Table of Contents
Introduction
When you dream of turning into the next George Formby or Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, then you are going to need to know what the best ukulele brands for beginners are. You have come to the best place to find out. In this article, you may be introduced to 9 wonderful beginner ukulele products.
Ever since its creation at the end of the nineteenth Century in Hawaii, the ukulele has been an instrument that captured the creativity of individuals. It has a distinctive, pleasing sound that’s not like every other stringed instrument.
Through the years, everybody from Elvis Presley to Eddie Vedder has released songs that are characteristic of the ukulele. It is a versatile instrument that can be used for quite a lot of musical genres, which can also be a calming instrument to play with mates, maybe by a campfire.
To make sure that you spend your cash correctly on the best beginner ukulele, you may need to buy a product that has been built by a reliable model from high-grade wood. You will want to choose one which’s suited to your talent level too. And also you should not pay any more than you have to, as value-for-money might be crucial.
Beginner ukuleles are excellent as a result they’re small, only have 4 strings, and even probably the most sausage-fingered among us can be taught a tune within minutes of choosing one up. However, what’s the finest beginner ukulele, and how much do they cost?
In our roundup of the best beginner ukuleles, we’ll run you thru the affordable models designed to be taken anywhere, to the extra serious models for the dedicated learner. Without any additional delay, it is time to move on to our top 9 best ukulele brands.
Here Is A List Of The Best Ukulele Brands For Beginners
If you have ever searched for a new ukulele you will probably have noticed the huge number of brands that offer this particular instrument. The beginner ukulele is a relatively affordable instrument, and many instrument makers have a go at making their own version of the best ukulele for beginners.
There are beginner ukulele brands that are relatively new, brands that should be avoided, and even brands with hundreds of years of history for you to check out. We explore the very best ukulele brands in this guide and even mention some of their flagship models.
1. Cordoba
Some actually widespread ukuleles belong to the Cordoba brand together with the 15CM-E. The brand has actually only been around since 1997. Luthier and musician Pepe Romero helped to create the brand and they give attention to nylon-stringed instruments shining through (additionally they make classical guitars).
The ukuleles inside their range are usually of excellent high quality and they have good beginner ukuleles. They’ve got a wide range and cater to people wanting all totally different sizes. Their range even has plenty of products with pickups included, so amplification is a breeze. They’re nice for residing and studio use.
Cordoba ukuleles are usually made out of outstanding wood, and mahogany is usually used for their ukes, although additionally, they have a lot of spruce options. The Cordoba 15CM concert ukulele is a great instrument for someone looking to learn. Cordoba 15CM concert ukulele offers the perfect point of entry-level for those looking to pick up a stylish and easy-to-play ukulele. The mahogany top, back, and sides give this small-bodied ukulele a rich, clear, and high-quality sound.
Ambassadors of the Cordoba brand include Jose Gonzalez. It’s a little shocking, these instruments have a knowledgeable feel and a really genuine tone despite not being manufactured in Hawaii. When it comes to worth, they’re in the mid to higher range, especially when in comparison with some price-range ukulele makers.
- Good build quality with all of their instrument’s.
- Mahogany material is generally used.
- Some of their products come with electronics for amplification.
- Not as many models as some of the other brands.
- Not many budget offerings in their range.
Cordoba 15CFM Jade Green Ukulele Features
Cordoba 20SM Soprano Ukulele Features
Cordoba 20TM Tenor Ukulele Features
Watch the video below of the Cordoba ukulele for beginners.
2. Kala
Kala is an extremely prolific ukulele manufacturer. They celebrated their fifteenth anniversary in 2020, however, you might simply think they’d been around for much longer when you look at the range. The company isn’t Hawaiian, however not most of the modern ukulele makers are. Actually, they’re primarily based on the west coast, ‘nestled within the Sonoma wine country.
What Kala is to ukuleles is fast becoming what Yamaha or Casio is to keyboards. Their range is big with one thing to go well with everyone, from the best beginner models to a number of the more elite, professional ukes.
