Best Ukulele Brands

Top 10 Best Ukulele Brands And Ukuleles 2024 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide and Expert’s Reviews

I hope you’ll agree: Life is boring without a ukulele… Or is it?” And getting the right ukulele from the best brands will ensure that you learn faster, play more accessible, and sound better!

But, there is only ONE issue.

Finding the best ukulele is a challenging job. That’s why I’m here to make it easy for you. You must carve out a few minutes of your day and tackle your best ukulele from top-rated brands.

Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

I Know We Are All Busy, So… Here Is The Short List:

Brand Made in Shapes Main feature
Kala Ed’s choice Petaluma, CA 8-shape and pineapple Affordability, and range.
Cordoba Spain and China 8-shape and pineapple. Banjo Ukulele! Affordability and range.
Luna USA 8-shape and pineapple Unique design (tattoo)
Fender USA Electric (classic fender shapes and headstocks) Classic fender headstocks on most models
Oscar Schmidt USA 8-shape reliability Reliability
Lanikai Hawaii 8-shape and pineapple wine Wide range of models and sizes.
Martin USA 8-shape high High quality
Hola! USA 8-shape and pineapple Beginner ukes
Flea USA Mostly pineapple Unique Design, charitable contribution.
Epiphone China/Korea Electric shape (Les-Paul) Electric

Top 10 Best Ukulele Brands 2024 – In-depth Analysis & Reviews

Best ukulele brands 2024: Kala Editor’s choice

Kala is one of the most well-known names in the Ukulele world. Kala is known for both their quality and playability.

There is a good reason why most, if not all, Ukulele players are very familiar with the Kala brand. They have a wide range of ukuleles, from their inexpensive, durable Waterman line to their heirloom-style California-made Hawaiian Koa Elites. They have a ukulele for every occasion.

I chose Kala as my editor’s pick because this is a widely known and trusted brand. If you are looking for an entry-level instrument like the Kala KA 15S, you will have made the right choice. On the other hand, they also offer excellent top-of-the-range models like anything from the KALA elite series.

Kala Ukuleles are highly accessible to all kinds of different players.  I love the brand and would like to talk you through some of my favorites.

Name Size Wood Pickup Price
Kala KA 15S Soprano Mahogany No
Kala-KA-ASAC-T Tenor Acacia and Lancewood No
Kala KA-MK-C Makala Concert Ukulele Concert Mahogany and Rosewood No
Kala KA-MK-P Makala Pineapple-Style Soprano Mahogany No
Kala KAA-15T Limited Edition Satin Mahogany Tenor Mahogany No

Top 5 Rated Kala Ukulele Reviews 

Kala KA 15 S

It is hard to imagine any ukulele with better value for money than the Kala KA 15 S.  The way this instrument feels and looks does not match the price.  It is ridiculously cheap for such a high-quality instrument.

I have played a lot of beginner ukuleles, but it is challenging to find any that are as playable as this model.  It is as close to the perfect entry-level instrument as you will probably ever get.

The playability of the Kala KA 15 S is excellent.  The instrument is easy to play and has a rustic, mellow sound.

The KA 15 S comes with a mahogany top, bottom and sides.  It is not solid, but the satin finish looks excellent.  For that price, you can’t expect any better!

This is the best quality value for money soprano Ukulele on the market.  It blows any competition out of the water in this regard.  If price is your most significant deciding factor, and you are a beginner, this is the Ukulele.
Pros
  • Excellent value for money.
  • Iconic soprano size for those beginners looking for a “typical”  “ukulele look and sound.
  • Well built. It seems solid enough to feel confident in traveling around with it.
  • Balanced soprano sound.
Cons
  • This ukulele comes with open-geared tuners. This means that they rely on the tension from the strings to keep everything in place.  This can cause some difficulty with restringing.
  • This is related to the first point. The tuning pegs might look a bit cheap on what is otherwise an excellent ukulele.

Kala KA-ASAC-T

This is another one of my favorite Ukuleles.  It has a solid acacia top with lancewood sides and back.  All this gives the instrument a solid, heavy set feels and a thick natural look.

