Yes, it's...another... NUD: Kala KA-ATP-CTG Solid Cedar/Acacia Slothead Tenor

I am proud to introduce the newest Uke to my collection: Kala KA-ATP-CTG Solid Cedar/Acacia Slothead Tenor. I ordered it from Mike McQueen at UkeRepublic, a wonderful bloke to work with!

Here is his video playing this wonderful uke:  UkeRebublic Demo of Kala Cedar/Acacia Slothead Tenor

I'm pretty sure I will love it. I can already feel there are "songs in there", you know that feeling you get with some instruments that seem to just make your fingers make beautiful music!? This one has it. I only hope my Kala Acacia Tenor doesn't get jealous when I play this one more for a while!

 As soon as I get the Southcoast Low G strings in and the U-300T preamp/pickup installed I'll make a recording and post!

 I can tell you this though: It's LOUD, it's easy to play with a wider string spacing than my KAT and a little bit fatter neck that feels great. It has a very "classical guitar" kind of sound and it lightly distorts (like my cedar topped Taylor GC5 guitar) when played hard, but in a really good 'burbley' compressed way. It's lighter weight but balanced, AND it's perfectly intonated up and down the neck. I've yet to find an off note (at least according to my ear, not as much the tuner). It has a sweet sound even with the Aquila Re-entrant strings on it and the NU-BONE tusq saddle and nut. (I may go with full on tusq or bone saddle when adding the pickup). Fit and finish is great as well. AND all for $250... it's a steal!

My watershed moment: Piano is fun but nothing like playing guitar!

Well, I made a decision about my musical future, at least the near future. After seriously pursuing and playing the piano for almost a year, I'm heading back to guitar full time.

And to commemorate this "re-connection" with my musical past, I've invested in a better instrument to hone my skills on. In tennis, often instructors and players say to always "play up!" The same goes for music, IMHO.

I acquired a NOS 2007 Taylor GC5e. Wester Red Cedar top, solid South American Tropical Mahogany sides and back. It has the famed ES (expression system) built in, which, incidentally, is one of the best renditions of an acoustic sound I've ever heard amplified! It has a slotted headstock, which I love on my Kala Ukulele. It's almost perfect, just need to get a proper set up after the guitar has settled into my home and then I'll have it as I like!