Got A Ukulele Reviews - Kala KA-JTE-2TS Archtop Tenor - 4K
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- Got A Ukulele reviews and buyers guides looks at the Jazzy KA-JTE-2TS Archtop Tenor from Kala - review - www.gotaukulele.com/2021/03/k...
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Intro 0:00
Start 0:18
Pricing 7:09
Sound Sample 8:30
Plugged in 10:37
Summing Up 11:19
#ukulele #review #gotaukulele - Hudba
Great review! Thanks! I look forward to seeing the next one!
Thanks for watching!
I just recommended your channel, in the danish ukulele enthusiast group on FB. I really like your content.
Awesome, thank you!
I always watch Barry's reviews.
Thank you for the review, Barry! Looking forward to next week!
Hope you enjoy it!
This one was catching my eye and I was thinking of putting it on the wishlist, going to give it a wide bearth now especially at that price. Cheers for the review!
Good choice!
Thanks for this review. I had this on my wishlist for awhile and passed it by because YOU HADN'T REVIEWED IT. I liked it because it looks like my old Gibson L7. Honestly, I trust your reviews above all others because of the keen discernment.
Glad I could help!
Your videos are so informative. I learnt so much 🌸
Glad you like them!
Thanks for another good and honest review Baz.
My pleasure. Thanks!
Fine Job on this review! GotAUkulele Rocks!
Thanks!
Thanks for your honesty 👍🙏
My pleasure
As a sucker for archtops and owner of a fleet of fine archtop guitars, I admit I was initially drawn to this uke. But in the back of my mind, I always wondered how ukulele strings could drive an arched top, particularly a laminate. Most archtop guitars I've played unplugged are not bright and open but tightly focused in the tonal response by design. It takes steel strings to make that design work on a guitar. I had never before heard this uke before, but I imagined it would be ok plugged in, and it is. The older gloss finish looks better, and I agree with all of your complaints on the aesthetics of the instrument. And that nut! And don't get me started on that price. I look forward to the next review of an archtop with a floating bridge, a tailpiece, a passive pickup, and I hope a thinner top and suspended fingerboard. Thanks for a good informative review. Now I know.
Thank you and my pleasure!
Hi Baz, really fair and honest review mate, I've had one for about 10 years its the old type with the palm tree on the fret board, totally agree with how quiet this instrument is, played acoustically it is quiet, but for a gigging instrument it never let me down, amped up it sounds fine and it is a tough ukulele, its been dropped, banged and had all sorts accidentally poured or spilt on it, but it has never let me down, if I'm honest there are far better ukes out there at a far more reasonable price, it just brings back so many happy memories for me
Thanks buddy. Hope you are well!
I own an older KA-JTE... that does have a floating bridge and tailpiece (no pickup). Glad I was able to find one a few years back before they made the change to the instrument. My wife likes it, mainly because it is quieter compared it my other Ukes.
Yes, think the discontinued it. NO idea why!!
I have one, love it and out it to very good use.
Great to hear!
I have followed you for a while and I enjoy your unbiased reviews. I have never commented before, but this review hit home. My first ukulele was a Kala left-hand concert cutaway, and I agree with everything you said about this Kala. It is too narrow at the nut, I don’t like the rounded neck, the intonation doesn’t seem quite right, and they cost too much for what you get.
After a few years I decided to purchase a Magic Fluke tenor and I am so much happier when playing. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Jamie- and nice choice on the Fluke!
I almost bought one then you reminded me kala needs to come into 2021 to compete with others. Thx
Quite agree
I’m looking carving an arch top ukulele .. most of my ukuleles are flat or domed tops. So if I’m building an archtop, What would you look for, what would you avoid? Any existing arch tops that you recommend ?
I've only ever reviewed a couple - and both were pressed laminate. I'd suggest getting in touch with a guy called Toby Chennell in the UK - he builds solid wood arch tops
I have been somewhat intrested in getting one of these but after watching this review I feel at ease with scratching it of my potential buy list I think. Looking forward to finding out if that other arch top fares better next weekend.
Glad I could help
Hey Baz!
Thanks for your informative reviews, They’ve really helped my purchase choices.
One question though; Do you think it would be possible to add an arch top at the bottom of this model, or do you think it would interfere with the sound and construction?
Ross
Thanks Ross - not sure how you'd fit one - the bridge on this is glued down, but also holds the pickup wiring. Whilst bridges can be removed I think it would be really fiddly to then get the pickup in a new arch bridge. Maybe a luthier could do it?