The natural wood not only affects how the instrument looks; it also comes out in the sound.  The solid body, combined with the larger tenor size, gives this Ukulele a vibrant and full sound.

This is slightly more expensive than the KA 15 S, but the few extra dollars will go a long way.

You will probably keep a good quality tenor Ukulele with a beautiful sound for a lifetime.

Pros
  • Unbeatable full sound
  • Solid-body
  • Beautiful finish and design
Cons
  • Expensive compared to entry-level Ukuleles
  • Acacia and Lancewood are not traditional woods used on Ukuleles.

Kala KA-MK-C Makala Concert Ukulele

I have never personally owned one of these, but it also has a reputation as an excellent entry-level ukulele. The Makala series is renowned for its warm sound, excellent playability, and affordable price. The rosewood fretboard and 18 brass frets make the Kala MK-C Concert a smart choice entry-level Ukulele.

 

 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Warm sound
  • The concert size is perfect for beginners
Cons
  • You might outgrow this model to become a more serious player.
  • It comes with cheap strings
  • The tone leaves some to be desired.

Kala KA-MK-P Makala Pineapple-Style Soprano Ukulele

This is an excellent pineapple-shaped Soprano Ukulele.  I love it.  The shape is a classic but increasingly rare nowadays. The MK-P still includes all of the strong points of the previous three Kala models, with the extra benefit of its quirky shape. Excellent beginner uke!

Kala KAA-15T Limited Edition Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele

Beautiful instrument.  This one is for the intermediate Ukulele player. It’s tenor size, so it will be straightforward to play for all of you transitioning from the guitar.

Some friends have complained about issues with the tuning pegs coming loose, but I have never experienced anything like this.

#2: Cordoba Editor’s Choice brand

Cordoba is another one of those brands with an excellent, longstanding reputation. Many musicians associate the Cordoba brand with Classical guitars, and rightly so.  They make beautiful classical guitars.  Their Ukuleles, however, are no exception.

I put them as my editor’s pick number 2 because Cordoba, along with Kala, is a great brand for those who are just starting but are looking for something reliable but affordable.

Cordoba has several different ranges of Ukuleles.  Numbers arrange them.  The entry-level instruments are from the 15 series.  20 is intermediate, 22 is a bit more advanced, and so forth.  So it is easy to see from the model’s name that it falls in the Cordoba range.

This is another one of those well-known, respected brands. Let’s get into some details with some of my personal favorites and recommendations.

Name Size Wood Pickup Price
Cordoba 20 CM Concert Mahogany Yes
Cordoba 15CM Concert Mahogany No
Cordoba 22C Concert Mahogany No

Top 3 Rated Cordoba Ukulele Reviews 

Cordoba 20 CM Concert Ukulele

This is a stunning instrument for some reasons—well built, sound design, resonance-able prices, and a beautiful sound. This instrument will work for beginners as well as for those of you with a bit of experience under your belts.

Soprano Ukuleles might be the most iconic in appearance, but I find concert-size Ukuleles much more accessible.  In terms of playability, the concert Ukulele is slightly bigger than the soprano, which gives you much more space on the fretboard. In short, this is an affordable and versatile instrument for beginners and more advanced players.

Pros
  • It has a warm sound while maintaining all the expected high-frequency ukulele tones.
  • The design and dark mahogany wood are aesthetically stunning. It is an excellent-looking instrument!
  • In terms of value for money, nothing compares with the 20CM Ukulele. A solid body and pickup concert ukulele seldom come in this price range.
Cons
  • I have never experienced this, but there are some complaints, so I should include them for fairness.  Some players find this model tends to go out of tune reasonably quickly.  This might be due to my previous point; the machine heads.
  • The pickup is not of very high quality.

Cordoba 15CM

This one is Cordoba’s bestselling ukulele. The 15CM is also a concert-size instrument, but unlike the 20CM, it does not have a solid body.  It has a mahogany top, back, and sides with a satin finish.

