I Bought A Super Tenor Ukulele ... Did I Make a Mistake? Makai vs Kala

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻Tenor vs Super Tenor Ukulele | Makai LT80 vs Kala Ziricote
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[@williamking6561]

Yes I would like a comparison between the Super Tenor and a Baritone ukulele. I liked the super tenor, I agree the low G tuning creates a different mood. Probably why many uke players have two tenors with each tuning. Enjoy your videos very much.

[@kimchase8665]

I really appreciated your comments on the high G and low G differences and demo on the 2 insturments when strumming. I only have low G and was feeling that the sound when strumming was not as pleasant as other ukes I hear. Thanks!

[@TheVespertineKnitter]

I put a low G on one of mine a week ago, and changed it back today because it just didn't sound right. I'm disappointed because I was excited to try it, but the sound definitely missed the mark for me.

[@rafaelgarciamoheno4938]

I changed to low G and I wasn't a fan at first but decided to give it a try since I know I can be reluctant to change. It's been over 2 years now. Can't go back!

[@stephenwalsh4481]

High G is good when strumming it sounds happy and bright but not when finger picking!

[@MC-zr7hl]

I have both the ziricote and the mahogany kala tenor xl's. Such beautiful instruments. Both sound awesome and are so much louder than any other uke I have. The size is also just so perfect. I absolutely love them. I put a set of Worth strings on the ziricote and some Luthier strings on the mahogany. I gotta say I've never been particularly impressed with one brand of strings over another but those Luthier ones are awesome. I may have to put them on all my ukes idk yet lol Edit after a couple weeks: I ended up switching the Worth strings for Luthier and it's crazy how much better it sounds. I put them on all my ukes, however I don't think I liked the baritone strings as much as I do the Martin 630s

[@billyaitken7461]

Love it! Buttery soft whilst still being clear😍👍 I’ve got the Kala thin tenor but I’ll be looking out for one of these😎👍

[@longtalljay]

Also, the Kala Worth Browns on the Elite versions make it bright and the notes crystal clear. No muddiness on strumming either.

[@ProductivePM]

Yes compare the Super Tenor to the Baritone. Great video as always. All the best!

[@kimrice7722]

Yes, I would like to hear a comparison between the super tenor and baritone. I currently play on a concert uke, but am looking to either get a tenor or baritone next. Thank you and love your videos! You are so inspiring Marco!

[@bdized]

The old uke never sounded quite right and I needed an excuse for an upgrade. I watched and listened to Marco's vid and decided to pick up the Kala Super Tenor. The neck is a little thicker, but there is so much more room for my fingers. Although some chords are stretched out, they do not feel awkward. And the sound is fine for my ear. On a final cosmetic note, I would have preferred a gloss finish instead of the matte, but I am being plucky, I mean picky. Thank you for the review, Marco. Peace.

[@Sweepdog700]

Yes please I’d love a comparison with the Super Tenor and the Baritone uku

[@eileenlander1380]

Yes please, a comparison between the super tenor and baritone would be really helpful.

[@leonardocarvalho6763]

Bro, what a beautiful review... I was in doubt, not anymore. So simple to understand when you did the straight comparison with the tenor playing the same music on the same time... master piece. Thanks a lot! Liked and subscribed

[@kathyolkovikas6009]

I have a 5 string super tenor Kanile’a myself. Absolutely love the sound. 😊

[@shop970]

Yes. I think the xl super tenor sounds great! Has depth & rich but still tenor ukulele joys!

[@davescheer5038]

Absolutely love the sound of your new KALA super tenor , I to have a kala tenor , but your new one sounds deeper more mellow, and has a rich tone , you were comparing it to the regular tenor but I would of liked to see it side by side to a baritone and see what a baritone tuned GCEA sounded like next to it , would they sound the same ?🤔 ( maybe different strings ? ) 🤔.

[@malcolmclark604]

Hi Marco, a great review that answered all my questions. This is a serious contender for my next ukulele. Much appreciated.

[@francisgarofalo3434]

Marco, Very helpful video. Thanks,I would like to hear your thoughts on the Baritone v.s. the Super Tenor

[@Fernwald84]

Ditto on baritone-super tenor comparison. Also, if possible, use different material strings to see how each instrument responds.

[@ukulelebutterfly]

Marco, I'm just amazed this is your first Kala.🦋

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

True! I didn't expect it would be so good to be honest! Their ukes are very well made!

