The Kala NS-KOA-T Nautilus Koa Tenor Ukulele stands as a testament to what happens when master lutherie meets modern California manufacturing. This collaboration between Kala and Pete Howlett has resulted in a thin-line instrument that defies expectations. While most slim ukuleles sound thin, the Nautilus delivers a rich, full-bodied resonance that satisfies the most demanding professional players.
Superior Materials and Masterful Construction
The Kala NS-KOA-T Nautilus Koa Tenor Ukulele is meticulously crafted in the USA with a solid Hawaiian Koa top. This premium wood is world-renowned for its sweet, warm tonal profile that only improves with age. By pairing the Koa top with Honduran Mahogany back and sides, Kala has created a balanced soundscape. You receive the traditional island warmth along with a crisp, articulate bite that helps lead lines cut through a mix.
A solid Korina neck provides excellent stability and a smooth feel, while the Ebony fingerboard offers a fast response under your fingers. The thin-body design is surprisingly ergonomic, making it comfortable for long practice sessions or high-energy stage performances. Because it features a UV-cured satin finish, the wood grain remains protected without being muffled by heavy lacquers.
Performance Hardware and Precise Specifications
The Kala NS-KOA-T Nautilus Koa Tenor Ukulele features a stunning solid Hawaiian Koa top, which is the gold standard for island tone. This is paired with Honduran Mahogany back and sides to provide a perfect balance of warmth and mid-range punch. Furthermore, the solid Korina neck and Ebony fingerboard offer a smooth, responsive feel. The UV-cured satin finish allows the wood to breathe, ensuring the instrument resonates with maximum clarity.
Construction details further elevate this model above standard offerings. It boasts a 17.18-inch scale length and a total of 22 frets, providing an extended range for complex melodies. The ultra-slim 1.37-inch body depth makes it incredibly comfortable to hold, yet it maintains surprising volume. Additionally, the nut and saddle are hand-cut from Corian, while the gold Grover 14:1 gear ratio tuners ensure your tuning remains rock-solid during play.
Versatile Sound for Stage and Studio
The inclusion of a passive piezo pickup means you are always ready to plug in and perform. Since there are no heavy batteries or bulky preamps, the natural vibration of the instrument is preserved perfectly. The unique string set, featuring a wound G and a wound C, provides a powerful low-end foundation. This setup is particularly effective for soloists who want a more guitar-like range from their tenor ukulele.
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Stunning Bezier Curve headstock with Gold Mother of Pearl.
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Florentine cutaway for easy access to all 22 frets.
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Nautilus-inspired soundhole for a modern aesthetic.
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Ships with a premium Kala Transit Series gig bag.
Final Thoughts on This California Original
The Kala NS-KOA-T Nautilus Koa Tenor Ukulele is an investment in quality that will serve any musician for a lifetime. It successfully bridges the gap between traditional Hawaiian soul and contemporary American innovation. Whether you are recording in a studio or playing live, its distinctive voice and comfortable playability make it a standout choice. This instrument truly represents the future of professional ukulele design.
Get the Kala NS-KOA-T Revelator Nautilus Hawaiian Koa Tenor Ukulele w/ Pickup HERE
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