Got A Ukulele Reviews - Kala KA-BMB-C Concert

[@kennethmiller1841]

I recently purchased a Kala Bamboo Concert uke, and I love it! I enjoy the bright bell-like tone, and the sustain. I also like the plain look. The blonde color of the bamboo is very attractive, with the subtle black hardware, nut, saddle, etc. being in black adding a nice visual touch (the "no name" tuners appear to be pretty decent). The fit and finish is very nice as well. When I picked this uke up to give it a try I was pleased with the action. The neck is a good fit for my hands, and I found it very easy to play. Perhaps one of the reasons I took the ukulele home was the distinct tonal difference it has with my other ukes, both being mahogany (a tenor and a pineapple soprano.) I have to admit that I find myself wondering if this "solid" bamboo uke's sound will mature in time, as is the case with solid wood string instruments in general. If the sound does change, however, I will be disappointed if it loses its wonderful ringing bell-like sound. I see that many have commented on the price; and I agree. I paid $135 for mine, and think it stands up in fit, finish and sound with ukuleles costing much more. I imagine that not including a gig bag may be a way that Kala can keep this uke so attractively priced, but to be honest if they charged $50 more, and threw in a bag, I probably still would have bought it.

[@always_pickin3565]

Has yours opened up any has the sound changed any…I love the sound of it…this will probably be what I get for my first ukulele.

[@chuckvt5196]

Great review, Baz! I think she looks great, and sounds good especially for the price! Cheap enough to add to anyone's stable on a whim!

[@GotAUkulele]

thanks Chuck!

[@jamesdoherty2614]

A great idea for sustainable living/playing. Thank you for the video, great content as usual.

[@GotAUkulele]

Many thanks!

[@suziofftheplanet977]

Sounds lovely strummed, very evenly toned. Normally I’d be tempted for that price but in love with my Pono ULN 4 -1 😍

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair enough!

[@phreddcatt]

Thanks, Baz! That was awesome!

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad you liked it!

[@ChrisSirico]

Just getting into the hobby and very grateful for your reviews! Thanks so much, Barry

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@guitarzandcadillacs5109]

played this model at a local store here in texas and quite liked it. your review confirms what i thought. might have to go back and get it.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@ukeplayalongs]

Another great review. The term “marmite” is new to me and had to look it up (the danger of being American and having our own version of the language). I’m going to have to buy one of these eventually and do a head-to-head with the Aklot. Thanks for covering this one. As always, l’m looking forward to what you bring next week.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Chris!

[@bobsimon7780]

Dear Baz, I bought a tenor version of this bamboo ukulele after watching your review. Part of my motivation was your positive comments about it the other half was probably just a sheer beauty of it in real life. I'm so glad that I bought it it's become my favorite ukulele in my collection. It is easy to play, has a beautiful tone. Want to string is plucked, this the sustain goes on and on and on. Each note has a beautiful bell like quality. It plays and sounds like an instrument two to three times the price. I think this may be one of the best values on the ukulele market. Anyone interested in getting a fabulous uke with gorgeous sound and impeccable playability at a great price, should really go to their music store and try one of these. I think everyone should own one.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - these are a nice series

[@Kie77]

Thanks for the review. I'm on the waiting list for one of these at the Southern Ukulele store. Seems like there are none left in the UK right now. I love the look of them and the fact they're from a sustainable source and a bit different. Black strings would look awesome on this. Thanks again

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks! Speaking to SUS - I think they sold out of their allocation pretty quick!

[@tylerrjoseph]

I'm about to purchase this uke from the same site (they only have a few left so I will need to be quick), how are you getting on with this uke?