The body is not solid, making the instrument more affordable for beginners.  Similar to the previous entry, the slightly bigger concert size helps learn the instrument by having more fretboard space than the soprano models. The action is reasonably low (the action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard)

The importance of playability in beginner instruments should always be maintained.  One of the easiest ways to become dissuaded from keeping up practicing a new instrument is if it is too difficult to play.  The easy playability of this model is one of the essential features in ranking it as the best Ukulele for beginners.

Affordable, easy to play, easy on the ear, and easy on the eye.  What more could a beginner want?

Pros
  • Concert/Alto size is an excellent size for beginner Ukulele players
  • The action is reasonably low (the action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard).
  • Easy to play Ukulele that will help a beginner stay motivated.
Cons
  • Some might think it is too expensive for a beginner instrument. But as I explained above, this model goes slightly beyond beginner instruments. You get what you pay for, and with the Cordoba 15 CM, you pay slightly more than another entry-level Ukulele, but it makes up for that with quality and longevity.
  • The body is not solid like with the more expensive 20CM model.

Cordoba 22C

This is a slightly more expensive model, but it is a gorgeous instrument.  It plays like a dream and sounds even better.

As I mentioned, the Cordoba brand is well-known and respected for its classical guitars.  The 22 Series was specially created to incorporate some of the most salient features of their guitars into a Ukulele.

What they did with this series is to bring the most popular guitar-tone wood combination of spruce and Indian rosewood to the ukulele. The 22C is a concert-sized ukulele featuring a solid spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, rosewood bridge, fingerboard, headstock veneer, and mahogany neck.

If you are a fan of Cordoba acoustic guitars and their whole sound like I am, you will be more than impressed with this Ukulele.

The solid spruce top and bone nut and saddle, no doubt, are part of the reason this uke sounds so great. If you want a high-quality concert uke at an affordable price, this new Cordoba may be the one.

If you have never owned a Ukulele before, you should probably not start with this model, but if you have some playing experience and are looking for something a little more serious, this might be perfect.

  • See on Amazon 

#3: Luna

Luna Ukulele

What many other people and I love about Luna Ukuleles are their unique designs.  These always stick out with their tattoo designs all over their bodies.

Apart from the aesthetic pleasure of looking at them, they are also some of the most playable Ukuleles. Their range of instruments is quite wide, but they cater extra well for all you beginners out there.

If you are looking for a robust, reliable instrument, you are looking for something that will also make you stick out from the rest of the crowd.  Luna is your brand!

Name Size Wood Pickup Price
Luna Tattoo Concert Concert Mahogany No
Luna Mahogany Series Tattoo Soprano Pineapple Ukulele Soprano Mahogany No
Luna Mahogany Series Honu Soprano Ukulele Soprano Mahogany No

Top 3 Rated Luna Ukulele Reviews 

Luna Tattoo Concert

Apart from the excellent tattoo design element, this ukulele also has an incredible sound.

This is not a solid top guitar, but you would never guess that from the full-bodied sound that comes from its tiny body.

The Luna Tattoo Concert is light and easy to hold, but its big sound will surprise most people playing it for the first time.

This is a very affordable Ukulele, with a great big sound for a small price.

Pros

  • Noticeable tattoo design that makes the instrument stand out.
  • Big rounded sound for an inexpensive entry-level Ukulele.

Cons

  • As mentioned on the other side, if the tattoo design is not to your taste, it might put you off the look of the Ukulele entirely.
  • I found the handiwork to be a bit shoddy on some of the details.
  • The body is not solid, so the build can sometimes feel flimsy.

Luna Mahogany Series Tattoo Soprano Pineapple Ukulele

This is an instrument very similar to the Luna tattoo model.  This one, however, is a pineapple shape instrument, and this specific one is also soprano size.

What Luna did with their tattoo range, which I include here, is essential to take the same specs and use them on several different sizes and models.

The pineapple shape still comes with the original Luna tattoo design.  I think that it looks fantastic.  It is also lovely to see such a small pineapple model. It’s easy to forget just how small Soprano Ukuleles are.  If you hold this little pineapple in your hands, you will quickly be reminded!

This model, like all of the Luna Ukuleles, is laminated.

Luna Mahogany Series Honu Soprano Ukulele

The first thing I noticed when I played on the Honu model was that it had a much brighter sound than the Tattoo.  This was even more evident while strumming.

