Kala/Makala Ukulele Shootout: MK-S vs KA-S vs KA-15s

Honestly, it’s hard to tell which one I like better. The reason I picked these particular models is because I get questions all the time about the differences. They are similarly priced and these are the best ukuleles you can buy for this price in the entry-level ukulele market. All of these ukes are built well and will last.

The MK-S

This is the Makala brand (Kala’s entry level brand) Soprano Ukulele that looks like the KA-15s. It is made with Agathis, a wood similar in look and tone to the Mahogany, but cheaper and (very) slightly less resonate. The Tuners on this guy are not as nice as the KA series ukes. The body shape and inside bracing are the same as the other three. One thing I noticed is that when the nut is shaped for the MK-S, they are consitently sloppy. There are plastic shavings hanging off the nut, but real easy to scrape off. This uke shares several features with the KA-15s including the double lined rosette and the brass frets. Unfortunately, this uke comes with the cheaper, black GHS ukulele strings that just don’t hold a candle to the nicer Aquila strings. So the tone of this uke as it is doesn’t compare, BUT, when restrung with Aquila strings this guy keeps up in resonance and tone pretty good with it’s other brothers.

Verdict:

For $39 this guy is a great beginner ukuelele, lacking in features that only an experienced player would bother with. Great for starting out. Buy it here.

The KA-15s

This guy is built with mahogany neck and a thin mahogany laminate body. I think that is the key with Kala ukes and what makes their less expensive stuff so resonate. The body shape and inside bracing are the same as all three. It has nice tuners, which, as anyone who has tuned a ukulele will know, is a HUGE help. Cheaper ukuleles just don’t stay in tune. It also helps that Aquila strings come standard on all Kala ukes.

Other features:

Brass frets
Rosewood fretboard
Double lined rosette
Inlaid fretboard dots and side dots
Excellent sound

Verdict:

For $49 I believe you can’t possible buy a better ukulele for this price.
Buy it here.

The KA-S

This ukulele is extremely similar to the KA-15s. The main differences being the binding, no rosette, and nickel/silver frets. The rest of this ukulele is the same, including body shape and inside bracing design! It also seems that the Mahogany wood selections used in the KA-S are consistently superior in quality to the KA-15s. I think if you like the binding, and I will admit, it is a very good and clean look, this one is for you. The nickel/silver frets also look very good on this uke, although sound wise the difference is very subtle. It shares the same tonality as the KA-15s with a rich, loud ukulele sound.

Verdict:

For $59 this seems, on appearance, to be the better Ukuelele. Sound-wise they are similar, but visually the KA-S is superior in looks. I think the binding makes a huge difference here. Craftsmanship and general quality puts this uke as the winner.
Buy it here.