Tie a red ribbon around the peghead and play a Christmas Carol. Looks like a Cheesy Christmas decoration. In fact after you play Deck The Halls. Afix it to the top of the tree.
I AM serious about my ukulele-playing. I play about 1 to 2 hours every day...this uke would probably not suit me, but as a wall hanger I would not mind a red sparkle Kala on the wall. To me ukuleles are also art. I have them instead of paintings and framed posters on the wall in my house. So there IS a good point in this uke 😊 Thank you so much for a good review! ❤
Nothing against ukes that make a visual statement - but they need to also play as musical instruments too for me. The two behind me in the video (aNueNue Color) are bold visual statements - but they are also superb sounding and playing instruments. Not a lot more money than this Kala either
Back in the day, when 'beginners' didn't have the choice that is available today, this instrument MAY have been passable. Now, when the choice is UNBELIEVABLE, this uke isn't at the races. Looks = whatever rows your boat, Build = £30 worth, sound = £50 worth. Not for Mr thanks! Thanks as ever Baz, wishing you and yours, a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas. Thanks for 2021 and hope to see you in 2022. 👍
As prices go, it could be a practical Christmas tree topper. A new uke player’s tradition for bringing it down throughout the Christmas season to play treeside carols. Maybe I’m talking myself into one.
My 5 year old just requested a gold ukulele for his 5th birthday. he likes playing my ka-eby Tenor. This happens to be the only gold ukulele I could find and for a 5 year old probably a bit expensive. That said it's now in my hands. Not something I would want but it will make his birthday.
It sure catches your eye, but not your ear. This would be a good minor upgrade for a beginner or a child, who might like the sparkle and not really care too much about the sound quality. I do agree that Kala is missing out by not having a gig bag/case come with it. It's something to consider when purchasing an instrument as it will add to the overall cost. This was a great, honest review. I have learned a lot from watching your videos over the years - especially about neck width (LOL) and it's one of the key features I look for when buying my next uke (there's always a next uke). Thanks again and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your entertaining and informative reviews, and helping to feed (and, probably more helpfully, control) my UAS! Not that the sparkly was ever tempting here but it's always fun to hear what you have to say. Have a nice Christmas and New Year!
Good review, as always. I have this already. I can't help it, I like bling-y ukuleles and colorful ukuleles. This one will be for "We Three Kings" and other holiday songs. 🙂 I didn't have a problem with action because I bought from a shop that does set-up as part of their service. Kalas *are* notorious for high action.
Thank you for your reviews and also the non-ukulele related videos, Baz. I've been enjoying your content very much and made some purchases based (partially) on your reviews. UAS 😄 Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
😸 definitely Elvis "Blue Christmas" for those performers out there. I must say I hate the square corners that Kala leave on the bridge & fingerboard side of the 'nut'😬😑🤔....that said, I love the solid spruce Kala I have, now that I've re- done all those sharp corners😎. Happy Christmas by the way 👍
In terms of striking instruments for a performance, I can’t help thinking this is the same price as the aNueNue UC10 (while they’re reduced at World of Ukes and the Southern Ukulele Store). Granted, not the same sort of striking, but I know which one I would choose.
Could not agree more - considered it apt that there were two on the sofa behind me! Yes - on current discounting near as dammit the same price. Totally different league to this Kala. Not on the same page. Kala - take note.
Spot on review! I do like a bit of echo...that might be due in part to my untrained ear. Kala's playability is their only hallmark of late; lots of bland sounds coming out of their mid range priced ukuleles, which is sad because my first uke was a Kala. Happy Holidays, and have a Merry Christmas ☀️🎄
Oh My Gawdiness! I think it’s perfect for Christmas time. After all, it’s the season for tacky! Kala really is slipping these days. This had me chuckling, Baz.
Kala is really starting to earn a reputation for less than stellar instruments and that is too bad. They are losing their position as a decent instrument and falling behind much of the competition. Someone there needs to wake up and do something about it! Thanks, Baz! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Oh boy … saw the sneak pre, heard the jingle 😄 … so sorry you had to go thru this, Baz … gosh, you had such a hard time 🙃 Ain‘t no glitz-guy myself, but, like you stressed several times, the thing … i mean, it does have its right to exist … cos: there‘s no business like show business! And frankly the sound isn‘t all that shitty, really! Still the question arises: KALA, where are you headed?? DANKE❣️& respect for 60 (!) reviews! A veRRy meRRy 🌟 ChristmasCuRRy 🎄fröm GermanY ✌🏻
Might look good hanging on the tree, but I'd avoid taking along when caroling. Spend the money on rum for your eggnog instead. Have a Merry and a Happy!
