Kala KA-Teak-BE Teak Baritone Uke with EQ

The Kala KA-Teak-BE Teak Baritone Ukulele with EQ (often written as KA-TEAK-BE) is a popular and well-regarded baritone ukulele, especially noted for its distinctive tonewood and built-in electronics. Kala is a leading brand in the ukulele world, known for offering a wide range of quality instruments for various budgets.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Baritone. This is the largest size of standard ukulele, tuned D-G-B-E (like the top four strings of a guitar). It offers a deeper, fuller, and more guitar-like tone than smaller ukuleles, making it a popular choice for guitarists transitioning to ukulele or players seeking a richer, lower register sound.

• Body Wood: Teak Top, Back, and Sides. This is a defining characteristic of this model. Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its:

  • Durability and Water Resistance: Making it a robust choice, especially if you're an "adventuring musician."

  • Aesthetics: It has a soft brown color with tight, straight grain patterns and often distinctive striping, giving it a unique, natural, and "fresh-cut" look.

  • Tone: It contributes to a deep, warm, and resonant tone, often described as having an earthy quality.

• Neck: Meranti. Meranti is a type of hardwood often used in instrument necks for its stability and good response.

• Fingerboard: Indonesian Nandu. This is a sustainable and durable wood, providing a smooth playing surface.

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

• Nut & Saddle: Graph Tech TUSQ. Graph Tech TUSQ is a man-made material designed to mimic the tonal properties of bone, offering improved sustain, clarity, and consistent string vibration transfer.

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

• Strings: Comes factory-strung with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. Aquila Nylgut strings are very popular for ukuleles, known for their bright, clear tone, good intonation, and consistent feel.

• Truss Rod: Built-in Truss Rod. This is a valuable feature, especially on larger ukulele sizes like the baritone. It allows for neck relief adjustments, ensuring optimal playability and preventing issues like buzzing or high action due to environmental changes.

• Strap Button: Includes a chrome strap button on the lower bout, which is convenient for standing play.

Electronics (with EQ):

• Kala Active EQ System. This is the "BE" part of the model name and a major selling point. It allows you to plug the ukulele into an amplifier or PA system for live performance, recording, or practice.

• Controls: The active EQ typically includes Volume, Bass, Mid, and Treble controls, allowing you to shape your amplified tone with precision.

• Built-in Tuner: Many Kala active EQ systems also include a built-in chromatic tuner, which is incredibly convenient for quick and accurate tuning, especially on stage.

• Power: Requires a 9V battery for the active electronics.

Measurements:

• Scale Length: Approximately 20.1875 inches.

• Overall Instrument Length: Approximately 30.375 inches.

• Body Length: Approximately 14.0 inches.

• Number of Frets: 18.

• Nut Width: 1.5 inches.

Overall Impression:

The Kala KA-Teak-BE Teak Baritone Ukulele with EQ is an excellent choice for players seeking a baritone ukulele that combines unique aesthetics with versatile functionality.

• Acoustically: It offers a warm, resonant, and earthy tone, distinct from mahogany or koa ukuleles.

• Amplified: The active EQ system with its EQ controls and built-in tuner makes it highly practical for any plugged-in scenario, offering good tonal shaping capabilities.

• Playability: The satin finish, quality nut and saddle, and the presence of a truss rod contribute to a comfortable and adjustable playing experience.

• Value: It offers a compelling combination of exotic tonewood, electronics, and solid construction features at a very competitive price point.

It's suitable for beginners due to its playability and price, as well as more experienced players looking for a reliable, stage-ready baritone ukulele with a unique sound.<