Would you guys place this uke at the high end of a "starter uke" category or more at the low end of a "second uke acquisition" category? Or somewhere else, maybe?
I originally bought it as my second "beater" uke with the versatility of being able to plug it in, something I could take anywhere and not really worry about humidity, temp, etc. I played a friend's acoustic/ electric Lanikai, slotted concert, solid top, although I can't remember the type of wood. As far as being plugged in, they're both pretty even. But this Kala sounded way better acoustically, imo. I've played/ owned other laminates, like the Kala Pacific Walnut, the glossed mahogany, and the mango tenor. The exotic mahogany and mango sounded the best to me, and again, this one plugs in.
But I just never bonded with this uke. It's a second to my Pono MT. After playing the Pono's chunky neck, the Kala neck just feels to thin. I've been trying to combine the best of both worlds, the Pono's all solid build, brightness, with the Kala's warmth, and ability to plug in, with a neck width that feels right in the middle of the Pono and Kala. That's why I'm trying to thin the herd again, and save up for a Mainland tenor with pickup, slotted mahogany or cedar tenor preferred.
Bottom line, I want this Kala to find a good home where it will be played, rather than gather dust on the wall hanger.