Many years back, when the ukulele was first invented, it was quite evident that constructing a good piece can take up a lot of skills and intricacy.
From the time since it has been invented to this date, the ukulele has seen many ups and downs in its popularity. But if we talk about this moment, you can see a huge spike in the ukulele’s popularity.
This little fact is really important for you, especially if you are taking a keen interest in the ukulele. Since there is a massive surge in ukulele popularity, many new brands are cropping up in the market, trying to take a position. One of these brands is Kala.
There are different brands when it comes to the musical instrument. But when a new ukulele brand appears in the market, it either saturates a particular market portion, or they just flourish and gain high popularity. Kala has become one of the most popular brands in no time.
Since the first time the Kala had appeared in the market, i.e., approximately a decade ago, it has been popular for its exceptional superior quality and highly competitive price.
It has come up with numerous models in all these years. But we will talk about one of the entry-level models of the ukulele by Kala. This model is called the Kala KA-15S, which is undoubtedly the best choice for any beginner or intermediate player.
Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele
Why Kala and Why Kala KA-15S Ukulele Review?
The way Kala has made its presence in the market has been really eye-catching. The brand has always tried to deliver the best and most superior quality ukulele and best models to the customers.
One of the best things that Kala has is its professional staff. Kala, established in San Francisco, has a brilliant team of engineers, designers, and luthiers. All of them put in the immense effort that makes them so successful.
Nowadays, Kala is a big, established name in the market and is doing really great. They have also earned an excellent reputation in the market. Hence, they have emerged as a trustworthy brand.
While many brands dropped their quality just to maintain an optimal profit margin, Kala never did that. They pushed themselves through the trying time and kept their standards and quality really high throughout. Such a policy has made them even more reputed and popular.
One of the most popular ukuleles by Kala is the Kala KA-15S. At this present moment, the Kala KA-15S is the best one available in an affordable price range.
Kala KA-15S Ukulele Review: Body & Neck
If you are on the lookout for a particular class of ukuleles that belong to the soprano category, then you must understand more about Kala KA-15S. Though there are many such products, this particular product is perhaps one of the most popular.
There are some obvious reasons for its popularity and acceptability. When we talk about quality sopranos, ukes always come to mind. This is because they are known to produce the best tone, and therefore most users try to refer to this instrument.
Further, mahogany wood is chosen for building these products. Tonewood is also used for building the neck and the body.
There are many who believe that mahogany is perhaps not the best solution for those who are looking for the right ukuleles. For experienced users, Koa is the material of choice, and they believe this material goes into making it the best ukulele.
However, since Koa and other such wood are in scarce supply, mahogany is perhaps the next best choice.
Coming to the features, the neck comes with 12 frets, and it has a scale that is 13.625 inches. Further, the fretboard is made from rosewood. It comes with standard inlays.
They are found on the 5th, 7th, and 10th fret. When one looks at all the factors and attributes, there are reasons to believe that the ukulele is indeed a fantastic musical instrument.
Different models of ukuleles have different looks. For example, when we look at KA-15S, you will undoubtedly like the finish that resembles smooth satin. It goes a long way in giving it that much needed refined look.
Though it is simple in looks, there is no doubt that it certainly is a rosette that is attractive. For the price at which it is available, it indeed offers good value for money, but few may question the aesthetics of KA-15S.
This again is a matter of personal preference and debate. Many favor the simple yet attractive look, but there could be others who may want something jazzier with the best of visual details.
Kala KA-15S Ukulele: The Quality
It also is important to look at the build quality. The quality should be compatible with the price at which it is being offered. Overall, the ukuleles’ quality control is quite good, and this is perhaps of the excellent manufacturing process that Kalas have in place.
This particular model also has a manufacturing process that is not exactly the same as it is for any other Ukulele brand. The quality control is unique to the manufacturer.
The demand is also quite good, and this does point to the fact that the ukulele’s make and modes are quite good and reliable.
The neck has been beautifully designed, and it effortlessly merges with the body, and there are no reasons to believe that the work is sloppy. However, there are a few issues as far as transportation is concerned.
There have been some transit damages, and at times some minor adjustments may also be needed. But considering the price at which it is being sold, these are minor issues. Taking the ukulele to a local shop could set right any minor problem that one may face.
Kala KA-15S Ukulele: The Hardware
Kala has been able to stick to the basics as far as the hardware is concerned. When you are buying it online, please do not fix anything on your own unless you find that there are some broken pieces.
The manufacturers have preferred to choose standard rosewood for the bridge and also the fretboard. Further, the bridge also comes with an AA saddle. The nut is also made from the same material, and therefore one needs to keep this in mind.
It would also be pertinent to mention here that only very few companies make the best of Tusq components, and one such name is GraphTech. These Tusq components are required for making a wide variety of stringed acoustic instruments.
The tuners are made from machines that are of the right standards. They may not compare with the best in the industry, but they are not bad either. They are comparable to the best in this class and price.
When you buy Kala KA-15S, you also get strings that belong to the Aquila Super Nylgut category. They are, without any doubt, superb, and they are perfect when it comes to this particular Soprano.
You will also not be required to change it within a short period of time as it happens with many other similar brands in the market.
Kala KA-15S Ukulele: The Sound
Many end-users are impressed with the sound of the Kala KA-15S. It may not be the best in the market as far as sound is concerned, but it is not bad, to say the least. You will not find any disturbing lows and trebles.
However, it is flat when it arrives. However, you will have reasons to like the unique soprano tone, and this is what separates the ukulele from others, even when it comes to entry models.
The sound richness is ok though there are brands and makes that offer much better in terms of richness or sustain. However, the fact of the matter is that this is an entry-level ukulele, and therefore you will not have much to complain about the richness and sustain.
On the whole, there are enough reasons to believe that Kala KA-15S is a good buy. It has satisfied many users and given them good value for money.
It is an excellent instrument to learn the first lessons. It is quite durable and long-lasting, and you can bank on it from the initial levels to one where you could be considered a reasonably experienced player.
Kala KA-15S: Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the best tonewood ukuleles at an excellent price.
- Super quality of build for those who are looking for a beginners’ instrument.
- Hardware is quite good for the price at which it is available.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- The setup might be required on arrival.
- Experienced players may find it a bit flat.
Who Is Kala KA-15S Uke Best for?
The Kala KA-15S is best for beginners or for the ones with a little experience. So, if you are a beginner or an intermediate player, you can find this ukulele model to be the best in this price range.
But this model may not be the right one that you can bring or play on the stage at a professional level. Still, it can hold the position even if there are so many expensive ukuleles available in the market.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there are a few things that make the Kala KA-15S a good buy. It is good looking, has decent performance, and has a decent, though simple look. It is perfectly suited for entry-level players looking for a ukulele that helps them learn and graduate into a quality player.
Kala has made its path through many ups and downs from a brand least known to a trendy brand. Yet the journey is quite impressive. Kala has also managed to maintain great popularity throughout.
Also, Kala’s decision to keep the quality intact has been really loved and praised by people. The best example of it is the Kala KA-15S.