Kala Curly Mango KA-MC Ukulele
Mango has become increasingly popular as a wood for ukuleles recently. This has a great deal to do with its striking looks (not dissimilar to koa). The curly mango range is Kala‘s contribution to this trend.
On Video
theguitarjunky demonstrates a KA-MC.
On eBay
On eBay UK
Specifications
Size: Concert
Construction: Curly Hawaiian Mango (laminated) top, back & sides
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 18
Bridge: Rosewood
Neck: Solid Mahogany
Tuners: Quality Sealed-Geared Tuners with Amber Buttons
Finish: Gloss
Binding: Mahogany
3 Comments
I bought a KA-MC recently which is my 3rd ukulele, but my first medium-level ukulele. I cannot comment on value because I bought mine secondhand for pretty cheap.
The ukulele has a laminated mango top with a gemstone soundhole inlay.
Despite being a called a curly mango ukulele, the wood pattern does not show a lot of curling (at least in mine).
However, despite all these cosmetic letdowns I was blown away by the sound. Now, I know most ukulele buyers are proud of their instruments and tend to use exaggerate, but this ukulele sounded much better than many other more expensive ones.
I live in Hawaii and am lucky enough to try out a lot of different ukuleles in different stores and classmates’ in my ukulele class.
While my Leolani entry-level ukuleles sound brighter, my Kala KA-MC gets a much cleaner sound. Notes hold longer, and volume is about on par with my Leolani tenor.
I’ve tested out some new Kanilea and Kamaka solid koa ukuleles, and I would argue that this ukulele holds it own. However, this Kala cannot compete in sound quality with some of the aged Kamakas my classmates are using, but that should be no surprise.
That being said, I expect this ukulele will be my last acquisition for a very long time.
I’ve had my Kala KA-MC for about six years. All this time I thought it was a soprano! It’s the best-sounding and playing of all three of my ukes and it’s pretty to look at. I bought it new from eBay for about $220 (US); it’s a great value! It has a nice resonance and the classic ukulele tone that seems to embrace you. The sound is not as mellow as I’d like but not too crisp either. I expect it’ll mellow over time. I’d totally buy another Kala uke, maybe an actual soprano this time!
Kala KA-MC Curly Mango Concert Ukulele where has made?
Got something to say?