KALA BRAND MUSIC 2014 PRESS RELEASES. 14 Pages of new products

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1 KALA BRAND MUSIC 2014 PRESS RELEASES 14 Pages of new products For immediate release. KALA Brand Releases Tenor Guitar Kala Brand Music Co enters a new market segment with the addition of a tenor guitar to the company s broadening range of stringed instruments. Kala s tenor guitar is a 21 3/8ths scale 4 string guitar that is tuned in fifths. Design features include a select solid sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, slotted headstock, and Grover tuners. The guitars come strung with with D Addario Phosphor Bronze strings which are tuned to CGDA. Originally made popular by folk artists such as the Kingston Trio, the tenor guitar is experiencing a resurgence in popularity among musicians that are seeking a fresh timbre to add to their performances and arrangements. As a result there has been the emergence of a grassroots movement where tenor guitar enthusiasts have created groups and gatherings across the country. With its upscale appointments and list price of $ the Kala Tenor will appeal to 1

2 musicians seeking to add a new sound to their repertoire and dealers looking for a high quality affordable instrument to address this growing customer base. U-BASS, Kala Guitars, and an extensive line of ukulele and U-BASS accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. contact@kalabrand.com (Pidtured: Kala all solid Koa USA Acoustic Electric U-BASS) For immediate release. KALA Celebrates U-BASS 5 TH Anniversary With New California Models 2

3 Kala Brand Music Co. is commemorating the 5 th anniversary of the U-BASS with the introduction of several new USA models manufactured at the company s headquarters in Petaluma CA. Kala s newest California U-BASS models include acoustic-electric and solid body designs. The acoustic electric models are available in finely crafted figured Hawaiian Koa or flame maple finishes. The solid body designs feature a variety of exotic wood tops that include koa, redwood, myrtle, and walnut. All California basses include a custom LR Baggs U-BASS electronic system which is new for Kala and LR Baggs have designed a pickup/amplification system especially for the U- BASS that delivers uncompromising performance, power, and versatility. The U-BASS began as the invention of luthier Owen Holt, who developed the proprietary polyurethane strings, which evolved into a collaboration between Holt and Michael Upton, president of Kala to bring a line of basses to market. Since Kala brought it to market in 2009 the award winning U-BASS was has been a phenomenon in the world of bass instruments. It is known for its deep bass tone in a portable 21 scale body and its innovative string designs. The U-BASS brand has grown to over 30 models with a variety of acoustic-electric and solid body designs that include fretted and fretless as well as four and five string models. Kala now offers six different string variations including the original proprietary black polyurethane strings. I was absolutely floored by the deep tone of the little bass when I first plugged it in, states Upton, five years later we are proud to say that players all over the world have experienced the same reaction. Notable awards for the U-BASS include NAMM Best in Show, 3 Editor Pick awards from Bass Player Magazine, 2 MIPA International press awards, 3 Music Inc. Product of the year awards and many others. It is chosen by bass players including Nathan East, Billy Sheehan, Abraham Laboriel, Bakithi Kumalo, and Steve Bailey. U- BASS, Kala Guitars, and an extensive line of ukulele and U-BASS accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. contact@kalabrand.com 3

4 KALA s Guitarlele, A New Voice in Town Kala Brand Music s new hybrid instrument, the Guitarlele, will delight guitar players looking for the perfect travel guitar as well as ukulele players exploring guitar for the first time. The six stringed instrument is tuned to A-D-G-C-E-A and projects a bright full tone, similar to capoing up on the 5 th fret of a regular guitar. A solid spruce top and Koa back and sides project a full rich sound that makes the guitarlele the perfect choice for all players seeking to add a new voice to their sound repertoire.. Features include a select solid spruce top, Koa back and sides, mahogany binding and rosette, slotted headstock with Koa cap, Grover Tuners, rosewood fingerboard, and satin finish. Kala s model number is KA-GL-KOA with a list price of $ U-BASS, Kala Guitars, and an extensive line of ukulele and U-BASS accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. contact@kalabrand.com 4

