What size is the Kala KA-PWT?

The KA-PWT is a tenor-sized ukulele. This is larger than soprano and concert models, offering a longer scale length and increased body volume.

What wood is used for the body of this ukulele?

The body is crafted from Pacific walnut. This wood is chosen for its clear, balanced tones and its distinctive visual grain patterns.

What type of neck does the KA-PWT have?

It features a mahogany neck. This material is used to introduce warmth and a mellow voicing to the instrument's overall sound.

What strings come standard on this model?

The ukulele is outfitted with Aquila Super Nylgut strings. These strings are known for delivering excellent sound quality, durability, and sustain.

What kind of nut and saddle are installed?

It uses a Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle. These components are designed to improve the transfer of energy from the strings, enhancing the instrument's sustain.

Is the Kala KA-PWT suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is designed for both beginners and experienced players. The larger frets of the tenor size can actually make it easier for beginners to navigate the fretboard.

Can this ukulele be used for live performances?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as perfect for stage performances as well as studio sessions. Its tenor size provides the projection needed for live environments.

What is the finish on the KA-PWT?

The instrument features a satin finish. This gives it a smooth feel and a natural look that highlights the walnut wood grain.

How does the tenor scale length affect playability?

The extended scale length increases the tension slightly and provides larger frets. This makes it easier for players with larger hands or those playing complex pieces to move accurately.

What is the typical price for the Kala KA-PWT?

The typical price for this model is approximately £180. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

Does it have a warm or bright sound?

It offers a balanced sound. The Pacific walnut provides clarity, while the mahogany neck adds warm, mellow undertones to round out the tone.

How does it compare to a concert-sized walnut ukulele?

Compared to a concert model like the Ferndale UC-W, the KA-PWT Tenor will generally have more projection, deeper resonance, and more space between the frets.

Gear article

Kala KA-PWT Pacific Walnut Tenor Ukulele

The Kala KA-PWT is a tenor-sized ukulele featuring a distinctive body constructed from Pacific walnut and a mahogany neck. Designed for versatility across practice, studio, and stage environments, it provides a balanced tonal profile and enhanced projection through its extended scale length.

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Overview

The Kala KA-PWT Tenor Ukulele is a mid-range instrument that serves as a bridge between entry-level models and professional stage instruments. Utilizing Pacific walnut for the top, back, and sides, the instrument is visually striking while maintaining a clear, articulate sound. The tenor body style is a standard choice for performers who require more volume and a larger playing surface than what is offered by soprano or concert variants.

Design and Construction

The construction of the KA-PWT focuses on combining traditional tonewoods with modern synthetic components. The mahogany neck is paired with the walnut body to provide structural stability and a specific tonal contrast. A notable feature is the use of a Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle, which are designed to enhance vibration transfer from the strings to the body, resulting in improved sustain compared to plastic alternatives. The instrument is finished in a smooth satin, which allows the natural grain of the Pacific walnut to remain prominent.

Playability and Hardware

As a tenor ukulele, the KA-PWT features a longer scale length than smaller models. This results in larger frets and wider spacing, which many players find more comfortable for complex chording and fingerstyle techniques. The instrument comes factory-equipped with Aquila Super Nylgut strings, which are widely regarded for their stability and bright, punchy response. The combination of the tenor scale and high-quality strings ensures a projection level suitable for live performance.

Tonal Character

The sound of the KA-PWT is characterized by a balance between clarity and warmth. The Pacific walnut body produces clear, well-defined notes across the frequency spectrum, while the mahogany neck adds a layer of 'mellow' warmth to the overall voicing. This hybrid tonal profile makes it effective for both percussive strumming and melodic lead lines, ensuring it does not sound overly shrill or excessively dark.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other instruments in the market, such as the Zebrawood models from Flight (DUS320 or DUC325), the KA-PWT offers a different aesthetic and tonal density due to the walnut construction. While soprano models like the Flight Dreamcatcher or Dawn Patrol focus on portability and high-frequency 'jangle', the KA-PWT prioritises resonance and sustain. For those seeking a similar wood profile in a smaller format, the Ferndale UC-W Concert Walnut provides a comparable aesthetic but with the shorter scale length of a concert body.

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Frequently asked questions

What size is the Kala KA-PWT?: The KA-PWT is a tenor-sized ukulele. This is larger than soprano and concert models, offering a longer scale length and increased body volume.
What wood is used for the body of this ukulele?: The body is crafted from Pacific walnut. This wood is chosen for its clear, balanced tones and its distinctive visual grain patterns.
What type of neck does the KA-PWT have?: It features a mahogany neck. This material is used to introduce warmth and a mellow voicing to the instrument's overall sound.
What strings come standard on this model?: The ukulele is outfitted with Aquila Super Nylgut strings. These strings are known for delivering excellent sound quality, durability, and sustain.
What kind of nut and saddle are installed?: It uses a Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle. These components are designed to improve the transfer of energy from the strings, enhancing the instrument's sustain.
Is the Kala KA-PWT suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is designed for both beginners and experienced players. The larger frets of the tenor size can actually make it easier for beginners to navigate the fretboard.
Can this ukulele be used for live performances?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as perfect for stage performances as well as studio sessions. Its tenor size provides the projection needed for live environments.
What is the finish on the KA-PWT?: The instrument features a satin finish. This gives it a smooth feel and a natural look that highlights the walnut wood grain.
How does the tenor scale length affect playability?: The extended scale length increases the tension slightly and provides larger frets. This makes it easier for players with larger hands or those playing complex pieces to move accurately.
What is the typical price for the Kala KA-PWT?: The typical price for this model is approximately £180. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
Does it have a warm or bright sound?: It offers a balanced sound. The Pacific walnut provides clarity, while the mahogany neck adds warm, mellow undertones to round out the tone.
How does it compare to a concert-sized walnut ukulele?: Compared to a concert model like the Ferndale UC-W, the KA-PWT Tenor will generally have more projection, deeper resonance, and more space between the frets.