The Kala KA-15S soprano ukulele is one of the most popular ukuleles on this planet, without a doubt. It’s reliable but additionally relatively budget-friendly, with a shiny, basic tone. You typically find this bundled as a ‘beginner’s set’ with different ukulele equipment. There’s always going to be a limit to how much sound a tiny soprano ukulele like the Kala KA-15S can produce, but this little uke is very impressive.
The brand splits plenty of its ukuleles into each Kala KA and Kala MK series. Although they’ve budgeted ukuleles below $50, the Kala KOA-CT-T Port Orford Cedar Top tenor uke stands out as one of the easiest. It’s an expert ukulele, good for touring musicians, and the Hawaiian koa wood it’s made out of provides an extremely authentic tone.
Kala continues to push the envelope. In addition to making new models all the time, they’re branching into other instruments together with percussion. They’ve additionally turned into known for the ‘U-bass’ which is a ukulele and bass guitar hybrid.
The Kala range is exceptionally widespread for beginner and intermediate players. When you seek any design and shape of the ukulele then you’re bound to seek out one thing Kala provided. This is one of the best ukulele brands on the market.
- Lots of affordable ukuleles with a bright tone.
- Great for beginners as the first ukulele and sold bundled with accessories.
- Huge range.
- Not many of their range uses elite tonewoods such as koa.
Kala KA-15-S-BNDL Starter Kit Features
Kala KA-15-C-BNDL Uku Starter Kit Features
Kala KA S Mahogany Soprano Features
Video of Kala Best Beginner Ukuleles.
3. Martin
Searching for professional, high-end acoustic ukes? You actually can’t escape this brand, with unbelievable craftsmanship going into all of their ukes. Once we talked about the Kala brand we mentioned a few of their models that are priced around $1,000 – well, that’s nothing.
Some Martin models are around $5,000, however, the hand-made high quality and history of this brand are impressive. Martin, as a brand, goes back 200 years. Ukuleles had been first made in the late 1800s and Martin began making them not long after.
If you would like a historic ukulele brand then that is the one for you. Only a few music brands have the historical past that Martin can offer. This comes with an additional expense, however, you’ll be able to argue with the design and high quality of their instruments.
One of many things that sets the Martin range apart is their alternative of wood as they use solely the perfect tonewoods. In case you are searching for a model that isn’t on the top end of their pricing structure but does an expert job and offers the Martin high quality, think about the Martin 1T IZ tenor ukulele. That is made out of stunning mahogany wood and the tone is beautifully shiny. You’re paying additional, however for actual high quality.
You understand what you’re getting with Martin’s ukulele; high quality. However, that high quality comes at a price. If you would like the perfect one and don’t mind paying for it then this might be the brand for you.
- Incredible craftsmanship.
- One of the most respected brands on the market.
- Elite instruments, and make excellent recordings.
- Very expensive compared to a lot of the other options on the market.
Martin Guitar S1 Acoustic Ukulele with Soft Case Features
Martin Guitar C1K Acoustic Ukulele with Gig Bag features
Martin T1 StreetMaster Tenor Ukulele w/Gig Bag features
Video of Martin’s beginner ukuleles.
4. Fender
It’s a brand that just about every musician is aware of, however, they won’t associate Fender with ukes. Truly, they create some very high-quality smaller instruments, and their ukuleles definitely appeal to the guitar followers on the market. They even have mini versions of the Telecaster and different iconic Fender designs in ukulele form.
You’ll be able to feel that you’re taking part in Fender’s high quality. While a few of the ukulele manufacturers are relatively small and unheard of, Fender is a musical juggernaut with lots of fans all around the world. The Fender range is more expensive than a few of the fund’s manufacturers. We’d put them within the ‘mid-range concerning pricing.
Although the best way these ukuleles look is just a little different, they do use some traditional tonewoods together with koa and maple to provide a strong signature uke sound. There are several different sizes of Fender ukuleles. The primary three sizes are Soprano, Concert, and Tenor.
If you’re trying to purchase a Fender uke then the Signature series made together with Grace VanderWaal is definitely price a look. Definitely, one more item that is in this list of best ukulele brands that we need to mention.
Lots of people see Fender as a guitar brand and after they see that lots of the uke designs replicate their guitars they suppose they’re novelty products. The Grace VanderWaal series proves they’re serious instruments with stunning tonality.
