Kala Banjoleles Available In Australia KA-BNJ-BK-C Concert Banjo Uke & KA-BNJ-BK-S Soprano Banjolele

Kala Concert Banjolele KA-BNJ-BK-C  $585 rrp in Australia. BUY NOW WITH PAYPAL Includes; FREE Set-Up, FREE Tuner FREE Gig Bag, FREE Postage within Australia COMES WITH A COMPLIMENTARY SETUP. All my Banjoleles come ready to play! Bridge in place, action set, skin tightened, neck at the right angle.  Basically all you need to do is tune up with the FREE complimentary tuner I include and off you go. Most times when you get your mail order Banjolele the neck will be attached to the body, but that's about it.  The skin will not be tightened and usually the bridge will be in a plastic bag with the hoop adjustment tool. If you can do your own banjo setup that's cool. If not its a trip to your local repair shop to get your banjolele setup before you can even play a song, that sucks! LEFTHANDED? No Problem I can set your banjolele up for you southpaw players, no extra charge. BANJOLELE The banjo ukulele is recognised for its distinctive tone and ability to project sound in solo and ensemble settings. The banjo ukulele was originally designed by Alvin Keech in 1917 and was popularised by musicians such as George Formby and Roy Smeck. George Harrison favoured the instrument in later years and recorded his song “Any Road” on banjo uke. Banjoleles or Banjo Ukuleles are they are sometimes called are fast becoming my favourite type of Ukulele to play.  They are loud and proud!  But being so loud you have nowhere to hide if you hit any bum notes. WHEN QUALITY MATTERS. Kala has a commitment to quality that I respect.  They are easy to setup, the fret placement and intonation is top notch and the neck angle and bridge height is well sorted so they are easy to play right up and down the fretboard with really nice actions. Bottom line, Kala banoleles save me time in setup,   the Kala banjos don't get returned with faults and best of all ... my customers are very happy. There are plenty of banjoleles out there in the market place but not all banjoleles are equal. Especially in the Banjolele field the saying "You get what you pay for" holds true.  Cheap banjoleles often have very high Actions,  action is the height of the strings over the fretboard. The high Action of cheapie banjoleles makes playing beyond the 4th fret near impossible on some banjoleles. And the non precise fret placement often makes them sound really sour and out of tune. SPECS KA-BNJ-BK-C Conert Banjolele o Remo Weather King banjo head o 8" hoop diameter o Shell is Hard Maple Ply o Neck & Fingerboard Hard Maple and Rosewood o Hardward & Hoop Antique Bronze o Strings Kala Fluorocarbon o Classic stain black finish o Concert scale length (14-3/4") o Antique brass hardware throughout o Warm, vintage tone o Maple bridge with ebony cap o Deluxe geared tuners with black buttons o Beautiful binding on the neck o Padded Gig Bag included o One Year Warranty OPEN vs CLOSED BACK BANJOLELES A customer wrote to me asking to explain the main differences in the two Kala Banjoleles, specifically what difference having a Closed Vs open Back makes. "Hi Gillian, Thanks for visiting my site and for the email The KA-BNJ-BK-S smaller size, the Soprano,  with the open back you can vary the tone by how much/hard you press it again your body. If you tilt it away from your body the sound is louder and more trebley ,.. much like the way a Horn Player waggles a mute in front of their trumpet horn to alter the tone. The Kala KA-BNJ-BK-C with the Closed Back is the larger Concert Size of the two and its tone is pretty much fixed and not dependent on how you hold it against your body, The Larger Concert is my preferred instrument more because I like the longer neck giving me more room for my fingers.  The smaller scale length and hence shorter neck of the Soprano means the frets are closer together, great if you have small hands and small fingers Also Available the smaller open back Soprano Banjolele KA-BNJ-BK-S, it is super cute but still super loud. And at $425 a fantastic option for those wanting to get into Banjolele. Also Available the smaller open back Soprano Banjolele KA-BNJ-BK-S, it is super cute but still super loud.

Is a Factory Ukulele Set-up Good enough? WHAT... Don't you want an easy playing Ukulele?

People buy ukuleles and often don't realise that their ukulele could be so much easier and more enjoyable to play.

Mass produced ukuleles come with "factory settings".
Factory built Ukuleles (all instruments really) are set-up to get out the factory door quickly.  Time is money in production and they just don't have the time to invest in making every ukulele play to its best, or set it up to suit each player individual buyer.

So Factories err on the side of high-action (strings are high over the fretboard) to get as many units out the door as possible.

Good Brand Vs Poor Brand

Some factories do take more care and attention to developing a good set of factory settings, instating several Quality Checking stages along the process.  This is what separates the Good Brands from the Poor Brands. To me a Good Brand  takes pride in its reputation, and strives to produce the best product it can.