[@ukulelebutterfly]

@@MarcoCirilloUkulele Glad you approve! Kala is one of my preferred*🦋

[@laszloderi4403]

Great review! The only thing I'd add is that the factory strings - while very sweet sounding - are quite thick and tense due to using tenor strings on a longer scale. I've found fingering to be painful and while I love the sound and feel of this uke, I find myself grabbing my concert more often. Not many string options for this size either, regular tenor strings will snap before reaching tune.

[@MC-zr7hl]

Where did you see that? I'm pretty sure normal tenor strings are what you put on a super tenor. I have 2 super tenors and have always only put normal tenor strings on them. Yeah after looking into it more, normal tenor size strings are the only size strings I've seen people use or recommend. They come stock with daddario tenor strings. I can't even find any strings made specifically for the xl size so if you know of some let me know I'd be curious to see if there's much of a difference.

[@migalito1955]

Sounds very nice. I am finishing up scratch building a Tenor Ukelele. It has Redwood soundboard and back with Maple sides and Cherry neck. It would be interesting to compare your new instrument with mine but alas that just will not happen. After I glued on the soundboard and the glue had set for 24 hours I tapped the soundboard as though it was a drum and did the same for comparison with a manufactured Ukelele and the difference in sound was astonishing. As far as price regarding my scratch built Uke. The material and sandpaper like material comes in at around $100 but the labor is pushing 180 hours so I can see why they cost between $6000 and $2500 but yea, I expect they do sound great.

[@dankerslauderdale7703]

Always enjoy your posts. I have a baritone and three tenors. Now I’m interested in the super tender. A comparison demo would be very helpful. Thanks.

[@jeffmoodie6144]

I recently bought a Kala. Sadly it was online and the “advertised” model was not the delivered model but the base model tenor. No fault of kala and the seller did appropriately adjust the end price. Next will likely be a super or XL tenor so this is a great comparison. The issue with what I got was that the frets were in sad shape and needed a fair bit of grooming, the strings were not the spec’d strings and the machine heads were sub par. So with a little work and TLC it actually sounds pretty good, all things considered.

[@edwardpetersen4309]

I have one of these. I put on a set of Martin fluorocarbon, baritone strings and tune it one step down to F Bb D G. Sounds both deep and brilliant. And it suits the scale and size.

[@pandjwarren]

@edwardpetersen4309 …..thanks very much for the tip. I have just moved my Kala Supertenor to Worth Browns and am tuning to F Bb D G …… I absolutely love it 👍👍👍

[@thealapre3343]

Love Kala

[@tmo7734]

Hi Marco. I have heard you play that Makai ukulele for many months. It has a wonderful sound. Your new Kala sounds very good as well. However, if I had to choose one, it would be the Makai.😂

[@mariiris1403]

Yes, same here 😃

[@elainecraggs367]

Baritone v Super Tenor comparison would be great from you .

[@gregstarr2878]

Wow that sounds beautiful mate! If i had the money i'd go get one. Carry on and keep up the great work!!! Thank you!🤙 G⭐

[@longtalljay]

I have the Kala Elite California made Spruce/Myrtle version of the XL. It's the right size for a fingerstyle guitarist.

[@adamandharrys]

I have got a four string cigar box guitar that I tune like a baritone ukulele with acoustic guitar strings, sounds really nice.

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Love 'Super-Tenors'! Can't go wrong with Kala . . . I own several models

[@anhadmishra3123]

Love your videos, Marco ❤️ Two finger-style requests for you please: 1. Until I found you Stephan Sanchez 2. My heart will go on (sungha Jung style) Please and thank you :)

[@TheIronDuke9]

I have the same Kala and I was told that it is definitely a baritone based on the scale length with a tenor body by someone who claims to know what they're talking about so I'd love to see you do a comparison, I've never been quite sure what size category my instrument belongs to!

[@kathyu4953]

Definitely I would like a comparison to baritone-maybe you’ve already done it. I love the range and tone of my baritone (and its narrow neck) but most of the instructional videos are for the CGEA tuning and not helpful.

[@ukejoe6630]

Sounds very guitar like. Would like something with a sound slightly more ukulele and not quite guitar?? Maybe can't exist? Strings probably make a heck of a difference??

[@paulallen4994]

Hi Marco, some very useful information. I have just bought my 2nd ukulele which happens to be a Kala in flamed maple beautiful looking Uke with a gorgeous tone. Would really like to see and here the comparison with the baritone.

