Introduction
The ukulele is one of the most popular musical instruments today. Its popularity has been growing steadily over the past decade due to its accessibility, portability, and fun sound. The small size and relatively low cost of ukuleles makes them an appealing choice for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
One of the biggest draws of the ukulele is how easy it is to learn and start playing. The standard ukulele only has 4 strings and a simple chord structure compared to many other stringed instruments. Beginners can learn just a few basic chords and start strumming along to songs right away. This quick path to playing enjoyable music makes the ukulele an extremely gratifying instrument for novices.
Beyond being easy to learn, the ukulele is also highly versatile. It can be used to play a wide variety of musical genres – everything from pop and rock to jazz and classical. Ukulele players can strum chords as accompaniment or fingerpick melodies as the focus. The bright and cheerful ukulele sound fits well in solo playing or larger ensembles.
Playing the ukulele also provides many benefits beyond just music. It can help develop confidence and social skills when playing with others. The small size makes it highly portable, allowing for fun spontaneous jam sessions. Many also find the act of playing ukulele to be relaxing and therapeutic. Overall, the ukulele provides a joyful musical experience accessible to all.
Ukulele Sizes Explained
The ukulele comes in four main sizes, each with their own unique sound and feel. Choosing the right size ukulele for your needs is an important decision.
Soprano
The soprano is the smallest and most common ukulele size, measuring about 21 inches in total length. Soprano ukes have a bright, punchy tone with plenty of treble. The small size makes them very portable and easy to hold. Many beginning players start on a soprano. However, the smaller size can also make them more difficult to play, with more cramped frets. Popular soprano ukuleles include the Lanikai LU-21 and Kala KA-15S.
Concert
A concert ukulele measures about 23 inches, so it’s slightly larger than a soprano. The concert uke has a mellower, fuller tone compared to the soprano. The extra fingerboard space also makes it a bit easier to play. Concerts provide a good balance of tone, playability and portability. The Cordoba 15CM and Kala KA-C are excellent concert ukuleles.
Tenor
At about 26 inches long, tenor ukuleles produce a rich, deep sound. The larger size allows for more fret space, making tenors a favorite for advanced players. The wider neck does require more stretching for chords. Tenors are popular for solo playing and often used by ukulele virtuosos. Check out the Cordoba 20TM and Lanikai LU-TE for quality tenor ukes.
Baritone
The baritone is the largest ukulele at about 30 inches long. Baritones are tuned like the top 4 strings of a guitar, so they have a very deep sound similar to a guitar. The extended scale length allows for easy fingering by guitar players. However, the large size does sacrifice some portability. Kala, Lanikai and Cordoba all make nice baritone models.
When choosing your ukulele size, consider your age, hand size and intended use. Sopranos are great for travel and children, while tenors are better for advanced solo playing. Concerts provide the best all-around option for many players. Work with your local music shop to determine the right size for your needs.
Acoustic vs Electric Ukuleles
Acoustic and electric ukuleles have some key differences when it comes to their construction and sound.
Acoustic ukuleles have a hollow wooden body that amplifies and projects the sound naturally. They produce a warm, bright, resonant tone. Electric ukuleles have a solid body and electronic pickups that capture the vibrations and route them to an amplifier or PA system. They can produce a wider variety of tones depending on effects and amp settings.
Acoustic ukes are better suited for more intimate settings like jam sessions, open mics, and practicing at home. Their natural acoustic sound shines in these scenarios. Electric ukes work better for live performances where amplification is needed to fill larger venues. Their tone can be shaped to cut through a full band mix.
Many players opt to have one of each type. Acoustic for practice and casual playing, electric for gigging and recording. Advanced acoustic-electric models combine features of both, with a hollow body and built-in pickups and preamp. This allows acoustic projection and the option to plug in when needed.
Beginner Ukuleles
When looking for your first ukulele, there are a few key things to consider. Most importantly, you’ll want a uke with good intonation across the fretboard that allows you to play chords and melodies in tune. Playability is also crucial – make sure the action (string height) isn’t too high, which can make pressing down the strings difficult. The uke should be constructed from quality, durable materials that can withstand a beginner’s learning curve.
In the sub-$150 range, we recommend the Kala KA-15S soprano ukulele. This all-mahogany uke has a bright, warm tone and comfortable feel. The Donner DUC-1 concert uke is another great choice, with an agathis body and smooth action. For a tenor, check out the classic Lanikai LU-21 with its laminate spruce top. Makala, Hola!, and Enya also make excellent starter ukes worth considering.
Opting for a ukulele starter kit can take the guesswork out of buying everything you need as a beginner. Kits from Kala and Donner include a gig bag or case, tuner, strap, picks, extra strings, and instructional resources. This can be a more cost-effective way to get set up with your first ukulele.