- Lots of quirky designs.
- Reliable Fender instrument build-quality.
- Some of the ukuleles have a bit more of a classical guitar tone.
Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele Features
Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele – Shell Pink features
Fender Billie Eilish Signature Acoustic-Electric Ukulele features
Watch the video with Beginner Ukuleles by Fender.
5. Lanikai
Lanikai is another brand that operates at each beginner end of the market and offers products for true professionals and audiophiles. Not an ideal deal is published about the historical past of the brand, however, they’re distributed by Hohner. This association can only be a great thing and Lanikai can depend on their rich history of folk instrumentation.
Lanikai models are made out of a wide range of completely different wood and so they have some very interesting designs, too, coming in quite a lot of colors and even with unorthodox uke sizings. There are six-string and eight-string models within their range.
Lots of the models on the higher end of the Lanikai range additionally include pickups and electronics, to allow them to simply be played through an amp or PA system. For a beginner who just wants to strum some chords, this ukulele brand gets great reviews and you can’t go wrong, not to mention it also comes in sizes soprano, concert, and tenor.
These searching for an unusual and cool design and a wonderful maple tonewood should think about the Lanikai brand, and specifically the QMBL-CET Quilted Maple tenor ukulele, which seems completely beautiful. One of the best beginners is a brand that isn’t afraid to play with the standard design of a ukulele and give you one thing for the twenty-first century.
- Many models come with electronics included.
- Lots of quirky and interesting designs.
- Some materials are less conventional and don’t provide the standard ukulele tone.
Lanikai Kohala Tenor Features
Lanikai Mahogany Concert Ukulele MA-C Features
Lanikai Mahogany Soprano Ukulele MAHS Features
Video with Lanikai best ukulele for beginners.
6. Oscar Schmidt
Oscar Schmidt is one other very historic brand that may be traced back to the 1800s. They have got a very fascinating past, as traveling salesmen used to promote the instruments in places where music shops didn’t tend to exist. The company worked out of factories in Europe and Jersey.
They made (and still make) primarily stringed instruments similar to ukuleles, banjos, and classical guitars. The brand can also be recognized for some of its extra unusual instruments as they manufacture zithers and autoharps.
Nowadays the brand is owned and distributed by Washburn, a giant brand on the planet of guitars and acoustic instruments.
Most of the products within the range use some incredible koa and mahogany solid wood. The price is relatively mid-range and because of this, they’re a reasonably priced instrument for intermediate players.
A few of the Oscar Schmidt models hold up as professional, live performance and recording instruments and may generate really traditional folky tones, as you’d anticipate from a folk instrument brand.
An enjoyable truth concerning the brand is that Warren Buffett plays an Oscar Schmidt ukulele! He will not be recognized for his musical ability but it’s definitely a conversation starter.
- Lots of koa and mahogany options.
- The brand has a long, illustrious history.
- No affordable, beginner instrument’s in the range.
Oscar Schmidt OU2 Mahogany Concert Ukulele Bundle Features
Oscar Schmidt OU2T-A-U 4-String Mahogany Tenor Ukulele features
Oscar Schmidt OU5K-A Concert Ukulele features
Watch Oscar Schmidt video of their quality ukuleles.
7. Lohanu
Lohanu comes from a place you may not expect to make this tropical instrument – the brand is Canadian. The name comes from a hybrid of the phrases ‘love’ and ‘ohana’ which suggests family in the traditional Hawaiian language. Lohanu is one of the names that need to be on our list of best ukulele for beginners.
It isn’t the oldest and most prestigious brand available on the market but they’ve some really good options, especially for newbies. They use all kinds of different tonewoods in their range, too.
One thing lots of people like concerning the brand is the truth that they provide lifetime warranties. You may rest assured that the product isn’t going to break easily and if it does you would possibly be capable to claim your guarantee. Their customer support is great.
Lohanu makes some excellent beginner bundles. They describe the LU-C uke as their flagship model and which is accessible for below $100 and comes with lots of totally different equipment. You’ll be able to see why they’re rising their fame as a price range brand.
