Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $362

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

If you're in pursuit of a tenor ukulele that blends classic style with modern functionality, the Kala Archtop KA-JTE is your ideal companion. With its archtop and archback design, this uke offers a vintage appeal through its iconic F-holes and elegant white pearloid binding. Crafted with a spruce top complemented by mahogany back and sides, it delivers a warm and mellow tone that resonates beautifully whether you're strumming on your porch or performing on stage.

The smooth walnut fingerboard and bridge ensure a comfortable playing experience, while the robust mahogany neck adds durability to this charming instrument. When amplified, the Kala KA-JTE shines with its built-in Shadow Nanoflex pickup system, featuring a 3-band EQ that lets you tailor your sound with precision.

Beyond aesthetics and sound, the KA-JTE is equipped with chrome die-cast sealed-gear tuners and premium Aquila NYLGUT strings for reliable tuning stability and a rich sonic palette. Whether you're a seasoned player or a budding ukulele enthusiast, this instrument will elevate your performance with its blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Archtop and archback design with classic F-holes
  • Spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • White pearloid binding on body and fretboard
  • Walnut fingerboard and bridge
  • Mahogany neck
  • Shadow Nanoflex pickup system with 3-band EQ
  • Chrome die-cast sealed-gear tuners
  • Premium Aquila NYLGUT strings

Product specs

Size Tenor
Number of Strings 4
Finish Satin
Top Material Spruce
Back & Sides Material Mahogany
Binding Material Pearloid
Neck Material Mahogany
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 18
Scale Length 17"
Tuners Chrome die-cast tuners
Nut Material GraphTech NuBone
Nut Width 1.39"
Saddle Material GraphTech NuBone
Electronics Shadow Active Nano-Flex EQ System
Strings Aquila Super Nylgut
Overall Length 26.5"
Lower Bout Width 9.25"
Body Depth 3.25"

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele?

The Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele offers a warm and resonant tone, thanks to its spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The archtop design provides a unique tonal character that is both rich and balanced, suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Is the Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Kala Archtop KA-JTE features the Shadow Active Nano-Flex EQ System, allowing you to amplify your sound easily for live performances. This makes it a great choice for musicians looking to perform on stage or in amplified settings.

What are the key materials used in the construction of the Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele?

The Kala Archtop KA-JTE is constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which contribute to its warm sound. It also features a mahogany neck, pearloid binding, and a GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle for enhanced durability and tone.

How does the Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele's size affect playability?

As a tenor ukulele, the Kala Archtop KA-JTE has a longer scale length of 17 inches and a wider fretboard, making it easier for players with larger hands to play complex chords and fingerpicking patterns comfortably.

Does the Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele come with built-in electronics?

Yes, it features the Shadow Active Nano-Flex EQ System, which allows for easy amplification and tone control, making it ideal for both practice and performance settings.

Ukulele

Ukulele

New Gear: Kala KA-JTE Archtop Tenor Ukulele Sounds as Good as it Looks

Video thumbnail for New Gear: Kala KA-JTE Archtop Tenor Ukulele Sounds as Good as it Looks by Ukulele

New Gear: Kala KA-JTE Archtop Tenor Ukulele Sounds as Good as it Looks

Ukulele

Ukulele

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have experienced bracing issues, with one requiring reattachment due to a loose brace under the archtop, accessed only through f-holes.

    Source
  • A strap button/jack fell into the body after a few weeks of use, needing repair.

    Source
  • A bridge buzz issue was identified, possibly due to a crooked bridge or pickup wire interference; a new saddle piece in bone is recommended for improved action.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report an overpowering booming sound from the G string, particularly when played open with a strong attack.

    Source
  • An owner who strung the ukulele with low-g Kala Reds praises the mellow tone, indicating string choice significantly affects sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • An owner's archtop became concave over time, indicating potential structural concerns.

    Source
  • A reported crack in the top was stable but remained, pointing to a potential quality control issue in some units.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Sound Smith jazz tenor is noted for its bright, big sound and superior feel, providing a potential alternative to the Kala Archtop.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the Kala archtop is quieter unamplified compared to traditional sound hole ukuleles, making it suitable for amplified gigs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have considered replacing the stock electronics, suggesting that the existing pickup system may not meet all players' expectations.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
gamebrou

Amazingly beautiful tenor Ukulele with great tone!

Great sounding instrument and one of the most cool looking ukuleles on the market. The electric sound is also very good with a god set of strings.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Taylor York uses Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:27:54, there is a close-up shot of the Kala Archtop KA-JTE ukulele that Taylor York is playing during Moving On at the iTunes Festival in 2013.

See how Lulu Santos uses Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele

Lulu Santos

Guitarist, Music Producer

Vimana

...
Verified via Instagram

Lulu Santos is seen using the Kala Archtop KA-JTE Tenor Ukulele in a post on his official Instagram account.

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