Kala KA-ST Spruce/Mahogany Tenor Ukulele

Alo A He is a Hawaiian phrase meaning Face to Face. The Ukulele is an intimate musical instrument used in communal relationships. It is now the traditional instrument of Hawaii. Kala Ukuleles are precise musical instruments crafted and designed according to traditional specifications, using Hawaiian designs and material.

In 1879, the Portuguese master craftsman and instrument maker Manuel Nunes arrived in the Hawaiian Islands with Joao Fernandes and Augustine Dias. They were immigrants who came to work in the sugar cane fields. Together they invented and developed the ukulele taking basic designs of instruments from their native home.

Hawaiians were not only impressed with the beautiful sounds these instruments could make, but also with the speed these musicians' fingers flew on the fingerboard. It is said, they in turn began calling this instrument the Ukulele, which roughly translates as "Jumping Fleas". No matter what the real story behind the uke is, it became Hawaii's most popular musical instrument and much is attributed to the above mentioned Portuguese master craftsmen. The ukulele received royal acclaim with nobles such as King Kalakaua, Queen Emma and Queen Lili'uokalani playing this wonderful instrument. Which in turn may have made it more accepted by the people of Hawaii. All who learned the art of the ukulele loved it, from fisherman and taro farmers to Kings and Queens.

It was around 1915 that the ukulele's popularity migrated to the mainland. A Hawaiian music craze had hit starting in San Francisco and made its way across the country causing ukulele sales to rise. The craze even swept across the ocean to the UK.

Kala Ukuleles are crafted with Hand-Selected Hawaiian Koa harvested on the Big Island of Hawaii. Fitted with Maple binding on the Top and back, these instruments beg to be played. High quality Chrome Die-Cast Tuners will keep you instrument in perfect tune. The KA-ST is tuned to a Tenor pitch. In spite of its small size, it is not a toy. It's a musical instrument, highly regarded throughout the world.