5 For immediate release. KALA S SPALTED MAPLE TRAVEL UKES DAZZLE With their spectacularly figured spalted maple grain and remarkable projection, Kala Brand Music s new thinline travel ukuleles are a revelation in sight and sound. The spalted maple travel ukes are the latest designs in Kala s widely popular travel ukulele series that was first introduced in The secret to Kala s travel ukes is evident in the select solid spruce tops, 5

6 precisely engineered arched backs, and in their thin bodies measuring 1 ¾ in depth. The spalted maple models include a cutaway design and are available in concert and tenor sizes. Each ukulele comes with its own heavily padded gig bag with embroidered logo, as do all models in the thinline series. Other features include mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and bridge, die-cast chrome tuners with black buttons, silver nickel frets, satin finish, and GraphTech NuBone XB Nut and saddle. All Kala thinline travels are strung with Aquila strings. The model numbers of the spalted maple travels are KASSTU-SMC-C for the concert size and KA-SSTU-SMT-C for the tenor. U- BASS, Kala Guitars, and an extensive line of ukulele and U-BASS accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. contact@kalabrand.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kala Begins U.S. Ukulele Production With Banjo Ukuleles 6

7 Petaluma CA Kala Brand Music Co. has released the company s first ukuleles manufactured in the U.S. with the 2014 NAMM debut of its banjo ukuleles. Kala introduced its first U.S. made products in 2011 with the California Series Solid Body U-Basses and subsequent custom shop basses. The banjo ukuleles are the first in a new series of acoustic and acoustic/electric instruments that Kala is producing at its headquarters in Petaluma CA We have invested considerably in our infrastructure with new machinery and personnel training over the past couple of years in anticipation of this roll out, so it is with significant pride that we welcome these homegrown instruments to our product line stated Michael Upton, President of Kala. Kala will feature two concert banjo ukulele models available in a Custom Figured Koa or Maple Shell. Features include vintage styling, a slim contoured mahogany neck, pau ferro fretboard, figured maple headstock overlay and a Remo 8 Banjo Head. Pegheads ukulele tuners will come standard on the Koa Shell Banjo along with nickel plated hardware while the Maple Banjo model will be equipped with Grover Sta-Tite tuners and solid brass hardware in antique brass. Both banjos will be strung with Flourocarbon strings and will come standard with a hardshell case. Street price will be $999. for the Maple model, and $1199. for the Koa banjo. U-BASS, Kala Guitars, and an extensive line of ukulele and U-BASS accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. contact@kalabrand.com 7

8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-BASS Kala Brand Music Co. and bass legend Bakithi Kumalo have collaborated on a new signature model solid body U-BASS that is being manufactured by Kala in the U.S. Bakithi Kumalo is the revered longtime bassist for Paul Simon, who discovered Bakithi while seeking musicians in South Africa for his legendary Graceland album. Bakithi, a U-BASS endorsee since 2009, has found the U-BASS to be an extension of his unique and distinctive playing style. The B.K. U-BASS is a 21 scale solid body electric 4-string fretless bass strung with Kala s proprietary polyurethane strings. Other features include a select ash body with strong grain Espresso Brown finish, a black single-ply pickguard and Bakithi Kumalo s signature on the headstock. In addition there is a custom L.R. Baggs active EQ and pickup system developed in conjunction with Kala, a select maple neck, and lined fretless fingerboard. Each bass is set up to Bakithi s specifications and includes a custom deluxe gig bag. The list price starts at $1099. Kala provides a choice of additional varieties of U-Bass strings that include Kala s Silver Rumblers Pyramid silver plated copper wound strings, and Aquila white Thunderguts. U-BASS, and an extensive line of ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings 8

