This is the Kala KA-TARO-ASHM-C, an 8-string all solid concert ukulele. This model uses all unison pairs of strings in its tuning, just like regular ukulele tuning with a high G, but all doubled up to give you a full, zingy and traditional Hawaiian sound. While often these instruments include a low G and/or high C, this is very much like playing two regular ukuleles at once, giving you more chime and projection.

It helps that this Kala Taropatch has an all solid mahogany construction that’s nice and light and resonant. While the headstock’s long length may make it look cumbersome, it’s actually quite a light instrument overall, and that thin tonewood really allows the sound to pop and sing. Savarez strings are used, which have good sustain but a slightly more rounded sound than many fluorocarbon strings, giving a touch more thickness to the sound. Although you’d still say it’s light, bright and breezy, with big volume and projection.

The finish is a semi gloss, a thin shiny finish that adds some protection and shine, but doesn’t choke the volume, allowing the sparkly voice to really ring out. For decoration there’s some traditional style rope inlays and a nice inlay on the paddle headstock. To accommodate all those strings, the Kala KA-TARO-ASHM-C has a wider 38mm nut.

At the bottom of the page, you can find a series of common optional extras, like strap buttons. This Kala comes with a gig bag so you can ignore that and it won’t fit in a regular hard case, so best just to go with the bag that’s already included. If you think it might be too jangly, I can add a low G, replacing the second high G with that to deepen the sound. If you want. But I’d try it as it is first and you can always do that later - as it’s really different, vibrant and interesting in its current format.