Best Ukulele
for Beginners
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Overall: 9.5/10
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Best Feature: Satin mahogany body for warm and balanced tone
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Best
Performance
Ukulele
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Built-in Fishman pickup for amplified performance
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Ukulele
Tuner
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Overall: 10/10
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Best Feature: Strong, durable, and impressive
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TedScore™: 10/10
Ready to choose your very own ukulele?
With so many options, it can feel like a tough decision. But don’t worry.
I was in the same boat as you once, and I hope my experience and advice will not only save you a little bit of cash but also improve the quality of your decision-making!
My comprehensive buyer’s guide is here to help you choose the perfect ukulele for you!
Many factors must be considered when picking out your ukulele, from the type of wood used to the instrument’s size. But don’t fret (sorry…)!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, my guide will give you all the necessary information to make the right choice.
Understanding Ukulele Types
When choosing the best ukulele for you, it’s important to understand the different types available.
Here are the four main types of ukuleles:
Choosing the Right Ukulele for Your Needs
When choosing the right ukulele for your needs, there are a few things to consider.
Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced player, or even a guitar player looking to try something new, different types of ukuleles will suit your needs.
Materials and Construction
The materials and construction are two important factors when choosing the best ukulele. Let’s look at the wood types and fretboard materials commonly used in ukulele construction.
Wood Types
The type of wood used in the construction of a ukulele can significantly impact its sound. Here are some of the most common wood types used in ukulele construction:
Fretboard Materials
The material used for the fretboard can also impact the sound and playability of a ukulele. Here are some common fretboard materials:
Tuning and Strings
When tuning your ukulele, it’s important to get it right to achieve the best sound possible.
The standard tuning for a ukulele is G-C-E-A, with the G string being the thickest and the A string being the thinnest.
However, there are other tunings you can try, such as D tuning, which is becoming increasingly popular.
In terms of strings, most ukuleles come with nylon strings.
Nylon strings are great for beginners as they are easy on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow sound. Aquila Nylgut strings are popular for those who want a more traditional sound.
They’re made from a synthetic material that mimics the sound of gut strings and are known for their excellent intonation and projection.
It’s important to note that not all strings are suitable for all ukuleles. Some ukuleles are designed with nylon strings, while others are designed with steel strings.
Be sure to check your ukulele’s specifications before changing the strings.
Notable Ukulele Brands
Choosing the right brand can make all the difference when buying a ukulele. Here are some of the most notable ukulele brands that you should consider:
Popular Ukulele Models
You have several great options if you’re looking for a popular ukulele model. Here are some of the most popular ukuleles on the market today:
Cordoba 20CM Concert Ukulele
The Cordoba 20CM Concert Ukulele is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players. It features a mahogany top, back, and sides, which gives it a warm and rich tone.
The full concert uke size is perfect for players who want a slightly larger instrument than a soprano ukulele.
Cordoba 20CM Concert Ukulele
FEATURES:
-Solid mahogany top, back, and sides for warm and rich tone
- Abalone-style rosette and ivoroid binding for a classic look
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for comfortable playability
- Excellent sound quality both acoustically and amplified
- Beautiful and classic design
- Includes a gig bag
- Higher price point compared to other ukuleles
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kala KA-15S Soprano
The Kala KA-15S Soprano is a classic ukulele that is perfect for beginners. It has a mahogany body and neck, which gives it a warm and mellow tone.
The soprano size is the smallest of the four standard ukulele sizes, making it easy to carry around and play.
Kala Satin Mahogany KA-15S Soprano Ukulele
FEATURES:
- Satin mahogany body for warm and balanced tone
- Geared tuners for precise tuning
- Aquila Super Nylgut strings for excellent sound quality
- Affordable price point for a high-quality instrument
- Classic and timeless design
- Comes with a gig bag for easy transportation
- Smaller size may be less comfortable for players with larger hands or fingers
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
The Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele is a high-quality instrument that is perfect for serious ukulele players. It has a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, which gives it a rich and full tone.
The soprano size is perfect for players who want a traditional ukulele sound.
Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
FEATURES:
- Solid mahogany top, back, and sides for excellent sound quality
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for comfortable playability
- Bone nut and saddle for improved sustain and tone
OTHER INFO: Text
- Beautiful and classic design
- Exceptional sound quality both acoustically and amplified
- Comes with a gig bag for easy transportation
- Higher price point compared to other ukuleles
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele
The Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele is a unique instrument that combines the classic Les Paul guitar design with a ukulele. It has a mahogany body and neck and a rosewood fingerboard.
The bright and punchy sound makes it great for players who want a ukulele with a bit of attitude.
