Kala Flame Maple Tenor Ukulele - Cherry Burst

The Kala Flame Maple Tenor Ukulele - Cherry Burst (model number KA-FMT-CBR) is a stunning instrument that combines striking aesthetics with a bright, clear tone. It's part of Kala's Gloss Flame Maple series, which is known for its beautiful figured woods and a polished finish.

Here's a detailed breakdown of its features:

Key Features & Specifications:

• Size: Tenor. This is a 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 louder, fuller sound with great projection and sustain.

  • Scale Length: 16.875 inches (42.86 cm)

  • Overall Instrument Length: 26.375 inches (67 cm)

  • Number of Frets: 19

• Body Wood: Laminated Flame Maple Top, Back, and Sides.

  • Flame Maple: This is the defining aesthetic feature. "Flamed" or "figured" maple has a wavy, ripple-like pattern in the grain, creating a beautiful and iridescent visual effect.

  • Cherry Burst Finish: The body is finished in a warm red "Cherry Burst" that fades from the edges into a golden center. This gives the ukulele a classic, almost electric guitar-like look.

  • Maple as a Tonewood: Maple is known for producing a bright, clear, and articulate tone with excellent note separation. It has a strong attack and ample projection.

  • Laminated Construction: The maple is laminated (layered wood). While not solid wood, this construction method provides:

    • Durability and Stability: Laminated instruments are more robust and less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature.

    • Visual Appeal at an Accessible Price: It allows the beautiful flame maple figuring to be showcased at a price point that is more affordable than solid wood.

• Neck Material: Maple. A maple neck is very strong and contributes to the overall bright tone of the instrument.

• Fingerboard Material: Indonesian Rosewood. A durable and commonly used wood for fingerboards, providing a smooth playing surface for comfortable fretting. It has a flat radius and features white pearloid dot inlays.

• Finish: Gloss. The high-gloss finish enhances the natural beauty of the flamed maple grain and the cherry burst color, giving it a polished and sophisticated look.

• Binding: Features Creme Binding around the body, which provides an elegant contrast to the cherry burst finish.

• 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.

• Strings: Comes factory-strung with D'Addario Titanium strings. These are known for their bright, powerful tone and excellent intonation.

• Tuners: Typically features high-quality geared tuners for smooth and precise tuning stability.

• Strap Button: Includes a black strap button on the lower bout for convenience if you wish to add a strap.

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

Overall Impression:

The Kala Flame Maple Tenor Ukulele - Cherry Burst is a superb choice for:

• Intermediate and Advanced Players: It offers a premium look, comfortable tenor size, and a distinct tonal character.

• Players who prioritize aesthetics: The flamed maple and cherry burst finish make it a visually stunning instrument that is sure to stand out.

• Those seeking a bright and articulate tone: The maple construction gives it a sound that is clear and punchy, a good alternative to the warmer tone of mahogany ukuleles.

• Collectors or enthusiasts: It's a unique and high-quality instrument that is both beautiful to look at and a joy to play.