[@bernardinelermite1133]

I've bought this to be my outdoor ukulele, and it is absolutely great for that ! Amazingly sturdy, stable to temperature and hygrometry variations, and with a very smooth surface with a nice satin touch and comfortable almost rounded edges. It's not the greatest sounding instrument though : too bright, rather loud and lacking complexity, but there is nevertheless a little "organic" thing in the sound that you don't get with plastic. A perfect uke to play in the wild ! I put Fremont Black Line low-G black strings on it and it looks almost elegant with them, plus the low-G tames the brightness a bit. The only weak point are the tuners (they turn empty or grasp) but as you say they do the job.

[@spaztekwarrior]

I kind of like the look of this ukulele and don’t mind the ‘plain’ colour scheme. I also like the fact that it is all bamboo. I agree that the occasional smattering of black, like on the tuner buttons, looks cool. I quite like the sound !

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - good score for sure

[@TheEarGuy]

Great review as always. Thank you. I have one of those cheap Alic bowl-back ukes with a solid bamboo top. Appalling finishing but it sounds good for what it is. I might have to put this Kala on my Christmas list. Keep it up :)

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@Ijcarter1962]

Great review! I like the clean look of the bamboo.

[@GotAUkulele]

Me too!

[@dieabm]

Danke!

[@GotAUkulele]

Bitte!

[@UkuleleGo]

Recently found myself in possession of a voucher for Duke of Uke, I think it's either this or an Islander (concert). Only issue with the Islanders is Brexit seems to have had a major impact on stock.

[@Srcsqwrn]

Thank you for another great review! This ukulele sounds pretty great, and that's a decent price point! I really like how it looks, but I do agree that it should have something around the sound hole.

[@GotAUkulele]

I totally agree!

[@rehamkcirtap]

I've got a bamboo baritone en route. After I get to know ill share a review on your Facebook page.

[@kerasine]

Great review! I bought the concert model myself ($120) and received it middle of last week. I've spent a little time with it every day and am enjoying the sound and feel. It is very comfortable and it doesn't take much to break the strings in and get them stable. I have some Aquila Lava string that on hand that I may try out. I think the color of the lava strings would look great on this uke. Or maybe the Ernie Ball black nylons. Either way, I think it is a rock solid ukulele. This my second uke and well worth the money in my opinion. Keep the great videos coming!

[@GotAUkulele]

Enjoy it, and thanks!

[@JayNewberyy]

Surprised the strings aren’t black too!

[@GotAUkulele]

Good point - would look great!!

[@tammichenard1024]

@@GotAUkulele I've got black lava strings on my lanikai...they sound and look awesome!

[@always_pickin3565]

I’m actually going to get this bamboo one for my first ukulele and put the black lava strings on it!

[@stevesstrings5243]

Nice. I have an Aklot bamboo ukulele. It is one of my favorites. This Kala is almost identical.

[@GotAUkulele]

Not a fan of the Aklot brand myself, but yes - very similar indeed. I suppose bamboo is bamboo is bamboo! Prefer the black appointments throughout on the Kala.

[@stevesstrings5243]

The black appointments are definitely an improvement.

[@handle1974]

It's identical because as many from far east are made in the same factories. Do you know Ohana,Mahilele and Mainland are made in the same factory? Yes,that's it.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@handle1974 Yep

[@stevesstrings5243]

I suspected as much.

[@partyontheobjective]

A buddy on Ukulele Lounge came up with a fantastic way to describe the construction of a bamboo ukulele. It's not laminate. It's "tiled". :-D

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep!

[@cazhowe737]

🤣 I like the old bamboo! Great review 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks! 👍

[@bigalandann]

I've just fitted Anuenue Dark Water black strings to one of my ukes. I reckon they'd look stunning against that background of bamboo.

[@GotAUkulele]

I'd agree!

[@vickijohnson3551]

very yseful in helping me get a decent concert uke/ I have endere up with the kala bamboo which is a good upgrade for a beginner, I started with a brunswick soprano and for a cheapo itwas a greay very sweet sound for a beginner , would heartily recommend

[@ChrisOttoMusic]

I like the look, and the concept. Maybe some black edge binding would set it off, but Jay's suggestion of black string would too. I like that the neck is bamboo also, anything to get away from using the endangered, exotic woods. Don't think I would be crazy about the bright tone. Thanks for the review.