It’s a nice little Ukulele, and it is also an excellent deal for the price.

The design is not as elaborate as the tattoo ukulele, but it still has that signature Luna, burnt wood design element, and excellent graphics around the sound hole.

It is widespread for entry-level Soprano Ukuleles to go out of tune very quickly, but that was not the case with the Honu.  I was surprised at how long it stayed in tune, even with some heavy strumming.  The intonation on the higher frets was also splendid!

These Luna models are great ukuleles for the price you are paying. Since they are mass-produced budget instruments, the company does an excellent job at keeping the quality acceptable.

I recommend that you play on one before you buy.  I have played on some that were amazing, while others were less great.

One last thing to keep in mind with Luna, but it applies to cheaper Ukuleles.  If you pay a bit extra to have it set up by a good Luthier with quality strings, it will make a massive difference in how the instrument feels in your hands.

  • See on Amazon


#4: Fender

 

fender guitar brand reviews

I have always loved Fender guitars.  One of the first instruments I ever owned was a Fender Stratocaster.  I have been playing it for more than 15 years now.  So yes, I might be biased in my assessment of their Ukulele, but I can help.

The people at Fender know how to make good-quality instruments.  They have been doing it for so many years! When it comes to Ukulele specifically, I love how the classic Fender headstocks look on the Ukulele.

In general, because Fender is such a reputable brand, you will be guaranteed a certain level of excellence even though they are not primarily a ukulele brand.

Name Size Wood Pickup
Fender Nohea Tenor Koa Yes
Fender Concert Ukulele “Mino’Aka” Concert Mahogany No
Fender Ukulele “52– Sunburst Soprano Mahogany No

Top 3 Rated Fender Ukulele Reviews 

Fender Nohea

This is a tenor-size ukulele, so it is perfect for those who are used to playing guitar but want to try out the Ukulele.

The body is not solid Koa but rather laminate.  This means that the instrument is pretty light and easy to carry around.  The laminate body also means it is a slightly cheaper guitar, which is why this is a middle-of-the-range instrument in terms of pricing.  Solid bodies are more familiar with professional models.

A beautiful-looking, affordable instrument that is great for Ukulele beginners and those who are used to playing guitar.

Pros
  • Classic Fender telecaster headstock
  • Beautiful laminate finish
  • The comfortable tenor size, which makes it a perfect crossover instrument for those of us used to guitar
Cons
  • If you dislike the telecaster headstock (let’s face it – it’s controversial), the design will not be for you.
  • It is pretty pricy for a laminate non-solid body instrument.

Fender Concert Ukulele “Mino’Aka” 

“Mino’Aka comes from the Hawaiian word for “”me.””  That is probably what you’ll do when you play it.  It is a delightful instrument to play, from the look to the sound to the feel. It’s the whole package and another one of my personal favorites.

It has an all-mahogany body with a tone bar bracing for a sweet, mellow tone. Mino’Aka also has a three-piece mahogany neck and a 19-fret rosewood fingerboard.

The body is aged, and the fingerboard is binding.

It has an awesome Telecaster headstock with a Fender gold screen logo.  As I’ve mentioned: a personal favorite.

Pros
  • It’s a Fender instrument, with a warranty and excellent customer service.
  • The Telecaster headstock is a definite win.
Cons
  • It is a bit pricy.
  • The dark color puts some people off.

Fender Ukulele “52– Sunburst

This is another one of those Fender ukuleles that have all   the looks of a fender electric guitar.  As I have mentioned…I am a fan. It looks great.  This particular model is modeled (as the name suggests) after the 1952 sunburst Fender Telecaster.

If you like the classic Fender designs and the Telecaster headstock, seeing it in a miniature version on a Ukulele will make your day. Sure, all of what I mentioned only deal with how it looks.  But what about the sound?  What about the feel? Well, it sounds good, and it plays like a dream.

It is much cheaper than some other Fender Ukuleles, but the price is not harmful.  I am mainly considering that it comes with a Fishman Kula pre-amp.  Of all the Ukuleles on this list, the Fender “52sunburst has the best quality electric pickup.  It provides an avenue to be amplified and an onboard electronic tuner.

