Kala KA-TE Mahogany Tenor Ukulele w/ Electronics

The Kala KA-TE Mahogany Tenor Ukulele with Electronics is a popular and versatile instrument from Kala's Satin Mahogany series. It is essentially the standard KA-T tenor ukulele with the added functionality of a built-in pickup, making it a great choice for players who want to perform or record their music.

Here is 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).

  • 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 producing a warm, mellow, and rich tone with a balanced midrange.

  • 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.

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

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or Walnut. Both are durable woods that provide a smooth playing surface. It typically features cream binding on the body and white position markers on the neck and 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, but especially for those who perform.

• 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 Binding around the top and back of the body, which adds an elegant, classic touch.

• Electronics: This is the key feature of the KA-TE model. It includes a Kala UK-300TR Preamp System.

  • Built-in Tuner: The on-board tuner is a highly convenient feature for quick and easy tuning on stage or at home.

  • Equalizer (EQ): The preamp typically includes volume and tone controls, allowing you to shape your sound when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

  • Power: The preamp is powered by a 9V battery.

  • Pickup: It uses a passive undersaddle pickup system, which captures the instrument's natural acoustic sound.

Overall Impression:

The Kala KA-TE Mahogany Tenor Ukulele with Electronics is an excellent choice for:

• Beginners and Intermediate Players: It offers a comfortable tenor size, a pleasing tone, and the added versatility of an acoustic-electric system at an accessible price point.

• Performers and Recording Artists: The built-in pickup and EQ make it ready for the stage or studio right out of the box, eliminating the need for an external microphone.

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

It's a fantastic, all-in-one package for anyone who wants to take their ukulele playing beyond simple acoustic practice.