The most important thing is finding a quality beginner ukulele that makes you want to pick it up and practice. This will allow you to progress faster and have more fun learning. A decent starter uke is an investment that encourages you to stick with it.
Best Ukuleles Under $300
Ukuleles in the $200-$300 range offer a sweet spot for advancing players looking to upgrade from a starter instrument. At this price point, you can often find models constructed with solid wood tops rather than cheaper laminate materials.
Solid wood ukuleles tend to have better resonance and a richer, warmer tone that improves over time. The sound quality is more nuanced compared to laminate models. Some good solid top options in this range include:
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Kala KA-SSTU – Tenor ukulele with solid spruce top. Balanced tone perfect for fingerpicking.
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Ohana CK-35G – Concert ukulele with solid cedar top. Full sound with clear mids and lows.
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Lanikai LU-21C – Concert uke with solid acacia top. Crisp articulate tone.
Laminate ukuleles can still offer great quality for the price, though they lack some projection and tonal complexity. If your budget is limited, decent laminate options include:
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Donner DUC-1 – Concert uke with mahogany laminate body. Tuner built into the bridge.
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Kala MK-C – Makala concert uke with agathis laminate body. Great value starter/travel uke.
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Cordoba 15CM – Concert uke with polyurethane finish. Smooth playability right out of the box.
No matter if you go for a solid wood or laminate ukulele in this range, look for quality tuning machines, comfortable playability, and solid intonation across the fretboard. This is a great value zone for advancing players ready to invest in an instrument that will last.
High-End Ukuleles ($500-$1000+)
For ukulele players who want the very best in tone, playability, and aesthetics, spending $500 to $1000+ on a high-end instrument is well worth it. At this premium price point, you can find professional-grade ukes made with exotic tonewoods, intricate inlays and bindings, and top-notch electronics and hardware.
The sound of a high-end ukulele comes from the use of premium tonewoods. Koa, mahogany, spruce, cedar, and rosewood are commonly used for the top, back, sides, neck, and fretboard. The wood combination produces full, complex, resonant tones perfect for studio and stage use. Intricate abalone, mother of pearl or wood marquetry inlays elevate the visual appeal.
Some examples of exceptional ukuleles in this price range include:
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Kamaka HF-3: This Hawaiian-made ukulele has a hand-rubbed satin finish spruce top with rosewood back and sides. The sound is clear, bright, and balanced.
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KoAloha Opio: Koa wood with a delicate laser-etched rope inlay around the top produces warm, rich tones. The Opio line is played by ukulele virtuosos like Jake Shimabukuro.
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Kanile’a K1: Featuring solid koa throughout, maple binding, and abalone fretboard inlay, this tenor ukulele looks and sounds incredible. Kanile’a instruments are played by the likes of James Hill and Daniel Ho.
For the ultimate in customization, several companies offer hand-built ukuleles with personalized tonewood choices, inlay designs, and hardware upgrades. The price rises accordingly, but for pro players, a customized uke provides the pinnacle of fit, finish, and tone.
While not cheap, pro-level ukuleles in this price tier offer unmatched performance and craftsmanship for discerning musicians. The rich, nuanced sound and stunning visuals make these instruments a joy to play and own.
Top Ukulele Brands
Ukuleles come in many shapes, sizes, and prices from a variety of different brands. Some of the most popular and reputable ukulele brands include:
Kala – Founded in 2005, Kala is one of the most recognized and recommended ukulele brands, especially for beginners. They are known for high quality and consistency at affordable prices. Great for entry level ukes.
Lanikai – Owned by Hohner, Lanikai has been making quality ukuleles since 2000. They are a mid-range brand that offers good value for money. Many of their models are ideal for intermediate players.
Cordoba – Specializing in nylon string instruments, Cordoba offers handmade ukuleles with premium tonewoods. Their ukes cater more for the professional end of the market.
Kamaka – Established in 1916, Kamaka is one of the oldest and most prestigious ukulele makers. All their ukes are handcrafted in Hawaii. High-end brand perfect for discerning musicians.
Kanile’a – Another respected Hawaiian brand founded in the 1990s. Kanile’a focuses on premium koa wood ukuleles. Custom options available for professionals.
KoAloha – KoAloha has been crafting ukuleles by hand in Hawaii since 1995. Their attention to detail and quality make them a top-tier luxury brand.
This covers some of the major brands and their reputations. Each offers great options in their respective price ranges and specialties.
Ukulele Buying Tips
When purchasing a ukulele, there are a few things you’ll want to inspect and consider before making your final decision.