As I mentioned, the Ukulele sounds good.  But what is unique about the “52sunburst ukulele, is that the pickup captures the quality of that sound.  When I plugged it into the amplifier, it did not sound like there were many compromises in the sound quality. Great. I was looking at Uke with a decent electric pickup that did full justice to the instrument’s sound.

  • See on Amazon

#5: Oscar Schmidt – Top 10 Best Ukulele Brands

Oscar Schmidt is Acta Washburn division, so they have been making guitars for a g time.

It is not surprising that their Ukuleles are of a very high standard.  What I like about them is that they offer a wide range of instruments, with most of their Ukuleles being of very high quality.

They are competitors in the beginner to intermediate market. That’s not to say they don’t have some expensive instruments as well, though.

Name Size Wood Pickup Price
Oscar Schmidt OU5 Concert Koa (laminate) No
Oscar Schmidt OU2 Concert Ukulele Concert Mahogany No
Oscar Schmidt Spalted Mango TENOR Acoustic/Electric Ukulele Tenor Spalted Mango Yes

Top 3 Rated Oscar Schmidt Ukulele Reviews (click to expand)

Oscar Schmidt OU5

This intermediate Ukulele is my opinion to look at, and beautifully rich tone.

The Koa wood on this model is only a laminate and not solid.  This means that the instrument is quite light relatively, and generally goes hand in hand with it being much more affordable than a solid body of the same wood.

Intermediate price range, for n above average above-average

Pros

  • This is a middle-of-the-argument and you know exactly what to expect.
  • Beautiful laminate finish
  • Mellow, but bright sound
  • Comes with Grover chrome tuners and a lifetime warranty
  • Abalone binding looks fantastic on the edges of the ukulele.

Cons

  • Buyers from some countries (Singapore is one example) have issues registering their warranty
  • The bright tone puts some people off personally like it, but some define it prefer undertone.

Oscar Schmidt OU2

This is, in essence, a slightly more affordable version of the OU5 series. The OU2 is not a laminate, but finish a mahogany ukulele.  You immediately notice the lively, whole, body-off sound when you pick it up.  It has the spectrum covered regarding its tone.

The tops are bright, and the lows are warm, which enables you to play lively happy chord progressions or sweet-sounding melodies.  The OU2 feels like it has you covered!

This is another one of the models I would recommend for anyone starting to want to get something affordable, but that still sounds good.

Oscar Schmidt Spalted Mango TENOR Acoustic/Electric Ukulele

If you are a bit more advanced, this is among the Ukuleles on the market. It looks beautiful, sounds fantastic reeve to play.  It also comes with a pickup!

The OU7TE is a handmade instrument and becomes apparent the second you pick it up.  The finish is gorgeous, and the attention to detail is awe-inspiring the type of Up. The tone that you will buy now but keep it for a lifetime.

Because it is a tenor size and has a solid top, tits resonance is quite impressive  Every strum seems to fill the room with the warm sound of nylon and wood in full resonating beauty.

This ukulele is made from Spalted Mango, a rare but inspired choice.  The top, back, and sides are all made of Spalted mango.  It gives the Ukulele a thick and solid feeling in the hands.

The bone nut and saddle are made from synthetic materials ,while the binding is all abalone.  The electronics of the pickup are all top-class  . The pickup sounds very decent through my amp.

  • See on Amazon

#6: Lanikai

lanikai-logo-lmmh

Lanikai is generally geared towards manufacturing Ukuleles for beginners.  They have some low-budget options that you can explore if you are starting.

Lanikai has an imposing array of Ukuleles, and they don’t get the kind of exposure they deserve.  If you have a look at their website, you will find all shapes and sizes of Ukuleles, all for a very affordable price.  There is an incredible amount of variety that anyone could choose from.

My favorite has to be the LU-21CEK All Mahogany Ac/Elec Concert Ukulele.  I like a Ukulele with a pickup.

The most popular one, however (by far), would be the Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele. It’s just one of those excellent entry-level that’s popular because it’s affordable and reasonable!

