Kala Ukuleles: The World's Most Popular Ukulele Brand

Whether you're picking up a ukulele for the very first time or adding to a growing collection, one name consistently rises to the top: Kala Brand Music Co. From humble beginnings in California to becoming the world's best-selling ukulele brand, Kala has earned its place in music shops, classrooms, and living rooms across the globe — including right here at Music Bits Company.

A Brief History of Kala Brand Music Co.

Kala was founded in 2005 by Mike Upton in Petaluma, California. With a background in the music industry and a passion for the ukulele, Upton set out to create an instrument brand that offered genuine quality at an accessible price point — something that had been largely missing from the market.

The timing was perfect. The mid-2000s saw a global resurgence of interest in the ukulele, driven by viral YouTube performances, artists like Jake Shimabukuro, and a growing appetite for instruments that were fun, portable, and easy to learn. Kala rode that wave — and helped create it.

Within just a few years, Kala had become the number one selling ukulele brand in the world, a position it has held ever since. Today, the company offers hundreds of models spanning every size, tonewood, and skill level, from entry-level beginner ukuleles to professional-grade solid wood instruments.

What Makes Kala the World's Most Popular Ukulele Brand?

There are several reasons why Kala ukuleles consistently outsell the competition and earn rave reviews from players worldwide:

• Exceptional quality control — every Kala ukulele is set up and inspected before leaving the factory, ensuring playability straight out of the box.
• Huge range of models — from soprano to baritone, mahogany to acacia, beginner to pro, there's a Kala for every player.
• Accessible pricing — Kala delivers genuine tonewoods and quality hardware at price points that don't break the bank.
• Trusted by educators — Kala is the go-to brand for schools and music programmes worldwide, thanks to its durability and consistency.
• Innovative designs — from the iconic Waterman (the world's first fully waterproof ukulele) to the eye-catching Ukadelic series, Kala keeps things fresh.

Kala Ukulele Sizes Explained

Kala makes ukuleles in all four standard sizes. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right one:

• Soprano — the classic, compact ukulele with that bright, traditional uke sound. Perfect for beginners and younger players. Try the fun Kala Ukadelic Soprano in Taxi Cab Yellow or the Kala Eco Bamboo Soprano.
• Concert — slightly larger than the soprano with a fuller tone and more fret space. A great all-rounder. Explore the Kala Bamboo Concert Ukulele, the Kala Hawaiian Koa Concert, the Kala Solid Acacia Concert Ukulele, or the striking Kala Galaxy Black Sparkle Concert.
• Tenor — favoured by intermediate and advanced players for its deeper tone and longer scale length. Check out the Kala Hawaiian Koa Tenor, the Kala Salt & Pepper Doghair Mahogany Tenor, the Kala Contour Deluxe Spruce Rosewood Tenor, or the Kala Solid Cedar Top Pau Ferro Tenor.
• Baritone — the largest ukulele, tuned like the top four strings of a guitar. Ideal for guitarists making the switch. See the Kala Hawaiian Koa Baritone, the Kala Striped Ebony Baritone, or the Kala Solid Cedar Top Pau Ferro Baritone.

Spotlight: The Kala Waterman Series

One of Kala's most iconic product lines, the Waterman is the world's first fully waterproof ukulele — made from a specially formulated plastic that's virtually indestructible. It's perfect for the beach, camping, festivals, or anywhere you'd rather not risk a wooden instrument. We stock the Kala Waterman Soprano in Pink Dusk, the Kala Waterman Soprano & Bag in Sea Foam Green, the Kala Waterman Concert with Bag in Black Sand, and the Kala Waterman Concert in Sea Foam Green.

Spotlight: The Kala Ukadelic Series

For players who want their ukulele to make a visual statement as well as a musical one, the Ukadelic range features bold, graphic-printed designs on a soprano body. We currently stock the Ukadelic Blue Ink, the Ukadelic Taxi Cab Yellow, the Ukadelic Cherry Bomb Red, and the Ukadelic Flamingo Pink — all brilliant gifts and conversation starters.

Electro-Acoustic Kala Ukuleles

For players who want to perform live or record, Kala offers some truly unique electro-acoustic options. Many of Kala's flagship models are availabe with built in electrics providing gig-ready package. Also great for recording.

Spotlight: Kala U•BASS — The Bass Ukulele

The Kala U•BASS is in a category of its own. Designed to produce the deep, warm tones of a full-size bass guitar in a compact, ukulele-sized body, the U•BASS uses thick polyurethane or wound nylon strings to achieve its distinctive low-end sound — and the results are genuinely remarkable. It's become a firm favourite with session musicians, singer-songwriters, and anyone who needs a portable bass solution for rehearsals, recording, or travel. Unlike a standard ukulele, the U•BASS is tuned in standard bass tuning (E–A–D–G), making it immediately familiar to any bassist. Our Kala Electric 5-String Fretless U•BASS in Sunburst takes things even further — a fretless neck gives it an expressive, upright-bass quality that's hard to find at any price point. If you've never played a bass ukulele before, it's well worth a try in store.

Accessories: Complete Your Kala Setup

Don't forget the finishing touches. We also stock a range of Kala accessories to complement your instrument, including the Kala Soprano Foam Hard Case for safe storage and transport, and ukulele capos in Beechwood, Black, and Walnut finishes for exploring different keys with ease.

Why Buy Your Kala Ukulele from Music Bits Company?

As an independent music retailer, we take pride in offering genuine expert advice alongside every sale. We set up and inspect every instrument before it leaves us, and our team are passionate players themselves. Whether you're buying your first ukulele or upgrading to a solid wood model, we're here to help you find the right fit.

Browse our full Kala ukulele range in store or online, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions — we're always happy to talk ukuleles.