Kala Tenor Ukulele - Satin Mahogany

The Kala Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele (model number KA-T) is a flagship instrument from Kala and a long-standing favorite in the ukulele world. It is known for its traditional design, warm tone, and excellent value, making it a go-to choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Tenor. This is a highly popular and versatile ukulele size, larger than a concert and soprano. It offers the most fret space, which is comfortable for players with larger hands and ideal for more complex chord voicings and soloing. It also produces a fuller, louder sound with great projection and sustain.

  • Scale Length: Approximately 17 inches (431 mm).

  • Overall Instrument Length: Around 26.125 inches (66.4 cm).

  • Number of Frets: 18.

• Body Wood: Laminated Mahogany Top, Back, and Sides.

  • Mahogany as a Tonewood: Mahogany is a classic tonewood for ukuleles, known for its warm, rich, and mellow tone. It provides a balanced sound that is great for both strumming and fingerpicking.

  • Laminated Construction: The body is made from layers of mahogany veneer. This construction method offers excellent durability and stability against changes in humidity and temperature, making it a robust instrument for travel and live performances.

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

• Neck Material: Mahogany. The mahogany neck provides stability and a comfortable playing experience.

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or Laurel. Both are durable woods that provide a smooth playing surface. It features white or cream binding on the body and white position markers on the fingerboard.

• Nut & Saddle: Graph Tech NuBone. This is a high-quality synthetic material designed to enhance sustain, clarity, and consistent string vibration transfer, which is a significant upgrade from generic plastic components.

• Tuners: Chrome Die-Cast Sealed Geared Tuners. These tuners are known for their precision and excellent tuning stability, which is crucial for any player.

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

• Binding: Features Cream or White Binding around the top and back of the body, which adds an elegant, classic touch and protects the edges of the instrument.

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

Overall Impression:

The Kala Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele is an excellent choice for:

• Beginners and Intermediate Players: It offers a great balance of features, including the comfortable tenor size, pleasing tone, and quality components at an accessible price point.

• Anyone seeking a reliable and durable ukulele: The laminated mahogany construction and quality components ensure it will stand up to regular use and travel.

• Players who want a classic, understated look: Its traditional design and satin finish give it a timeless appeal.