Top 5 Best Tenor Ukuleles – Ultimate Buying Guide And Reviews
If you are into music and love playing guitar, you will know how difficult it is to find the best tenor ukulele of high quality that produces beautiful acoustic sounds yet is not too expensive for your wallet.
If you are planning to purchase a ukulele online, it would be easier to rely on the images if you experience the authentic feel of the sounds it produces.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 5 Best Tenor Ukuleles – Ultimate Buying Guide And Reviews
- 1.1 Top 5 Best Tenor Ukulele Reviews
- 1.1.1 #1: TOM Tenor Ukulele TUT-200 (African Mahogany Top With Gig Bag, Spare Aquila Strings, Tuner, Pick, And Belt-26inch)
- 1.1.2 #2: Caramel CT102A Zebra Wood Tenor Acoustic Ukulele
- 1.1.3 #3: Ukulele Tenor Size Bundle From Lohanu (LU-T) 2 (Strap Pins Installed FREE Uke Strap Case Tuner Picks Pick Holder Aquila Strings)
- 1.1.4 #4: Hola! HM-227SSM+ Deluxe Tenor Ukulele, SOLID Spruce Top W/Aquila Strings
- 1.1.5 #5: Kala KAA-15T Limited Edition Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
- 1.2 Best Tenor Ukuleles – Final Thoughts
- 1.1 Top 5 Best Tenor Ukulele Reviews
Top 5 Best Tenor Ukulele Reviews
Tenor ukuleles are in high demand and have become the in-thing for music lovers. The problem most of you may face is that not much information is available about selecting the right one. So, we tested 17 of the industry’s top tenor ukulele products side-by-side and compared them on quality, price, etc.
We also evaluated each tenor ukulele in other areas of concern for the buyers, like build quality, sound quality, overall quality, weight, and stability. Here is a brief review of the top 5 ukuleles I felt excelled on these parameters among the 17 guitars tested.
#1: TOM Tenor Ukulele TUT-200 (African Mahogany Top With Gig Bag, Spare Aquila Strings, Tuner, Pick, And Belt-26inch)
Priced at a higher range, this product offers value for money. I would say it’s a beautiful instrument that plays so great. Right off the bat, I could tell it was a well-constructed guitar made from high-quality materials. It doesn’t have a gloss finish but appears like a hand-rubbed oil finish. As a bonus, it’s supplied with a few accessories.
The Frets are smooth and have the perfect height for compression. The Neck is well-finished and straight and meets the body quite clearly. The fretboard, too, is smooth with beautiful inlays.
The body is also well-finished, and the bridge is mounted and appropriately aligned with the string holes well-aligned and equally spaced. Another feature of this ukulele that puts it above the others is its tie-bar for the strings: it has a beautiful trim that I liked.
I liked this product because the tuning keys are of close variety. So, they hold the position better than the open mechanisms. This suits the beginners like me. I recommend you go for this if you start, even though the price is slightly higher.
In short, it was a satisfying purchase, though I won’t call it thrilling. This electronic tuner is relatively easy to use. I learned more chords using it. I also learned to play a few songs, and I’ve noticed that it sounds richer than most other instruments.
#2: Caramel CT102A Zebra Wood Tenor Acoustic Ukulele
I tried this one sheerly, looking at the price. Priced at less than $50, it makes up for a new purchase. Though I didn’t have many expectations from this ukulele, I loved it when I laid my hand on it. It works well with excellent low action and sounds great. A minor problem I faced with this ukulele as it doesn’t have strap buttons, but you can add them quickly.
Another point I would like to make for those to whom it matters, it does not come with a case. So, you may have to order one separately. But could you wait for the guitar to arrive before ordering the case so that you can order a case into which your ukulele can fix correctly?
I observed that the buttons on the keys have a rubber-like coating, making them easier to grip and tune. Also, there is a white binding on the back and the front. The frets and back are also perfect. It is a bit rough and sounds nice, not too loud, but well-balanced and precise. To cut it short, it has excellent intonation, great sound, great price, and everything.
#3: Ukulele Tenor Size Bundle From Lohanu (LU-T) 2 (Strap Pins Installed FREE Uke Strap Case Tuner Picks Pick Holder Aquila Strings)
This one is perfect for beginners. A very well-constructed outfit, though the cloth bag isn’t something to write about. I would call it an excellent purchase considering the host of accessories that come with it and the top-notch quality sound it produces. The product is packed with extra strings in case you break one. I found the strings to be of the best quality.
The wood grain is smooth and sweet. I also liked the etching around the “sound hole.” I particularly appreciate this product’s tuning pegs that are enclosed on the backside. I am not entirely comfortable with the inexpensive Ukuleles, which have visible “gears.” I prefer to have them enclosed, so this one is a plus point for me.
It is a good purchase for beginners because the strap buttons are already installed. It comes with many accessories, makes no buzzing noises, and causes no tuning problems when you play the higher frets. It comes as a great package of high-quality freebies in the form of accessories, great sound, and high-quality material at around $100. All in all, a terrific ukulele if you are starting!
#4: Hola! HM-227SSM+ Deluxe Tenor Ukulele, SOLID Spruce Top W/Aquila Strings
This one turned out to be better than I expected. Surprisingly, the photo hardly does any justice to the actual product; it looks much better than it appears in the picture and feels great too.
The strings are of high quality and charming. It took me just 5 minutes to tune it. The sound is incredible. I would say it’s made for musicians who can easily use it at concerts. It’s one of those professional quality ukuleles that play smoothly and produces mesmerizing sounds. The size is also just right.
This ukulele also has enclosed tuners that seem to be of high quality. Another plus point of this product is its longer scales, making it easier to play by those with more giant fingers. I am happy with the intonation: I could easily play to the 12th fret all in tune. This is a significant plus point considering most low-end ukuleles need a better tone past the first position.
The only criticism I have about this product is its nut was cut off with sharp edges. I had to file it to make it blunt so it won’t hurt me.
#5: Kala KAA-15T Limited Edition Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
This ukulele is constructed of mahogany body and neck, along with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Its lovely mahogany was the first thing I noticed when I opened the box. I also liked its satin finish and attractive rosette design. I would say it looks as beautiful as it sounds.
The artistry is exceptional, and the tone is snappy. The strings are beautiful. The soprano size is big enough. However, I was uncomfortable using it as I needed help fitting my big fingers on its smaller neck after playing the tenor.
It has geared tuners and comes pre-strung with Aquila nylgut strings. This feature works for beginners as it ensures your instrument sounds sharp and stays in tune.
Best Tenor Ukuleles – Final Thoughts
Overall, a beautiful and neat purchase though it was slightly overpriced. For a cost nearing $100, I expected it to be smoother and of better quality.
I hope this list gives you the information you’re looking for while purchasing. I have tried to evaluate ukuleles on the parameters that a beginner and a seasoned player consider. The ‘Caramel CT102A Zebra Wood Tenor Acoustic Ukulele’ was parked above all others mainly because of its lower weight, cost-effectiveness quality, and sturdiness. I would advise you first to decide what qualities you are looking for and prioritize them. Then, compare your requirements with the qualities offered by each product to determine the one that’s the best tenor ukulele for you.
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