Best Ukulele Brands Review

Are you in your music class learning what a ukulele is? Or are you a uke lover looking to replace your previous instrument? Whatever the case is, be relieved because you are at the right place to get answers to your questions about the best ukulele brands.

The ukulele is a small stringed instrument, similar to a guitar. It comes in a few different size varieties; each with their own unique sounds ranging from high to low tones. The instrument is originally from Hawaii and is featured in many traditional Hawaiian songs. It has grown in popularity in recent years and now has some top industry names developing their own models, such as Fender, Kala, and Martin.

The Best Ukulele Brands

The mystery behind a ukulele is full of misconceptions and myths. People often consider it as a type of little guitar but that’s not the case at all. Being somewhat similar to an acoustic guitar in its build and structure, Ukuleles have their own set of chords and strings. 

Coming in different sizes and price ranges, the uke has a beautiful sound color and tone range. Just like other instruments, it is also an art and requires practice and skill to master it.

For this, you need for yourself, the best ukulele. To make sure you get the best instrument for you, we’ve prepared a list of the best ukulele brands around.

Let’s have a deeper look at them.

Our Favorite Ukulele Brands

If you are short on time and want some of the best of the best ukulele picks, check out this list.

Overall Best Ukulele

• Hola! Music HM-21BU Soprano Ukulele Bundle Best Overall
• Everjoy’s Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack-21 Inch Best Budget
• Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu (LU-C) Best For Beginners
• Oscar Schmidt ou2 Mahogany Concert Ukulele Bundle Best For Pros
• Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele Best One For Each Size (Concert, Soprano, Tenor, Baritone) Ukulele

Best Ukulele Brand Review

1. Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu (LU-C) Best For Beginners

Over time, the popularity of Ukuleles has increased, and to meet that need, several manufacturing companies marked their presence all around the world.  One such creator is Lohanu from Canada, which has ramped up the ukulele playing experience.

Beautifully Constructed

Instead of opting for plastic, Lohanu has used TUSQ material for its body. Sporting an artistic look, the LU-T is made from a glossy light brown colored solid wood.  So, the body is sturdy and the price is also within budget. A rosette-styled sound hole is not to be missed in this unit.

Premium Accessories

A slightly padded gig bag with a strap and pocket keeps the unit protected. For your convenience, an extra set of Aquila Nylgut strings and some plastic picks are also included in the package. 

Along with the add-ons, the best for beginners ukulele has strap buttons adjusted in its body; whenever you feel the need you can connect a strap to it.

Tone and Sound

Though it is a cheap unit, the tonal sounds tell otherwise. The unit has become a great pick due to its warm and fresh tones. Just take the unit out of the box and you’re good to go. Always stay in tune with the digital clip-on tuner that comes with its battery.

2. Everjoy’s Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack-21 Inch Best For A Budget

If you are looking for a budget ukulele kit then this product is just right for you. With decent sound quality and the soprano size, it is the smallest ukulele type. Carrying and playing is for sure a comfortable experience.

Soprano Sized Unit

The ukuleles come in a range of different sizes with the smallest one being the sopranos. This is the traditionally styled unit with a rich sound and easy handling. For novices, kids, and even adults with small hands, this will work like a customized instrument.

Quality Construction

Crafted from the natural and sturdy basswood, hardwood, and black-wood, this unit is all about quality and reliability. Armed with 12-nickel silver frets and the Aquila Nylgut strings, it is very easy to tune.. Use your finger or a prick, the strings are so flexible and strum flawlessly.

Affordable Unit

What music lovers worry about is not the aesthetics of the unit, but in fact, its price.  You can always switch up to a better and more professional unit after getting the basic experience. 

But for the practice, you need something in between the quality and price. With being fairly priced, this uke assists players with a digital tuner, spare pick, polishing cloth, and a bag.

3. Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele

As the name suggests, this ukulele belongs to the Tenor category. This sized ukulele is great in terms of space and playability. Fender is amongst the top manufacturers in the market, and this quality product is no exception. Getting your hands on this guy means getting the exposure of a professional musical instrument.

Superb Playability

With its size, you get a great holding grip as well. The space is wide and therefore, the playing action is also comfortable and convenient. Especially for adults and those with big hands, its Nato neck just fits in perfectly.

Professional Fretboard

A total of 19 frets are present in its fingerboard. The neck joins in at the 14^th fret and gracefully blends in with the rest of the body. 

Talking about the sound experience, the tones and notes are warm and clear, all while being well-balanced. Worth mentioning in the 4-in-1 line set of sealed nickel die-cast tuners on the headstock give it that classic Fender look.

This uke will look right at home next to your Strat or Tele.

Construction and Structure

Made from rosewood, the ukulele sports a non-cutaway shape. Created from the classic Koa, the body is nothing less than the best. 

The laminated back and side body support the overall structure of the unit. It gives off the vibes of a classic and vintage instrument. String and chord switches are easy, due to its no-tie snorkeling bridge.

4. Hola! Music HM-21BU Soprano Ukulele Bundle Best Overall

Sometimes it is hard to get familiar with a musical instrument. Though it’s all good, you don’t vibe with it. That’s why Hola has stepped up to offer instrument pieces that are quick to get friendly and close with. The mentioned uke model is one such example.