[@deeman524]

I love both my tenor and Baritone, therefore, I gotta have that super tenor, the cross between the 2

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

Yesss!

[@Patrick-hz2im]

I have a soprano and I've been looking at upgrading to a concert or tenor size. I went to two different local shops and my experience with in person buying was less than ideal. The first shop tried to sell me a very damaged sopranos after I chatted with him about what I was looking for, and then tried to sell me another cheap soprano and didn't let me play any of the ones I wanted to try. I didn't like that he didn't listen to me when I said what I was looking for, doubly so on the selling of broken items, triply so on the not letting me touch any larger sizes uke's. The second shop had almost nothing I could afford and everything was overpriced. They had a 500 and up wall and a 500 and down wall and the cheaper wall had nothing below 200. If the Uke's are going to be above 200 it's gotta look nice and sound great. The standard for a good uke is just super high at this point I feel. The Amazon ukuleles are legitimately good from my experience Two questions: 1: why don't music shops have reasonably priced instruments? 2: why do they knock all the cheaper brands as if they aren't literally the same as a Luna? It seems kind of disrespectful to try and convince someone a product isn't good just because it's shelf price isn't as profitable for the shop. At this point if could buy a Marco brand uke, I probably would. Especially if it didn't have any printed graphics, engravings are ok tho. And I'll be honest, my soprano I got off Amazon and it sounds amazing. I love it. The mahogany ukuleles sound very nice in a way that some of the other woods don't. The tone from the mahogany is soft and rich in my opinion. Anyways.. probably going to buy my next one off Amazon as well even tho I wanted to support small business.

[@marimaeabreu]

I've not played a Kala but this super tenor sounds really great! Please, could you do a comparison with your new baritone, I just got a Baritone myself and love the deep sound it produces, would love to hear these two side by side. Thanks for the video!

[@MC-zr7hl]

They aren't even really comparable. It's no different from comparing a normal tenor to a baritone.

[@thesaturdaymorningcowboy4198]

My question was going to be how it compares to the baritone ukulele. So, yes please let us know your thoughts. Thank you.

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

I will record a video with Super Tenor vs Baritone.

[@AdorawithLove]

I've thought of getting a baritone before but I'd want one with it's tuning and one with GCEA. If I were to get the super tenor I'd do the same- I'd get it with a high G (for multiple reasons). I'd like a super tenor for the size it looks like the most comfortable size. My size is tenor but I'm a semi big lady and I feel like those additional two inches of scale length would make it more comfortable. I'm sure low G is lots of fun and I'm certainly curious but I don't see it becoming my go to tuning. Everything I've written and learned to play involves a high G. The size is what attracts me to these alternatives- I recognize that default tuning choices were made for a reason and there's a reason you have to get special strings to put a baritone into GCEA. It's great to explore and use these other tunings but if I were to get this I'd just replace that low G with a spare A string and tune it G or get those special made baritone strings I mentioned

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

Hi Adora. I played guitar for many years before trying the ukulele and I agree with you that the extra two inches e make a difference. Regarding the tuning, you should choose the one you use the most! Have a super day ;)

[@AdorawithLove]

@@MarcoCirilloUkulele thank you so much Marco, I appreciate that

[@jonscott8503]

Would love to hear you playing a baritone. I have the Kala baritone ctg and it’s been excellent right out of the box.

[@deeman524]

Yes please compare the Super tenor to a Baritone

[@JohannesHeld]

How does it compare to a Baritone? Why would you choose a Baritone with a Super Tenor?

[@buzzstankos8532]

Thanks again Marco.... I would like to see what you think about and what you would do with a Baritone Ukulele.... I'm not really sure what it's best purpose actually is... it's kind of cool/guitar lite....

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

I am recording a video today with my new baritone.

[@johnrobinson1140]

for me scale length and body size need to be close to standard, and as I've said before I prefer my ukes to not sound like a travel guitar. my standard Ohana TK 39 suits my taste. great vids by the way 😁

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

Thanks John. I love my tenor! But I am discovering so much with all the different sizes!

[@biebeldebom]

Hello Marco, I would love to buy a super tenor are there any brands that have super tenor’s at an affordable price, the kala looks and sound gorgeous but I’m afraid it is a bit out of my budget 😉

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

I am not sure. I only know Kala Super Tenor. I bought it thinking it was a baritone then I realised a made a mistake … that I never fixed lol. So kept it and I love it :)

[@leofernandez037]

Thanks you for demonstrating the sound of your new super tenor. It sounds beautiful! Any chance you can teach us the beautiful melody at the beginning of the video? Thanks for all you do to make us better sounding players.

