Question 1

can strings be replaced when they break by standard strings?

Accepted Answer

I know this question was already answered, but I would just like to reinforce: the strings on this instrument are Aquila Nylguts. These strings are very much the standard for ukulele. Far too many reviewers have referred to these as "toy" strings. I can only assume that this is due to them only being familiar with traditional guitars, and not the larger body of stringed instruments available. Although it's an innocent mistake, it's a misunderstanding that is very likely to discourage someone from purchasing what is actually a very good instrument for it's price range. It's especially damaging when they present the information in a way that implies that they know what they are talking about, when they clearly do not.

In comparison to guitars, ukulele are relatively delicate instruments. More importantly, they do not have a truss rod in the neck. While some tenor ukulele can hold up to steel strings, a little soprano like this would almost certainly warp, or even flat out fail, under that kind of pressure. I won't say it's impossible, but I definitely wouldn't risk mine trying to make it work. Either way, ukulele are not designed to use metal strings.

Most ukulele strings are made from some variation of nylon, just like a classical guitar. You may have heard them referred to as "gut," or "catgut" strings, because they were originally made out of animal intestine. Nylon is now preferred for obvious reasons.

If you were to go out and buy a $1500 ukulele, there is a very high chance that it would be strung with either these exact same strings, or Aquila SuperNylgut strings. It's just a matter preference. These are very much real, professional grade strings.

One thing that I really like about Aquila is that even though they are the industry standard when it comes to ukulele strings, they are actually a surprisingly small, family run company. That may not matter to anyone else, but it makes me just a little bit happier to support them.

Fun fact: All that being said, you actually can get strings that are made of flourocarbon (which is exactly the same material that fishing line is made from). Very few people use them, though. I've only ever heard people complain about the way they feel, and I believe that stretching is a much bigger problem with them. I've never tried them personally, however.

Question 2

Is the ukulele that comes with the starter kit the ka-15s because it says ltp-s on the inside of the instrument?

Accepted Answer

It is a different ukulele from the KA-15S. I'm not sure exactly how different but if you go to the Kala website and look at the specs for each the specs are slightly different. So it's definitely not a KA-15S with a different label slapped on it or anything.

Question 3

many reviews mention instrument not holding tune. is this due to poor tuners, or just string stretch that occurs on any instrument?

Accepted Answer

This is the case on all ukuleles and classical guitars. It has nothing to do with the tuners. It is because of the nylon plastic string and the tie they do at the bridge. If you sign up for "Learn to Play" on Kala's website they show you how to tune and stretch your strings.

Question 4

The tote bag it looks like sack. Does it protect the Ulk? any padding?

Accepted Answer

It is very much a sack.  It is not padded.  More of a back sling for carrying.

Color	Natural
Fretboard Material Type	Mahogany Wood
String Material Type	Nylon
Neck Material Type	Mahogany
Back Material Type	Mahogany
Body Material Type	Mahogany
Top Material Type	Mahogany
Item Dimensions L x W x H	22.63"L x 8.38"W x 3.25"H
Number of Strings	4
Guitar Pickup Configuration	H-S-H
Guitar Bridge System	Adjustable
Hand Orientation	Right

Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit, Satin Mahogany – Includes online lessons, tuner app, and booklet (KALA-LTP-S)

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