A Classic Uke

Rocking its classic soprano design, this 21-inch maple bodied is so easy to just pick up and play. All is what you expect from a classic, top-tier ukulele, that too with a flexible price tag. Made from top-quality wood, the unit comes in a variety of color ranges for better aesthetics.

Crispy and Clear Sound

Featuring a well-blended Nato neck, you will get an easy hold of its body. The best overall uke comes with a 12 fret silver nickel fretboard and decently strum-able nylon strings. Sound quality is a treat for the ears, especially for new learners. 

It has a great sound level with the music staying balanced and on-pitch. Other than that, the model comes with Premium Aquila Strings which controls the tones to get out of control, keeping them soft and fluid

Generous Add-ons

Not only do you get a great instrument but this pack also comes with some pretty handy accessories. You get a carrying tote bag that keeps your uke safe from any damage. Apart from this, a Ukulele strap and three additional picks are also included.

5. Martin C1K Concert Ukulele Natural

Martin not only makes killer guitars, but their ukes are on the next level as well. Beautiful crafting, a glossy signature finish, flawless playing action, and warm sound tones. This concert-sized instrument is what everyone is looking for.

It is strong!

Made from the Solid Hawaiian Koa, its body is durable enough to handle some extraordinary adventures. The Martin labs have creatively crafted them using their standard fingerboard, the soundhole pattern, and the inlay design. Other than the wood itself, the satin finishing glorifies the whole look.

Superior Tone

The sound tones and levels depend a lot on the materials used for the construction of the instrument. For this instrument, the rich Hawaiian Koa tonewood gives it a resonant sound, which is well-balanced in terms of volume and clarity. Martin’s fluorocarbon strings are incorporated into this unit for a superior instrumental experience.

Quality Hardware

Talking about the hardware and other physical accessories, Martin is known to have the best of them. The C1K model has open-back Grover tuners. A perfectly sized gig bag is also included. Though it is not hard and foamy but works well to keep the uke safe and from getting dirty and dusty.

6. Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit

With this easy to learn soprano, mastering a uke’s chords and action won’t be a big deal. Best ukulele reviews have shown Kala’s products to be some of the top-ranked and most sought after. Favorite of students and teachers likewise, this unit has the following specifications to offer.

Top-tier Performance

Mahogany style with a soprano size comes with an etched rosette soundhole. Originally, the hole was made to improve the sound quality but with time an emphasis on its decoration is made as well. 

The Polynesian Shark teeth laser-etched rosette looks good with the Aquila strings. Further, the presence of open-gear tuners keeps the notes and pitch in check.

Top Notch Lessons

Not only is the instrument easy to learn, but it also comes with Kala’s Free online lessons. This ensures that comprehensive yet detailed coverage of the basics of the ukulele is down. 

As it is a soprano ukulele, this means that it is the smallest size available in any ukulele. Small and compact, the unit fits in the hand perfectly and is the first choice for every new learner. 

Construction and Framework

Using a superior and stiff wood, the ukulele comes together with Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle. 21-inches in size, the unit comes with 12-frets. The mahogany body is topped off with a satin finish and is wrapped up in a tote bag.

7. Donner Tenor Ukulele Mahogany Starter Bundle Kit

Talking about the best ukulele brands, how can one miss out on Donner. In the world of musical instruments, the word Donner means perfection. All their products speak volumes about how dedicated and sincere they are in creating quality instruments. Coming in various other sizes, this ukulele is great.

26-inch Tenor

This is a tenor ukulele meaning they are a bit bigger than the concert and the soprano kind. The 26-inch unit is great for professionals and people with long fingers. After all, who won’t like the idea of having a professional unit in an affordable range.

Professional Tones

Created from Mahogany, the unit is bound to give a warm and vibrant color to its chords. The notes are played from its Rosewood based fingerboard and bridge. Offering over 18 brass frets from its top to the neck, it is very comfortable to play.

Precision Guaranteed

With Donner’s chrome-plated guitar style tuner, the ukulele will always give a consistent performance. Its standard is hard to beat. Other than the clip-on digital tuner, it comes along with a ukulele strap, bag, and a nylon string. All these help this unit in offering the best performance.

8. Oscar Schmidt OU2 Mahogany Concert Ukulele Bundle Best For Professionals

This concert-sized ukulele is best for professionals and beginners alike. Sporting a beautiful mahogany design, it can be used straight out of the box. Evident from its name, the starter bundle includes a generous number of add-ons.

Ready for action

Oscar has made sure that you have all the accessories by your side to begin playing. The concert-sized ukulele comes with its gig bag and an Austin Bazaar’s instructional DVD. For on the spot tuning, a clip-on tuner is also included. Moreover, a polishing cloth for cleaning any dust or dirt off is also present.

Mahogany body

Due to its adaptability, mahogany is preferred for several different musical instruments. A ukulele is also amongst them. From its top to back and sides, the brown shaded wood gives it a distinct look and performance. The sound is rich as well as the tone is soulful and clear. A perfect unit finished off with a satin gloss.