Factory Set-up Vs Final Set-up.
General rule of thumb for the Musical Instruments Industry is that it's expected that the final check, and if required, set-up will be performed by the shop that sells the instrument.

This actually makes sense, the ukulele has to travel internationally long distances and humidity, temperature changes and shipping handling takes its toll.  Plus it is the retailer who is dealing with the customer and they get the final say.  Some players like low actions for easy play and can put up with a little rattle and buzz, some want higher actions for maximum volume, some players like low G strings, some are left-handed.  So yes it makes sense that the retailer does the final set-up.

Time is Money for the Retailer too, and profit margins are Thin.
The problem for the retailer is that Time is Money too!  Sometimes they sell a ukulele straight out of the box with no set-up, other retailers will do a personalised set-up if you ask them politely  (don't be a demanding dick, retailers have feelings too OK), some will charge you for the set-up, especially for the cheaper end ukuleles.

All Ukuleles can benefit, but you must understand the retailers position, they just cannot afford to spend an hour of set-up time on a $40 ukulele.

Play Testing and Checking Before Sale.
Pre Sale at minimum all Ukuleles should be tuned up and checked for playability, intonation, buzz and rattles. If the ukulele is found to be substandard and fails this basic test, then the unit should go back to the wholesaler for a replacement.

No Check = Problems
Problems occur where this checking/rectification step is skipped and a box is simply plucked off a shelf and sold, who would like to open a box to find a lemon? Not me and Not you!

The Set-Up Process.
You can feel the difference between a non-set up uke and a uke that has been through a Set -Up Process. Tuners are checked and adjusted, the Nut and Bridge is checked and adjusted if required. Neck, Fingerboard and Frets are checked with a straight edge and play tested for low / high frets that give 'Buzz".

Where required frets are levelled, re-crowned and polished. The fingerboard is given a protective conditioning with lemon oil.  You ukulele is strung up the way you want it and play checked again.

If you need a uke set-up Low G, or Lefty, let me know.
Cheers CC

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MANY MORE Ukuleles, Strings, Tuners, Cases, Capos & Accessories in-stock.

I Carry a Huge Range of Kala & Ohana Ukuleles, Aquila & Worth Ukulele Strings.

Fancy Something Else?

Please Contact me and I can arrange to make it happen.
Please Call 0432 306 920 9am to 5pm

Email ChrisFromUkuleleTrading@gmail.com

Most of my Products are FREE Postage Australia Wide!

eBay www.ebay.com.au/usr/chris-from-ukulele-trading#

Facebook www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTradingCoAustralia

Blogger http://theukuleletradingcoaustralia.blogspot.com.au/
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/ukuleletrading/
Instagram http://instagram.com/chrisfromukuleletrading

Ukulele Workshops & Private Tuition: Corporate Training Days, Community Centres, Local Councils, Schools... please contact me to arrange a program tailored for you.

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DEMO: Ohana SK-350G All Solid Koa Wood Soprano with Abalone Binding, Ken Middleton playing The Gypsy Rover

Ohana Ukuleles make some very nice ukuleles indeed.  From their $80 entry level ukuleles to their top of the Range 350 Series its hard to find anything disappointing.

Ohana means "Family"  and all their ukuleles do seem to embody that 'comfortable at home feel.'

The Ohana SK-350G is an All Solid Koa Wood Soprano with Abalone Binding.  Enjoy Ken Middleton playing the piece 'The Gypsy Rover.'

BANG FOR YER BUCK Go for Kala Satin Mahogany Series Ukulele or the even more economical Makala Dolphin Series Ukuleles

The Ukulele Trading Co Australia is a proud Kala Brand Ukulele Dealer in Australia

G'day Ukulele Lovers.
If you are Brand New to Ukulele,
then you have Two Questions you need ask yourself.

Q 1. You need to think what size (Soprano/Concert/Tenor) would suit; Child or Adult? Big hands or Little dainty fingers?

Don't think for a minute that Soprano ukuleles are the 'Childs Size" Ukuleles, because they are for Adults too.

Soprano Ukuleles ARE NOT only for children, its just that Concerts and Tenors give you more room for big hands, and more frets to explore musically and the bigger body is louder with more bass too the tone.

Q 2. What Budget do you want to invest.   If you want to 'dip a toe in the water' then $40 will get you into a Makala Dolphin Soprano Series by Kala Brand Ukuleles.

A great starter soprano ukulele, the Dolphin Series Soprano Ukuleles come in 11 bright colors, have good GHS Ukulele Strings, and Bridge, Nut and Frets are in the right positions with a good standard of construction.

