Kala Concert Black Sparkle Ukulele

The Kala KA-SPRK-BLACK (Kala Sparkle Series Concert Ukulele in Galaxy Black) is a visually eye-catching instrument designed for players who want their ukulele to make a statement. Part of Kala's "Sparkle Series," it takes inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s with its dazzling finish.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Concert. This is a popular and versatile ukulele size, offering a good balance between portability and a fuller tone compared to a soprano. Its scale length is typically around 15 inches (38.1 cm), and overall length around 23.75 inches (60.32 cm).

• Aesthetic: Galaxy Black Sparkle Gloss Finish. This is the defining characteristic of the instrument. The black finish is infused with a rainbow holographic glitter that creates a "galaxy" or "stardust" effect, making it visually striking under lights. The high-gloss finish further enhances the sparkle and gives it a polished look.

• Body Top: Laminated Basswood. Basswood (also known as Linden or Lime) is a lightweight and soft wood. In laminated form, it's often used in entry-level instruments for its stability and affordability. It contributes to a balanced, generally bright tone.

• Body Back & Sides: Laminated Mahogany. Mahogany is a classic tonewood that offers warmth and a 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 black sparkle finish, enhancing its sophisticated, vintage-glam aesthetic.

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

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood. A durable and commonly used wood for fingerboards, offering a smooth playing surface. 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 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.

• Number of Frets: 18.

Included Accessory:

• While the original user query mentioned "w/ Bag," many retailers list the Kala Sparkle series as case/gig bag sold separately. It's always good to confirm with the specific vendor if a bag is included in the "outfit" price, as this can vary by retailer bundles. If it is included, it would typically be a basic padded gig bag.

Overall Impression:

The Kala KASPRKBLACK Black Sparkle Concert Ukulele is designed primarily for its visual appeal and fun factor.

• Looks: It's a true showstopper! The glitter finish is captivating and makes the instrument stand out, whether on stage or just for casual playing. It definitely fulfills the "glamorous" brief.

• 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 certainly functional and sounds good for its price point.

• Playability: The mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, and NuBone nut/saddle, combined with Aquila strings and reliable tuners, ensure a comfortable and accessible playing experience.

This ukulele is an ideal choice for:

• Beginners: Who want an instrument that is easy to play and visually exciting, encouraging them to pick it up often.

• Players looking for a unique aesthetic: It's perfect for those who want their instrument to reflect their 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 great blend of classic ukulele tone with a vibrant, modern sparkle, making it a very engaging instrument.