Kala Revelator NSL-T Emperor Master Grade Koa Tenor Ukulele #39330125

The Revelator has been a game changer in the world of Ukulele in recent years. Since its inception a little under 10 years ago; the Revelator has gone from being the one man workshop brainchild of British Luthier Pete Howlett to the jewel in the crown of the worlds best known ukulele brand Kala.

Whether you are a hobbyist who enjoys the Night Owl import made Revelator or an avid ukulele player who has had the opportunity to own and play a USA Custom Shop model made by Markos and the team in Petaluma, California; there is a Revelator ukulele out there with your name on it.

But where does it go from here? Two years ago, we asked Mike Upton the president of Kala what they were planning on doing next with the Revelator and he told me that they were going to take their time, that there was no benefit to doing something blingy just because they could. Fast forward to 2025 and we have here one of the first two Kala Revelator Emperor tenor ukuleles to come out of the USA custom shop.

The Emperor is initially limited to a run of just 6 pieces; master grade Hawaiian koa laid on a mahogany body. The master specification ukuleles have an upgraded ebony fingerboard and bridge with Gold high ratio geared tuners that I have to say; really impressed me when I was performing the sound sample for the video.

So, how does it sound? This tenor ukulele has sustain for days and a sweet, unapologetic tone. It's also got looks to die for. We are incredibly impressed! 

It's also the first Revelator we have ever received with binding of which there is an impressive amount. The entire body has a slim abalone trim including the nautilus soundhole. The fingerboard has some delicate traditional style edge trim going all the way up and then around the faceplate of the headstock. Finally, this is the first Revelator we have received with fret markers; dainty abalone oval shaped ones that make you smile! It is also the first Revelator we have received to come in a fitted olive tweed hard case.

The name Emporer feels so right. This is a bombastic, decadent version of the Revelator that sits at the very top of Kala's current offerings. It's regal, its perfect and the other ukuleles are jealous.

Specification:
Solid master grade Hawaiian koa top
Solid Honduran mahogany body with thru neck
Abalone binding
Nautilus soundhole with binding
Passive undersaddle pickup w/gold end pin
36mm nut width 28mm string spacing at nut
Bone nut and saddle
Oval abalone fret markers
Shell inlay on faceplate
3 ply fingerboard and faceplate binding
Gold geared tuners
Olive tweed Kala Revelator hard case
Certificate of authenticity