Kala Beginner Ukulele Review and Recommendations: Makala MK-S; Kala KA-15S; Kala KA-S

Mike Upton launched Kala in 2005. Prior to starting Kala he worked at Hohner and was responsible for the development of the Lanikai ukulele line.

After starting Kala, Mike quickly established the new ukulele manufacturer as the leader in the market by providing the best and most consistent instruments in the price range.

You will Learn More and Play More with Play Ukulele NOW.

Find out for yourself why teachers and students have depended on Play Ukulele NOW Methods and Songbooks since 2009

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Also See: Why do I recommend Tenor ukes for beginners?

These are the ukuleles:

• Makala MK-S (made of mahogany, still has brass frets)
• Kala KA-15S (made of mahogany - nicer wood than the MK-S, still has brass frets)
• Kala KA-S (made of mahogany and has nickel frets which will keep their shape better than brass frets do; the KA-S also has white binding around the body)

Some specs may have changed over the years...

Learn More:

Makala MK-S Soprano Ukulele

Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele

Kala KA-S Soprano Mahogany Ukulele

So, will a beginner be able to tell the difference in the sound quality of these ukes? 

Probably not...

These ukuleles are made out of laminates, not solid wood. A laminate* is a number of pieces of wood glued together, rather than a solid piece of wood. 

*About laminates

It doesn't matter much what type of wood is used for the top when laminates are used, laminates will sound like laminates.

If the ukulele is made from solid wood rather than laminates it will have better volume, projection and tone.

  

What are the differences?

Wood

UPDATE (10/10/2024) - These are all made out of mahogany now. The MK-S used to be made out of Agathis (similar to mahogany) - it's now mahogany. 

I've noticed over the years that the wood can vary on these, this is likely due to availability of wood where they are manufactured.

As you move up in the models you'll get nicer mahogany and a nicer look - pictures were updated (10/10/2024) to reflect current models so you can see the differences. 

You'll usually find a ribbon grain mahogany on the KS-15S and the KA-S, I've noticed nicer looking wood on the KA-S. It is possible that a KA-15S or a KA-S won't have a ribbon grain.

What's ribbon grain? See pictures below: the KA-15S has a ribbon grain look and the MK-S dose not

Binding

Only the KA-S has a white binding around the body, making it a noticeably nicer looking ukulele, while they may all sound similar to you; you may want the nicer looking one and that might be worth the extra money to you.

Frets

Another difference between the KA-S and the others is the frets. The MK-S and the KA-15S have brass frets, the KA-S has nickel frets, brass is softener than nickel, so the nickel frets will retain their shape longer.

Will brass frets be a problem, with the soft nylon strings? 

Probably not, but may want the better frets because they are a little better.

Strings

All of these now come with AQUILA strings

About the Aquila strings found on all three of these

The New Nylgut Series of ukulele strings by Aquila were developed by blending three different synthetic components to make a composite material that sounds better and stays in tune better than standard nylon strings, but with the feel and playability of genuine gut. 

An added feature of this exclusive composite material is that is was designed to absorb less moisture than other strings; which greatly improves intonation and tuning accuracy.

So, which uke do I get?

Decide what you'd like to invest in your first (or new) ukulele and pick one of these you'll be pleased.

The MK-S is what many teachers recommend for their students, but if you want something a little nicer and don't  mind investing a little bit more go for one of the others.

Conclusion: 


MK-S

Check pricing and availability: Makala MK-S Soprano Ukulele


KA-15S

Check pricing and availability: Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele


KA-S

Typically the best looking of the three with better wood, nickel frets and white binding.

Check pricing and availability: Kala KA-S Soprano Mahogany Ukulele

Take your pick and have fun!

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