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Discover the World of Kala Ukuleles!
"Kala" can mean many things in Hawaiian: it is the name of a unicorn fish, a colloquial term for money, and it also has historical significance. The islanders of Hawaii used the term "Kala" to signify a truce, forgiving one another and moving forward in peace after conflicts. "I liked the variety of meanings and the idea of coming together in peace," says Mike Upton, founder of Kala Brand Music Co.
Kala Stands for Tradition, Quality, and Innovation
Upton founded the company in 2005 in Petaluma, California, with the goal of creating high-quality and versatile ukuleles. Inspired by his time in Hawaii in the 1990s — the birthplace of the ukulele — he developed an appreciation for the craftsmanship and sound of the instrument. Starting with a small team in a converted chicken coop in Petaluma, Upton noticed a gap in the market: there was little choice between expensive, handcrafted ukuleles and cheap, poorly made models. His aim was to create affordable yet high-quality ukuleles to make the instrument accessible to a wider audience.
Discover Superior Craftsmanship and Clear Sound
Rooted in the region’s craftsmanship and Upton’s attention to detail, Kala quickly gained a reputation for innovation, exceptional quality, and craftsmanship. The family-owned business uses a variety of carefully selected tonewoods such as Hawaiian Koa, Mahogany, and exotic woods like Ziricote and Pacific Walnut. These materials not only give the instruments a unique aesthetic but also a distinctive sound.
Inspired by traditional techniques and modern design, Kala instruments combine tonal depth with exceptional durability. Their use of high-quality components, such as precise tuners and finely tuned strings, underlines Kala's commitment to quality. With its variety of designs and price ranges — from beginner models to premium instruments for professionals — Kala has become one of the most popular ukulele brands in the world.
Within just a decade, Kala ukuleles gained international recognition. Artists like Vance Joy, Twenty One Pilots, Walk Off the Earth, and Eddie Vedder play Kala instruments, giving the brand unmatched visibility.
Mike Upton is often praised for his passion for creating affordable yet high-quality musical instruments for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, Kala Ukuleles has the right string instrument for you. Early on, Kala made a name for itself with the KA-15 series, made from satin-finished mahogany. Kala also experimented with various sizes and tonewoods, including Pacific Walnut, Exotic Mahogany, Striped Ebony, Flame Maple, and Ziricote.
In 2009, Kala introduced the world's first ukulele bass: the Kala U-Bass®. Featuring a baritone ukulele body and thick, lightweight Kala rubber strings, the U-Bass® was a groundbreaking innovation.
Kala's unique resonator ukuleles combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, producing particularly loud and clear tones. Instead of a traditional sound hole, an aluminium resonator is built into the body to amplify sound and give it a metallic resonance.
Models like the Resonator Brass Tenor Ukulele feature handcrafted patina finishes made of brass (a copper alloy) and optional passive pickups, making them ideal for live performances.
Looking for the perfect strings or accessories to enhance your playing experience? Kala has you covered. Explore the quality and variety of our products and take your playing to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or diving deeper into your passion for music, Kala has the perfect products to make your musical adventures come alive.
Find Your Favorite Uke Model Across Different Series
Kala stands out for its diverse range of products. Choose from soprano, tenor, and concert ukuleles.
For an affordable entry into the world of Kala ukuleles, the Makala series offers excellent value without sacrificing sound and playability. These models are known for their durability and bright, clear tone. On the premium end, the Kala Elite USA® series is handcrafted in Petaluma using the finest materials, such as Hawaiian Koa, and offers exceptional sound and aesthetics.
For adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Waterman series is designed for durability and portability, making it ideal for various environments. The Exotic Wood series is especially unique, featuring ukuleles made from materials like mahogany, walnut, and koa. These instruments combine stunning looks with warm, full tones.
From the traditional Kala Hawaii models to the modern Resonator Ukulele, you’ll find some of the best ukuleles at affordable prices. All Kala models are designed in California and manufactured by teams in select locations worldwide, including China, Indonesia, Portugal, Vietnam, and India. The Kala Elite USA® series and California U-BASS® series are made in the United States.
What are you waiting for? Start your musical journey today and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of music with a Kala ukulele! With Kala Music, you can be confident you're holding a world-class instrument in your hands.