I only got this bundle because it was cheaper than buying the uke and case separately. I learned uke on my own before buying this, so I will not be reviewing the instructional DVD. I will focus my review specifically on the uke itself as the tuner and case both seem to be of good quality, and the uke is the main point of this whole thing anyway.
The uke has a nice moderately warm low end with slightly bright treble. The main problems I've noticed in other low end ukes are 1) the low end can be almost nonexistent 2) the machine heads (tuning pegs) and 3) the build quality is usually really poor and feels like it won't last more than a few years. This uke has none of those problems. 1) It has great tone from the low to the high ends. 2) The machine heads keep the strings in tune pretty well, though they're no Grovers (which can easily cost as much as this entire instrument). 3) The build quality seems good and unless I get rich this is the one I expect I'll have for years to come.
Two points of very modest criticism:
- The intonation is *slightly* off. My tuner (not the one that comes with this bundle) showed the 12th fret to be off by a few Hz, but it's not terribly noticeable to the ear. This may be fixable if you have a luthier adjust the saddle, but that would probably cost just as much as the uke itself, so don't do that.
- As seems to be standard on many ukes, it has no strap button. This is easily remedied, however. Strap buttons are cheap and easy to install. This almost isn't a criticism though, as soprano ukes are lightweight enough that it's usually easy to hold them while playing at the same time, and if you're sitting there's no problem whatsoever.
Lastly, when buying a ukulele or any stringed instrument, please ignore the strings it comes with. When I bought this uke a lot of people seemed to be fixated on the Aquila strings. And, while they're great strings that will make a world of difference and you should definitely get them if you don't have them (or a different preference), that's the absolute easiest thing to replace on any instrument and you're going to have to eventually anyway even if it just sits in your closet as another forgotten hobby. As someone who's been playing stringed instruments for ten years or more I couldn't care less about what strings an instrument comes with and neither should you.
Kala KA-20S Burled Meranti Soprano Ukulele Bundle with Hard Case, Tuner, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth
4.7 | 1,403 ratings
Price: 79.99
Last update: 08-17-2024
About this item
A NEW STANDARD: Kala KA-20S Burled Meranti Soprano Ukulele - A new standard in entry-level ukuleles
CLASSY LOOK: Top, body, and neck built from handsome satin-finished burled meranti wood
IMPECCABLE SOUND: Soprano size delivers a classic island sound with percussive treble and glittering overtones
SUPERIOR SUSTAIN & INTONATION: GraphTech TUSQ nut and saddle yield superior sustain and vibrational transfer. Open-gear tuners ensure reliable intonation. Comes strung with long-lasting, easy-playing Aquila Super Nylgut strings
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE BOX: A premium Gearlux case is included so you can keep your instrument safe when you're on the go. The included clip-on tuner is easy to use and delivers reliable performance. Our exclusive Austin Bazaar instructional DVD provides the guidance you need as you learn your new instrument. Keep your instrument in mint condition with the included polishing cloth.
CLASSY LOOK: Top, body, and neck built from handsome satin-finished burled meranti wood
IMPECCABLE SOUND: Soprano size delivers a classic island sound with percussive treble and glittering overtones
SUPERIOR SUSTAIN & INTONATION: GraphTech TUSQ nut and saddle yield superior sustain and vibrational transfer. Open-gear tuners ensure reliable intonation. Comes strung with long-lasting, easy-playing Aquila Super Nylgut strings
EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE BOX: A premium Gearlux case is included so you can keep your instrument safe when you're on the go. The included clip-on tuner is easy to use and delivers reliable performance. Our exclusive Austin Bazaar instructional DVD provides the guidance you need as you learn your new instrument. Keep your instrument in mint condition with the included polishing cloth.
Product information
| Item Weight | 1.45 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 8.5 x 22 x 3 inches |
| ASIN | B0BDF7QMP4 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
1,403 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,669 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #34 in Ukuleles (Musical Instruments) |
| Date First Available | September 7, 2022 |
| Back Material | Burled Meranti |
| Body Material | Burled Meranti |
| Color Name | KA-20S Soprano |
| Fretboard Material | Indonesian Nandu |
| Top Material | Burled Meranti |
| Neck Material Type | Burled Meranti |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed Bridge |
| Size | Bundle w/ Hard Case |
Top reviews from the United States
Heirloom
Great Quality Low End Uke
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2016Pops
Very pleased with this gorgeous set!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
Amazon Customer
Perfect starter uke with incredible intonation!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2018
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2018
The long review: I did a lot of research before buying this ukulele. (I should perhaps say that while I have experience with string instruments, this is my first ukulele.) I knew going in that it was a gamble to order online. However, as soon as I held this in my hands, I was so impressed. Sharp fret edges? NOPE! Buzzing when strumming? NOPE!
Once I got the strings tuned (the included tuner is awesome, btw), they held their tune so much better than I anticipated. I've had the instrument for almost a month and I've tuned the C string exactly twice. And I've played the uke every day, checked the strings every day. Coming from a violin background I fully expected to have to tune every time, but no. Mainly the bottom strings (E and A) needed a tiny bit of tuning each time, but now they all hold their tune. Can't say enough good things about the intonation. The tone of the instrument, too, is really wonderful. I suppose it probably sounds like a typical concert. But I don't think you'll be disappointed in the sound. It feels open and bright without being loud, and I wouldn't call it mellow or twangy (like a soprano); it really sits somewhere in the middle.
As far as the action goes, it feels good to me. I play guitar, but I'm not an expert so I don't really know the difference in how action feels. But it is easy to press the strings down and, like I said, no buzzing.
This isn't really a complaint, just a comment. The uke I received looks like the picture on the Amazon listing. It doesn't look like the other pictures people posted. My uke is very, very dark red-brown, only really showing red in the sun. The fretboard and bridge are very light and I think the contrast looks great. Anyway, if you would prefer the more traditional dark fretboard/light body, then this might not be the instrument for you.
This uke does have side fret markers. It sits very comfortably in my arms although I'm still learning how to hold it. It does feel a bit top-heavy, as in the neck is heavier than the body. The included soft case isn't really worth discussion. It's basically a dust cover. I bought a better bag on Amazon. But the other accessories, especially the tuner and cleaning cloth, are great.
I guess the only way to end this review is to say, what are you waiting for??
Images in this review
