Kala model designations

[WeaserP]

Ok, been looking at a few of the Kala models and would really like to understand the model designations if that's possible. For example, the KA-STGE-C. I know I can google it and find out all the specs but, typically, there's a rhyme and a reason for the model name. Can someone enlighten me?

Thanks!

 

[Croaky Keith]

I believe for that model it stands for SpruceTenorGlossElectric-Cutaway

 

[WeaserP]

Thanks, Keith. I do appreciate the response but I was using that model simply as an example to decipher the entire code of all the models. I'm not sure what KA refers to except the first two letters in Kala obviously but should I believe that the first letter in the second set refers to the top wood, the second refers to the size, the third refers to the finish, the E, if it's there, let's you know it's got a preamp and the -C refers to cutaway or not? So if I saw STG, would I be right in assuming it's a non-electric, non-cutaway Spruce Tenor with a gloss finish? Is there no reference to the back & side woods or laminate or solid?

Sorry to be so anal here but I'm trying to understand the line and, as I talk to others about the individual models, I'd really like a better idea of what others are talking about. Thanks!

 

[Croaky Keith]

Kala are complex to decipher, but roughly speaking, yes, I think you've got the general jist of how they name them.

If you haven't seen their website, here's the link - http://kalabrand.com/products/ukulele

 

[crisson]

Mine is a KA-SRMT Tri. I believe the KA does stand for Kala. The SRM are the three woods it is made from, Spruce top with Rosewood sides and Rosewood and Mango back. The T is the size indicator…Tenor. That has been my understanding of the designation for my uke but there could be other letter combinations for other ukes or I could be wrong in my understanding of the lettering. Sorry I couldn't be more help. I bet the guys at HMS could tell you though.

 

[Inksplosive AL]

KA=Kala the rest is a bit cryptic as the size and wood designations can move. For example my KA-GAS is a golden acacia soprano while my KA-SEM is an exotic mahogany soprano.

Use Google would be my advice.
~AL~

 

[WeaserP]

Thanks, all. Was hoping it would be a little more straight forward than that but I do appreciate the help.

 

[The fox]

What does ka swr sh mean please

 

[KohanMike]

This is a very old thread, My go to uke was a Kala glossy solid cedar top and acacia koa body, slot head, paduk binding, tenor cutaway with preamp/pickup, model KA-ATP-CTG-CE. Having trouble figuring out one letter; KA, Kala, A-acacia koa, T-???, P-paduk, C-cedar, T-tenor, G-glossy, C-cutaway, E-electronics.

 

[Wildjoy]

KA-ATP-CTG-CE. Having trouble figuring out one letter; KA, Kala, A-acacia koa, T-???, P-paduk, C-cedar, T-tenor, G-glossy, C-cutaway, E-electronics.

Maybe it's KAla, Acacia, Tenor, Paduk, Cedar Top, Glossy, Cutaway, Electronics? (But that doesn't make sense to me.)

 

[bbkobabe]

Zombie thread, back from the dead!

The final letter is usually the size, and if followed by an E it has a pickup

I'm a fan of the KA-TU- line... TU = Travel ukuleles (is there any other kind of ukulele that is NOT travel friendly?). They are a thin body uke that @KohanMike and I both favor, each for our own reasons. Comes with or without electronics... and a special padded backpack case!

There are some options: KA-SSTU- = solid Spruce top KA-EMTU- = Exotic mahogany laminate top KA-GATU- = golden acacia solid top and available in 4 sizes (-s, -c, -t and -b)