Purchasing a Soprano Makala Dolphin Ukulele is $40 well spent, save the frustration and disappointment and avoid those cheap and nasty Sub $30 ukes, they're just toys.

I Want A Larger Size Concert or Tenor Ukulele.
If you do decide you need a Concert Or Tenor Size Ukulele and you need to stay in the starter budget territory.  Then opt for the MK-C at $65, or the MK-T at $75, BUT its Any Color you like, as long as its Natural See through Satin Finish Mahogany Wood.  No fancy color paint jobs for Concert or Tenor ukuleles.  Again they come fitted with GHS Strings.


Makala Ukuleles Now Available with Pickups.

Simply the best entry level ukes on the market, and now you can plug the Makala Ukulele in!
These ukes have a fantastic sound, great looks and are easy on the wallet.  Budget Starter Ukuleles with Pickups are rare, but Kala Brand steps into that void.  The MK-CE $135 or the MK-TE $165

Have a Bigger Budget?
Or want to Sound Better and have an even better easier playing Ukulele?
  Step Up to The  Kala Satin Mahogany Series 

Budget $120 for a Kala Satin Mahogany Series KA-S Soprano Ukulele

If you want to sound even better, and have an even easier playing Ukulele then you might want to spend a bit more dollars.  Kala Satin Mahogany Series Ukuleles kick off at $120 for the KA-S Soprano.  A Super little instrument, classic Mohogany wood soprano honk in the midrange tone, fitted with the Italian Handmade Aquilar Strings (loud and feel great under the fingers) even nicer nickel frets, superior bridge and nut.

I retail Kala ukuleles here in OZ.  From Beginner to top of the range All Solid Hawaiian Koa Electric Ukuleles,  I can steer you right.  Here are some links to places to check out the Fabbo Kala ukuleles.

"REMEMBER that if you see something you like, then  shoot me a message ,and I can arrange an in person demo/play test for them, or if you are not an Adelaide resident then I can arrange to send pictures and videos to you."

My web presence is here;
http://theukuleletradingcoaustralia.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTradingCoAustralia

To check out what ukuleles are available in OZ go to
The OZ Wholesalers Website is at http://www.jacarandamusic.com.au/
and the Kala USA Manufacturer's website is at http://kalabrand.com/

Facebook Pages for these are:
https://www.facebook.com/jacarandamusicaustralia
https://www.facebook.com/KalaBrandMusic


Cheers CC

Christopher Carr
ChrisFromUkuleleTrading@gmail.com
Phone 0432 306 920
The Ukulele Trading Co Australia: The Popup Music Shop
Purveyors Of Fine New & Vintage Ukuleles,
Setups, Lessons - Private and Group.
http://theukuleletradingcoaustralia.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTradingCoAustralia
Book the Popup Ukulele Shop for your Community Event or Corporate Workshop.

Want to get into Ukulele..what is a good starter uke?

Typical question from someone wanting to start in ukulele, What is best to start on?

Q. Hi Chris,
 A friend Linda recommended you to me.
I wish to purchase a ukulele, but have no idea what type/size to get.  I have no musical experience and, as my father said, tone deaf ... hopefully an exaggeration.  I guess that I want a beginner type, but with reasonable strings etc. Linda said about $40 could get me started.  It sounds a good price. Please let me know what you suggest and how to purchase it.

Cheers, Martin


A.  Hi Martin,
Lots of choices at the starter level.  Many are not too good unfortunately.

Most of your $25 ukuleles are pretty much toys, they may look like an instrument, but they; 
1. Are Hard to Play (Nut/Bridge height too high or too low and of poor quality)
2. Refuse to stay in tune (fishing line for strings and rubbish tuning pegs)
3. Are badly intonated (Nut/Bridge/Frets not in right place) so they barely play in tune and get worse as you move up the fretboard

IF you spend about $40 you are getting into the range of proper Instrument not Toy. 

I sell a lot of the Makala Dolphin Series Soprano Ukuleles at $40, they come with GHS Brand strings (USA) rather than fishing line.  11 colors to choose from. They feature a one piece resin moulded back and sides, with a wood top, so there are no back braces to come loose, no joints to crack.  Tough as old boots they are and the back is even arched, which is nice.  Frets/Bridge/Nut are all in the right positions and fitted well.

WHAT SIZE UKULELE IS RIGHT?

If you have big hands and chunky fingers then you might opt to go for the next size of ukulele up from the Soprano.  The Concert size Ukuleles have more space for Chunky fingers on the fingerboard.