Sound dynamics

Coming with a very decent price, this unit comes with geared chrome tuners to ease your performance.  Its vibrant tones range from warm and fresh, to soulful and mellow. That means you can cover multiple genres with a single instrument. Above all, the sound volume is loud and wide.

9. Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele Best For One Of Each Size (Concert, Soprano, Tenor, Baritone)

For experienced players this baritone is fantastic. Bigger than the concert-sized, you get a power-packed performance at an affordable price. Best for one of each size (concert, soprano, tenor, baritone), Kala deserves all the appreciation for adjusting the pro-specs in this budget unit.

Sturdy Construction

Mahogany is the trend, not only because it looks good but oh boy, the sound you get from it. Just wonderful! The satin finish is the key behind its glossy look. Other than that, the 30-inched body is joined with the neck at 14^th fret. Crafted from rosewood and walnut fretboard, the unit is super sturdy and reliable.

Slick Playing Action

The action and the strumming of the strings is comfortable and sounds great. A super treat for the fingers, playing uke never seemed this easy. A set of Aquila Super Nylgut strings are the reason behind this.

Powerful Sound

This ukulele gives the best acoustic tones one could ever ask for. Coming around with a sealed, chrome die-cast tuner, the hardware is pretty much enough to ensure its classic sound.

10. Cordoba 15CM-E Acoustic-Electric Concert Ukulele

Coming from Cordoba, this model is similar to the previous one, but of course better and revamped. With great voice colors and clarity in its tones, the unit is an impressive pick for beginner’s practice and professional jam sessions.

Medium Sized Body

The full laminated mahogany body is somewhat in between a small and a large ukulele. Perfect for all age groups, it works especially great for adults because of its shape. Its body and the frets are well-spaced and might be difficult to reach for the kids.

Impressive Tone Colors

With 19 frets, the rosewood manufactured fingerboard is one of the best we have seen on this list. Other than that, the sound is wide-ranged and the dynamics are well controlled.  For precision and accurate tones, open-back tuners are present with the uke. 

Full-on Aesthetic

As the body is laminated, this gives a subtle shine and gloss to the surface.  The top is made from a cream-colored plastic that gives its look to the unit.  Sunburst top with the cream-colored sides blends in really well.

Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Ukulele Brands

Price

Price is one of the most important factors while buying a ukulele. The trend towards the uke is slowly on the rise, therefore, more and more options are available. It’s important that after you choose the type of instrument to buy, you decide on the price range you can afford. 

From $60 to up to $150 can provide you a decent quality instrument. Therefore, it is advised to read the specs of each product before selecting the one.

Tonewood type

Ukuleles are made from wood and it is the texture and quality of wood that affects the sounds. Some of the more commonly used woods include Mahogany, Maple, Rosewood, Spruce, and Cedar amongst the few. Some have a vibrant sound to it, and some are good for soulful, mellow tones.

Size

Ukuleles come in a range of size ranges. These would be a 21’’ soprano, a 23’’ inch Concert style uke, 26’’ tenor, and the largest, 30’’ baritone. Although all these sizes work on the same action, their sound is different. 

Other than the sound, it also concerns the portability of a unit. for children, a soprano is suggested because of its size. It can be easily gripped and played with their small hands.

Quality

The quality of any musical instrument depends on two factors; 

• Strings

You can’t play the ukulele without its strings. No matter how great the construction of a uke is, if its strings are poor, the result is poor. Along with the pre-installed strings, some offer an additional set as well. 

Check for their quality if you are experienced, but beginners have to try it out themselves. In this way, you can evaluate which works best for you. 

• Hardware

The accessories and the tuning devices are part of hardware and are worth considering. See if the instrument comes with a gig bag, pickguard, or the additional string set. For accuracy, checking the standard of a clip-on tuner is also vital.

Sound

Sound depends on the construction and the wood of the ukulele. Size is also important.  The tonewood, size, and strings will all play their part in delivering the sound and tone you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the shapes ukuleles come in?

They come in shapes of a soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. 

What are the top ukulele brands?

Martin, Kala, Lohanu, and Fender would be the top uke brands.

Is the ukulele easier than the guitar?

A ukulele has only four strings therefore it is easier than the guitar.

Do you need a pick or other accessories for a ukulele?

A tuner is needed for the uke through a pick is optional.

What tunings do ukuleles use?

A ukulele has different tunings depending upon its size and design.

Our Favorite Ukulele Brands

If you are short on time and want some of the best of the best ukulele picks, check out this list.

Overall Best Ukulele

• Hola! Music HM-21BU Soprano Ukulele Bundle Best Overall
• Everjoy’s Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack-21 Inch Best Budget
• Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu (LU-C) Best For Beginners
• Oscar Schmidt ou2 Mahogany Concert Ukulele Bundle Best For Pros
• Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele Best One For Each Size (Concert, Soprano, Tenor, Baritone) Ukulele

Conclusion

That was all about the best ukulele. I know you are impatient to get your first little ukulele but you must study and research the various sizes and types of ukes available. 

Till then, Happy Practicing!