Kala did a great job with their series of thin body travel ukes, they are really very impressive. With a solid spruce top and an arched mahogany back, this KA-SSTU-TE doesn't lack at all for volume. But even if it did, it has a great quality B-Band active EQ to let you plug into an amp. B Band electrics are very good quality, and we prefer this system to many on the market. It is possible Kala only use this on their travel electro tenor because the volume and tone control panel and jack input interface are quite compact and fit better onto the thin body than their own brand electrics - but whatever the reason, its a good bit of kit.
The looks of the Kala KA-SSTU-TE are very pleasant, with the first thing that hits you being the nice contrast between the solid spruce top and the mahogany back and sides. These are seperated by black and white binding, in a pattern that matches the ring decoration around the soundhole. All of this has a satin finish that is nice and smooth, feeling especially nice on the mahogany neck. This Kala tenor travel electro ukulele has a nubone nut and saddle, closed geared machine heads, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and is fitted with Aquila strings.
A solid spruce top and Aquila strings is usually a recipe for a very bright sound, but this Kala KA-SSTU-TE doesn't sound overly bright. The tone is strong, but not overpowering in the brightness department - and is remarkably full sounding for a thin body uke. The arched back is our best guess for this fullness of tone, but whatever the reason, it is certainly very welcome. This is particularly noticable when amplified, with a rich full tone that is punchy and driven. Sound-wise, both the acoustic and amplified performance is good.
The Kala KA-SSTU-TE also comes with a nicely padded gig bag with an embroidered Kala logo, making it ideal for taking with you on holiday. Stash this in your suitcase between your t-shirts and your socks and when you get to your destination, break out the Kala travel electro tenor for some strumming in the sunshine.