[@orionishi6737]

He actually does have a tutorial for that song already. It's very fun to play. Beautiful.

[@leofernandez037]

@@orionishi6737 Thanks! Would you happen to know the name of the video or have a link?

[@joepardi9369]

Love the sound

[@tommorrisey3999]

A great strumming alternative is a 5-string.

[@garyhaynes9282]

They both sound Great! Could ask what reverb you use it sounds so sweet!

[@vegaskelvin6632]

Seria positivo q ofrecieras videos tocando bonitas canciones completas en el ukulele y no tanta charla más acción ,gracias

[@bdized]

Just bought the Kala Super Tenor. Would like to hear the differences. Thank you.

[@mariontl6764]

Thanks for the demo. Sounds lovely. I am a rookie, have been learning for 6 mths. I have a Kala SMHT that I love (solid mahogany tenor with D'Addario titanium strings that it came with). I do not know how to pick as yet, only strum. Thinking about getting either this model you are playing here, or the Kala mahogany super tenor. Because I already have a mahogany uke, was thinking of purchasing this one. I do not have a low G on my current ukulele. Wondering about the sound difference between the mahogany super tenor vs the ziricote ? Maybe there would not be enough difference in sound vs my Kala SMHT, so leaning towards the ziricote ?

[@MC-zr7hl]

The mahogany and the ziricote really do sound quite different. I haven't decided if I like one more than the other but I'm leaning towards the ziricote for classical/finger picking type stuff and the mahogany for strumming. I was going to use one for low g and one for high g but they both sound so awesome I'm hesitant to put high g on either lol

[@pedrosanchezpalma4443]

Thanks Marco for your videos. Thinking about a tenor, which is warmer and deeper in your opinion, and not too bright... mango, mahogany, acacia, cedar? thanks :)

[@kathleenschweickert2752]

I've been playing and learning, not even a year, on a high G concert uke, liking the crisp sound in strumming. But needed new strings and changed to a low G. Not happy with the low G sound in strumming on my small uke. Will change back to a high g for my concert uke and for mostly picking will get a tenor with a low G to get the warmer sounds. Don't want a baritone as I am not ready to learn a different fretboard. Any thoughts.

[@shop970]

XL or super tenor" is derived from custom builds requested by players to have a bigger sound but not a full size Baritone. It's perfect. Nice scale 18.875" & nice 1.5" nut. Fabulous tension feel and huge Woody tones . Loud. Buttery. And still a GCEA ukulele! It has become my favorite. 2" longer isn't a crazy difference but the longer scale makes for a better instrument. It's not a GCEA baritone either. It's" just right" is why it was developed.

[@polstein777]

What strings are you using?

[@shop970]

@@polstein777 on the Kala XL I had a wound low g but I am playing daarrio EJ99TLG now. Full flurocarbon set. A little heavy but fine for larger neck.

[@polstein777]

@@shop970 Thanks. Wonder how much of a feel/sound difference from the Living Water (custom baritone cgea) strings I just put on today. One way to find out I guess. 😁

[@shop970]

@@polstein777 after looking at days & days of searching. Trying to learn about " baritone" GCEA sets. The fact is flurocarbon goes on about every ukulele built. Thinking the ideal outcome is light tension on the top! But seeing that 50% of players want GCEA in a baritone ukulele scale. Some use soprano sets ( long enough) for the Baritone. Less tension and lighter feel. Fact is: a tenor set tuned as a GCEA can be used on 19" scales.. So no expectations of pricey string sets from manufacturers making GCEA baritone ukulele sets. Guys make their own gauges & go> or use a reasonable price tenor set. We tend to purchase brands & not technically what's needed. When manufacturers find a niche market. I purchased several sets & probably won't ever see what differences are important enough. A pc of flurocarbon fishing line is the same. Regardless of a brand. Matching a decent tension and gauge is the choice...

[@peterheart2023]

can i buy a makai tenor ukulele in the uk

[@johnfryer3149]

Can you tell me which model Makai your playing please. 😃😃👍👍

[@shop970]

LT-80 Willow tenor

[@BigBlam]

You can never go wrong with a Kala. Even their cheap models have great build quality. If you want affordable with no compromises… You get a Kala. However Pono may be my favorite.