A good starter Ukulele is the Makala MK-C, they cost just $65, again with quality GHS Brand strings.
Only available in Natural Wood with a satin finish.

All ukuleles I sell are Checked for Quality and Playability before I post, and if needed, adjusted and set up for best playablity.

HOW TO PURCHASE
I sell direct to the public by mail order with a small Flat Rate fee for Postage in OZ ($10),
Normally payment for mailorder is Direct Deposit or I can raise an Invoice via PayPal Payment.

Purchase in Person COD
Or you can collect from me in Elizabeth Vale and save postage.
Or you can collect at The Nukes Ukulele Club Tuesday Evenings at the Old Spot Hotel, 7pm.
Or I can deliver depending where you live.

MAKALA AND KALA RANGE AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA
Here is a link to the website of the Aussie distributor if you like to check out range prices pictures etc.
http://www.jacarandamusic.com.au/

If you have anymore questions please get back to me.
Always happy to arrange demo of a few for you.
Regards Christopher

KALA KA-TE Tenor Size Electric Ukulele by Kala,

KALA KA-TE
Tenor Size Ukulele by Kala, Mahogany with Electric Pickup.
Retails for $285 In Australia.

Every Ukulele I sell Comes with a Setup Included.  Upgrade to Worth Strings for $30 Extra (Low or Hi G)

The Kala Mahogany Series Ukuleles offer a Full-Bodied Tone with plenty of “Sweet Highs” And “Mellow Lows” that combine for a full rich sound. Traditional white binding on the top and back accent the Rich Satin Mahogany finish, while geared tuners assure your instrument will keep it’s tune.

The Kala KA-TE now has a built in digital tuner in the preamp mounted on the side facing you as you hold the ukulele. This is so convenient! One less thing to buy, keep track of, and find when you need. It's a back -lit chromatic tuner that tells you the note you play and whether you are flat, sharp, or in tune.

Kala KA-TE ukulele has fantastic features and would be an excellent choice for any budget conscious musician looking for a quality sound and plug in. The Kala KA-TE has a bright, full sound that will either jump start your love for ukulele, or take it even higher!

ABOUT KALA.
Kala Ukuleles are a relatively new ukulele brand, but have made a big impact. They are a great choice for people who want a well-made, quality ukulele at a decent price. They are particularly good for people who are getting more serious about playing the uke and want a quality ukulele without breaking the bank.


VIDEOS about the Kala KA-TE on YouTube.


SPECIFICATIONS.
17 tenor scale (distance from nut to saddle)
26-3/8 overall body length
11-3/4 body length
6-3/4 upper bout
9 lower bout
5-1/4 waist
3-1/8 body depth
1-3/8 at nut
Traditional white binding
Fret position marks at 5th, 7th, 10th, and 12th frets on neck and top of fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Chrome die-cast sealed geared tuners
Aquila Nylgut premium strings

If you are Brand New to Ukulele, then you have two questions you first need to ask yourself. Q 1. Size and Q 2. Budget

Howdy Ukulele Lovers. If you are Brand New to Ukulele, then you have two questions you need ask yourself.
Q 1. You need to think what size (Soprano/Concert/Tenor) would suit, 
Q 2. Budget that you want to invest, anything from $40 up to about a grand I can do for you and you get Aussie Hospitality as you get 'mates rates' off the retail prices.

I retail Ohana and Kala ukuleles here in OZ (worldwide really)
Here are some links to places to check out the Fabbo Kala and Ohana ukuleles.

REMEMBER that if you see something you like, then  shoot me a message, and I can arrange an in person demo/play test for them, or can arrange to send pictures and videos for you.
My email address is   ChrisFromUkuleleTradingATgmail.com    just replace the AT with @

My web presence is here;
http://theukuleletradingcoaustralia.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTradingCoAustralia

To check out what ukuleles are available in OZ go to

The OZ Wholesalers Website is at http://www.jacarandamusic.com.au/

and the Kala USA Manufacturer's website is at http://kalabrand.com/

and the Ohana USA Manufacturers Website is at http://www.ohana-music.com/

the Facebook Pages for these are

https://www.facebook.com/jacarandamusicaustralia

https://www.facebook.com/KalaBrandMusic

https://www.facebook.com/ohanaukuleles?fref=ts


Cheers CC

Christopher Carr
ChrisFromUkuleleTradingATgmail.com
Phone 0432 306 920
The Ukulele Trading Co Australia: The Popup Music Shop
Purveyors Of Fine New & Vintage Ukuleles,
Setups, Lessons - Private and Group.
http://theukuleletradingcoaustralia.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.facebook.com/TheUkuleleTradingCoAustralia
Book the Popup Music Shop for your Community Event or Corporate Workshop.