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@cmsdengl]

I'd also agree its not a "laminate". Bamboo is an engineered "wood" which can be woven in different ways. Bamboo flooring is strand woven, and my circular saw can testify that its very hard :-)

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep!

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Would love to see you do a review of the baritone model of this. Thx

[@GotAUkulele]

Will see if I can find one

[@pacocowell1232]

thanks for the good explaination of "solid"

[@GotAUkulele]

My pleasure!

[@yutakoh]

But can I have your hat or your bumbershoot? 😉 Great opening to another great review 👍🏼 Totally agree that some other black decoration would make it look even better.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@ZackRamsey14]

Looks nice!

[@GotAUkulele]

It's a very nice uke!

[@gato7908]

I have a kala mahogany soprano. I know it's boring, but I think mahogany adds a nice touch of warmth, even for fingerpicking.

[@GotAUkulele]

Not boring at all - I think Mahogany is one of the best tonewoods for ukes, particularly smaller scale ones. Bear in mind Martin have been building their main range with it for over 100 years!

[@Mandobird1]

Beautiful, I have a Cordoba bamboo cutaway concert. Love it.

[@GotAUkulele]

Oh nice

[@donnylee1992]

Curious to see if other strings would cut down on the brightness. Might have to buy the tenor model and try some worth brown's or daddario titanium's on it.

[@GotAUkulele]

Definitely worth experimenting.

[@daveadriffield7296]

Thanks for the review. Like it and the price apart from the thick head.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks for watching!

[@tommorrisey3999]

Barry, I feel as if I’ve been bamboozled! Admittedly, the idea of an instrument made from something besides increasingly scarce hardwood is attractive. I’m not a huge fan of extremely bright ukuleles; they bring to mind strawboater hats, cheerleading megaphones and letter sweaters. And I have noticed that I gravitate toward my Bonanza baritone and my Outdoor tenor-the two ukes I own that do not have the Asian factory neck profile. In short, I agree with your review.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Tom - think we are in agreement with this.

[@Meymeygwis]

Another excellent review, as always, very helpful thank you! Looking now quite seriously at this as one I could carry around more readily outside than my solid woods. Does this one seem pretty tough or resilient to you and able to handle weather and/or temp changes? Thanks again, all the best!

[@GotAUkulele]

Hard to say - it's not 'solid wood' like regular wood - rather strips of bamboo. Bamboo is said to be very resilient and strong though

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

Has kind of a mellower tone, but it's not bad. I can guess the eco-ness might have aligned their thinking with minimalism, why they exclude a bag. But you can't cart ukes around in a paper sack, so...

[@GotAUkulele]

Perhaps!

[@rephrase1]

Did Southern Ukulele Store need to do any setup on this ukulele? In me experience Kalas tend to need a bit of fretwork or action adjustment.

[@GotAUkulele]

I know they check most they send, but it could have been ok - don't know, sorry - there was nothing wrong with this one though.

[@kennethmiller1841]

I purchased mine from a local store, and I don't think they did any set-up work at all. That said, I love the way my bamboo concert plays. I love it!

[@stoneyrunva]

Black frets would have been more visible and looked better. I'd be curious to play a bamboo tenor with a low G string.

[@GotAUkulele]

Never seen black frets on a uke - and would be concerned at how long they would stay that way

[@anmic3590]

Hi! First of all, thank you so much for your amazing work! May I ask what uke would you recommend on a budget around €200? I want to buy one for my 8yo son and I’m interested in the best sounding one, with the best quality of craftsmanship and wood. Thank you so much!

[@GotAUkulele]

Sorry - since day one have a policy of not recommending individual instruments - it's just too personal - would suggest looking at my full review list and starting with highest scores.

