I've got the Kala acacia. (tenor)
It has a good sound... not as bright as my Kanilea koa tenor but that is probably because of the ebony nut and saddle verses the harder bone or bone-like material on the Kanilea.
It looks good and plays well but feels just a little clunkier in my hands. Fatter neck I guess. Still need too lower the action but intonation is good.
The cool head stock is a great feature and is what sets it apart from my other ukes.
But, they got just a little too creative, IMO, with those fret markers. They just don't fit in with the rest of the instrument. Again, just my opinion.
I've had the Mele on my watch list for most of this week. Koa top with mahogany back and sides certainly makes it unique. And it looks absolutely gorgeous. I want it!
So, bottom line, you need to buy the Mele so I can take it off my watch list and maybe then my GAS or UGAS (or simply UAS) will go away.
But then I notices they have 2 available...... means you have to buy both.
Note that most of the manufacturing is done in the Philippines but they claim a high level of supervision so, should be good. I think it's a good buy and a step up.
Again, please buy the Mele and let us know how it sounds.