@@GotAUkuleleThat was my avenue of thinking with a luthier. I was wondering as the JTE-HBC had one which is also a fixed bridge, Would make this possible.
Anyway, Thanks for the reply and thanks for the all the content!
Have you played one of the Toby Chennell instruments Barry?
I haven't yet Andy
I have one of the originals models that I got in the 2006-2008 time frame in the natural mahagony. I will say for the time they were a different ukulele from the rest of the market. The one I have is in a now discontinued natural mahogany with a gloss finish, and the palm tree inlay at the 12th. Just to let you know it has a five piece neck at least in the first run. Do I regret buying it, no it was my first uke that wasn't a toy. Is it my favorite, no I have much better ukuleles now. Is it a bad ukulele, no it represented something different and unique when I got it, still fun to play and got me started on uke. But most of your points are spot on and even apply to the first run.
I do prefer the old ones!
The price alone gets it the elbow from me. So much better out there, for a LOT less, including KALA instruments. 🤷♂️
Thanks, as usual for another informative review. 👍
Couldn't agree more. I think that was the conclusion i came to quickly after it arrived. I've played sub $100 laminates that sound the same, if not better.
Your review appeared within hours after my new Kala archtop arrived - I was able to purchase it for $160 USD which seems about right , I agree with most of your comments about the look of the bridge , but not sure how you’d amplify a floating bridge set up ? I was looking for an instrument with a ‘ flashy style ‘ that I could play thru an amp in a group, - indoors or out - and this one fit the bill. I’ve tried pickups in acoustic ukes and often run into feedback problems - not an issue with this one - but it is quiet acoustically. I also noted the file marks on the fretboard that should have cleaned up. I think your review was spot on, though it sounded a little negative ( I like the flashy binding ) and think this would best suit a performer who plays amplified.
Re pickups for a floating bridge - they do exist - or a spot pickup inside
What tenor would you recommend in this price range? Too bad this one doesn't have the right bridge. That would have been so awesome.
Never give individual model recommendations - just too many - look on the website reviews page and go off the highest scores
I just bought an older one from about 9 years ago. It does sound a little muted, but strings will help that. I think they didn't go with the floating bridge because of the way it's held with the forearm pinching it between the chest. Could make it odd to hold with no strap. They did release the honeyburst custom with the floating bridge but it didn't sell well 🤷♂️ awesome review, a bit harsh IMO, but to each their own!
Yet there are several other jazz box ukes out there all with floating bridges. No issues with those
I have one in white and agree with your review. It does change character, however, with a low g ( sorry to bring that up!) which gives it a much jazzier feel and suits it better.
Oh, can imagine.
Hi Baz! I had one of these a couple years ago, I do like the plastic pearl binding, but I am into gaudy. LOL! It IS a lot of money for what it is, and it does work well when plugged in and held tune very well. It is somewhat strangled in volume when not plugged in, but I didn't mind that part, since I have a small flat and don't like to disturb the neighbors. The better electric jazz guitar is the Sound Smith Electric Hollow Body Jazz Tenor Ukulele. I think you would enjoy that one!
Will take a look!
I just googled that. Pretty! Much more nicely finished, and a similar price point.
@@marj1585 Yes, and a solid top!
Hey, so, inspite of having watched this video, just picked one of these up used. It has a pickup but no tuner. Has an abalone tree inlaid on the neck. Is it an older model? $249 US. Kind of second guessing myself after re-watching the review.
Yes the original. And (IMHO) a far better version than the current.
@@GotAUkulele Good to hear! Found a Gretsch banjolele that I'm really taken by; now there's some volume. Visiting my son in Portland,Oregon. I live in the country, NC, and "ain't never seen" so many ukes in one place as Trade Up music shop...2 locations. Heaven!
Bought one used a couple of years ago, purely for looks. I served me well even though the pickup somehow broke. Sold it when I realized the tone was rather lackluster, haven't regretted that decision.
Can see how the looks work for people, certainly on stage
Yeah. When you first held it up, I thought, "Man, that plywood top is thick!" Had no hope of a decent acoustic tone. It would be pretty cool to hear what a delicately carved, arch top uke with a floating bridge and a tailpiece sounded like . . . expensive, but cool.
My thoughts exactly
I just got the white one with amazing hard case for great deal on Facebook Marketplace, brand new condition. I put D'Addario Low G on it. Wow what a difference. I love it now...and killer price I got it for.😉
... got mine in February of 2013. I really believe KALA intended these for being playing electrified (!) w/ the bonus of being heard acoustically as well. I had both the high-gloss and the matte finish in hands; very much prefer the latter - and that's what I have. (facial expression @ 9:13... 🥴 - priceless... oh, the agony of it all)
Thanks for the info!
