The Best Ukuleles
If you’re looking for a quick way to start playing your favorite tunes, it may be time to say goodbye to the acoustic guitar and “aloha” to the ukulele. Unlike the guitar, the ukulele is small, lightweight, and easy on the fingers, making it simple for newcomers to fret notes and learn chords. Plus, there are ukulele arrangements for tons of popular songs. We’ve put together a list of the best ukuleles on the market so you can spend less time shopping and more time jamming.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best ukuleles on the market, we considered product design, price, materials used, and functionality. For example, if you want a good beginner ukulele at a very affordable price, the Everjoys soprano ukulele beginner pack is of great value. If you wanted something a bit more professional, the Aklot acoustic-electric mahogany ukulele comes with a built-in preamp and EQ controls for easy adjustments when running through a sound system. Keep reading to see all our top picks and find the ukulele that inspires you.
Donner Concert Ukulele Bundle Kit
The full package
Donner is one of our favorite instrument makers in the biz, as they manufacture quality gear at affordable prices. This ukulele is no different. The bundle includes everything you need to get started, including a clip-on tuner, strap, picks, polishing cloth, and more. Best of all, the instrument itself is made with quality components. Unlike most cheap, laminated-wood options, it features a mahogany top, body, and neck. It even comes with a bone nut, a feature mid-level guitars and ukes lack. All things considered, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better ukulele at this price.
Pros:
- This comes with a padded gig bag that has thick backpack straps, which is a better bag than most expensive instruments come in.
- It comes in several different finish options, so you can choose the color/wood you like most.
Cons:
- The tuners may slowly detune over time, so you may have to retune it every couple of days.
Everjoys Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack
Don't break the bank
If you’re working with a tight budget but still want to give music a shot, this ukulele is a great entry-level option. This is made for newbies, but it’s still a legitimate instrument. Better yet, it comes with everything you need to learn how to play. It features a tuner, replacement strings, picks, a strap, and even a lesson book designed for first-time players. If you’re new to stringed instruments, you can’t go wrong with this bargain buy.
Pros:
- The strings are different colors to help beginners memorize which string corresponds to which note.
- This comes in more than 10 different colors, so you can choose the one that fits your style.
Cons:
- The basswood is sub-par in terms of durability, but it’s almost impossible to get a better wood for the price.
Hola! Music Ukulele for Beginners
Time to play
If you think your child could be a future rock star, there’s no better way to get them started than this kid’s ukulele pack. This may look like a toy, but it’s fully capable of churning out some awesome tunes. It features standard accessories, including picks and a gig bag. Plus, it’s available in several attractive color options. It also comes with access to lessons to help your child start off on the right foot. All things considered, this is an excellent bargain for the price.
Pros:
- The maple and walnut wood choice is surprisingly high-quality, considering the affordable price.
- The strap comes with a loop at the end to wrap around the headstock, so you don’t need to drill any holes to get it to hold your uke.
Cons:
- The gig bag isn’t as protective as other brands.
Enya Carbon Fiber Travel Ukulele
Built to last
If you’re looking for a tone that’s truly unique, this carbon fiber ukulele is sure to set you apart from the crowd. Unlike traditional wooden instruments, this carbon fiber uke is durable, waterproof, and resistant to temperature and humidity changes. It has two sound holes, one on the top and one on the side, for more resonance. It also has a brighter timbre than most ukuleles, which will help you cut through the mix in a live setting. For hassle-free tone in a sturdy body, this ukulele is a great buy.
Pros:
- This ukulele comes in a single cutaway shape, making it easier to reach high notes on the fretboard.
- The carrying case is semi-hard, providing even more protection than a standard gig bag.
Cons:
- Some players may find the bright tone harsh compared to most wooden ukuleles.
Aklot Acoustic-Electric Mahogany Ukelele
Plug it in
If you intend to play live shows with your ukulele, you may want to consider getting an acoustic-electric one. These kinds of ukuleles come with a built-in preamp and three-band eq control to capture the sound of your uke and tailor it to your specifications. Then you can plug an instrument cable into your ukulele and send the other end to a sound system to amplify your instrument. This is a must-have for live performers and singer-songwriters with concerts lined up. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this ukulele is built for the stage.
Pros:
- This ukulele is made from solid mahogany, making it more resonant and durable than other models with cheaper woods.
- It comes with instructional materials to help beginners learn the ropes.
Cons:
- Some frets may be sharp, but that’s expected of instruments at this level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ukulele tuned the same as a guitar?
No, ukuleles are traditionally tuned G, C, E, and A, with the low G string tuned up an octave higher (a whole step below the high A string). This is different from a guitar because it only has four strings, but it’s also different in how it’s tuned. Since 3/4 of the open strings are part of a C major triad, it’s easy to play ukulele in the key of C.
What kind of strings do ukuleles have?
Unlike electric guitar and bass, the majority of all ukuleles use nylon strings. These are much lighter and softer than standard brass or nickel-wound guitar strings. Classical guitars typically use nylon strings for finger-style playing, and ukuleles use the same but with different gauges for their four-string set.
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