New to stringed instruments of any kind... Kala MA-S or KA-P?

Netdewt · Jan 15, 2013

So, I want to buy a uke. What are the differences between the Kala KA-S and KA-P? I like both shapes, but the Pineapple is a little quirkier, which appeals to me.

Any other suggested instruments for $50-75? I see there are a few super budget Kala/Makala ukes for less than $50 (MK-P, KA-15S), but the KA-S seems to be the most recommended. I just want to have some fun and sing with my kids.

Thanks.

Nicko · Jan 15, 2013

I have a KA-S...and it's serviceable. Improved much after l lowered the action a bit at the nut. May be more than you want to deal with at this point if you're new to stringed instruments, though. In general, for the $$$ it's not bad. I presume the pineapple is similar quality.

Freeda · Jan 15, 2013

Netdewt said:
So, I want to buy a uke. What are the differences between the Kala KA-S and KA-P? I like both shapes, but the Pineapple is a little quirkier, which appeals to me.

Any other suggested instruments for $50-75? I see there are a few super budget Kala/Makala ukes for less than $50 (MK-P, KA-15S), but the KA-S seems to be the most recommended. I just want to have some fun and sing with my kids.

Thanks.

For just a couple bucks more, this was my first uke, and though I have bought a dozen more since then (many $200-$600), I still play it a LOT. It's a good uke. I'm a fan of quirky, too.

http://www.theukulelesite.com/luna-tattoo-pineapple-soprano.html

Netdewt · Jan 15, 2013

Freeda said:
For just a couple bucks more, this was my first uke, and though I have bought a dozen more since then (many $200-$600), I still play it a LOT. It's a good uke. I'm a fan of quirky, too.

http://www.theukulelesite.com/luna-tattoo-pineapple-soprano.html

That's not so bad... includes gig bag and Aquila strings.

I do have a friend who is encouraging me to get something. He plays guitar and banjo.

Karasu · Jan 15, 2013

The most important thing to be sure of is that the instrument is set up correctly. At that price range, the set-up is an all important component, and, if I may say so after having played for such a short time, it may well be more important (within reason) than the actual instrument. That said, Freeda has given you a great nudge towards Hawaii Music Supply. You can be 100% sure that any instrument you purchase from them will be set-up properly and tested, and will play to the best of its individual ability. Their service is amazing; I've purchased both a Kala KA-TEM and a Pono Acacia/Cedar Pro Classic from Andrew and the crew, and I couldn't be happier with the service or the instruments.

[Disclaimer: I do not work for nor am I affiliated with HMS. Just a satisfied customer...who wants to go visit the shop!!!!!]

Netdewt · Jan 15, 2013

This one looks nice too. I like the tenor sound.
Makala MK-T
http://www.theukulelesite.com/makala-mk-t-a-beginners-tenor-ukulele.html

Or this guy looks great. Longneck?
Kala KA-SLNG
http://www.theukulelesite.com/kala-ka-slng-gloss-soprano-longneck.html

Maybe for my next, if this goes well.

http://www.theukulelesite.com/kala-ka-asac-t-solid-acacia-tenor.html

...

Well, for the price, I went with this:
http://www.austinbazaar.com/Kala-MKA-S-LTD-Makala-Style-Soprano-Ukulele-p/kal-mka-s.htm

$37 shipped including Aquila Nylgut.

Netdewt · Jan 19, 2013

Got my uke! Wife thinks I'm crazy.

OldePhart · Jan 19, 2013

Netdewt said:
Got my uke! Wife thinks I'm crazy.

That's a good start. When she knows you're crazy and is threatening to move out if you bring home one more *&(^ ukulele - you will have arrived!

Welcome to the UU, BTW. We're the nicest bunch of UAS enablers you'll ever meet.

kvehe · Jan 19, 2013

Netdewt said:
Got my uke! Wife thinks I'm crazy.

Excellent. Welcome to the family. My first uke was a Kala KA-S, also from Austin Bazaar. No, you are not crazy - you are a free spirit.

Netdewt · Jan 20, 2013

Thanks.

I just changed my strings over to the Aquilas. Do the strings stretch out? They get out of tune very quickly.

kvehe · Jan 20, 2013

Yes, that will improve with playing time.

OldePhart · Jan 20, 2013

Netdewt said:
Thanks.

I just changed my strings over to the Aquilas. Do the strings stretch out? They get out of tune very quickly.

Yeah...all nylon (and fluorocarbon, etc) strings stretch like crazy during the first few days, some more than others. If you tune about a full step up, leave the uke for a little bit, then tune it a step up again, you can have most strings stretched enough to play a few songs between tunings within a few hours, and good for a set after stretching overnight. For that reason I usually try to change strings on a uke I plan to use about a day in advance.

John

New to stringed instruments of any kind... Kala MA-S or KA-P?

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