Everything You Need to Know About Makala Ukulele

A Makala ukulele is the entry-level product line made by Kala Brand Music Co., a California-based instrument company that has become one of the most recognisable names in the modern ukulele market. The Makala range sits at the affordable end of what Kala produces, offering instruments that work for new players without asking a great deal of money. That straightforward value proposition has made Makala a consistent recommendation for anyone starting out with the instrument.

Who Makes Makala

Kala Brand Music Co. was founded in 2005 by Mike Upton and has built one of the most extensive ukulele catalogues available. The company produces instruments at multiple price points — from the budget Makala line through mid-range Kala models to higher-end solid wood instruments. The Makala ukulele range uses laminate tonewoods, which keeps the cost down and reduces the sensitivity to humidity changes that can cause problems with solid wood instruments in less controlled environments. For a beginner who isn't yet sure whether the instrument is for them, a laminate body is a practical starting point.

The Main Models

The core Makala ukulele lineup includes the MK-S (soprano), MK-C (concert), and MK-T (tenor). Soprano is the traditional size — short scale, bright tone, classic ukulele sound — and is the most popular starting point. Concert is slightly larger with a longer scale length, which many players find easier to play and which produces a warmer, fuller tone. Tenor is the largest of the three, with a deeper sound and wider string spacing that suits fingerpickers.

The Dolphin and Shark variants are distinctive-looking models within the Makala range. The Dolphin uses a body design with a rounded lower bout and a dolphin-adorned headstock; the Shark has a more angular body style reminiscent of a shark fin. Both are functionally similar to the standard models but are popular with younger players and those who want something visually distinctive.

Build and Sound

At Makala's price point — typically £30–£65 — the construction is laminate teak or mahogany for the body and neck, with rosewood or similar fingerboard material. The tuning machines on the standard models are geared pegs rather than friction pegs, which makes staying in tune more reliable and easier for beginners. Strings are standard nylon, which come pre-strung and playable from the box, though many players replace them with a quality set (Aquila Nylgut is the common upgrade) once they've spent some time with the instrument.

The sound is clear and bright — more so on the soprano, warmer on the concert and tenor. It isn't the most resonant tone you'll hear from a ukulele, but at this price it competes well with alternatives, and the setup from the factory is generally adequate enough that the instrument plays in tune without immediate adjustment.

What to Expect at This Price

Laminate body instruments at this price point have limitations. They won't open up and improve over years of playing the way solid wood instruments do. The hardware is basic. The finish and cosmetic quality is acceptable rather than impressive. But these are trade-offs that matter less at the starting point than they would for a more experienced player investing in a serious instrument. A Makala ukulele gets a learner playing and developing before they make a more considered purchase.

For guidance on buying the right model, the complete buyer's guide covers what to look for. If you're picking one up for the first time, the beginners guide explains how to get started. Common setup and playing mistakes are covered in common mistakes to avoid.

A Solid Starting Point

The Makala ukulele's success as a recommendation for beginners isn't accidental. Kala has refined the production of these entry-level instruments to a point where they are genuinely playable and reliable out of the box, which is what matters most for someone who's just decided they want to learn the ukulele. The question of whether to upgrade comes later, once the learner knows they're committed to playing.

Frequently Asked Questions