Epiphone Les Paul Acoustic/Electric Ukulele Outfit
FEATURES:
- Solid mahogany body
- Cutaway design for easy access to all frets
- Built-in Fishman pickup for amplified performance
- Beautiful Les Paul design
- Excellent sound quality both acoustically and amplified
- Comes with a gig bag for easy transportation
- Higher price point compared to other ukuleles
- May require some adjustments to the setup for optimal playability
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fender Zuma Concert
The Fender Zuma Concert is an excellent choice for players who want a ukulele with a modern design.
It has a sapele top, back, sides, and a walnut fingerboard. The concert size is perfect for players who want a slightly larger acoustic instrument than a soprano ukulele.
Fender Zuma Classic Concert Ukulele
FEATURES:
- Sapele top, back, and sides for a warm and balanced tone
- Slim "C"-shaped neck for easy playability
- No-tie bridge for quick and easy string changes
- Beautiful and unique design with a range of colours to choose from
- Great sound quality at an affordable price point
- Comes with a gig bag
- Some players may prefer a larger-sized ukulele
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Accessories for Your Ukulele
When playing the ukulele, having the right accessories can make a big difference in your experience.
Here are some of the most common accessories that can enhance your playing:
Picks
A pick can help you achieve a different sound than playing with your fingers. Picks come in various materials, such as felt, plastic, and metal, and can be used for different styles of playing.
Experimenting with different picks can help you find the best one for you.
Jumping Cow Natural Wool Felt Ukulele Pick
FEATURES:
- Comfortable and easy play courtesy of a soft and flexible design
- Offers warm tones
- Strum passionately; a large surface area gives you immense control
- Versatile for a range of techniques
- Affordable ukulele pick
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Straps
If you plan on standing up while playing your ukulele, a strap can help keep your instrument in place. Straps come in various materials and designs, so you can choose one that suits your style.
D'Addario Woven Ukulele Strap, Aloha
FEATURES:
- Great construction provides maximum comfort
- Excellent durability due to strong and secure leather ends
- Brings Hawaiian style to your shoulder
- Captivating Aloha flower design
- Pricier compared to others
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Digital Tuner
Keeping your ukulele in tune is crucial for getting the best sound possible. A digital tuner can help you quickly and accurately tune your musical instrument. Some tuners have additional features, such as a metronome or chord library.
Boss TU-3 Pedal Chromatic Tuner
FEATURES:
- Easy tuning with 21-segment LED meter
- Visible on stage thanks to the high-brightness mode
- Silent tuning thanks to muted output setting
- Offers an abundance of features to optimise and speed up your experience
- A popular option for professional musicians worldwide
- Strong, durable, and impressive
- Quite large and heavy, making it less portable than other tuners
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Gig Bag
If you plan on taking your ukulele on the go, a gig bag can help protect it from damage. Gig bags come in various sizes and materials and can be a significant investment for keeping your ukulele safe during transport.
Soprano Ukulele Gig Bag by Gear4music
FEATURES:
- Keep your ukulele protected from dust and scratches
- Simple and stylish design - includes zip-up accessory pocket
- Made specifically for soprano ukuleles - a nice, snug fit
- Ideal for storing your ukulele or transporting it to practice sessions
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tips on How to Take Care of Your Ukulele
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your ukulele stays in excellent condition and continues to sound its best for years.
Best Ukulele: Final Thoughts
Summary
Now that you know what to look for when picking out your perfect ukulele, it’s time to get excited about all the possibilities!
No matter what kind of ukulele you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the unique sound of this awesome instrument.
I’ve loved playing mine for years, and hopefully, you’ll get the same enjoyment as I have. And with a bit of practice, you’ll be strumming your way to ukulele greatness in no time!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Get ready to strum your way to greatness with our Top 15 Best Ukulele For A Beginner. From colourful designs to high-quality sound, we have the perfect uke to match your style and skill level!
While I find the digital tuner recommendation helpful, I must point out that many free tuning apps available can serve just as well for beginners not looking to invest too much from the get-go. Furthermore, when it comes to ukulele brands, I believe there’s an underestimated value in lesser-known brands that often provide excellent quality at a fraction of the cost. It’d be beneficial for readers to explore these options as well, as not everyone has access to the brands listed or may be working within tighter budgets.
loved the bit about the tuning and strings, didn’t realize how much goes into it lol. Anyone got tips for keeping in tune longer?
I gotta say, this is one of the most comprehensive guides I’ve stumbled upon. I’ve owned a Kala KA-15S for years and it’s still my favorite. Totally agree with its recommendation. For anyone on the fence, you won’t regret a Kala. Also, props to Lewis Turner for the detailed materials section – not everyone talks about how crucial wood types and construction are.
Absolutely, the acoustics of the wood can make or break the sound. It’s fascinating to see how material science applies to musical instruments.
I appreciated the breakdown of ukulele types, especially since I’m considering adding more to my classroom. Could you recommend which of the listed models would be most durable for daily use by children? Thanks in advance!