The thing with the LU-21 is that it is, without a doubt, an entry-level instrument.  So if you feel that you might get more serious about playing Ukulele, you might want to consider buying something a little bit more high-end.

The white binding around the edges of the instrument looks magnificent and gives the instrument a kind of high-quality respectability regarding finishing and attention to detail.  This is very rare in entry-level instruments. The Nato wood grain looks splendid and gives the instrument a rustic, natural look.

It probably has a lot to do with the fact that it is a soprano-sized ukulele with a laminated top, but the LU-21 is incredibly light.  It hardly feels like you have anything in your hands!  This helps with playing, especially if you are a beginner.  The Ukulele is not intimidating and is straightforward to get your hands around.

One of the downsides is that the bridge works like a classical guitar bridge.  So you have to tie the end of the strings to the bridge by looping them through. For beginners, this might be very tricky to learn.  In this regard, the Les Paul Ukulele is much easier to restring.

The action (especially the distance of the strings from the fretboard) is alright.  It is not as high as some other budget models. Sometimes when I strum a little more complicated than usual, there is a slight buzz of the strings, mainly when playing barre chords.

The intonation is alright in the low register (where you will mostly be playing as a beginner), but it starts flat as you go up the fretboard. The ukulele tends to stay in tune, even after quite some time of playing.  This might, however, be due to the type of strings.  Cheap strings will always go out quickly, so investing in a decent set of strings for your new ukulele is a good idea, even if the ukulele is cheap.  Good strings can make a big difference.

The sound of the LU-21 is definitely on the bright side.  Not quite twangy, but bright.  You hear many high frequencies, while the lower and mid frequencies tend to fall flat.  Nothing major, but it is noticeable. Overall a decent instrument at a very affordable price!

  • See on Amazon

#7:  Martin – Best Ukulele Brands

Martin Ukulele

Martin is your brand for those looking to spend a bit extra but of high quality.  The Martin company makes state-of-the-art acoustic guitars, and their Ukuleles seem no exception.

Martin makes high-end acoustic instruments.  They understand wood and are actual luthiers.  The level of excellence is transferred to their Ukuleles as well.

The first thing you will notice when you look at one of their models, like the C1K, is its beautiful natural look.  But it’s not just the look. The C1K, my favorite Martin ukulele, has a solid Hawaiian Koa top, back, and sides.  The instrument feels thick and stable.

Martin acoustic instruments always have impressive resonance, and the C1K is no exception.  It lives up to my high expectations for the Martin brand.  Rich, warm sounds surprisingly fill a room for such a small instrument.

Top rate, high-quality, beautiful instrument.  I love it.

#8: Hola!

Hola! It is another one of those brands that make life easy for beginners.  They have some of the nicest Ukuleles to start on. I once tried their HM-124MG at a music store, and I have to admit I was impressed.

The sound was pretty typical for an entry-level instrument; what surprised me was how easily it played.  It is a surprisingly well-built instrument that felt sturdy in my hands and had excellent resonance.

There are only a few extras, and the instruments are usually not solid tops.  But when it comes to a beginner instrument, those ready do not matter. It is affordable, has a decent sound, and is SO easy to play!

#9: Flea – Top 10 Best Ukulele Brands

Flea Ukulele

What a fantastic brand! Flea makes some of the most unique but reliably pineapple-shaped Ukuleles you can find.

Most brands focus on the classic eight-shaped ukuleles, but not Flea.  No, they are well-known for their line of pineapple-shaped instruments. I say pineapple because that is the closest I can come to describing it.  But really, it looks almost like a lute.

The company started making Ukuleles in 2002.  They immediately started making their instruments with new and unique designs.

The materials of their instruments are also not like other Ukuleles.  They use a combination of wood and injection molded thermoplastic. The combination of wood soundboard and acoustically resonant thermoplastic body gives their instruments an edge over the traditional standard ukes.

They almost always have a vibrant and bright sound.  The shape makes them very comfortable to hold, and they can even stand alone on one end.  So no need for a stand!