[@iorekbyrnson7173]

Honestly. I've been playing classical guitar for many years. Decided to pickup a Kala Pacific walnut tenor uke. Sounds great, is built well, and should serve me for quite some time. Although, I will probably get a solid instrument very soon. Coming from solid classical guitars, I would like the more complete sound in the uke as well

[@jimmitchell8768]

I have to disagree with the statement you can "never go wrong with a Kala." I have two Kalas that I regret buying, both because of intonation problems. Jim

[@BigBlam]

@@jimmitchell8768 sorry to hear that it is also my first time hearing that about their products. Try out a Pono!!

[@jongord1148]

The low g string is that the norm, or can you change it to a nylon string?

[@johnfryer3149]

Sorry just saw it’s an LT80. Beautiful tone on it. Which strings please?? 😆👍👍

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

I am currently using worth strings on this one

[@johnfryer3149]

@@MarcoCirilloUkulele thank you.

[@daniyalqureshi4649]

hey marco, i would really appreciate it if you could give me a link to the strings used in the super tenor as i need replacements and dont know which low g set to get

[@horton9623]

Does the longer neck super tenor uke use regular tenor strings?

[@sherlynn7211]

You have such great informative videos,, gosh thanks for all the wisdom you offer ! .. In my humble opinion, I prefer tyour Makai high G sound better,, :) I have often wondered if I would like a low G , for the deeper tone, but honestly,, I like high G uke sound.. of course, You Marco, can make any instrument sound like heaven ! me,, I'm a newbie learner and I shall stick to my high G concert and tenors.. keeping it simple here.. lol.. :) what do you think of those five string Ukuleles? I would imagine it would make finger picking a bit tricky .. :\

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

I am it sure. I’ve never tried one! They look weird though lol

[@sherlynn7211]

@@MarcoCirilloUkulele yes they do look weird. Lol.. also look complicated. I think it would just frustrate me trying to fingerpick just one or the other G string.. nope,, sticking to the simple beauty of the traditional uke.. :) I like the happy sound.. :) 😃

[@imabot63368]

I’m looking to buy a ukulele and I’m looking around where I live but I wanna check out some online so do you have any recommendations?

[@MarcoCirilloUkulele]

Kala seems to be a pretty good brand.

[@longtalljay]

While I was impressed by this Chinese built Ziricote version of the Kala supertenor XL, when I returned to the shop this month to buy one of two available, I discovered both had huge cracks in the Ziricote (and were therefore discounted). I was glad my Elite spruce/myrtle does not have that issue. Buyer beware! (Hey Marco, is your ziricote holding up?)

[@jaqmartial7782]

To support what you are saying. Went to a larger store yesterday and tried the same Kala, 2 of them. Both of them were badly cracked. So for me no made in China Ukes from Kala....

[@longtalljay]

@@jaqmartial7782 Well, it seems I am buying the scallop series solid mahogany tenor by Kala today. A different quality uke, altogether. Now discontinued.

[@singh3577]

Planning to buy a lava ukulele. Is it worth it….?

[@sonijam]

Your Makai sounds beautiful. The Kala sounds cheap and boxy in comparison.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👍👋♥️🧘‍♀️🌲🚵‍♀️🌲🎨🖌📚🎧😎🥕

[@mariontl6764]

Hi. I'm from BC too. Thinking about getting this super tenor demo'd here. I have a Kala SMHT (solid mahogany tenor) which I love.

[@HL-OOI]

Looks like u like Uke more than guitar now..

[@simarbaggac-2025]

First! 💓

[@coolbudukeforever7305]

Thx a lot Marco...this is the video i waited for😉! It sound very nice...even if the Makai is better for me, again !😅 I think this uke could be better in high G...

[@NatureStudio25]

teach us how to improvise

[@chrishamill6001]

Consider the book "Improvising For Real" as a starting place.

[@roterfuchs8201]

It is nice but it sounds like a guitar not a uke

[@DrRonaldSIpock]

to be honest, anything larger than a sopranissimo is a waste with the way you play. You're playing first position chords. You're not really exploiting the long neck to play different chord voicings or to play modes. With a low G, 19 fret instrument you can play 14 modes of the major or harmonic minor or even the pentatonic.

[@zoransajtic3215]

👍❤️🙏

[@thealapre3343]

Love Kala

[@stevenmay7269]

Thanks, I I have that Kala and it is my go to uke when you do a low G lesson. I would like to hear your thoughts on the Baritone vs the Kala Super Tenor