Meet the Kala Archtop Tenor Ukulele

If you've ever looked at a jazz guitar and thought, "I wish that came in a smaller, more portable version" — Kala has answered your call. The Kala KA-JTE/2TS Archtop Sunburst Tenor Electro Ukulele is one of the most visually striking instruments we stock at Music Bits, and it plays every bit as good as it looks.

A Ukulele That Turns Heads

The Kala Archtop is unmistakable on stage. With its classic tobacco sunburst satin finish, pearloid binding, and distinctive jazz-style F-holes, it carries the aesthetic of a vintage archtop jazz guitar — scaled down to tenor ukulele size. It's the kind of instrument that draws eyes before you've played a single note. Whether you're performing at an open mic, a jazz club, or a festival stage, this uke makes a statement.

Built for Players Who Care About Tone

Beneath the stunning looks is a seriously well-specified instrument. The spruce top delivers bright, articulate projection with excellent note clarity, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the overall tone. The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface with a satisfying feel under the fingers, and the mahogany neck offers stability and comfort across the full 18-fret range.

Strung with Aquila Super Nylgut® strings — widely regarded as the gold standard in ukulele strings — the KA-JTE/2TS delivers consistent intonation and a rich, resonant voice straight out of the box. Browse our ukulele parts and strings if you're looking to restring or upgrade.

Ready for the Stage: Built-In Electronics

This isn't just a pretty acoustic instrument. The Kala Archtop comes fitted with the UK-300TR pickup system (9v), making it fully electro-acoustic and ready to plug into any PA or amplifier. Whether you're playing an intimate acoustic set or need to fill a larger venue, the onboard electronics give you the flexibility to perform with confidence. A strap button is also included — pair it with one of our ukulele straps and play standing up, exactly where this instrument belongs.

Specifications at a Glance

• Size: Tenor
• Top: Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Binding: Pearloid
• Finish: Sunburst Satin
• Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut®
• Electronics: UK-300TR (9v)
• Scale Length: 16.875"
• Overall Length: 25.75"
• Frets: 18
• Nut Width: 1.4375"

What Music Styles Does It Suit?

The Kala Archtop's visual DNA is rooted in jazz, and it delivers beautifully in that genre. The warm, rounded tone of the mahogany body combined with the articulate spruce top makes it ideal for:

• Jazz & Swing — chord melody arrangements, fingerpicking, and single-note lines sit perfectly in this instrument's tonal sweet spot.
• Blues — the sunburst finish and F-holes aren't just for show; the Archtop has the warmth and sustain to handle expressive blues playing with ease.
• Fingerstyle & Solo Performance — the tenor scale length (16.875") gives you more room between frets than a soprano or concert ukulele, making complex fingerstyle arrangements more comfortable to execute.
• Pop & Singer-Songwriter — the electro capability means it works just as well in a contemporary pop or folk setting, plugged into a PA for a clean, full sound.
• Stage Performance — with the built-in pickup and striking visual presence, this is a performer's instrument through and through.

About Kala Brand Music

Kala Brand Music was founded in 2005 in Petaluma, California, with a simple but ambitious mission: to make high-quality ukuleles accessible to players of all levels. In just two decades, Kala has grown to become one of the most respected and widely played ukulele brands in the world, trusted by beginners, touring professionals, and everyone in between.

What sets Kala apart is their relentless focus on quality at every price point. From their entry-level Makala series to their premium solid-wood and signature artist models, Kala instruments are consistently well-built, well-intonated, and genuinely playable. They work closely with musicians, educators, and retailers to ensure their instruments meet real-world demands — not just look good in a catalogue.

Kala's Archtop series is a perfect example of the brand's philosophy: take a classic aesthetic, apply modern manufacturing standards, and deliver an instrument that's both beautiful and functional. Music Bits is proud to be a Kala Brand Authorised Dealer, meaning every instrument we sell is genuine, fully warranted, and backed by our own after-sales support.

Why Buy from Music Bits?

When you purchase the Kala KA-JTE/2TS from Music Bits, you're buying from an authorised Kala dealer with real instrument expertise. We're based in Alford, Lincolnshire, and we're passionate about helping musicians — from first-timers to seasoned performers — find the right instrument. Every ukulele we sell is checked thoroughly before dispatch, and we're always on hand if you have questions.

Browse our full range of tenor ukuleles or visit us in store at 17 High Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9DS. You can also reach us on 01507 838 448 or shop online at www.musicbits.co.uk.

The Kala Archtop Tenor Electro Ukulele — it looks like a mini jazz guitar. It sounds like one too. And on stage, it's absolutely electric.