Peter Frary
Well-known member
Yes, those particular K brands really kick arse tonally and dynamically compared to the Makala. Plus, are like butter under the fingers.
I see endless Makala 'ukuleles in my classes at Leeward Community College. Students walk around campus with them sticking out of their rucksacks. The budget laser cut Luna are popular too. The "rich" students have glossy finished Kala whereas middle aged male beginners and retired folk tend to have amazing sounding Kamaka, Koaloha and Kanile'a.
I see ancient Kamaka sopranos in my classes from time to time—usually borrowed from a grandparent—and those from the 1960s and 70s were not very well made. They made huge QC improvements in the 1990s and early 2000s. I don't think I've ever seen a rough build of an early Kanile'a (company is fairly recent) but early G-String, Sunny D and KoAloha can be on the rustic side.
The topic is "Craving a Kala?" My answer is No.
Ever since Kala began producing Kiddy ukes, priced below $50 but still bearing the name "Kala" on the headstock, I feel the potential re-sale reputation of this brand has tanked.
The "K" brands had enough common sense to use different brand names for their lower priced ukes. Kala did not. Good grief!
The topic is "Craving a Kala?" My answer is No.
Ever since Kala began producing Kiddy ukes, priced below $50 but still bearing the name "Kala" on the headstock, I feel the potential re-sale reputation of this brand has tanked.
The "K" brands had enough common sense to use different brand names for their lower priced ukes. Kala did not. Good grief!
I see ancient Kamaka sopranos in my classes from time to time—usually borrowed from a grandparent—and those from the 1960s and 70s were not very well made. They made huge QC improvements in the 1990s and early 2000s. I don't think I've ever seen a rough build of an early Kanile'a (company is fairly recent) but early G-String, Sunny D and KoAloha can be on the rustic side.
Oh really. I bought a white label Kamaka that looks like it had a rough life but sings like an angel. I can only hope that the modern Kamakas will survive as long. And yeah my 2000 KoAloha looks quite different from what they do now and I don't think it sounds as mighty but sure is very pretty. I would never trade any of these oldies for a new Kala.
I've seen many with crooked bridges, bad frets, terrible intonation, messy glue joints, etc. Back in the day, Kamaka had a contract with the DOE and sold hundreds, if not thousands, of rough made ukuleles. They were made in Hawaii but not not their best work... I know in those decades they also produced higher models that were wonderful instruments but these bottom of the line 'ukuleles are still in circulation here on Oahu, many with State of Hawaii DOE inventory numbers.
Ko'Aloha is making the same mistake with their branding. They have removed the Opio name from that line and their new, even more budget line also only has the Ko'Aloha logo on the headstock face.
Opio instruments are frequently sold on Ebay & Various Marketplaces as: "Ko'Aloha Tenor". With Opio only mentioned in the body of the listing.
Talk about confusing. And diluting the brand's reputation.
That being said, I don't know whether I've played any from the late 60s or early 70s.
I've seen many with crooked bridges, bad frets, terrible intonation, messy glue joints, etc. Back in the day, Kamaka had a contract with the DOE and sold hundreds, if not thousands, of rough made ukuleles. They were made in Hawaii but not not their best work... I know in those decades they also produced higher models that were wonderful instruments but these bottom of the line 'ukuleles are still in circulation here on Oahu, many with State of Hawaii DOE inventory numbers.
They have the solid spruce topped, flame maple back and sides concert on clearance fro $209. That's a steal! That is one of their real gems.
Thanks Glenn, also super helpful.
Now to decide between the:
Solid Spruce Acacia Concert https://kalabrand.com/collections/clearance/products/ka-acp-ctg
or the Solid Spruce Flame Maplehttps://kalabrand.com/collections/clearance/products/ka-fmcg
I mean, it would be rude not to!
Any thoughts would be most welcome
I have a Kala Elite Spruce/Rosewood tenor arriving today. $300.00 off for a blemish, plus another $200 off from the discount code, free shipping, hard case and humidifier. Couldn’t resist.
The topic is "Craving a Kala?" My answer is No.
Ever since Kala began producing Kiddy ukes, priced below $50 but still bearing the name "Kala" on the headstock, I feel the potential re-sale reputation of this brand has tanked.
The "K" brands had enough common sense to use different brand names for their lower priced ukes. Kala did not. Good grief!