The resonator back and banjo head give it good volume and cut, allowing it to be heard clearly in acoustic jams or even amplified settings (though this specific model doesn't have built-in electronics).

• Those Looking for a Traditional/Rustic Aesthetic: The natural mahogany with satin finish and banjo styling gives it a classic, Americana-inspired look.

Important Consideration:

• Bridge Placement: Like all instruments with floating bridges (common on banjos and banjoleles), proper bridge placement is crucial for accurate intonation. While Kala does a good job, new owners should learn how to fine-tune its position or have a luthier assist if intonation seems off.

This banjolele is a fun, versatile, and visually appealing instrument that effectively blends two popular stringed instruments into one, offering a unique sonic experience.