Flea ukuleles are available in Soprano or Concert sizes.  They come in solid maple, or walnut neck necks, laminate tops of hoop pine or walnut bodies, and solid spruce or koa wood tops.

My personal favorite is their natural concert-sized Flea Ukulele.  It is a fantastic instrument.  It might be a bit more expensive than many other instruments I have talked about, but it looks and sounds like a professional Ukulele. It is beautiful with its one-of-a-kind headstock and natural wood color.

Speaking about the headstock: Flea Ukuleles all have a distinctive hollow headstock that looks good.  The headstock, combined with the pineapple shape, forms the basis of their signature instrument design.

Flea also has a series of Ukuleles with unique designs on the bodies.  Like this one that is painted to look like an actual pineapple.  It is part of the Flea designer series that feature some beautiful colorful renditions of original artwork on the bodies. A red and blue version of the Standard Flea Ukulele is also available.

Another good thing about this company…They donate part of their proceeds towards providing children’s hospitals with musical instruments.  So, if you can afford these (all around the $200 mark), you will get a beautiful instrument and tribute to a good cause!

One of my favorite brands by far.

#10: Epiphone (electric) – Best electric ukulele brands

Epiphone Ukulele

If you are a fan of the Les Paul guitar shape and design, you will love the look of the Epiphone Ukulele.  It is a miniature version of the classic Gibson design, complete with the sunburst maple top.

Epiphone, a division of the Gibson guitar company, is not exactly known for its Ukuleles. The Les Pau shape has become iconic thanks to rock stars like Slash and Jimmy Page.  We can all recognize it. It’s guitars, though…Not Ukuleles.

But the little soprano Epiphone Les-Paul ukulele is incredibly popular! It is also my favorite electric ukulele. It is cheap, has an excellent acoustic, and has a decent electric sound, especially considering the price.

The Ukulele comes with an excellent quality piezo film under-saddle pick-up so that you can plug in and play through an amplifier.

Despite the unique design and added pickup, this is still an entry-level instrument.  It is affordable and a strong contender for a beginner Ukulele, especially if the electric quality (pickup) is essential to you.

Best Ukulele Brands And Ukuleles

Things to consider when buying a ukulele

When picking an instrument, you must pick what’s right for you. Here are a few points to consider:


  • Size

There are four different sizes of ukulele. They are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone from smallest to biggest. It is not a one-size-fits-all; each has pros and cons depending on your desire. The size you choose will also depend on your level of competence.

The bigger the size, the more complicated the instrument gets and the more versatility in sound. I recommend the concert to beginners. This is because it is slightly bigger than the soprano, giving it a fuller sound and accommodating to more extensive hands. The choice is yours! Here are some brief points to think about when choosing which size is best for your needs:

If you’re a beginner, this is the most common option. This is your traditional type and makes the sound most attributed to the instrument. Lucky for you, it’s usually your cheapest option. Con: if you have big hands, this size may be challenging to play on.

Slightly more significant than the soprano, it produces a fuller sound. One of the benefits of this is that you have more room to play around on the fretboard.

If you’re a pro, this one is for you. The bigger size means you have more room to maneuver and higher volume. It is perfect for producing solos, given the space for versatility. This is an excellent option if you have big hands, even if you’re a beginner.

Not recommended for beginners as it is different instrumentally from the other ukulele and may be challenging to learn to play


  • Shape

Once you’ve picked the type, it’s time to consider the shape. Please feel free to pick a ukulele that you love to look at.  One that motivates you to practice and make it sound as good as it looks! There are three different shapes that the ukulele comes in.

The guitar/ figure-8 shape is the most commonly known. It looks like a miniature guitar which some people don’t like. For this reason, some people prefer the pineapple shape.

The pineapple shape gives the instrument a fuller and richer sound because it is rounded at the back. This design makes the instrument look different from the guitar, which some people prefer. However, it can be an uncomfortable design, so think wisely about what you want.

Last and least the V-shape. Although these may look cool and are often very generous, they are affordable for a reason! They are very uncomfortable playing and make bad sounds. Stay away from the V-shape.