Inspect the Ukulele Before Buying
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Check the intonation. Make sure the notes fretted up the neck are in tune with the open strings. You can check by playing the 12th fret harmonic and comparing it to the fretted 12th fret note. They should match exactly.
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Examine the action. Action refers to the height of the strings off the fretboard. For beginner ukuleles, you generally want the action to be low and easy to press down. Higher action makes playing more difficult.
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Look for any cosmetic flaws. Things like finish cracks, glue marks, or tooling marks can indicate issues with construction quality. Make sure there are no major blemishes.
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Give it a strum. The ukulele should resonate nicely when strummed acoustically. Listen for buzzing which could indicate a poor setup.
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Assess electronics (on electric ukes). Test the onboard preamp, tuner, and pickup quality if purchasing an electric ukulele.
Ukulele Setup and Maintenance
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Keep it clean. Wipe down the strings and fretboard regularly to prevent grime buildup. Polish the body finish as needed.
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Store it properly. Use a hard case or gig bag to protect from dings, temperature changes, and humidity when not playing.
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Change the strings. Replace the strings every few months, as old strings lose their brightness.
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Check for warping. Due to humidity changes, the uke neck can sometimes start to warp or bow. Adjust the truss rod if this occurs.
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Learn to do basic setups. Things like string height, intonation, and neck relief may need periodic tweaks, which you can learn to do yourself.
Essential Ukulele Accessories
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Tuner – Either a clip-on or app tuner to keep your uke in tune. Tuning regularly is essential.
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Case/Gig Bag – Protects your uke from bumps and the elements. Hard cases offer the most protection.
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Strap – Allows you to stand and play your uke hands-free. Useful for performances.
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Strings – Good to have extras on hand when old strings need changing.
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Cleaning Cloth – For wiping down strings, fretboard, and body. Keeping your uke clean maintains its look and tone.
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Capo – Allows you to transpose into different keys. Useful for singers or playing along with recordings.
Following these ukulele buying tips will help you select an instrument that stays in tune and lasts for many years of enjoyable playing! Let me know if you need any part of this section expanded further.
Where to Buy Ukuleles
When it comes time to purchase your ukulele, you have a few options for where to shop. Here’s an overview of buying ukuleles locally vs online:
Local Music Stores
Visiting a local music store or ukulele specialty shop has some advantages. You can see and hold the instruments in person rather than relying on photos. This allows you to get a feel for the build quality and playability. You may also be able to test out different models to hear the tone and volume.
Store staff can provide personalized recommendations and advice based on your skill level and budget. Some additional services like setup and maintenance may be available on-site. Stores often carry accessories like cases, tuners, and straps as well.
The downside is that local inventory is limited compared to online. You may not find as wide of a selection, especially for higher-end or specialty ukuleles. Local stores also tend to have higher prices than online in most cases.
Online Retailers
Shopping online opens up a huge range of ukulele brands and models to choose from. Reputable online retailers like The Ukulele Site and Mim’s Ukes carry all sizes and budgets. Used and vintage ukes can also be found on sites like Reverb.com and eBay.
Online shopping typically offers lower prices since there’s more competition. Many online stores also have fast, affordable shipping options. Easy returns are common as well.
The biggest downside is not being able to try an instrument before purchasing. Be sure to read reviews and specs closely. Some online retailers offer generous return policies in case an instrument doesn’t meet expectations.
Best of Both Worlds
For the best experience, try out ukuleles in person at local stores to get a feel for what you like. Then purchase online once you’ve narrowed down the specifics of your desired instrument. Take advantage of the selection and prices of online shopping while using local stores for testing.
No matter where you decide to buy, focus on getting the highest quality ukulele for your budget. This will lead to greater enjoyment and fewer upgrades down the road. Take your time researching and comparing options to find your perfect uke!
Conclusion
The ukulele is one of the most fun and rewarding instruments to learn and play. This guide has covered the best options across all price points and skill levels, from quality beginner models to high-end professional ukes.
For those just starting out, the Kala KA-15S Soprano or the Cordoba 15CM Concert provide great value and playability to learn on without breaking the bank. As skills progress, intermediate players can’t go wrong with the warm tone of the all-solid Kamaka HF-1 Soprano or the amplified power of the Kala KA-SWT Telecaster Thinline Tenor Electric.
Serious musicians seeking the ultimate premium ukulele will cherish the handcrafted artistry of a KoAloha Koa Concert with its stunning looks and rich sound. And kids and travelers will love the portability of the Lanikai LU-21 Soprano.
The joy of playing ukulele is open to all. With so many great options across all budgets, there’s no reason not to pick up a uke and start strumming today! From soothing solo sessions to jamming with friends, the ukulele provides a lifetime of fun and creative fulfillment. Give it a try – your new musical journey awaits!