I'm not against the glittery finish, like you I can see it has a place. I just think it's a shame Kala seem to put more effort into "gimmicks" like this and the fruit inspired Ukes as opposed to actually making good, value for money instruments these days.
Wait...have I just noticed that you use different chord progressions (and tonal quality) at the start of the video depending on whether it's a hit or a miss?
@@bethmcmullan9872 Used to be less obvious with earlier videos when I used a guitar chord - but it was still a major chord versus a minor! To be honest, there haven't been that many this year that got a negative
First thought we’re oooh glitter. I actually like Kala. However, cheap cheap Chinese instrument with a Kala badge. Disappointing. Especially when you have 2 Anuenue c10 either side, behind you and where top uk stores have them for £119. Ooohps Kala. Thanks Baz great review.
I like glitter, but I think I would do better to buy a nicer instrument perhaps used, and refinish it myself. If you took the strings off a wooden uke you could prime it, paint it and then coat it in resin with glitter… just ensure proper drying times for spray paint and the right ratio and cure time for resin. Or it will be a gooey mess…and too heavy, not too much resin…
Great review! Horrendous sounding uke in this price range but they will probably sell dozens of thousands. Oh well, whatever attracts new players is actually good but…make an effort on finishing. Kala does have good models though. This one looks shitty. Merci
😂I liked your Walnut Ukulele better! To me this sounded boxy and the set up has notes going way off! Love the reviews but not this Uk… thanks my friend stay well have a great and blessed Christmas ….DOC
basswood is cheap, but mahogany is endangered. I cannot understand why we are still going goo goo ga ga over instruments, whatever they may be, that are still being made with wood from endangered trees. Acacia is a fast growing tree that is fantastic and bamboo is a great alternative. Lusting after these endangered hard woods, to me, is quite disturbing. Many are already extinct and they all will be soon one day if we don't stop being typical humans. We have to stop using the sentiment that ukuleles don't do any damage. Yes, they do! As long as us ukulele types continue to say it's OK, we are sending out a message to the rest of the world that it's ok to build things with endangered woods. We need to start demanding from makers and manufacturers the info on where their wood is sourced. But by all means, if you don't give a crap about your children or your children's children, continue on as you are.
Tell us what you REALLY think.. More seriously - I largely agree with you, but there are some important caveats. I dismissed basswood here because it sounds lousy - no other reason - but agreed, Kala could have gone with Bamboo or HPL (no wood at all). Actually they HAVE done the former. And in fact a lot of brands are moving to more sustainable stuff already, or at least planting to replace what they use. The bigger threat is not small ukes, but bulk items like furniture of course, but yes, ukes are in the mix. As for hog wood - actually the majority you see today is African mahogany, which isn't mahogany at all, but Khaya and plentiful. Also seeing a lot more Sapele and Okoume too which are similar. Brazilian mahogany has been banned for ages now. But I do agree and prefer sustainable stuff more myself. It's just that I think that swing is already happening. What I particularly like are luthiers re-using wood - I have a Brazilian Mahogany soprano made from old reclaimed wood that was once an old staircase!
@@GotAUkulele Thank you for understanding. And I know that ukes are not the bigger threat, but we can set an example, us uke players. We can also start buying used ukes and like you said, reclaimed wood as well. There's a good number of them out there. Blessings!
I agree that some brands (the pile em high merchants) don't give a damn, and equally neither do a lot of buyers. You make good points. But there are some great builders out there that are showing me they give a damn. Luthiers who only choose local woods that are a stones throw away type of people. They should be praised. That's harder if you are running a big commercial business, but many of those too seem to be awake to the problem. Kanile'a for example are famous for replanting Koa in Hawaii to try to put something back (and I suspect are replanting more than they have ever used themselves!)
As they say 'You can't polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter'😁 Surprised nobody else slipped that one in sooner.
Ha ha!!
