Kala + UKE Republic: A Match Made in Ukulele Heaven

 Spreading Aloha One Strum at a Time Since 2007

At UKE Republic, we’ve always had a soft spot for the underdogs, the dreamers, and the builders. So back in 2007, when we were just tuning up our fledgling ukulele shop, we stumbled across a new name on the scene: Kala Brand Music Co. At the time, they were working out of a converted chicken hatchery (yep, you read that right) in Petaluma, California. But there was something special about them—a spark of passion and purpose we immediately recognized.

We reached out. Kala answered. And just like that, the beginning of a beautiful uke-lationship was born.

UKE Republic and Kala Ukuleles goes way back
Early days repping Kala for UKE Republic

UKE Republic NAMM Kala Ukuleles booth
Early NAMM days at the Kala Booth

From Hatchery to Heavy Hitter

Fast forward to today, Kala has become the world’s most popular ukulele brand, and UKE Republic is proud to have been along for the ride since the early days. What drew us in then still holds true now: Kala’s relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and accessibility. Whether you're a curious kindergartner or a seasoned stage-strummer, there's a Kala uke that fits like it was made just for you.

They’ve come a long way—from the KA-15 (a now-iconic satin mahogany staple) to exotic tonewood beauties crafted from striped ebony, ziricote, and flame maple. Kala has continued to innovate with offerings like the groundbreaking U•BASS®, artist signature models, and the always-playable Waterman—designed to survive recess duty and beach jam sessions.

Why UKE Republic Carries Kala

We don’t carry Kala just because they're popular. We carry Kala because they get it. They understand that a ukulele isn’t just a four-stringed instrument—it’s a passport to joy. Their lineup offers:

  • Something for Every Strummer: Soprano to baritone, toddler to touring pro.

  • Tonewood Variety: From classic mahogany to richly figured acacia and beyond.

  • Price Point Accessibility: Whether you’re just starting or you’re adding to your collection, Kala makes it possible to own a quality instrument without a second mortgage.

  • Playability and Sound: Because what good is a pretty uke if it can’t hold a tune or sing out clearly?

Every Kala we carry gets our UKE Republic Pro Setup, because even a great uke deserves that extra touch to make it play its best—right out of the case (after it’s had a moment to breathe, of course).


Kala Ukuleles and UKE Republic
Yo! West Coast meets East Coast

Mike (UKE Republic) with Mandy Harvey - Kala endorsed artist

Kala Ukuleles and UKE Republic NAMM
Meeting of the minds - Mike of UKE Republic and Mikela of Kala

Kala Ukuleles and UKE Republic
Mikela of Kala and Mike of UKE Republic NAMM

UKE Republic proudly carries Kala Elite Ukuleles
Kala Elite primere at NAMM

Kala Ukuleles NAMM booth with UKE Republic
Kala NAMM booth

UKE Republic at Kala Ukuleles NAMM booth
Kala NAMM booth

Kala Waterman Ukuleles available at UKE Republic
Kala Waterman Ukuleles

Jim D'Ville, Kala Endorsed Artist with Mike of UKE Republic
Jim D'Ville, Kala endorsed artist w/ Mike of UKE Republic at TBUG

Kala Ukuleles - available with Pro Setup at UKE Republic
Kala has something for everyone

A Shared Mission: Music for Everyone

Kala’s mission to make music more accessible aligns perfectly with ours. They've donated tens of thousands of ukuleles to schools and nonprofits, empowering the next generation of players. We’re here for that. We live for that. At UKE Republic, we don’t just sell instruments—we connect people with their next creative spark.

And when Kala releases something bold, innovative, or just plain cool? You can bet we’re the first to get our hands on it and share it with our amazing community.

Still in Tune After All These Years

Our relationship with Kala has stood the test of time because it’s built on mutual respect, shared passion, and a love for the ukulele community. We talk often, swap ideas, share feedback from our customers, and keep our ears to the ground to help shape the next generation of ukes.

Together, we’re not just slinging strings. We’re spreading aloha. We're keeping the ukulele movement fresh, fun, and deeply personal.

Available at UKE Republic: Whether you're looking for your first uke or your next forever companion, Kala’s got something magical waiting for you—and we’ll make sure it’s dialed in and ready to shine. Explore our Kala collection today and join the rhythm of something bigger.

Kala + UKE Republic: Still strumming strong since 2007.

Location: 5000 Austell Powder Springs Rd SW STE 250, Austell, GA 30106, USA

Popular posts from this blog

Ukulele Anatomy & Sizes

Image
Ukuleles Anatomy & Sizes When you mention ukuleles, most people think of the small standard soprano size. That's understandable since the Tin Pan Alley scene popularized this size during the first ukulele wave in the 1920s and 1930s. However, ukuleles come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and sound. The four main ukulele sizes are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Let's explore the anatomy of the ukulele and the different sizes available. Anatomy of a Ukulele  Body: The ukulele's central sound-producing part comprises the soundboard (top), back, and sides. Neck: The long, thin part of the ukulele that connects the headstock to the body. Headstock: The top part where the tuning pegs (tuners) are located. Tuners: Pegs used to adjust the tension of the strings, tuning them to the correct pitch. Nut: A small piece at the top of the fretboard that guides the strings and keeps them evenly spaced. Fretboard (Fingerboard): The surface on ...
Read more

The Art of Disconnecting/Connecting: Nurturing Your Acoustic Instrument's Harmony

The Art of Disconnecting/Connecting: Nurturing Your Acoustic Instrument's Harmony In the symphony of music and technology, the seemingly mundane act of plugging/unplugging becomes a pivotal moment in preserving the soulful connection between musician and sound. However, there's a subtle art to this ritual – one that often goes unnoticed but carries profound consequences. Let's explore the delicate dance of disconnecting/connecting and why, at UKE Republic, we often find ourselves mending user-incurred damage, even when the blame is cleverly shifted elsewhere. The Serenity in Disconnecting/Connecting Your acoustic instrument, be it a guitar, ukulele, or another melodic companion, is a blend of tradition and technology. The point where the cord meets the jack is a sacred juncture, where the essence of your instrument converges with the intricacies of amplification. Unveiling the Consequences The allure of a swift departure from the cables may seem harmless, but the aftermath ...
Read more

Unveiling the Romero Creations ʻEKOLU TINY TENOR: A Melodic Ode to Global Harmony

Image
In honor of its 10th anniversary, we proudly introduce the Romero Creations ʻEKOLU TINY TENOR —an enchanting tribute to the rich tapestry of global music. Echoing the Hawaiian word for "three," "Ekolu," this limited edition masterpiece pays homage to the harmonies resonating from instruments like the Sanshin of Okinawa and the balalaika of Russia. Crafted through the collaborative genius of Pepe Romero and Daniel Ho, this instrument embodies the essence of musical heritage from around the world. Designed with both innovation and portability in mind, the ʻEkolu Tiny Tenor inherits the celebrated legacy of its predecessor—the Tiny Tenor—where a tenor scale instrument is ingeniously condensed to concert size without compromising its robust sound. At UKE Republic, we ensure unparalleled performance with our Pro Setup, guaranteeing optimal sound and playability for every musician. Inspired by Daniel Ho's musical journey in Inner Mongolia, where the mesmerizing sound ...
Read more