  • Materials

Materials can be tricky. Solid wood ukuleles are beautiful and produce richer sounds as they age. Different types of wood are priced differently and produce different sounds. The Koa is native to Hawaii and is the original wood of the ukulele. However, this can be very expensive. If you’re on a budget, go for Mahogany. This is usually reasonably priced and produces warm tones. Spruce is a good alternative if you don’t have much to spend but want a solid wood ukulele. The sound is bright and happy, making it a personal favorite.

Ukuleles are great around a fire with friends, and wooden instruments are easier to crack and break. In this case, consider going for plastic or laminate wood. Although the sound may not be as rich, it is an excellent alternative if you are on a budget, a beginner, or like to travel with your instrument!

For the advanced:

Consider experimenting with six and eight-string ukuleles. The extra strings give the instrument a fuller sound that can be fun to explore. Please stay clear if you are a beginner, as this is very challenging to play.


  • Tone

It all comes down to your sound when playing the instrument. That’s the only thing other people hear, and that should be a massive consideration when you pick your brand.

Look for the instrument that has the sound that you like.  Try to identify the characteristic Ukulele sound that appeals to you.  What do your favorite players sound like?  Do they have a warm thick tone or a more honkey-tonk high treble sound?

Please pay attention to how warm or bright the sound you are looking for; it is the most basic tone measurement.  Ukuleles generally tend to have relatively flat, high-end tones, so if you find something with a rich, warm tone, you know you found something special.


  • Budget

Your budget will help you determine your instrument. Expensive ukuleles do not necessarily mean better ukuleles. If you’re on a tight budget and a beginner, start with an entry-level ukulele to learn the basics. The Kala KA15s is an excellent starting choice!

How did we pick?

As you can see, there are lots of things to consider! This list is a balanced combination of some of my favorite ukuleles and some with friends and musicians who have highly recommended them.

When picking a ukulele, I ask myself a few questions.  These are the same questions I asked myself when coming up with a list of the top 10 Ukulele brands: Does it make a good sound? Is it affordable? Is it durable? Is it beautiful to look at? Is it comfortable to play?

Every person has different tastes and may answer those questions differently. Irrespective of what you need and want from your ukulele, these are all excellent quality! Here is how I answered the questions.

Does it make a good sound?

These are instruments. Instruments make music. The most important thing is the sound they make! For a more traditional sound, I selected sopranos with a happy tone. Bigger ukuleles were chosen based on the richness and roundness of their sound.

I love solid wood ukuleles as they mature with age and make richer sounds. All my options are wooden, but the type of wood is a personal preference. For this reason, I have included different types for you to explore.

I’ve also looked at sizes to accommodate personal sound. Some people are looking for the traditional ukulele sound and prefer a soprano. The more advanced player may want something more significant.

Is it affordable?

This always depends on the budget! For this reason, I have included a broad price range to suit everyone’s wallet. If you’re a beginner, I’ve included cheaper options so that you can learn the instrument before making a big decision.

There are also great options for those with a high budget who want to spend a little more on their instrument. If you’re advanced and want to take your love for the instrument further, I’ve included something for you too!

Is it durable?

Wood, wood, wood! You can’t be wrong with wooden ukuleles. They will age with you and grow into their sound.

Is it beautiful? Is it comfortable?

You need something that is both! I love the guitar-shaped ukuleles. These are elegant and comfortable to play with. Pineapple shapes are stunning and unique. They set themselves apart from guitars. For this reason, I’ve included one too.

For the sake of good taste, I haven’t included v-shaped ukuleles. These are uncomfortable and silly to look at.

Top 10 Best Ukulele BrandsConclusion

This was a helpful and informative guide to help you understand what some of the different Ukulele brands offer.  I tried to include everything.  From my favorites and recommendations to what I know is popular or reputable.

Reading this article gave you some helpful information you can use to go out there and get the right ukulele brand for you. Music is a lifelong journey, and you will probably still play on many different brands and models as you progress on your musical path.  I hope this is a good start.

If you like this article, please like and share this page.  Also, please let us know what your favorite ukulele is.  Did we leave it out?  Why do you like it?  Let us know!

Until next time, keep practicing, loving the Ukulele, and reading.

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