Kala Tenor due in September

[bruce.b]

Kala just announced on FB that their new tenor will be available this September. I really like how it looks. It sounds nice in the video too. I'm so glad they didn't just copy the Martin tenor but designed their own unique version. The shorter scale is perfect for me also. I'll probably get one as my inexpensive tenor.

https://www.facebook.com/KalaBrandMu...type=1&theater

[SincereCorgi]

Yeah, I like the styling, too. The headstock makes it look more like an scaled-up ukulele than a scaled-down guitar.

[bruce.b]

http://kalabrand.com/Models/Guitars/...ageKA-GTR.html

[Verne Andru]

http://kalabrand.com/Models/Guitars/...ageKA-GTR.html

Thanks - I hate FB.

That looks pretty sweet - especially the slotted headstock. What's the scale? Body woods [it only mentions the top].

I've had an Ibanez on backorder for months. If this comes available before that ships, I may just switch horses if the reviews are any good.

[Dolamon]

Oops - bad interpretation on my part. Sorry - the ad had some bad information which I quoted.

[SincereCorgi]

I believe the scale is 22.5" or something like that, making it just a tetch shorter than old Martins.

[fox]

The scale is 21.1'4, list price of $469.99 for the Kala, according to this page...
http://www.premierguitar.com/article...e-tenor-guitar

[tkdboyd]

The Ibanez retails for $449.99 and has a street price of $299.00. Should be pretty close in price?

[bruce.b]

Yeah, I was told the scale length is just over 21 inches. Works better than 23" for me, though 23 wouldn't be a deal breaker. Right in the ball park price wise of the Blueridge BR-40T too. I hope the neck is a little thinner front to back than the Blueridge or the old Martins. I find them a bit chunky for my tastes.

[fox]

It looks very similar to the ozark, exactly the same scale too!

[Verne Andru]

Sweetwater has a press release up about it here - http://www.sweetwater.com/insync/sum...-tenor-guitar/

Specs say:

- A timeless 4-string acoustic tenor guitar tuned to CGDA fifths
- Perfect for a wide range of music from Americana to jazz
- Solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides offer smooth and balanced tone
- Sports a traditional slotted headstock and upscale appointments
- Comes strung with with D’Addario Phosphor Bronze strings

Since AFAIK tenors are based on banjos, I understood the "traditional" headstock/machines to be back-mounted [based on friction type], not slotted. Not to say I don't prefer the slotted - which I do - just wondering if the copywriter is taking a few liberties or I'm misunderstanding?

[ambrosepottie]

The Ozark gets very good reviews, and is I believe, unavailable in North America, so I'm looking forward to the Kala. Too bad it's not available as a lefty, though.

[fox]

I wonder what the string gauges will be with the slightly shorter than standard scale?
My ozark came with a standard set but 10,14,24,32. they work are ok but are a little bouncy!

[Steve Zawacki]

Am a little surprised the Kala doesn't come "factory equipped" with a pick guard.

[Ted Eschliman]

I've played both the Ibanez and the Kala briefly on the show floor. I'd say the Kala is the better of the two. Love the slotted headstock. Probably be getting one.

[bruce.b]

Yes, the Kala and Ozark look alike. They both have the misplaced dot at the 9th fret too. Not sure if the scale length means anything since that's a very common length for tenors. Cedar on the Ozark vs a spruce top on the Kala.

[Verne Andru]

I've played both the Ibanez and the Kala briefly on the show floor. I'd say the Kala is the better of the two. Love the slotted headstock. Probably be getting one.

I know you're a man of few words but what are we talkin' here? A significant difference? 5% difference? Is it a playability, build or tone thing?

I too love the slotted headstock, but I also love the parlour body style so, all things considered, is it 6 of 1, 1/2 dozen of the other?

[bruce.b]

The Kala tenor guitar is now available. At least some dealers have them.

[Ted Eschliman]

Got mine. Love it! I'm impressed at how loud it is, even with the shorter scale. Very nice tone.

[fox]

Any idea of the string gauges?

[bruce.b]

I should have mine in a couple of days. I think I'm going to leave it CGDA. That probably makes more sense than having another tenor tuned GDAE.

[fox]

The Karla looks so similar to my Ozark, I wonder if it has the same 12th fret width?
The Ozark is about 42mm at the 12th & this make the strings quite widely spaced around the sound hole. Fantastic for finger picking with patterns like the Cotton pick.
I have tried most tunings but much prefer CGDA
I have found that by just moving around some basic two finger chords & allowing lots of open strings to ring out, CGDA sounds great!
C, F, D, G & D7 etc... using the cotton pick it just sounds so sweet....

[dmcginnis]

I would appreciate hearing anyone's experience trying the new Kala tenor guitar in GDAE or GDAD turnings.

Thanks,
Dave

[dmcginnis]

Regarding GDAE tuning, here is a note I received from the folks at Kala:

David,
I don't think anything would stop you from crafting a set that works for the tenor guitar. But there doesn't seem to be an alternate tuning set for GDAE at this time available.
My recommendation would be single strings (EADG) .013 plain, .020 PB, .030 PB, and .045PB

You would only have to re size the nut slots and possible the bridge string holes, but most likely just the nut would need to be altered a little bit to accomodate the thicker strings.

Thanks,
Dan Van



Dan Van Heuklom Ext. 2831
Inside Sales
Kala Brand Music Company


Anyone want to try those string gauges and give us a report?

Thanks,
Dave

[bruce.b]

On my Herb Taylor with essentially the same scale length I use 14, 24, 34, 48. I'd start with what they recommend and consider heavier if it seems to need it. I'll try it at some point but I'm planning to leave it in CGDA for at least a little while.
bruce