Kala and Lanikai Ukuleles are two of the most popular ukulele brands out there. If you are doing research before you buy your first ukulele, you may be wondering which brand is better - Lanikai or Kala? Here is a quick review and comparison of what both ukulele brands have to offer, including our favorite models from each brand.

For this comparison, we will focus on three main criteria; Build and Quality (how durable and playable the ukuleles are), Price (affordability), and Variety (range of options available at different price levels). So let's begin!

Build & Quality

Lanikai Ukuleles

• Lanikai is distributed by Hohner, a company with a long history of producing quality folk instruments like accordions and harmonicas.
• All Lanikai models come with Aquila Nylgut Strings, which are very popular among ukulele players for their warm tone and how easy they are to play. Strings can make a big difference in how your ukulele sounds, but remember that you can always switch out the strings on your ukulele if you want to try something new!

Kala Ukuleles

• Kala Brand Ukulele was founded by former Lanikai employee Mike Upton, who is passionate about ukuleles and innovation which can be seen in his development of the innovative Kala U-Bass Ukulele
• Update: Kala now ships all of their ukuleles with Aquila strings. (According to their website, Kala previously shipped their ukuleles with GHS strings -- so if you buy from a Kala dealer who still has older stock, the strings may be GHS brand).

Price

Both  Kala and Lanikai offer excellent entry-level ukuleles as well as higher-end models. If you are serious about learning to play ukulele, be wary of extremely cheap models or you run the risk of ending up with an instrument that doesn't sound as good or hold tune for very long. It is also a good idea to try out different sized ukuleles in person if you are not sure what size to get. The larger models (like Soprano and Tenor) tend to cost more, but that can vary from Series to Series.

Regardless of the brand, some things that will affect the price of your ukulele include;  what the ukulele is made of (laminates may be more durable but those made of solid wood will sound best), whether it a traditional acoustic or an acoustic-electric ukulele (you may want an acoustic-electric if you plan on performing live or recording), and whether the ukulele has any fancy inlays or design elements.

Variety

Both Lanikai and Kala offer a wide variety of ukuleles, from basic natural wood models to hybrids like resonator ukuleles and banjoleles. You can also get ukulele accessories, like strings and gig bags, made by both brands. We found that both Kana and Lanikai provide options for different price ranges, though they seem to specialize in different areas.

When it comes to professional-level ukuleles, Lanikai offers several higher-end ukulele models made from premium tonewoods like the Lanikai Quilted Ash Series and the Lanikai Exotic Series. These special woods provide unique tones as well as beautiful appearance due to natural patterns of the trees they are built from. The Lanikai LU Series is more affordable and is an excellent choice for those less concerned with fancy details.

Kala offers a lot more options for beginner players, hobbyists, and kids. If you're looking for a fun gift, or if you enjoy collecting unique instruments, the  Kala Makala Series Ukuleles includes a variety of designs ranging from paisley print to the Mexican flag. 

For more advanced players, Kala U-bass Ukuleles represent an exciting new development in the evolution of the uke. The U-Bass combines the size and portability of a traditional ukulele with thick rubbery strings developed by Kala that allow for a smooth playing experience and rich bass tones. This short-scaled bass is available in both acoustic and acoustic-electric versions.

Conclusion

Both Lanikai and Kala offer a wide variety of ukuleles and continue to innovate when it comes to ukulele design and technology. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player, both brands provide well-built ukuleles at all price levels. While there may not be a clear-cut "winner" in this comparison, we hope that our review of Lanikai and Kala ukuleles has been helpful as you continue your search.

Need help choosing a ukulele? Call our team of experts at  1-800-511-1322 or email sales@austinbazaar.com.