Well I can't answer you about that particular model, but I'll give you my thoughts about your question anyway, for what it might be worth. The Kala that you have seems very much like my Kala KA-ASFM-T-C flame maple tenor, both in shape, details, and quality. Which is to say, you have one of the nicer quality, standard Kalas. I do think that these Kalas are almost on par with Pono, build-wise. Mine can hold it's own with any of my ukes, which is to say it sounds good, is well made and plays well. It's a keeper. I find that my Ponos have taken a while to open up, especially the gloss models, which I prefer. They definitely become louder and better sounding with time and playing. And I change the strings from the stock ones, which I don't like - Uke Logics seem to work well. I wonder how long you had your MGTDC before you sold it? I would buy the Pono and give it a try, especially if it's used and/or a good price. It's a very nice, quality-built uke and worth a chance. You can always sell one or the other if you find overlap or prefer one over the other.
"So many ukes, so little money..."
Kanile'a KSR-T premium koa tenor
KoAloha KTM-00 tenor
Rebel Double Cheese spruce/mahogany tenor, my BFF.
Pono ATC-PC acacia cutaway tenor
Kala KA-ASFM-T-C flame maple tenor
Pono MT-SP tenor
Cocobolo concert #467
Pono ASD acacia soprano deluxe
Pono MGS mango soprano
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