[@edwardpetersen4309]

I had a Kala Mahogany Light Tenor which was actually solid Okoume wood and had identical looks and specs as this Bamboo one. Very inexpensive for a solid wood uke, quite light and responsive. But like you, I can't abide the neck shape and nut width . . . on any Kalas which is a shame because in general they sound pretty good. Perhaps Kale should contract with another Chinese factory which can alter the neck dimensions for some of their models.

[@GotAUkulele]

Indeed. I've been hoping that Kala would adjust their profiles for some time now. But doesn't seem to be on the cards..

[@joeylabranche1014]

I have a question i start playing ukulele only 4 month ago and the size i really enjoy to play is the soprano i really love the sound of it.A lot of people seem to think that the soprano ukulele is more of a novelty or a toy than a instrument. My question is do you think that the soprano ukulele is serious instrument just like the bigger one.Is there any professional player that use the soprano uke.Thank you for your help.

[@suzanrudulph4141]

I'm not professional, but its played the same way as a concert. So I don't see what would make it a toy. It's like the difference in size between a flute and a piccolo. Both are instruments.

[@GotAUkulele]

Absolutely it's serious - in fact it is THE original ukulele and most revered size in history. I wrote this article on the subject - and as for artists - check out Andy Eastwood, Uff and Dave, U - remarkable players www.gotaukulele.com/2017/05/a-word-of-support-for-humble-soprano.html

[@joeylabranche1014]

@@GotAUkulele Thank you very much for your help i really appreciate it.I will read your article keep up the good work you have a great channel.

[@joeylabranche1014]

@@suzanrudulph4141 Yes you are right its like a violin and cello thank you for your help.

[@marigoldsfever1538]

Nice review. How’s the action on this? I like it

[@GotAUkulele]

It was fine - but bear in mind that is not a feature per model. Any uke - expensive or cheap can arrive with poor action if not set up. Action is adjustable of course!

[@poco_a_poco_music]

Too be honest I'm not usually a big noticer of tonewood differences. Maybe I've not got my ears tuned well enough yet. But this is a noticeably bright concert. Too bright and brittle for me. Which is a shame because I live the look. Oh well.

[@GotAUkulele]

It really is - yep

[@highway6111]

I need to know if the nut width at head stock for concert and tenor bamboo ukuleles are 1 3\8"

[@GotAUkulele]

Afraid I have not played the tenor so don't know.

[@GotAUkulele]

This one is 35mm or 1 ⅜"

[@highway6111]

@@GotAUkulele Thank you 🎶

[@always_pickin3565]

I’d like to know if you still have this…and if it has opened up any and got some more mids/ lows since the video?

[@GotAUkulele]

I don't i'm afraid

[@always_pickin3565]

@@GotAUkulele would the Kala exotic mahogany be a good choice for a beginner? I have played guitar about 25years, but I hate to buy and expensive ukulele and put it in the closet after a month.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@always_pickin3565 Kala are always pretty reliable, but there are a few other brands that I think beat them for similar money - Uma, Flight and Kai spring to mind. Main thing to ensure is to buy from a specialist ukulele shop not a generic music store - these instruments really do often need some setting up work

[@always_pickin3565]

@@GotAUkulele appreciate the advice.

[@always_pickin3565]

@@GotAUkulele I really like the look and idea of that bamboo concert…is there a different string you could put on that’s a little less bright and crisp…do you thing it will get more mids as it ages?

[@tommorrisey3999]

Silly question, but does one oil a bamboo fretboard? Or is it like maple, where you leave well enough alone? Agree that it’s bright. Bit too hula-girl of a sound for me.

[@GotAUkulele]

You know what - I have NO idea!

[@Vegvísir7]

Black Strings and it maybe would get me bamboozeled too.

[@dedalusjmmr]

Would it work as a travel ukulele, compared for example to the Flight travels or the Enya Nova? Or is bamboo not a good option for travel?

