This is the Pono Kalele MB-K baritone ukulele, an all solid mahogany uke that’s part of the brand’s Kalele series (introduced in 2023). This series is an attempt by Pono to introduce a more affordable entry level (but still high quality) ukulele to counteract the price increases that have been seen from the company in recent years on account of rising production costs.

The MB-K is a satin finish ukulele, using all solid mahogany for the the top, back and sides. It is fitted with DGBE tuned Ko’Olau Alohi nylon strings, with a wound D and G, and equipped with good quality Grover branded geared tuners. Rather than bone, as you’d find on their more expensive models, a TUSQ saddle and 35mm nut is used - perfectly good of course, and the fingerboard is made from a cheaper (but effective) hardwood, merbau.

The Pono MB-K is lightly built, allowing the top to vibrate effectively - giving it plenty of volume and very good sustain. It’s rich and warm as you’d expect from mahogany, while the trebles are suprisingly crisp - with the volume of those top strings holding their volume nicely up the neck. If anything, the B and E seem to respond better than you’d expect from a mahogany baritone, making it nice and articulate.

There’s no gig bag with the Pono Kalele MB-K, but those and other common add-ons can be easily added to your order by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

For a video demo of the Pono MB-K baritone ukulele (compared with the mango version too), click additional info below.