Kala Concert Ukulele Aqua Sparkle

The Kala KA-SPRK-AQUA Concert Ukulele (also known as "Rhapsody in Blue Sparkle" or "Aquamarine Sparkle") is a visually vibrant and fun instrument from Kala's "Sparkle Series." It's designed to make a visual statement with its dazzling finish, while still offering the playability and tone expected from a Kala ukulele.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Concert. This is a very popular and versatile ukulele size, offering a good balance between the portability of a soprano and the fuller tone and longer scale of a tenor.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 15 inches (381 mm)

  • Overall Instrument Length: Approximately 23.75 inches (603 mm)

  • Number of Frets: 18

• Aesthetic: Aqua Sparkle Gloss Finish (Rhapsody in Blue Sparkle). This is the defining characteristic. The finish is a vibrant aquamarine blue infused with holographic glitter, creating a dazzling, "sparkly" effect reminiscent of the Roaring 20s. The high-gloss finish enhances the sparkle and gives it a polished look.

• Body Top: Laminated Basswood. Basswood (also known as Linden or Lime) is a lightweight wood that, in laminated form, provides stability and helps keep the instrument affordable. It contributes to a balanced and generally bright tone.

• Body Back & Sides: Laminated Mahogany. Mahogany is a classic tonewood known for its warmth and good midrange. In laminated form, it provides durability and consistency.

• Binding: Cream Binding. This elegant cream binding around the body edges provides a beautiful contrast to the aqua sparkle finish, enhancing its sophisticated, vintage-glam aesthetic.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. The mahogany neck contributes to the overall warmth and stability of the instrument.

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood (some sources indicate Walnut, but Rosewood is more commonly listed). Both are durable and 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 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 cream 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 among ukulele players for their clear tone, good intonation, and consistent feel.

• 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:

• Gig Bag: While sometimes sold separately depending on the retailer, many listings for the Sparkle Series ukuleles, especially newer ones, do include a basic padded gig bag (often an UB-C Concert Bag). It's always a good idea to confirm with the specific vendor if a bag is included in the purchase.

Overall Impression:

The Kala Aqua Sparkle Concert Ukulele is an appealing choice primarily for its striking visual aesthetic and fun personality.

• Looks: It's a genuine eye-catcher! The aqua sparkle finish is vibrant and captivating, making the instrument stand out whether on stage or during casual play. It perfectly embodies a "glamorous retro" vibe.

• Acoustic Tone: With its laminated basswood top and mahogany back/sides, it delivers a clear, balanced, and pleasing acoustic tone that is well-suited for a beginner or casual player. While not as rich or resonant as all-solid wood instruments, it's perfectly functional and sounds good for its price point.

• Playability: The mahogany neck, rosewood (or walnut) fingerboard, NuBone nut/saddle, and reliable open-gear tuners ensure a comfortable and accessible playing experience for all skill levels.

This ukulele is an ideal choice for:

• Beginners: Who want an instrument that is easy to play and visually exciting, encouraging consistent practice.

• Players looking for a unique aesthetic: It's perfect for those who want their instrument to reflect a vibrant, playful personality and make a statement.

• Casual players and hobbyists: Who want a fun and reliable ukulele for strumming songs and light playing.

It's a delightful blend of classic ukulele features with a dazzling, modern sparkle, making it a very engaging and popular instrument.