[@GotAUkulele]

I honestly don't know. I believe bamboo is strong, and certainly more humidity resistant.. but how much I cannot say. There just are not enough examples out there in instruments to test that.

[@dedalusjmmr]

It's good information, anyway. Thanks!

[@Dante-sx3pc]

@@dedalusjmmr I've heard that these are good for travel, because they are durable and the bridge is screwed in, so you don't have to worry about heat destroying the bridge glue.

[@dedalusjmmr]

@@Dante-sx3pc Great to know. Thanks!

[@Dante-sx3pc]

@@dedalusjmmr Thats what I heard from an article. You're welcome.

[@mouseymouse2366]

I really like that, looks interesting

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@hilltop1845]

Baz not sure if you will see this reply this late after the review but I'm curious if the sound profile has changed any on that bamboo after some age and playing time?

[@GotAUkulele]

the instrument wasn't with me for long - virtually all instruments on this channel are loaned or bought and then sold on - so I never had it long enough to work that out

[@hilltop1845]

@@GotAUkulele Fair enough. Thanks for getting for back. Much appreciated.

[@bobo_momchillovich]

I'm shopping for a concert at the moment and I'm bit torn between this, the Kiwaya KSU-1L, and Kai KCI-700. I presume you'd go for the Kiwaya?

[@GotAUkulele]

Not necessarily, but they are not a fair comparison. I have not played the Kai concert, but it's a solid cedar top, the Kiwaya is laminate mahogany. The Kiwaya is also a soprano sized body with concert neck.

[@bobo_momchillovich]

@@GotAUkulele All true, but they are in the same price range more or less which is why they all come in consideration on my part. 🙂

[@always_pickin3565]

So would you take this one over any of the laminates in the exotic series?

[@GotAUkulele]

Couldn't say - have only played one exotic

[@HoldinCoffeeReturns]

I like the plain look combined with the fancy slothead.

[@GotAUkulele]

It doesn't offend me either - I just have to try to be a bit more objective in reviews some times

[@MariUSukulele]

GotAUkulele just curious: when you (guys) use the word "marmite“... it is synonymous w/ "conventional“, "dull“?

[@GotAUkulele]

@@MariUSukulele Marmite is a spread put on toast in the UK - half the population would kill to get a jar of it, half the population would put it in the bin. The brand itself market it as 'love it or hate it'.

[@MariUSukulele]

@@GotAUkulele I know "Marmite" as a popular spread... i didn't know it's such a dividing product though. So when you use it... it is meant to signal an indecisive look on things, an expected draw in opinion(s)?

[@GotAUkulele]

@@MariUSukulele Exactly that. Some will like the look, some won't

[@rockykoast7065]

Having heard you comment on the neck and nut I was slightly surprised that I didn't hear a single fluffed note when you were playing it. Either your fingers on your big old hands are still remarkably nimble or the neck/nut build on this makes no difference?

[@GotAUkulele]

I actually fluffed several - I just didn't do my normal grimace to the camera! No, i've played far worse necks and maybe I am making too much of it. It's just not a neck profile I would ever buy, that's all.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

GotAUkulele Manitoba Hal, great blues ukulele player, told me once that the mark of a good player is not making no mistakes, but is in hiding one’s mistakes. You did fine.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@nickiemcnichols5397 He's a wise man (and a friend!)

[@joeobyrne3189]

Great uke for the price.

[@GotAUkulele]

I think so!

[@charlesetfelix4665]

Thanks but you must change the KZbin presets when you upload your video : if I click on subtitles, it proposes only Indonesian subs !!!

[@GotAUkulele]

The only subtitles it shows as activated on my settings are English

[@ah591006]

I just bought an AKLOT bamboo tenor package off Amozon Canada for $80Can. Only difference I can see the newbone nut and saddle are white. It came with gig bag,tuner, humidifier and strap. I real like this uke and like you said it's bright , I was going to put on a set of fluorocarbon low G strings but I think I'll stick with Aquilla stings for now .

