Rich, I actually agree almost 100% with what you just wrote. I completely believe that you could have a fantastic Kala and that you have really bonded with the uke. I have also owned and sold ukes that others lust after where the uke just didn't do it for me. And I've seen great variety within kinds of ukes. I have had Ponos that were just ho-hum and for a long time I was very unimpressed by Pono. But I decided to have Andrew pick one out for me, and the one he sent me is killer. I've played Mya Moes that I've loved and I've played Mya Moes that were ho-hum. I've got a Collings that blows my socks off, but I have not loved every Collings. Same with a Mexican Martin. There is no doubt in my mind that someone could have a Kala and love it every bit as much as any of the more expensive ukes in your signature.
When I was playing more guitar I would go into guitar stores and check out the guitars. Every now and then I would pick up an inexpensive guitar that just blew me away. The Sam Ash by my house had a used Epiphone Texan that I went in there and play about 20 times, then I bought it. It was Japanese made and laminated. I have played that guitar far more than my Martin. But unless you can go somewhere and try a number of instruments, you are dependent on luck.
One possibility would be for Booli to pick up the phone and call Andrew Kitakis and discuss this issue with him. Andrew is very honest and can probably advise Booli what he thinks of that model and what he has in the store.
When I was playing more guitar I would go into guitar stores and check out the guitars. Every now and then I would pick up an inexpensive guitar that just blew me away. The Sam Ash by my house had a used Epiphone Texan that I went in there and play about 20 times, then I bought it. It was Japanese made and laminated. I have played that guitar far more than my Martin. But unless you can go somewhere and try a number of instruments, you are dependent on luck.
One possibility would be for Booli to pick up the phone and call Andrew Kitakis and discuss this issue with him. Andrew is very honest and can probably advise Booli what he thinks of that model and what he has in the store.