*Update 4.12.16*
Well, it's nearly a year since I first started practicing (on and off! YIKES!) and I still love this Shark NKA "Bacon."
It took a week or 2 for this uke to keep it's tune, but now, I can go several weeks without playing her and she'll still be - for the most part - in tune. At the most, a slight turn of a tuner or 2.
I read a couple reviews here that say it's wood. IT IS NOT WOOD. The fretboard is... maybe the neck. but the body is a resin/plastic mold. Which would explain why the sound is so bright. Now that I have something to compare it to (my Lanikai named King) I've come across some distinguishing factors. For one - the sound.
Like i said, it's very "Bright" sounding, if you will. It projects sound very well.
The strings are awesome to me - then again, both my ukes have aquila strings and I'm happy with that.
It comes in all kinds of colors. I love that they have fun colors and designs
Quality, not just affordability - I did research on price points and quality before I chose this uke. Being that I was starting on a whim, I didn't want to fork over a whole lot of money on a ukulele that in a month or so may lose interest in. I am still pleasantly surprised at the quality of this uke. I'm sure a very seasoned ukeleleist (if there is such a word) may disagree, but as an adult beginner, this was the best purchase I believe I made. I've since moved on from this uke, but time and again, I come back to it. Especially when I'm learning a new song that's litter harder for me to work with. It just seems that I can play around a tune easier on Bacon.
Anyhow, After almost a year later, I still highly recommend this and believe this is a great quality uke to start off with. You won't have to spring for new strings as it comes with Aquila ones. Just remember, as with any new instrument, it takes some time to break it in and mold to how you play it.
UPDATE:
I've been practicing the uke off and on now for about a month. I'd say within a few days of constantly tuning it, It pretty much has stayed in tune. I only have to make slight adjustments every so often. To me the sound is amazing, but I don't have a comparison for it. It doesn't feel cheap "plastic-y." Definitely a great starter uke for all.
So far this is JUST based on first impressions. I can't actually try it out until I get home... BUT - it's got a beautiful sound - deep and wide - not toy, like. The strings are white Aquila strings so I didn't have to purchase any to swap out. :) The uke's green color is quite deeper than the "sea foam" green it appears as online. This particular item comes with a dust jacket (same material as a LV purse dust jacket) I think people are assuming it comes with an actual nylon/polyester case and it's not.
So far so good. I'll update this as soon as I get home to try it out!
Makala Mako Blue Shark Soprano Ukulele by Kala (MK-SS/BLU)
4.6 | 873 ratings
Price: 59
Last update: 07-05-2024
About this item
The Makala Series is part of the entry-level line of ukulele by Kala and are built with the same high-quality Kala construction
Kala ukuleles are the instrument of choice for schools - more people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
Quality-construction, fun design and an affordable price make the Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele a great gift for children and adults
Features a Mahogany Neck, Walnut Fingerboard and Shark-Shaped Bridge, Geared Tuners and Aquila Super Nylgut Strings from Italy
Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
SOPRANO UKULELE – This is the most common size of ukulele, and the smallest, with the shortest scale length and tightest fret spacing – tuned G C E A
Kala ukuleles are the instrument of choice for schools - more people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
Quality-construction, fun design and an affordable price make the Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele a great gift for children and adults
Features a Mahogany Neck, Walnut Fingerboard and Shark-Shaped Bridge, Geared Tuners and Aquila Super Nylgut Strings from Italy
Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
SOPRANO UKULELE – This is the most common size of ukulele, and the smallest, with the shortest scale length and tightest fret spacing – tuned G C E A
Product information
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 21.06 x 7 x 2.37 inches |
| ASIN | B00FW7508S |
| Item model number | MK-SS/BLU |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
873 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #9,227 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #54 in Ukuleles (Musical Instruments) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 14, 2013 |
| Back Material | Composite |
| Body Material | Composite |
| Color Name | Blue |
| Fretboard Material | Walnut |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | Saddle Piezo |
| Scale Length | 13.625 |
| String Gauge | Light |
| String Material | Nylon |
| Top Material | Kauri |
| Neck Material Type | Mahogany |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed Bridge |
| Material Type | Kauri |
| Instrument Key | c |
| Size | 0 |
| Proficiency Level | All |
Top reviews from the United States
Chica
FAST SHIPPING, PRETTY SOUND, COOL COLOR & AQUILA STRINGS :)
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015
Chica
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015
Well, it's nearly a year since I first started practicing (on and off! YIKES!) and I still love this Shark NKA "Bacon."
It took a week or 2 for this uke to keep it's tune, but now, I can go several weeks without playing her and she'll still be - for the most part - in tune. At the most, a slight turn of a tuner or 2.
I read a couple reviews here that say it's wood. IT IS NOT WOOD. The fretboard is... maybe the neck. but the body is a resin/plastic mold. Which would explain why the sound is so bright. Now that I have something to compare it to (my Lanikai named King) I've come across some distinguishing factors. For one - the sound.
Like i said, it's very "Bright" sounding, if you will. It projects sound very well.
The strings are awesome to me - then again, both my ukes have aquila strings and I'm happy with that.
It comes in all kinds of colors. I love that they have fun colors and designs
Quality, not just affordability - I did research on price points and quality before I chose this uke. Being that I was starting on a whim, I didn't want to fork over a whole lot of money on a ukulele that in a month or so may lose interest in. I am still pleasantly surprised at the quality of this uke. I'm sure a very seasoned ukeleleist (if there is such a word) may disagree, but as an adult beginner, this was the best purchase I believe I made. I've since moved on from this uke, but time and again, I come back to it. Especially when I'm learning a new song that's litter harder for me to work with. It just seems that I can play around a tune easier on Bacon.
Anyhow, After almost a year later, I still highly recommend this and believe this is a great quality uke to start off with. You won't have to spring for new strings as it comes with Aquila ones. Just remember, as with any new instrument, it takes some time to break it in and mold to how you play it.
UPDATE:
I've been practicing the uke off and on now for about a month. I'd say within a few days of constantly tuning it, It pretty much has stayed in tune. I only have to make slight adjustments every so often. To me the sound is amazing, but I don't have a comparison for it. It doesn't feel cheap "plastic-y." Definitely a great starter uke for all.
So far this is JUST based on first impressions. I can't actually try it out until I get home... BUT - it's got a beautiful sound - deep and wide - not toy, like. The strings are white Aquila strings so I didn't have to purchase any to swap out. :) The uke's green color is quite deeper than the "sea foam" green it appears as online. This particular item comes with a dust jacket (same material as a LV purse dust jacket) I think people are assuming it comes with an actual nylon/polyester case and it's not.
So far so good. I'll update this as soon as I get home to try it out!
Images in this review
anj emm
Sounds lovely, easy to play.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2022Megan
Fantastic ukulele, and so fun to play
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2015