[@GotAUkulele]

I have an issue recommending Aklot on my site for other reasons, but yes, very similar. I prefer instruments that have a dealer network though as they help support real bricks and mortar stores. Just me perhaps.

[@gneveln]

I have a solid spruce top tenor Kala and I like it but it is far from the best value amongst my ukuleles. My Aklot bamboo concert uke would beat this one in bang for the buck by quite a bit I think.

[@troykulele]

Feel like black strings would look good on bamboo

[@RamenNarwal]

If the concert size has the brightness of a soprano. Imagine how blinding the soprano size would be😳

[@johnkay3824]

Matching T-shirt.

[@GotAUkulele]

But of course!

[@nigeldavey1043]

Only one thing I can say really, having been the owner of a Moselele Baritone for well over a year now. Call me a pedant if you like but that's not any kind of Exotic Wood as Bamboo is a Grass. In actual fact in any build situation it's stronger than most woods. Don't misunderstand me though , I quite like it and you have to admit it's sustainable unless the world gets overrun with very hungry Pandas 🤣

[@GotAUkulele]

I think they had to put it in a 'family group' is all - I don't think they are claiming it's a wood as such.

[@nigeldavey1043]

@@GotAUkulele I still could be a bit worried about the Panda population explosion though 🙂

[@GotAUkulele]

@@nigeldavey1043 ha ha!!

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Nigel Davey they only birth one bear cub at a time, they ain’t gonna overpopulate like humans have.

[@nigeldavey1043]

@@nickiemcnichols5397 it was a humorous riposte. I am well aware of the physiology of bears. Pandas are still an endangered species you know. Good God talk about Grannies and Eggs.

[@ewetoo]

It does have that uke zing to it, shame about the Kala tapered neck.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - they REALLY need to update their necks in my opinion.

[@marcofranscisco1627]

good jobs

[@Elvis-guy1973]

Frankly my friend I'm Bamboozled! Ha!Ha!

[@mickpinches9294]

I also have an Aklot, it's a lovely ukulele and it has all the black appointments, at less than half the price! I have only seen the Kala in this review but they seem identical to me.Which one came first?!

[@GotAUkulele]

I thought they had white saddles and fret markers. Maybe they changed them to look more like the Kala.

[@yutakoh]

I do prefer the black accents of the Kala, and if gotten I'd definitely re-string with black strings 👍🏼

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Using bamboo to build floors, furniture, even paper could save a lot of trees. Of course, removing trees to grow bamboo is folly. If I got one of these, the first thing I would do is change the strings, maybe to Worth Browns, as I dislike Aquila strings. I had to take my mahogany Kala uke to a luthier to have a lot of the neck shaved down, I don’t like Kala necks. Baz, Kala tore it with me when they screwed their dealers by selling on amazon.puke and Walmart. I won’t ever buy another one.

[@GotAUkulele]

Heard stories about the Kala dealer issues - but only stories, so can't comment fully.

[@marigoldsfever1538]

I got a kala as a birthday present and absolutely hated it. Fret edges were rough. Fret board wood was dry and had pitting. Gears were average. There was some buzzing. Action was ridiculously high, strings were mediocre, body was chunky, sound was mediocre. Crafted in china. Granted was only $120 uke and kala checks each one before shipping. Felt there are better options in that price range. Didnt want it. Returned it. Attention to detail is important. That was my first experience with kala.

[@GotAUkulele]

Actually those Kala checks are not all that special. A good specialist uke dealer would have weeded this one out and not sold it (or at least rectified the issues). Sadly, Kala are a very big brand and they also have many dealers who sell boxes unopened from the factory in China. Not all dealers are equal!

[@leoneljm]

Man Is love you reviews but...do you smoke a lot? Got Corona? You breathing Is concerning!

[@GotAUkulele]

I have a heart condition - but thanks for your blunt and (frankly rude) concerns.