NUD: Kala KA-ASOV-S (on sale last week)

Ukecaster

Ukecaster

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These are the all solid Spruce/Ovangkol sopranos that were on sale for $94.00 on ebay last Friday, all 14 sold out. Mine came today too, same kind of single ply box, no padding. I was kinda shocked, as I just ordered on Friday and I wasn't expecting it until NEXT Monday! Looks sweet, 1st few strums were great, gotta spend some time with it tonight, A/B with my Kamaka sop. I expect it'll open up nicely over time.

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I'm glad it survived from the look of the box. I sold a travel soprano to a site member that didn't survive. Never shipping a uke with USPS again.
 
That was an amazing deal!

I'm surprised at the flimsy packaging. All ukes I bought, new or used, came extremely well packaged, but those were all bought from specialist stores or other players. Heck, when I sold some of mine, I spent two hours packing them in, using enough tape to span the globe. I suspect these discount places have to save money somewhere. And then there's the postal service. I've come to really prefer courier services, even if they cost more. I got some regular post parcels (not ukes) that looked as if very passionate elephants had mated on them.
 
I tried one of these in a shop a few weeks ago and thought it had a gorgeous sound even with stock Aquila strings. I was very tempted but the intonation wasn't good enough and I don't like geared tuners. I might yet go back to the shop, though!
 
Got It ! survived the USPS with only a rip on one side of the box , Looks gorgeous ,built very sturdy lots of bracing probably twice as much as my Martin sopranos, hoping that's not a bad thing, Really like the gold Grover tuners and inlay work, side fret dots,. Sound is a bit dull but hoping some Martin strings and some play time will improve that ,did I mention how pretty this uke is ? WOW
 
Yes the M600s are the strings I use on all 6 of my sopranos I cant say they are the best out there but they are the best I've found. Also being consistent is the only way for a fair comparison .
 
Hey, I ordered mine the night before you guys but they haven't reached the twin cities yet - you must be closer to the shipper.

UFF-DA! Overstock.com clearly does not know how to pack a stringed instrument... For Pete's sake, they sell dinnerware, you'd think they'd wrap these.
But I suppose a regular dealer couldn't have sold these so cheaply either. Do they show indications of dryness (sharp frets, etc.) from sitting in a warehouse?

So far OK is good to hear.
Let me know how the Martin strings sound, I haven't owned a spruce top before... wondered if it would call for warmer strings or ?

For those that purchased, here's an inspirational video from Corey: http://www.theukulelesite.com/kala-spruce-ovangkol-soprano-asov-s.html
 
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Florida for me ,there is a paper in the box for full refund for 30 days . The uke looks great, the action is a little higher than I like but an easy fix, also now that I've tuned it half dozen times the strings have brightened up a bit,still going to swap them for the M600s soon.
 
Now I'm a little disappointed I didn't take advantage! The Martins should work good, if not try Worth browns...:shaka:
 
Congratulations on your new Kala. They make nice ukes. I have one that is 6 years old that I still play.
 
I got the last one on eBay and mine just left MA today. I'm in WA so I'll be lucky if I get it on Friday. Getting really excited as I start seeing the rest of the buyers post pics of their new soprano :)
 
Mine arrived today, just in a standard Kala box, no padding whatsoever. It has nice low action and is loud. I'm liking it! Just not a big fan of the Aquila strings. I'll try the Martin M600s or maybe Fremont Blacklines.

It is a beauty!

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Mine came, as did three others in town. (I also sent the sale link to my player's group and three jumped on the deal, LOL!)
Everyone is happy. Such fancy little things. It's a little canon - such SUSTAIN for a soprano! I adore the Grovers - anyone know what they are?
One of the two I ordered could maybe use a set-up for better intonation - but the sound of this uke makes it totally worth it. I suppose I should try new strings first?
 
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JohnM2001 said:
Yes, I'm thinking of losing the stock Aquila strings, and trying a set of Martin M600. The intonation is off a hair on mine too. I believe the Grovers are THESE Whoa..almost as expensive as the whole uke!
Click to expand...

Sure looks like'em! $63, yi!
I wish my 2007 Koaloha concert had them - those fat friction tuners, as cool as they look, make me nuts. Also the friction tuners on my 1960's Martin O soprano...
 
I just strung mine with Aquila reds. So much better than the stock strings and there's even more clarity and sustain. The nylguts were just brash. Bonus is how beautifully they match the red padauk binding.
 

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Dayum.

But I'm glad you guys all took advantage of it and got a great deal.
 
onyx725 said:
I just strung mine with Aquila reds. So much better than the stock strings and there's even more clarity and sustain. The nylguts were just brash. Bonus is how beautifully they match the red padauk binding.
Click to expand...

The red and brown strings in your photo match the uke's binding and soundhole perfectly...
I don't know the reds, might have to check out their sound. Where is best place to purchase?

I bought two of these, so I could be real nerdy and compare and contrast several sets... If only I loved changing strings, LOL.
 
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