Tie a red ribbon around the peghead and play a Christmas Carol. Looks like a Cheesy Christmas decoration. In fact after you play Deck The Halls. Afix it to the top of the tree.
Ha - yes - very much a decoration!
Actually sounded better than I expected
Has volume - but I find the tone extremely bland. Lack of sustain also means not much character.
@@GotAUkulele Certainly benefited from your style and expertise of play
"It kinda works as an instrument." LOL Thank you so much for the laughs! This would make a perfect Christmas decoration. Happy Holidays!!!
You are so welcome!
Happy Christmas Barry and thanks for your superb 59 reviews. Have a good one with your family.
Thanks very much Richard!
Baz may I wish you and yours all the best for the festive season.
And to you Mike. Thanks!
I AM serious about my ukulele-playing. I play about 1 to 2 hours every day...this uke would probably not suit me, but as a wall hanger I would not mind a red sparkle Kala on the wall. To me ukuleles are also art. I have them instead of paintings and framed posters on the wall in my house. So there IS a good point in this uke 😊
Thank you so much for a good review! ❤
Nothing against ukes that make a visual statement - but they need to also play as musical instruments too for me. The two behind me in the video (aNueNue Color) are bold visual statements - but they are also superb sounding and playing instruments. Not a lot more money than this Kala either
I'm with you Marie. Nothing nicer tan a wall full of interesting Ukulele's !
Back in the day, when 'beginners' didn't have the choice that is available today, this instrument MAY have been passable. Now, when the choice is UNBELIEVABLE, this uke isn't at the races. Looks = whatever rows your boat, Build = £30 worth, sound = £50 worth. Not for Mr thanks!
Thanks as ever Baz, wishing you and yours, a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas. Thanks for 2021 and hope to see you in 2022. 👍
Agreed Chris - and thanks - Happy Christmas to you too!
Merry Christmas my friend and a happy New year.
Same to you! Thank you!
Thanks for the festive looking uke. Maybe Kala will get with the times some day. Have a fantastic Christmas Baz!
Thanks very much Mark!
might be a good uke for Christmas caroling with 3-chord holiday songs!
As prices go, it could be a practical Christmas tree topper. A new uke player’s tradition for bringing it down throughout the Christmas season to play treeside carols. Maybe I’m talking myself into one.
It's certainly only a fun uke. Not a serious instrument
My 5 year old just requested a gold ukulele for his 5th birthday. he likes playing my ka-eby Tenor. This happens to be the only gold ukulele I could find and for a 5 year old probably a bit expensive. That said it's now in my hands. Not something I would want but it will make his birthday.
It sure catches your eye, but not your ear. This would be a good minor upgrade for a beginner or a child, who might like the sparkle and not really care too much about the sound quality. I do agree that Kala is missing out by not having a gig bag/case come with it. It's something to consider when purchasing an instrument as it will add to the overall cost. This was a great, honest review. I have learned a lot from watching your videos over the years - especially about neck width (LOL) and it's one of the key features I look for when buying my next uke (there's always a next uke). Thanks again and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!
Thanks David!
Thank you for your entertaining and informative reviews, and helping to feed (and, probably more helpfully, control) my UAS! Not that the sparkly was ever tempting here but it's always fun to hear what you have to say. Have a nice Christmas and New Year!
Thank you - happy to help! Merry Christmas!
Good review, as always. I have this already. I can't help it, I like bling-y ukuleles and colorful ukuleles. This one will be for "We Three Kings" and other holiday songs. 🙂 I didn't have a problem with action because I bought from a shop that does set-up as part of their service. Kalas *are* notorious for high action.
yep - fair enough - I appreciate many will like it - i'm just a boring guy!
@@GotAUkulele I seriously disagree about your being a boring guy. 😀
@@ctrymaus Ah, thanks!
I do enjoy your honest and subjective reviews. Merry Christmas Baz
Thank you - and same to you!
Thank you for your reviews and also the non-ukulele related videos, Baz. I've been enjoying your content very much and made some purchases based (partially) on your reviews. UAS 😄
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thanks very much - and to you too!
