Soprano Ukulele
Maker
Kala Brand Music Co.
DateMarch 2019 ca.
Place MadeChina, Asia
Place DistributedPetaluma, California, United States, N. America
ModelWaterman KA-SWF-GM Fluorescent Sour Apple Green
SignedBlack, round sticker label, white lettering on a black background: The / Waterman / by KALA / model# KA-SWF-GM / MFG# 03 19 / MADE IN CHINAStamped in silver ink on head: The / Waterman / by KALA [surf board and two paddles, with the logo "WM" on surfboard]
In recessed lettering on back of head: KALA
DescriptionThe Kala Waterman ukulele, introduced in 2014, is modeled after the Maccaferri Islander ukuleles of the 1950s. It is made from injection molded plastic and is inexpensive and waterproof, but is a serious musical instrument with a good sound, setup, and construction. Earlier Waterman ukuleles, like this one have fan bracing, while later ones may have gridded bracing.
Stringing: four white nylon strings (Aquila Super Nylgut® Strings)
Soundboard: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic
Back: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic
Sides: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic
Head: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic
Neck: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic; integral with head and body
Heel cap: none; injection molding mark on back of neck heel
Binding: none
Fingerboard: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic; zero fret; 13 integral silver-painted translucent neon green ABS composite plastic (including one at nut); silver-painted dots behind 5th, 7th, 10th frets and as side dots, not including zero fret
Nut: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic
Bridge: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic with integral saddle; string ends fit into recesses at end of bridge
Tuners: four nickel-plated steel worm-gear tuners with black plastic heads
Rosette: translucent neon green ABS composite plastic ring
Lacquer: none
Linings: none
Neck block: none
End block: none
Top bracing: all braces integral with top; 7 fan braces; reinforcement around soundhole and two braces between soundhole and neck; small side braces betweeen soundhole and sides; two diagonal braces at bottom end
DimensionsTotal ukulele length: 534 mm (21-1/32″)
Back length: 235 mm (9-1/4″)
Upper bout width: 124 mm (4-7/8″)
Waist width: 96 mm (3-25/32″)
Lower bout width: 160 mm (6-5/16″)
Rib height (including edging) at heel: 52 mm (2-1/16″)
Rib height, at waist: 58 mm (2-9/32″)
Rib height, at end block: 57 mm (2-1/4″)
Head length: 119 mm (4-11/16″)
Head width, top: 64 mm (2-17/32″)
Head width, bottom: 55 mm (2-5/32″)
Neck length (nut to ribs): 177 mm (6-31/32″)
Neck width, nut: 34 mm (1-11/32″)
Neck width, heel: 46 mm (1-13/16″)
Soundhole length: 41 mm (1-5/8″)
Vibrating string length (zero fret to bridge edge): 348 mm (13-11/16″)
ProvenanceNo known provenance.
Credit LineGeoffrey Robert Rezek Collection, 2025
Object number15871
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