Baritone Comparison- Makala and Mahalo

[@NoelSquitieri]

This comparison has been invaluable to me. I developed severe neuropathy in my left hand last year after my Stem Cell Transplant, to where I can no longer successfully play rhythm guitar on my 6-strings. So I bought a 4-string Eastwood Tenorcaster which is tuned D-G-B-E, and that has worked quite well. But I am incapable of switching between my 6-string electric for lead guitar and my Tenorcaster for rhythm on my own. BUT I can keep a baritone ukulele on the chair in front of me to take a break and get in some rhythm practice until someone can switch my electric guitars. I was going to settle for the least expensive Makala until I watched this video. When the time comes, I will call Shenandoah Music and order this Mahalo baritone, have them put better strings on it and strap lock buttons, and perform a complete setup before shipping it to me. It will be worth far more to me than the small uptick in cost to have all this done before the uke arrives so I can hit the ground running. Thank you very much!

[@VicSchmeltz]

Glad it was helpful. Brian will be doing the setup which will make the uke play like butter. Enjoy!

[@NoelSquitieri]

@@VicSchmeltz I spoke with Brian this morning. He's getting the Mahalo baritone uke for me. They don't carry Living Water strings so he's ordering two low-D sets for me and will string the Mahala with one set and do a complete setup. He'll send the second set as a spare. Neither of us liked the idea of drilling the uke to install strap lock buttons. They carry ukulele straps which hang ukes from the sound hole. I already have one and it's very convenient. I use mine on a classical guitar of all things. So he's including one with my order. As these are always in stock, I think you might want to check them out the next time you visit. No more playing ukes or classical guitars without straps. Anyway, thank you again for pointing me in the right direction. I'm deeply grateful!

[@eziosanci]

Ciao Vic, I love Kala brand and got a solid acacia tenor ukulele, but Mahalo is a very interesting brand and it's available here in Italy. I like your way of talking about musical iinstruments. Appearance: I prefer the Mahalo Sound: I prefer the deeper sound of Makala.

[@VicSchmeltz]

Thanks!

[@stevenfowler5190]

I liked the sound of the Mahalo better. I thought it was a little brighter and notes very clear.

[@VicSchmeltz]

I agree. Good ear Steven.

[@lynngriffin7558]

I like the deep tone of the Makala and the little bit brighter tone of the Mahalo. They definitely have different voices. Like sound of both.

[@VicSchmeltz]

My thoughts exactly!

[@MyFathersSon-e4w]

Great video! What is the model number for each of these ukuleles? Thank You!

[@VicSchmeltz]

The Makala is a MK-B and the Mahalo is a MA4KA. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@stoneyrunva]

Both sounded muddy/muffled. Could be the internet. KMISE solid spruce top baritone (with truss rod) for about $90 will bark with a set of martin 630 strings.

[@VicSchmeltz]

Thanks!