What is the size of the Kala Far Out ukulele?

The Kala Far Out is a concert-sized ukulele. This size is larger than a soprano but smaller than a tenor, offering a balance of portability and playability.

What wood is used for the top of this instrument?

The top of the Kala Far Out is made from spruce. Spruce is highly regarded in instrument manufacturing for providing a bright and clear sound with good projection.

What materials are used for the back and sides?

The back and sides of this ukulele are constructed from mahogany. Mahogany is used to provide warm tones and a solid structural foundation for the instrument.

What material is the fingerboard made of?

The fingerboard is made from rosewood. Rosewood is a standard choice for fingerboards because it provides a smooth feel for the player and is very durable.

What inspired the design of the Far Out model?

The design is inspired by California’s surf culture. It features a retro aesthetic intended to stand out on stage and appeal to players seeking a vintage vibe.

Is this ukulele suitable for beginners?

Yes, its concert size makes it very comfortable for beginners to handle. The larger fret spacing compared to a soprano model can be easier for those learning finger placements.

How much does the Kala Surfboard Concert Ukulele typically cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £120. This puts it in the mid-range category for beginner to intermediate ukuleles.

Does the Kala Far Out come with a case?

Specific accessory inclusions can vary by retailer, but standard retail listings typically focus on the instrument itself. Users may consider the Mahalo MZK1 accessory pack for essential extras.

How does the sound differ from an all-mahogany ukulele?

Because it uses a spruce top instead of mahogany, it will generally sound brighter and clearer. All-mahogany ukuleles typically have a darker, more mellow sound profile.

Can this ukulele be used for live performances?

Yes, its bright sound and unique design make it well-suited for the stage. While it is an acoustic instrument, its spruce top ensures it has enough clarity to be heard clearly.

What is the difference between the 'Far Out' and 'Dawn Patrol' models?

Both are part of the Kala Surfboard series and share similar concert-size specifications. The primary difference lies in the specific surfboard-inspired graphic applied to the body.

Are there other concert ukuleles in this price bracket?

Yes, alternatives include the Ferndale UC-W Walnut and the Flight AUC33 Orchid. These offer different wood choices and designs at a similar price point.

Gear article

Kala Surfboard Concert Ukulele Far Out

The Kala Surfboard Concert Ukulele Far Out is a concert-sized instrument featuring a retro design inspired by California's historic surf culture. It combines a spruce top with mahogany back and sides to provide a balanced tonal profile suitable for both practice and stage performance.

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Overview

The Kala Surfboard Concert Ukulele Far Out is a visually distinctive instrument designed to evoke the aesthetic of mid-century California surf culture. As a concert-sized ukulele, it sits between the smaller soprano and the larger tenor sizes, providing a scale length that accommodates a wide range of hand sizes while maintaining a traditional ukulele timbre. The 'Far Out' model is part of Kala's Surfboard series, which focuses on blending unique graphic art with reliable structural components.

Design and Construction

The construction of the Far Out model utilizes a mix of tonewoods to achieve a versatile sound. The top is crafted from spruce, a wood known for its resonance and clarity, while the back and sides are made from mahogany, which adds structural integrity and warmth to the lower frequencies. The neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard, chosen for its smooth surface and durability. The most prominent feature is the surfboard-inspired graphic on the body, which gives the instrument its 'retro vibe' and ensures it stands out during live performances.

Sound and Playability

Sonically, the Kala Far Out offers a bright and clear projection due to its spruce top. This brightness is tempered by the mahogany back and sides, which provide a warmer, more grounded foundation. The rosewood fingerboard contributes to a comfortable playing experience, facilitating smooth transitions between frets. Because it is a concert-sized instrument, it provides more room on the fretboard than a soprano, making it a functional choice for players who require slightly more spacing for complex chords.

Target Audience

This instrument is primarily aimed at players who value both aesthetics and sound quality. Its stylish design makes it an attractive choice for performers who want a unique stage presence. Additionally, its comfortable size and accessible price point of approximately £120 make it an appropriate selection for both hobbyists practising at home and intermediate players looking for a reliable second instrument.

Market Comparisons

Within the Kala catalogue, the Far Out model is often compared to the 'Dawn Patrol' version, which shares similar specifications but features a different surf-themed graphic. When looking at the broader market, it competes with other concert-sized ukuleles like the Ferndale UC-W Walnut or the Flight AUC33 Orchid. While travel-specific models like the Flight TUS-65 Copper offer portability, the Kala Surfboard series focuses more on traditional wooden construction paired with specific lifestyle branding.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the size of the Kala Far Out ukulele?: The Kala Far Out is a concert-sized ukulele. This size is larger than a soprano but smaller than a tenor, offering a balance of portability and playability.
What wood is used for the top of this instrument?: The top of the Kala Far Out is made from spruce. Spruce is highly regarded in instrument manufacturing for providing a bright and clear sound with good projection.
What materials are used for the back and sides?: The back and sides of this ukulele are constructed from mahogany. Mahogany is used to provide warm tones and a solid structural foundation for the instrument.
What material is the fingerboard made of?: The fingerboard is made from rosewood. Rosewood is a standard choice for fingerboards because it provides a smooth feel for the player and is very durable.
What inspired the design of the Far Out model?: The design is inspired by California’s surf culture. It features a retro aesthetic intended to stand out on stage and appeal to players seeking a vintage vibe.
Is this ukulele suitable for beginners?: Yes, its concert size makes it very comfortable for beginners to handle. The larger fret spacing compared to a soprano model can be easier for those learning finger placements.
How much does the Kala Surfboard Concert Ukulele typically cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £120. This puts it in the mid-range category for beginner to intermediate ukuleles.
Does the Kala Far Out come with a case?: Specific accessory inclusions can vary by retailer, but standard retail listings typically focus on the instrument itself. Users may consider the Mahalo MZK1 accessory pack for essential extras.
How does the sound differ from an all-mahogany ukulele?: Because it uses a spruce top instead of mahogany, it will generally sound brighter and clearer. All-mahogany ukuleles typically have a darker, more mellow sound profile.
Can this ukulele be used for live performances?: Yes, its bright sound and unique design make it well-suited for the stage. While it is an acoustic instrument, its spruce top ensures it has enough clarity to be heard clearly.
What is the difference between the 'Far Out' and 'Dawn Patrol' models?: Both are part of the Kala Surfboard series and share similar concert-size specifications. The primary difference lies in the specific surfboard-inspired graphic applied to the body.
Are there other concert ukuleles in this price bracket?: Yes, alternatives include the Ferndale UC-W Walnut and the Flight AUC33 Orchid. These offer different wood choices and designs at a similar price point.