What wood is used for the top of the Revelator Night Owl?

The instrument features a solid acacia top. This wood is chosen for its warm, articulate tonal properties and its attractive grain patterns.

How does the slim-body design affect the volume?

While the body is thinner than a standard tenor, it has been engineered specifically to maximise resonance. This allows the instrument to maintain impressive volume and clarity despite its compact profile.

What is the purpose of the side-positioned soundhole?

The side soundhole is designed to bring the sound closer to the player's ears. This provides a better self-monitoring experience during practice and performance.

How many frets does the Kala Revelator have?

The instrument is equipped with 22 frets. This high fret count, combined with a carved neck transition, allows players to explore a wide melodic range.

Is the Revelator Night Owl an acoustic or electric ukulele?

It is an electro-acoustic instrument. It can be played unplugged for a natural acoustic sound or plugged into an amplifier for increased volume.

What kind of finish does this ukulele have?

The ukulele features a satin-like gloss finish. This provides a balance between the protection of a gloss and the smooth, non-stick feel of a satin finish.

Does it come with any accessories?

Yes, the Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor comes with a deluxe gig bag. This ensures the instrument is protected during transport and storage.

Who is this ukulele designed for?

It is designed for players who want a standout modern design and premium build quality. It is particularly suited for those who find traditional tenor bodies bulky or who need access to upper frets.

How does acacia sound compared to mahogany?

Acacia generally offers a warm and articulate tone similar to mahogany, but often with more pronounced subtle overtones. It is highly regarded for its balance across the frequency spectrum.

What size is the Revelator Night Owl?

It is a tenor-sized ukulele. However, it uses a 'slim-body' format which is significantly thinner in depth than a standard tenor ukulele.

Are there ergonomic features on the body?

Yes, the design includes comfort contours. These curves are shaped to make the instrument more comfortable to hold against the body while playing.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price range for the Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor Acacia is approximately £400. This places it in the mid-to-high tier of the ukulele market.

Gear article

Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor Ukulele Acacia

The Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor Ukulele Acacia is a premium slim-body electro-acoustic instrument designed for enhanced resonance and portability. It features a solid acacia top and a unique side-positioned soundhole, providing a distinct aesthetic and an immersive playing experience for performers.

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Overview and Construction

The Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor Ukulele Acacia is an electro-acoustic instrument that prioritises a lightweight, ergonomic design without sacrificing acoustic performance. Unlike traditional deep-bodied tenor ukuleles, the Revelator utilizes a slim-body profile, which makes it more portable and comfortable for long performances.

The instrument is constructed with a solid acacia top, a tonewood known for its aesthetic beauty and acoustic properties. A defining characteristic of the Revelator series is the side-positioned soundhole, which directs the output toward the player's ears, effectively acting as a personal monitor. The build is finished with a satin-like gloss that enhances the natural grain of the acacia while providing a smooth tactile feel.

Playability and Ergonomics

Kala has engineered the Revelator for technical players who require access to the entire fretboard. It features 22 frets and a carved neck-to-body transition, allowing for easier reach to the higher register compared to standard ukulele designs.

Comfort is further enhanced through integrated body contours. These ergonomic touches ensure the instrument sits naturally against the player's body, reducing fatigue. The neck profile and smooth finish contribute to a fast, fluid playing experience suitable for both fingerstyle and rhythmic strumming.

Sound Character

Despite its compact profile, the Revelator is designed to maximise resonance. The solid acacia top produces a warm, articulate tone that is rich in subtle overtones. This choice of wood provides a balanced frequency response that sits between the brightness of maple and the darker warmth of mahogany.

The engineering behind the slim-body design ensures that the volume and clarity remain impressive for an instrument of its size. When amplified, the electro-acoustic system allows the natural characteristics of the acacia to be translated faithfully through a PA system or amplifier.

Market Comparison

Within the Kala catalogue, the Revelator sits as a more specialised, premium alternative to their novelty or entry-level lines, such as the Surfboard Concert Ukulele Dawn Patrol. While travel-oriented instruments like the Flight TUS-65 or the Mahalo MZK1 focus on extreme portability or beginners, the Revelator is aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals.

Compared to traditional walnut models like the Ferndale UC-W or zebrawood options like the Flight DUC325, the Revelator stands out for its modern 'offset' design language and its specific focus on player-facing acoustics via the side soundhole.

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Frequently asked questions

What wood is used for the top of the Revelator Night Owl?: The instrument features a solid acacia top. This wood is chosen for its warm, articulate tonal properties and its attractive grain patterns.
How does the slim-body design affect the volume?: While the body is thinner than a standard tenor, it has been engineered specifically to maximise resonance. This allows the instrument to maintain impressive volume and clarity despite its compact profile.
What is the purpose of the side-positioned soundhole?: The side soundhole is designed to bring the sound closer to the player's ears. This provides a better self-monitoring experience during practice and performance.
How many frets does the Kala Revelator have?: The instrument is equipped with 22 frets. This high fret count, combined with a carved neck transition, allows players to explore a wide melodic range.
Is the Revelator Night Owl an acoustic or electric ukulele?: It is an electro-acoustic instrument. It can be played unplugged for a natural acoustic sound or plugged into an amplifier for increased volume.
What kind of finish does this ukulele have?: The ukulele features a satin-like gloss finish. This provides a balance between the protection of a gloss and the smooth, non-stick feel of a satin finish.
Does it come with any accessories?: Yes, the Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor comes with a deluxe gig bag. This ensures the instrument is protected during transport and storage.
Who is this ukulele designed for?: It is designed for players who want a standout modern design and premium build quality. It is particularly suited for those who find traditional tenor bodies bulky or who need access to upper frets.
How does acacia sound compared to mahogany?: Acacia generally offers a warm and articulate tone similar to mahogany, but often with more pronounced subtle overtones. It is highly regarded for its balance across the frequency spectrum.
What size is the Revelator Night Owl?: It is a tenor-sized ukulele. However, it uses a 'slim-body' format which is significantly thinner in depth than a standard tenor ukulele.
Are there ergonomic features on the body?: Yes, the design includes comfort contours. These curves are shaped to make the instrument more comfortable to hold against the body while playing.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price range for the Kala Revelator Night Owl Tenor Acacia is approximately £400. This places it in the mid-to-high tier of the ukulele market.