Makala Concert Ukulele Mahogany With EQ Pickup

The Makala MK-CE Concert Ukulele (Mahogany with EQ Pickup) is a very popular entry-level acoustic-electric ukulele from Kala's sub-brand, Makala. It's designed to offer beginners and budget-conscious players a reliable instrument with the added versatility of being able to plug into an amplifier or PA system.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Concert. This is a highly popular and versatile ukulele size. It's larger than a soprano, offering more fret space (typically 18 frets) and a fuller, louder sound, while remaining compact and portable. It's comfortable for most players.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 14.8125 inches (37.6 cm)

• Body Wood: Laminated Mahogany Top, Back, and Sides (though some older models or descriptions might reference Agathis, which has similar tonal properties to mahogany).

  • Mahogany as a Tonewood: 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.

  • Laminated Construction: The "laminated" aspect means the body is made from layers of wood veneer. This is standard for instruments in this price range and offers several benefits:

    • Durability: Laminated instruments are more robust and less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature compared to solid wood, making them excellent for casual play, travel, or less controlled environments.

    • Consistency: Ensures a consistent tone and build quality across units.

    • Affordability: Keeps the instrument accessible.

• Neck Material: Mahogany. Provides stability and contributes to the overall warm tone.

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

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

• Nut & Saddle: Plastic. While some higher-end Makala or Kala models use NuBone, the MK-CE often uses plastic for the nut and saddle to keep the price point low. Despite this, it generally performs well for an entry-level instrument.

• Tuners: Geared Tuners. These provide smooth and reliable tuning stability.

• Strings: Comes factory-strung with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. These are widely recognized as excellent ukulele strings, known for their bright, clear tone, good intonation, and consistent feel.

• Binding: Typically none, for a simple, clean aesthetic that helps keep the cost down.

• Electronics (The "E" in MK-CE):

  • Kala PS-900 Passive Pickup System. This is a basic, yet functional, passive undersaddle pickup system. "Passive" means it doesn't require a battery to operate.

  • Controls: It typically features volume and tone controls (often simple bass/treble or a single tone knob) discreetly placed on the side of the instrument.

  • Output Jack: Standard 1/4" output jack on the lower bout, allowing you to plug into an amplifier, mixer, or audio interface.

  • Note on Passive Pickups: While convenient for plugging in, passive pickups generally have a lower output level and can be more susceptible to noise or feedback compared to active (battery-powered) systems. However, for most casual amplification needs, they are perfectly adequate.

Overall Impression:

The Makala MK-CE Concert Ukulele with EQ Pickup is highly regarded as an excellent choice for:

• Beginners: It offers a comfortable size, a pleasant classic ukulele tone, and crucial playability features at a very affordable price. The ability to plug in adds a lot of value for those starting out who might want to perform or record.

• Students: Ideal for school programs or individual lessons where amplification might be required.

• Casual Players: Who want a reliable instrument for jamming, open mic nights, or just playing amplified at home without a significant investment.

• Those on a budget: It's one of the most affordable concert ukuleles that comes with a built-in pickup, making it a great "all-in-one" solution.

While it's an entry-level instrument, Makala (and by extension, Kala) maintains a reputation for building quality and playable ukuleles even at their lowest price points. It's a solid choice for getting started with an amplified ukulele experience.