9 Kala s Solid Spruce/Ovangkol Ukuleles Kala Brand Music Co. has combined stunning visual aesthetics with rich tone in the company s new Solid Spruce/Ovangkol ukulele series. The solid spruce top projects a clear and bright sound that works in perfect harmony with solid and resonant Ovangkol body. Ovangkol is an African relative of Rosewood, and shares many of its tonal qualities. Features include mother of pearl inlays, gold tuners, Paduak binding, and a lustrous gloss finish. The Solid Spruce/Ovangkol series will be available in soprano, concert and tenor sizes. The headstock is appointed with a Mother of Pearl Fruit of the Vine Artichoke inlay. Other features include a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, nut bone and saddle, and Aquila strings. Prices start at $449 list. U-BASS, and an extensive line of ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. 9

10 Makala Shark Bridge Ukulele Surfaces from Kala Look out dolphins here come the sharks! Kala Brand Music Co. has added a shark bridge design to its immensely popular Makala Ukulele color series. The Makala Sharks will debut in six classic colors matched to emulate1950 s classic cars that will include vintage shades of white, blue, pink, yellow, red, and green. The Shark bridge ukes are available in the soprano size and are the same body design as the Makala Dolphins, which were first introduced in 2005 and continue to be one of the most popular ukuleles in the world. The Makala colors are known for their sound, playability, and affordability. Design features include a durable Injection Molded body, agathis wood top, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, shark bridge, and geared tuners. A nylon carry bag is included with each ukulele. List Price is $

11 U-BASS, and an extensive line of ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. KALA s NEW MAKALA PACKAGES POP! Petaluma CA Kala Brand Music Co. has released new packaging for the company s popular Makala bundle packages just in time for Q4. The packages are enhanced with new graphics that promote a lifestyle theme that has become recognizable in Kala s marketing. The Makala bundles are available either with an MK-S soprano or MK-C concert ukulele that also includes a quality gig bag, electronic tuner, and a quick start instruction pamphlet. When stacked, the packages instantly create a colorful P.O.P. floor display. 11

12 U-BASS, and an extensive line of ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. Kala Ukadelics Return Kala Brand Music is spreading the good vibrations again with the reintroduction of the company s popular Ukadelic series of ukuleles. Kala is offering the most popular Ukadelic models along with a new design, the very uklectec Steampunk and Camouflage. Other models include Tiedye, USA, Peacelove, Black Paisley, Sskulls, Tropical Day, and Tropical Night. Ukadelics are available in soprano size and have a list price of $ The designs of these colorful ukes incorporate art, culture, and humor and capture all that is fun about ukulele. Like all Kala instruments they are well made and meant to be played. Design features include durable Injection molded back and sides, wood top, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, and geared tuners. U-BASS, and an extensive line of ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. 12

13 KALA s STAND OUT WALL HANGARS ARE MADE IN U.S.A. Kala Brand Music Co. has expanded the Stand Out line of instrument display accessories with a new series of wall hangers that are being manufactured and assembled at Kala headquarters in Petaluma CA. Kala s new Stand Outs are available in two sizes, one that fits ukulele and mandolins and another for guitar and bass instruments, including the U-BASS. Kala s hangers are made with reclaimed wood that is hand selected from a local salvage facility. This makes each individual piece unique and a one of a kind decorative piece that is suitable for retail or home display. U-BASS, and an extensive line of ukulele accessories. Kala Brand Music Co. also distributes Aquila Strings. contact@kalabrand.com 13

14 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ukelimba! Petaluma CA Kala Ukelimba The new Kala Ukelimba is the creation of musician/artist extraordinaire Steve Einhorn, who while tinkering with some broken Kala Ukes and various items collected on long walks created the first Ukelimba. The result is a resonant and lovely sounding instrument in the Key of C that goes perfectly with the ukulele. Once people start to play them it is hard to get them back. It is a very addictive percussive instrument that anyone can play. This makes it a great instrument to have during a jam session. It is very easy for anyone to play and no matter what you play on the Ukelimba, it sounds great! Hand-made in California from re-purposed ukes Tuned to Key of C - great for uke jams Unique musical instrument Conversation piece contact@kalabrand.com 14