Mahalo MA1KA Artist Elite Series
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Mahalo
MA1KA Artist Elite Series
Product Info
Article Number:
610387
Brand:
Mahalo
Model:
MA1KA Artist Elite Series
Category:
Soprano Ukuleles
Price:
$42.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
This Mahalo is a great entry-level soprano ukulele – surprisingly playable thanks to that ebony fingerboard. The tone is pleasant and warm, ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a simple, affordable instrument for casual strumming and learning basic chords. It’s a solid choice for students or folks just starting their ukulele journey.
Product Description
- Mahalo MA1KA Artist Elite Series
- Soprano Ukulele
- Curved-bottom body: Basswood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Amara ebony
- Abalone dot fingerboard inlays
- ABS plastic nut
- 12 nickel frets
- Scale: 346 mm
- Amara ebony bridge with compensated Graph Tech NuBone XB saddle
- Open gold-plated vintage design machine heads
- Factory strings: Aquila Super Nylgut
- Design: Matte flamed maple photo film
- Includes bag
PROS
- • Amara ebony fingerboard offers a surprisingly smooth playing experience.
- • Graph Tech NuBone saddle improves sustain and intonation noticeably.
- • Aquila Super Nylgut strings provide a warm, clear, and balanced tone.
- • Curved-bottom body enhances comfort and aesthetics, a nice touch.
CONS
- • Basswood body lacks the tonal complexity of more premium woods like koa.
- • ABS nut is a cost-saving measure; bone or Tusq would be a worthwhile upgrade.
- • Flamed maple photo film is a superficial aesthetic; doesn't affect sound.
Product Video
Key Features
Top Wood
Basswood
Back & Sides
Basswood
Size
Soprano (346 mm scale)
Frets
12
Electronics
None
Weight
Approximately 18 ounces (510 grams)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The soprano scale is compact, but the Amara ebony fingerboard helps with playability; it's generally manageable for beginners, though larger hands might find it a bit snug.
Koa generally offers a brighter, more resonant tone. This basswood model is warmer and more mellow, but still provides a pleasant, usable sound for its price range.
While the gold-plated machine heads are functional, they are a basic design; expect to re-tune more frequently than with higher-end tuners, but they're adequate for casual use.
