Find Your Perfect Kala Ukulele with The VISTA Method
Choosing the right ukulele can feel like a big decision, but we're here to make it easy and fun! To help find your perfect match, think about how you envision yourself playing. It's not just about your style or budget, but how you truly picture yourself with your ukulele. At Kala, we like to remember what to consider by using the acronym: VISTA. Vista literally means "vision", and when keeping this in mind you can more easily dial in the instrument you're looking for.
V is for Voice
Do you see yourself singing along while you play, or will your ukulele be the star with mostly instrumentals? If you'll be singing, consider ukuleles with warm, smooth tonewoods like acacia, koa, or even mahogany. These have a beautiful sound that perfectly supports your vocals.
You might like: Satin Hawaiian Koa Collection or Satin Mahogany Collection
If the uke takes the spotlight, a brighter, more articulate sound from maple or spruce might be perfect for solo playing where you want the instrument to really shine.
You might like: All Solid Flame Maple Collection or Solid Spruce Top Mahogany Collection
I is for Intention
Is this ukulele for you, or is it a gift for someone special? If it's a gift, think about the recipient. Their age, musical experience, and other interests will help determine the best fit. For younger players or beginners, a soprano or concert size is often ideal.
You might like: Kala Learn To Play Soprano or Farout Concert
For experienced players or adults, a tenor might offer the richer sound and feel you're looking for, as well as a longer scale.
You might like: Striped Ebony Tenor or Guidance Mahogany Tenor
For guitarists or ukulele players expanding their skill set, the baritone is a great intersection, offering familiar tuning and chord shaping to guitarists (due to the strings being the same as the top 4 strings of a guitar), and new tonal qualities to ukulele players.
You might like: All Solid Salt & Pepper Doghair Mahogany Baritone w/ EQ or Teak Baritone
S is for Setting
Where do you imagine playing your ukulele? Relaxing at home, gathering around a campfire, or even performing on stage? For outdoor shows or stage performances, we might suggest a model with a pickup for easy amplification, as well as effects pedal use.
You might like: Solid Body Electric Series or Burled Meranti Concert w/ EQ
For cozy home playing or campfire jams, a more traditional, non-electronic model could be exactly what you need.
You might like: Satin Spruce Top Mahogany Soprano or Bamboo Concert
T is for Together (or Solo)
Do you picture yourself playing alone, or joining in with a group of musicians? If you’re playing with others, look for an instrument that can cut through the mix, like one made with spruce, ebony or maple, so your sound is always heard, and fills in the uke-shaped gaps in the music.
You might like: Solid Spruce Top Ebony Series or Striped Ebony Series
If you play solo, a warm tonewood like koa, acacia, or mango can add beautiful depth and feeling to your individual melodies.
You might like: All Solid Acacia Collection or Curly Mango Series
A is for Artistic Influence
What kind of music inspires you? If you’re enchanted by the traditional Hawaiian sound, a classic soprano ukulele is often the go-to choice.
You might like: Satin Mahogany Soprano Pineapple or Satin Mahogany Soprano Ukulele with Hawaiian Islands & Tattoo
If you enjoy fingerstyling or slide techniques, the longer scale and increased frets of a concert or tenor might be your best choice.
You might like: Gloss Solid Cedar Top Acacia Concert or Pacific Walnut Tenor
For mellow, soulful tunes, a baritone might be your perfect match for its deeper, more resonant voice.
You might like: Solid Spruce Top Striped Ebony Baritone or Teak Baritone
By taking a moment to think through your VISTA, you can more easily discover the quality Kala ukulele that's absolutely perfect for you. Ready to find your sound? Browse Kala’s full selection of ukuleles, or stop by your local authorized Kala retailer today!