We both have sparkly Kala ukes! We love them 🙂
😸 definitely Elvis "Blue Christmas" for those performers out there. I must say I hate the square corners that Kala leave on the bridge & fingerboard side of the 'nut'😬😑🤔....that said, I love the solid spruce Kala I have, now that I've re- done all those sharp corners😎. Happy Christmas by the way 👍
Happy Christmas!
In terms of striking instruments for a performance, I can’t help thinking this is the same price as the aNueNue UC10 (while they’re reduced at World of Ukes and the Southern Ukulele Store). Granted, not the same sort of striking, but I know which one I would choose.
Could not agree more - considered it apt that there were two on the sofa behind me! Yes - on current discounting near as dammit the same price. Totally different league to this Kala. Not on the same page. Kala - take note.
Fun review!
Thanks!
Oh yeah, happy holidays Baz!
And to you!
P.S. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
And to you!
@@GotAUkulele Thanks!
Best Wishes for Christmas, Baz , stay safe
Thanks Alan - and you.
Spot on review! I do like a bit of echo...that might be due in part to my untrained ear. Kala's playability is their only hallmark of late; lots of bland sounds coming out of their mid range priced ukuleles, which is sad because my first uke was a Kala. Happy Holidays, and have a Merry Christmas ☀️🎄
Yep - one of my first was a Kala too - think they've lost their way
Oh My Gawdiness! I think it’s perfect for Christmas time. After all, it’s the season for tacky! Kala really is slipping these days.
This had me chuckling, Baz.
Thanks Nickie!
Kala is really starting to earn a reputation for less than stellar instruments and that is too bad. They are losing their position as a decent instrument and falling behind much of the competition. Someone there needs to wake up and do something about it! Thanks, Baz! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Totally agree Chuck - Merry Christmas to you too!
Thanks!
very kind - thank you Steve!
Oh boy … saw the sneak pre, heard the jingle 😄 … so sorry you had to go thru this, Baz … gosh, you had such a hard time 🙃
Ain‘t no glitz-guy myself, but, like you stressed several times, the thing … i mean, it does have its right to exist … cos: there‘s no business like show business! And frankly the sound isn‘t all that shitty, really! Still the question arises: KALA, where are you headed??
DANKE❣️& respect for 60 (!) reviews!
A veRRy meRRy 🌟 ChristmasCuRRy 🎄fröm GermanY ✌🏻
Thanks my friend - have a great Christmas!
Merry Christmas Baz. Thanks for the year of reviews. The Bonanza Ranchand was definitely my pick of this year's crop.
Same to you!
I’ve seen the “Johnny Cash” now I’ve seen the “Liberace”!😂
Ha ha!
Might look good hanging on the tree, but I'd avoid taking along when caroling. Spend the money on rum for your eggnog instead. Have a Merry and a Happy!
ha ha - yes!
Can you review kalas cigar box uke? You are very thorough and I appreciate it :)
Will see if I can get hold of one!
@@GotAUkulele thank you 🙏🏼❤️, I will be awaiting your review!!! (If you can)
I'm not against the glittery finish, like you I can see it has a place. I just think it's a shame Kala seem to put more effort into "gimmicks" like this and the fruit inspired Ukes as opposed to actually making good, value for money instruments these days.
yep - their lineup of late has all been very flat I think.
They remind me of Luna and Fender…..
I LOVE this look! It's gorgeous!
Yep - really quite lazy the finish here.
'Elvis!' was my first thought when I saw that uke. Disappointing workmanship, Kala seems to be falling behind other makers. Great review!
Me too! Thanks Ivan!
Good review, it's not for me but good review 👍.
Me neither!
The melody in the intro is an indication of whether the ukulele is good or not, right? 😅
it is - it used to be much more subtle, but even the earlier videos with the electric guitar opening - one was a major chord, one was a minor!
Wait...have I just noticed that you use different chord progressions (and tonal quality) at the start of the video depending on whether it's a hit or a miss?
Yup!
@@GotAUkulele brilliant! Can't believe it's taken me this long to notice 😂
@@bethmcmullan9872 Used to be less obvious with earlier videos when I used a guitar chord - but it was still a major chord versus a minor! To be honest, there haven't been that many this year that got a negative
Woah
Need to wear an ugly Christmas sweater when playing that thing! 🤣🤣🤣
Ha ha!