(and sorry about the faces!)
@@GotAUkulele no worries, i for one dig 'em 😸
G'day baz :) can we have a special request of you teaching us the riffs you are playing in your videos? ;) They all really sound cool and amazing ;) I'm really looking forward into it 😊 hope this reaches you ;)
Link below each video!
Hi thank you for this review. Eventhough I'm still quite a newby, I completely agree with you. Without examanating the uke it's a stunning instrument to see (at least to me). But as you have said, hope I understand you correctly, the style of bridge does'nt fit. I expected to see a more rounder curved bridge on it to make it more special and catchy. Do have to admit that I have no idea how the bridges of original jazz guitars suppose to look, but this is just my opinion. What I also don't like much is the painted Kala logo which makes it look cheap. Thank you for your review!
I got mine a few years ago. It's the older sparkle white that I got on a great b-stock discount price. I don't mind having it, but I recognize that it could be nicer. Looks great though! If I can justify it I'd like a nicer one though for acoustic sound. I have a snail zebrawood strung in high g and would like something new for low g.
Thanks for sharing!
Ive got a black one.. They come with super-nylguts and high action..
The first thing to do is to lower the action and get rid of those strings and put some Flouro-carbons on it. The change is amazing.
Action isn't a model specific thing. You could buy ten of these and they could all be different. Of course a good uke dealer will ensure that is sorted before despatch.
Baz, I think the word you were looking for is a cantilevered fretboard, that’s not touching the top. If they had done that and made the bridge float, and made the top thinner so it would project, I think it would be worth what they charge for it.
Kala is falling behind. When they screwed over their dealers, I decided I was done with them. Some of the better dealers won’t sell Kala anymore.
Your review is spot on.
Heard the same from some dealers Nickie
Not for me but it’s interesting. Thanks for review 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks!
I got mine years ago and love it, I’ve seen several pros play it in videos and I think it sounds great, and it stays in tune for months without adjustments.
Ultimately that’s all that matters, and plugged in it sounds ok. Staying in tune isn’t a function of ukulele quality though. Just means strings are settled. The tuners are gears and cannot physically slip
Ouch...£300 + on the top end. I'd rather pay couple extra hundred and get one of those handmade Toby Chenelle ones! Proper gorgeous. This I'll swerve. Thanks for great review as always, Baz 👍🏾
Me too!
Please try our handmade.
@@kamamutasoltechacousticguitars Which handmade?
Do you think that Kala are just resting on the laurels of their reputation? If they don't watch out, they'll be no better off than a typical Chinese brand soon.
I think as a brand they are a bit long in the tooth now for sure. Certainly already being overtaken by brands like Flight and Snail
They already are. They’re overpriced and overrated. IMHO.
@@MsNickie1001 I agree with Nickie.
@@GotAUkulele Flight's owner Anna is very smart. Their strategy is progmatic
@@kamamutasoltechacousticguitars Anna? The Flight owners are Juliana and Primoz
Kala, Kala, Kala!!!! Why such narrow necks😥... my KA-ATP-CTG-CE is the loudest uke i have ever eard, the A string is incredible up the neck, and the precision of the tone is stunning...but my fingers are sore every time i play it a long time... Why aren't you listening Kala??? MAKE WIDER NECKS!!!!
OK...I feel better know😏
Thx Baz
Totally agree!
I think it's designed for the West Montgomery or George Benson music I can't play those . I switched to the recorder hot cross buns and happy birthday 🎂 is cool.
Looks very nice but I agree its average tone. Much better sounds from the price or cheaper. Good review as always. Keep well
Thank you!
For the money I’d go with a sound smith electric version. That opinion might change next week👍
Am hearing good things about them
@@GotAUkulele Good to know!
9:50 song ?
See link below video
@@GotAUkulele gracias 🙏
trying to find gypsy ukeleles
Kala has also alienated dealers in the USA. Might be the sunset of a brand.
Thinking you might be right. There are some horrible stories
@@GotAUkulele and according to a trusted dealer friend, they are quite true.
I have a love/hate relationship with Kala. Love my KA-ABP-CTG and my KA-SA-T6 but hate my KA-PX-ZCT-C and their tenor guitar. They seem to be so inconsistent on the quality they put out any more. I've looked at this one and other Kala's but I think I'm done with this brand for now. Appreciate your reviews!
