Kala Revelator Nautilus Tenor Ukukele
In Depth Look at the Kala Revelator Nautilus Tenor Ukulele and Why I Love It
Kala Revelator Nautilus Tenor Ukukele (NSP-KOR-T) has a pretty incredible origin story. Originally, these ukuleles were built by Pete Howlett — one at a time, completely by hand — for some of the top players around the world. They were hard to get, incredibly limited, and way out of reach for most of us, both in availability and price.
Now, thanks to Kala, the Revelator Nautilus is much more attainable. Kala is building them to Pete’s exact specifications, keeping the same level of attention to detail and quality that made the originals so sought after. These are still handbuilt by skilled luthiers in Petaluma, California — and after playing mine, I can tell you they absolutely nailed it.
Watch my Kala Tenor Revelator Nautilus uke review, then use my link to get a special discount on these or any Kala uke! Simply click the link and search for the uke you want. The exclusive discount will be applied at checkout! kalabrand.com/meanduke
First Look at the Kala Revelator Nautilus Tenor
The Kala Revelator Nautilus Tenor Ukukele immediately feels like something special. The body is thin and lightweight, but the build is rock solid. I picked up the Karina wood version, and the natural grain on mine has these beautiful reddish stripes running through it. No two look exactly the same, which gives each uke its own unique personality.
The build quality is outstanding. Smooth edges, a flawless heel joint, and a satin finish that feels natural and lets the wood breathe. Everything about it shows the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from a truly handbuilt instrument.
How the Kala Revelator Sounds Plugged and Unplugged
Plugged in, the Kala Revelator Nautilus Tenor delivers a rich, full tone that holds up beautifully whether you’re playing clean or adding a little delay or even distortion. It never loses its warmth or clarity.
Unplugged, it’s even more impressive. Despite the thin body, the Revelator projects a big, open sound with unbelievable sustain. You strum a chord, and it just keeps ringing and floating naturally. The volume and depth you get acoustically is way more than you’d expect from a uke this slim.
The notes feel alive under your fingers, and every strum or pick sounds full and satisfying without having to push for it.
What Makes the Revelator So Special
Here’s what stands out about this ukulele:
- Rock Solid Tuning: Whether you’re strumming hard or playing lightly, it holds tuning session after session.
- Perfect Intonation: Chords sound clean and true up and down the neck with no drift.
- Unbelievable Playability: The action is set just right — low, smooth, and easy to play without any buzzing. It practically plays itself.
- The Sustain Is Insane: Seriously. Hit a chord and it feels like it rings out forever. The natural sustain on this uke is something you really have to experience.
The Revelator isn’t just comfortable to hold — it’s a ukulele that makes playing feel effortless and rewarding at the same time.
Why the Kala Revelator Nautilus Belongs in Your Hands
Owning a piece of Pete Howlett’s original vision — built by Kala’s top luthiers — feels special. These Revelators aren’t mass-produced factory instruments. Each one is handbuilt with care, and you can feel it every time you play.
The Karina model I chose feels alive in my hands. It sounds huge both plugged in and unplugged. Kala also offers the Revelator in Mango and Koa woods, and no matter which one you pick, you’re getting a ukulele that plays and sounds in a class of its own.
If you love an instrument that responds to everything you put into it and rewards you with tone, volume, and insane sustain, this is one you don’t want to miss.
A NOTE ON THE REVELATOR SERIES
If you haven’t seen my review of the Kala Baritone Revelator Nautilus (model NSP-KOR-T) yet, it’s in the Kala playlist on my channel, and you can check out the article here — and I definitely recommend checking it out. Both models are part of Kala’s Nautilus series, and each one is handbuilt by their luthiers in California. These aren’t mass-produced instruments. They’re built to play beautifully and last a long time.
Special Discount for Me and Uke Friends and Fans
No matter which version you pick — Karina, Mango, or Koa — the Kala Revelator Nautilus Ukulele is built to inspire and built to last. I’m proud to have it in my collection, and I think you’ll love it too.
If you’d like to get your own Revelator Nautilus Tenor (or any other ukulele from Kala), use the link below:
Get Your Kala Ukulele Discount, no code required. Simply follow this link, and the discount will be applied at checkout!