First thought we’re oooh glitter. I actually like Kala. However, cheap cheap Chinese instrument with a Kala badge. Disappointing. Especially when you have 2 Anuenue c10 either side, behind you and where top uk stores have them for £119. Ooohps Kala. Thanks Baz great review.
I totally agree! If you can get an aNueNue color for £119 and this is £110 - total no-brainer!
I like glitter, but I think I would do better to buy a nicer instrument perhaps used, and refinish it myself. If you took the strings off a wooden uke you could prime it, paint it and then coat it in resin with glitter… just ensure proper drying times for spray paint and the right ratio and cure time for resin. Or it will be a gooey mess…and too heavy, not too much resin…
Agreed - this isn't well done
That sound feels so muted, which is a shame for such a beautiful ukulele.
Exactly that
Great review! Horrendous sounding uke in this price range but they will probably sell dozens of thousands. Oh well, whatever attracts new players is actually good but…make an effort on finishing. Kala does have good models though. This one looks shitty. Merci
Lovely review. Hate the instrument. Have a wonderful Christmas, Barry!
And you Tom - thanks!
Glam and glitter great for gigs but poor quality control plus lack of gig bag is a let down
Quite agree Alan.
I wouldn’t even gig with it, Alan. Glitz is not what our band is about.
That seems like way too much for that sort of finish quality.
Yep - final QC on this example not good.
😂I liked your Walnut Ukulele better! To me this sounded boxy and the set up has notes going way off! Love the reviews but not this Uk… thanks my friend stay well have a great and blessed Christmas ….DOC
Thanks Doc - and you!
All fur coat & no knickers. Not their finest. In an ever more crowed marketplace they are getting left behind.
Totally agree Joe
I find it funny that my 25 quid kmise from 2018 sounds better than this .. xD This should be hung up high somewhere.. QUITE a pricy decoration really.
Style over substance, this ukulele. Sounds bad. It's quite honestly a little sad to look at Kala's recent limp attempts to stay relevant.
Yep - been rapidly overtaken by several other brands I think
basswood is cheap, but mahogany is endangered. I cannot understand why we are still going goo goo ga ga over instruments, whatever they may be, that are still being made with wood from endangered trees. Acacia is a fast growing tree that is fantastic and bamboo is a great alternative. Lusting after these endangered hard woods, to me, is quite disturbing. Many are already extinct and they all will be soon one day if we don't stop being typical humans. We have to stop using the sentiment that ukuleles don't do any damage. Yes, they do! As long as us ukulele types continue to say it's OK, we are sending out a message to the rest of the world that it's ok to build things with endangered woods. We need to start demanding from makers and manufacturers the info on where their wood is sourced. But by all means, if you don't give a crap about your children or your children's children, continue on as you are.
Tell us what you REALLY think..
More seriously - I largely agree with you, but there are some important caveats.
I dismissed basswood here because it sounds lousy - no other reason - but agreed, Kala could have gone with Bamboo or HPL (no wood at all). Actually they HAVE done the former.
And in fact a lot of brands are moving to more sustainable stuff already, or at least planting to replace what they use. The bigger threat is not small ukes, but bulk items like furniture of course, but yes, ukes are in the mix.
As for hog wood - actually the majority you see today is African mahogany, which isn't mahogany at all, but Khaya and plentiful. Also seeing a lot more Sapele and Okoume too which are similar. Brazilian mahogany has been banned for ages now.
But I do agree and prefer sustainable stuff more myself. It's just that I think that swing is already happening.
What I particularly like are luthiers re-using wood - I have a Brazilian Mahogany soprano made from old reclaimed wood that was once an old staircase!
@@GotAUkulele Thank you for understanding. And I know that ukes are not the bigger threat, but we can set an example, us uke players. We can also start buying used ukes and like you said, reclaimed wood as well. There's a good number of them out there. Blessings!
I agree that some brands (the pile em high merchants) don't give a damn, and equally neither do a lot of buyers. You make good points. But there are some great builders out there that are showing me they give a damn. Luthiers who only choose local woods that are a stones throw away type of people. They should be praised.
That's harder if you are running a big commercial business, but many of those too seem to be awake to the problem. Kanile'a for example are famous for replanting Koa in Hawaii to try to put something back (and I suspect are replanting more than they have ever used themselves!)
'Orrible
Ha ha!