Hibiscus Mahogany Concert Ukulele w/ Bag Kala

The Kala Hibiscus Mahogany Concert Ukulele with Bag is a delightful instrument that combines classic ukulele tone with a unique artistic flair. It's part of Kala's "Voyage Collection," which features designs by Maori cultural artist Sam Mangakahia.

Here's a detailed look at its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Concert. This is a popular ukulele size, offering a good balance between the smaller soprano and the larger tenor. It provides a fuller, louder sound than a soprano but remains compact and portable.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 14.8125 inches (37.6 cm)

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

  • Number of Frets: 18

• Body Wood: Mahogany Top, Back, and Sides. This ukulele is constructed entirely from mahogany (laminated, which is typical for this price point). Mahogany is a classic tonewood for ukuleles, known for producing a:

  • Warm, mellow, and rich tone.

  • Balanced sound with good midrange presence.

  • Clear articulation for both strumming and fingerpicking.

• Finish: Satin. A thin, open-pore satin finish allows the wood to resonate more freely, contributing to a more organic and open sound. It also feels very smooth and comfortable to the touch.

• Artistic Design: The distinguishing feature! It features laser-etched artwork inspired by the Hawaiian Hibiscus (Koki'o kea), designed by Maori cultural artist Sam Mangakahia. The soft ivory color of the artwork beautifully contrasts the mahogany wood, making each instrument visually unique and part of a collection that embodies themes of resilience and resourcefulness.

• Neck: Mahogany. Provides stability and contributes to the overall warmth of the tone.

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

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

• Tuners: Chrome Open Gear Tuners. These provide smooth and stable tuning, with a classic aesthetic.

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

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

• Strap Button: Often includes a black strap button on the lower bout (butt) for convenience if you wish to add a strap.

Included Accessory:

• Gig Bag: Comes with a custom "Voyage Collection" gig bag that matches the ukulele's aesthetic. This padded soft case provides convenient and protective transport for your instrument to lessons, jams, or just around the house. It also typically includes a story card hang tag telling the unique message behind the artwork.

Overall Impression:

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

• Beginners: It offers a comfortable size, classic warm mahogany tone, good playability with quality components (NuBone, Aquila strings), and reliable tuning.

• Intermediate Players: A fun and visually appealing instrument for casual playing, practice, or adding to a collection.

• Anyone looking for a unique aesthetic: The laser-etched hibiscus design makes this ukulele stand out visually.

It provides a great balance of quality craftsmanship, a pleasant acoustic tone, and a distinctive look, all at an accessible price point.