As I’ve said to other commenters, I think as a brand they have slipped behind the curve a bit. Not much innovative from Kala in quite a while now
@@GotAUkulele I agree. That's why I appreciate what you do so much. You bring to light brands I hadn't heard of or been able to find much information about. For me, You have the most trusted and honest reviews I've found.
@@ianwalker682 spot on!
Seems barmy they don't give you a gig bag, that would be a deal breaker for me.
I disagree with you on this archtop Uke. I’ve had this same Uke for 8 years or so and just love the way it looks and the sounds. Plugged in it’s fantastic!
Fair enough
I’m in Australia I found one secondhand that somebody brought back from the states picked it up for AU$135 with a case one of the six or seven ukuleles that I own a varying quality. This is a stand out. It’s one of my favourites it’s a rock machine in true arch top fashion fashion.
Each to their own - I found it hard to be enthusiastic about
Oh dear, not great this one is it? Way better available for the price. Excellent review though as always 👍
Thanks Ian!
@@GotAUkulele your reviews are always great. Could watch them with the sound off and pretty much know the score from your face when you start playing any ukulele 🙂
@@ian1969uk You are not the first to say that they can guess the score from my face... oops!
@@GotAUkulele it's not a bad thing. Shows your passion for what you do 🙂
Ok I was guilty of watching without subscribing, fixed that.
Thank you!
Just paused the video at the price to say Holy Moley! Do they think they're still trading off their name? I suppose something has to pay for the biggest ukulele stand at NAMM. I would buy a Kala. I have before and I'm certain I will again. But this is quite a mis-fire.
Very long in the tooth
Ohh what a pretty burst and the f's are sexy. I dunno what the arch does but that must be why it is a lil pricey. Oh Baz says it's really rather meh. Thanks for saving me $300! That's like 3 years of patreon after the cliffhanger tax.
I don’t think the arch is why it’s pricey - it’s just laminate put in a press. I think it’s pricey because they just want it to be!
@@GotAUkulele Yeah, it was just an easy way to rationalize my ignorance.
@@GotAUkulele now that really surprises me! I would think that for a company to have such a press, one that they use only on one (1) specific model (as far as I know), logically results in a raised price for the respective product.
@@MariUSukulele you think? Kala don't have a factory of their own - they are made on a line in China to order.
@@GotAUkulele ok, well... i am very certain the "Chinese line is charging” extra for this feature.... there are not too many models on the market they need this press for, right?
Oh.
Indeed!
Thought I was subscribed but I guess it unsubbed me. Don't worry, I subscribed again
Thank you!
I thought kala was in the same class as mahalo, but this is quite expensive.
Kala are WELL above Mahalo and make some great stuff. This is far too expensive for what it is though
It does seem wildly overpriced, maybe that's why the slapped that tacky binding on it, to try to make it look fancy? I suspect they didn't put a floating bridge on there because they assume ukulele players aren't smart enough to deal with a movable bridge, or restringing with a tailpiece. There is still a stigma by some makers that ukulele players are, by definition, novices. There is also the theory that without steel strings, there isn't enough tension to produce a loud enough sound with a floating bridge. I suppose next week's review will put that to the test.
To be honest, I doubt the binding added to the cost. I think Kala knew that...
Sounds like a $100 ukulele. Not very good. In fact I have heard $100 ukuleles with much sweeter tones.... it is fine looking but I won’t pay anywhere near what they want for it. Looking forward to the next comparison review... Thanks Doc
Agreed!
34mm nut! 😮 I’ll be giving this a pass.
I know right?
Good grief, there are much better Ukulele's out there for that price! Personally I think it's ugly. Thanks again for the review Baz.
Agreed!
Baz, I know why you're so cheesed off, you paid for it yourself, gonna buy you a coffee for out troubles.
Ha ha - I just wanted to like it more!
Well that is one disappointing tenor. Nut too narrow, no gig bag, over priced. Great review!
Thanks Ivan!
Kala does not listen to its consumers complaints. They continue putting out the same old flat sounding junk.
Hearing the same
Looks horrible. Cheap rubbish.
Cheap is one thing it’s not! Or at least their pricing isn’t!
@@GotAUkulele love your reviews but this one looks a bit of a hash. The Kai 700 I bought on the strength of your review has a lot going on but I think a beautiful uke was produced. The components of this one looks a mess to my eye. By the way, thanks for recommending the Kai kti 700. Stay safe 😷
@@daveadriffield7296 I get what you mean. The sunburst works for me, but as I say in the vid - not much else. The bridge is all wrong, the neck is scruffy and the pearly plastic edging is gaudy!