Kala-LTP-S Learn To Play Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit

The Learn To Play programme introduced by Kala is a combination of a series of basic lessons videos, a Kala app, songs tutorials and a range of ukuleles aimed, presumably at first timers.  This is one of two sopranos in the range, the other being the all black plastic 'colour chord' model with basic chord shames marked on the fretboard, a range of three concerts (all branded, somewhat inexplicably with Elvis Presley images) and a 'Mandy Harvey' (who she?) tenor option. They are all keenly priced and all come with packaging that exclaims that they provide 'EVERYTHING you need to start playing today'.  More on the extras later, but I would say that I find the differences in the range a little confusing and think it would be better if they all 'hung together' as a coherent whole. Why does only one model use the colour chord system? Why, are so many in the concert scale emblazoned with Elvis pictures? To be fair I think there is a regular looking plain wood version in each scale, even if the Kala website doesn't seem to show that, but I still don't see a real theme. Anyway, let's take a closer look.

The LTP-S is a simple looking, traditionally shaped double bout soprano made from laminate mahogany.  It's core construction makes it extremely similar to the Kala KA-S soprano I reviewed and also the KA-15S, albeit without edge binding It's a laminate box with a mahogany outer veneer. Pretty standard stuff.