My first ukulele, a Kala model KA-S soprano ukulele. The body is constructed of mahogany laminate. These instruments sound surprisingly good for an under $100 ukulele and are a good choice for the beginner. The ukulele was inscribed “Aloha! Jake” by Jake Shimabukuro (see below for a photo of Jake), one of the most talented and influential artists of today.
Label for the Kala KA-S ukulele.
Sound sample for the Kala soprano ukulele (.m4a format). Same mix as for the Lanikai: gCEA tuning, a portion of Pachelbel’s Canon in D (transposed to C), and a portion of the intro to Iz Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of Over the Rainbow.
Mike and Jake Shimabukuro after Jake’s concert at the Stargazers Theatre in Colorado Springs. The Kala ukulele that Jake signed is in my right hand.