Ukuleles at NAMM 2017: Kala, Martin, Ohana, RISA

The music instrument industry had its big shindig recently and there were plenty of new ukuleles being shown off.

– Kala have gone all out on visual impact with the parquet flooring ukulele and the Kala Salt & Pepper Dog Hair Mahogany. They’ve also taken their bass ukes to the next stage with a one string bass for beginners.

A photo posted by Sam Ash Music (@samashmusic) on

– Martin are celebrating their ukulele centennial with limited edition Style 1 and Style 3 ukes. You can find out all the details at Ukulele Mag.

– If the original is a bit out of your price range, Ohana have launched their 39 series ukulele inspired by Martin’s 3M.

RISA’s Strat and Tele style electric ukuleles.

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5 Comments

  1. Kyle James Frazer February 3rd, 2017 4:26 pm

    That Kala patchwork is just pure porn.

    Regarding the Martins, I’d recommend Ken Timms through eBay every time. They look like a Martin, feel like a Martin and sound like a Martin, but the price is just £320. Quite possibly the best uke I’ve ever owned, and it’s taken a beating over the years.

  2. Glenn February 3rd, 2017 4:37 pm

    I had a brief obsession with the Kala Doghair when the ads came out recently. The ads made them look like they had an open grain texture, so as soon as I found out they had a glassy gloss finish, I got over it – not at all what I imagined.
    Wish there was an Ohana dealer nearby. Definitely would like to try some of their sopranos.

  3. Woodshed February 3rd, 2017 11:40 pm

    Kyle: Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check them out.

    Glenn: I’ve been considering getting a new Ohana since my old one is decidedly beaten up.

  4. Steven Crounse February 4th, 2017 3:41 pm

    Sorry, The Kala may have a decent sound, But the Visual to me looks like they have found a way to utilize the scrap wood from the floor sweeper. Hope that is reflected in their pricing. Just my Humble opinion.

  5. Woodshed February 5th, 2017 7:42 pm

    Steven: As I understand it they’re using offcuts from other ukes. Which just seems smart to me.

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