Kala KA-KG-T8
I will decode the title immediately: this long model designation identifies Kala's eight-string, koa, tenor-size ukulele. It was an interesting sensation to strum eight strings for the first time, especially when one of them is metal — or more precisely, metal-wound. Its sound is completely different from a four-string ukulele (there will be a comparison video as well), and the rich, almost guitar-like tone is a tremendous experience. The instrument shown in the video is special for another reason too: it has electronics fitted, although I did not test them this time. The video became long enough anyway, because there were so many good things to say about the instrument that almost nothing was left for me to write.
Two sets of four strings really do work the muscles of the fingers and forearm hard, and the instrument demands much more precise technique than a four-string ukulele. I therefore recommend an eight-string model mainly to players who already feel confident on four strings — at minimum, people who have no particular difficulty landing chord shapes accurately. One characteristic of the eight-string sound is that the “compact” chord voice of a conventional high-G ukulele disappears completely, so do not expect the classic ukulele tone from this instrument. But that is no problem at all; we are not expecting it . The low G added beside the usual G string and the high C paired with the C string open the chord voicing out completely, which is why the harmony sounds richer than on a conventional ukulele.
The headstock is larger as well, so that the eight string ends wound around the tuners have enough room. The tuning process is no more complicated than on a four-string ukulele, except that it takes exactly twice as long. Accurate tuning is just as essential here as on a four-string instrument, and perhaps even more noticeably important. The doubled E and A strings sound at the same pitch as their partners, so even a small tuning error produces a horribly out-of-tune result whatever you play.
This is one of the most beautiful instruments I have ever held — including instruments other tha ukuleles . The glossy finish over the koa is gorgeous. And finally, here is the long demonstration video:
