Kala Brand Music Co. Makala Dolphin, 4-String Ukulele, Green Apple Burst, Soprano (MK-SD/GRNBURST)

As an elementary music teacher, I've used Makala ukuleles for years. They are a great uke for young players. However, in all my years of ordering these instruments I've never had one shipped so poorly. The box was just butchered and I don't believe it happened during shipping.

I really like the Makala Ukulele, it's light weight, well made, and it holds the tuning. It tunes up well, but don't expect to bring it up to pitch the first time. I tune it a little at time over a couple of days, to stretch the string slowly. Then it stays in tune. I'd like one in every color. Gloria

Stays in tune a bit better than another one we bought that was less expensive. However, but a padded case for it. My son was carrying it around in the bag and after a couple of months some paint has chipped off. We did get a padded bag at the local, family music store for $5.

Aside from it being colorful and super cute, this is a great little ukulele. Sounds good, easy to use, and you can't beat the price. The bag that came with it was basically just a drawstring sack that would offer no protection. I ended up buying a padded bag for about $11.

I've bought four Kala dolphin ukuleles over the years, as gifts and also for myself. They have changed a bit. Originally they were large, boxy, and made entirely of wood, but they're now more like an ovation. The back and sides are a single bowl, made of plastic. The top is wood, spruce I think, and it's got about the sound one might expect from the look. They ship with Aquila strings, the best available, which is a huge plus. They go out of tune frequently in the first twenty or thirty hours of playing, but this is *normal* for all nylon-stringed instruments. While I have higher quality soprano ukes available, the dolphin is my go to uke for taking to the park, the beach, any kinda road trip, and it's good enough to use for lessons, or even a performances to a small audience.These are excellent for getting started on ukulele!Also, this particular color (green apple sunburst) looks *really cool* under a black Light.

I think I got a reject model... the sides aren't even cut smoothly. The whole shape is angular instead of round. I'm pretty sad about it. I had a beautiful Malala dolphin in orange burst that I left with a friend in South America and this isn't meant to replace it, but it looks so poorly made I think I need to return it...

My grand-daughter loved it! And it was received in time for her 11th birthday.