Kala/Makala

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Iain

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Looking at these ukuleles -
http://www.georges-ukes.com/Kala-Makala-Concert-Ukulele/M/B00172YM9U.htm
http://www.georges-ukes.com/Kala-Ma...froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle
http://www.georges-ukes.com/Kala-Mahogany-Tenor-Ukulele/M/B00172UVAO.htm
http://www.georges-ukes.com/Kala-Mahogany-Concert-Ukulele/M/B00172YM40.htm
Not really bothered about whether I get a Concert or a Tenor. From my observations they're not too different, all I'm looking for is something that's bigger with more frets and that has a nicer sound than my Lanikai LU-21 Soprano.
What are the main differences between Kala Makala and just regular Kala? From what I can see Makala is a budget range of Kala ukuleles and fitted with Aquila strings is much like the more expensive ukuleles. I'm just wondering whether it's worth forking out nearly double the price for a Kala over a Makala? I can afford both however I'd much prefer to go for the cheaper one and get some Aquilas as I'd like to buy other stuff for my birthday as well.
Thanks,
Iain
 
A Tenor will have a fuller voice than a Concert.

The difference I have seen with Kala/Makala has more to do with workmanship/finished and the tuners than anything else.
I don't if it's the nicer look to a Kala that makes it sound just a little better to me.
 
freedive135 said:
The difference I have seen with Kala/Makala has more to do with workmanship/finished and the tuners than anything else.
I don't if it's the nicer look to a Kala that makes it sound just a little better to me.
Click to expand...
Would you say that's worth double the price? I'm not too bothered about the sound, as long as it's better than my LU-21 then I'm happy. Looks don't do much for me.
 
After lots of hunting I've decided to not bother with getting a Kala, getting it via MGM will be very expensive with the falling dollar. Can anyone recommend another Tenor around the same price as the Kala that's available in the UK?
 
Iain said:
After lots of hunting I've decided to not bother with getting a Kala, getting it via MGM will be very expensive with the falling dollar. Can anyone recommend another Tenor around the same price as the Kala that's available in the UK?
Click to expand...

Hi Iain. I'm in the UK too. I'd recommend the Lanikai CK-T tenor ukulele which I know is available in the UK. I have the concert version and am very happy with it. It has a bright tone, a good sustain and looks nice as well. It's a laminate uke but has nice curly koa wood and decent tuners.

I know that the Duke of Uke (in London) has it in stock but also know that they charge a lot more than a shop called Newcastle Music (in Newcastle-upon-Tyne) which is where I bought mine. Newcastle Music can deliver to anywhere in the UK too. As a starting point my concert was £145.

The Duke of Uke website is: http://www.dukeofuke.co.uk/

Newcastle Music's site is: http://www.newcastlemusic.co.uk/product/lanikai_ckt_tenor_model_ukulele/35001/view.ashx

It's worth giving Newcastle Music a ring. They didn't have the concert in stock when I went in to the shop but they got it for me within about 2 days. Their prices are better than Duke of Uke's too.

Hope that helps.

P.S I couldn't believe the exchange rate either, I've been saving up for a Kamaka and it just went up by £150 because of the rate change.
 
Last edited:
upskydowncloud said:
Hi Iain. I'm in the UK too. I'd recommend the Lanikai CK-T tenor ukulele which I know is available in the UK. I have the concert version and am very happy with it. It has a bright tone, a good sustain and looks nice as well. It's a laminate uke but has nice curly koa wood and decent tuners.

I know that the Duke of Uke (in London) has it in stock but also know that they charge a lot more than a shop called Newcastle Music (in Newcastle-upon-Tyne) which is where I bought mine. Newcastle Music can deliver to anywhere in the UK too. As a starting point my concert was £145.

The Duke of Uke website is: http://www.dukeofuke.co.uk/

Newcastle Music's site is: http://www.dukeofuke.co.uk/ (the website doesn't show the Lanikai but they definitely have them if you give them a call)

It's worth giving Newcastle Music a ring. They didn't have the concert in stock when I went in to the shop but they got it for me within about 2 days. Their prices are better than Duke of Uke's too.

Hope that helps.

P.S I couldn't believe the exchange rate either, I've been saving up for a Kamaka and it just went up by £150 because of the rate change.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the uke you suggested is way out of my budget. I'm looking at max £60-£70. How do either of these look? Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions, my uke knowledge isn't the greatest.
Mahalo U320T with hard case
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....743239&cguid=c4dc87dd11c0a0aad2c22282fffc4b25
Lanikai Tenor ULU21T
http://www.projectmusic.net/lanikai-tenor-ukulele-ulu21t-2585-p.asp
 
Iain said:
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the uke you suggested is way out of my budget. I'm looking at max £60-£70. How do either of these look? Sorry if I'm asking stupid questions, my uke knowledge isn't the greatest.
Mahalo U320T with hard case
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....743239&cguid=c4dc87dd11c0a0aad2c22282fffc4b25
Lanikai Tenor ULU21T
http://www.projectmusic.net/lanikai-tenor-ukulele-ulu21t-2585-p.asp
Click to expand...

Hey Iain, sorry about that I didn't know your budget. I highly recommend the Lanikai! I have the concert version of that too, it was my first uke and it's really good. I'd say go for it. Again they have a nice tone and are built well, you won't be disappointed. The only thing I know about Mahalos is that my uke teacher won't teach anyone who has one and normally gives them one of his to use because they rarely stay in tune. I don't know anything about them though, I can recommend the Lanikai though.
 
Last edited:
upskydowncloud said:
Newcastle Music have it a bit cheaper at £58.99 if that's any help?

http://www.newcastlemusic.co.uk/product/lanikai_lu21t_ukulele_tenor_size_uke/35177/view.ashx

P.S they aren't stupid questions, there are so many models and varieties it can be quite difficult to choose something.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reassurance :)
Is it actually possible to order off the website or do I need to call up? Can't see any "Add To Cart" button or similar, seems like a really buggy website.
 
Just checking into see if you have decided yet?

I see you were considering buying a U320T. I have one and for the price i highly recomend it! It's true that with Ukes you pay fo what you get but this Mahalo Tenor is just awesome! I played this uke every day for around 4years until i upgraded to what i play now Kala KA-STE/C but in saying that I still get out my trusty U320T every now and then...Its hard to get over your first love!

Uke prices seem to be so different everywhere but by far the worst have to be here in NZ. For the U320T here in NZ it would cost you $150.00. My Kala cost me $350.00

Damn weak NZ dollar!
 
^ yeah use r da worst haha.. den its us! i think...

but i think ur dollar is worth less now.. to our aussie dollar..

its all shut bro
 
Just my two cents' worth...
Kala makes a nice uke. I have two and have not been in the slightest disappointed with either (a solid spruce top and solid cedar top). Lanikai is also good, but Kala has more woods, more designs and is more forward thinking.
 
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