The brand additionally reveals its dedication to newbies by offering free access to some ukulele classes. When you may not see a Lohanu played by the very elite ukulele players, for newbies and intermediates they’re reliable instruments.
- Brilliant customer support.
- Affordable models with the reliable build quality.
- Not many elite models for pro musicians.
- Some of the models aren’t very traditional in their tonality.
Ukulele Concert Size Bundle From Lohanu (LU-C) Features
Ukulele From Lohanu Amazing Looking Spalted Maple features
Ukulele from Lohanu Cutaway Electric With 3 Band EQ features
Lohanu Best Beginner Bundle video.
8. Mahalo
The Mahalo brand is certainly one with a more traditional Hawaiian feel. In case you consider their website they’re really the most well-liked uke brand on this planet. Regardless of the Hawaiian name and feel (Mahalo is a Hawaiian phrase for ‘thanks’), the brand is made in Japan.
The brand might be one the most widespread because of the truth that they make lots of totally different ukes which can be actually inexpensive, especially when in comparison with another manufacturer similar to Martin. They provide price range models, however, that doesn’t mean they’re pumped out of factories with errors. Truly, Mahalo has a promise on its website to send out only ‘craftsman-built’ instruments.
The brand additionally guarantees to only use sustainable wood from renewable sources, which is at all times a bonus. The range is large, and it’s rising, however, they don’t really cater to the professional market. Hobbyists, children, and newbies are extra the name of the game for Mahalo.
If you wish to discover a good ukulele below $100 and also you need to know that it’s in all probability going to last, and give you loads of years of practice then Mahalo might be a great choice, additionally, they present some great newbie bundles for these seeking to begin playing. This is the reason why this instrument takes place in our list of best ukuleles for beginners.
- Excellent value for money.
- Lots of beginner models.
- Sustainable woods are used.
- Not many options in this brand for elite, professional musicians.
Mahalo Kahiko Soprano Trans Brown Features
Mahalo Smiley Ukulele Pink Features
Mahalo Hawaii Purple Ukulele Features
Video of Mahalo beginner ukes.
9. Donner
Donner is a music company that makes a selection of instruments, mostly within the string family, and mostly aimed at players searching for their first instrument. All of their ukuleles promote for below $100 right now and most models include a starter beginners bundle that has a case and other equipment which can be good to have!
At the time of this writing, Donner doesn’t yet make a baritone ukulele, however, you may get a soprano ukulele, concert ukulele, or tenor for them. That is probably the most complete brand on our listing. They make quite a lot of instruments – not just guitars and ukuleles, but wind, percussion, and keyboard instruments as well. Plus, they also provide stage equipment.
Donner’s ukuleles are just as top quality as the rest of the products offered by the brand. They’re finest represented by the Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany DUC-1. It is a giant, twenty-three-inch product. This beginner starter kit comes with a set of strings, a clip-on tuner, an instrument bag, and a strap. Thanks to its concert size, it’s a good entry-level for any beginner on a budget or those who want a good “throw-it-in-your-backpack” ukulele.
Primarily you’ll receive everything you could get to begin playing the ukulele. Additionally, Donner has created their DUC-1 with an incredible sound, a sturdy mahogany top back body, and a simple to-play form.
They also provide free online video lessons with almost all of their ukuleles! You will want to improve these ukuleles if you wish to get more serious with the instrument, but by then you gladly pay a little bit more to increase your collection!
- Beautiful shape, color, and craftsmanship.
- Includes all the tools you need to get started.
- Wood is expertly dried and fitted.
- Smooth feel on all the corners and joints.
- May be too large for some children.
- Needs tuning adjustment out of the box.
Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany 23 Inch DUC-1 Professional Features
Donner Concert Ukulele Professional 23 Inch DUC-200D Dark features
Donner Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit 21 inch Bundle Pack DUS-200 features
Beginner ukes starter kit by Donner.
Which is the Best Beginner Ukulele?
There are many beginner ukuleles out there that would suit a beginning player and can be listed in this best ukulele brands for beginners article. I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg, and I know I’ve missed some other really great entry-level ukuleles out there.
As you can see from our list, ukulele brands vary from those which have models under $100, to those which cost many thousands of dollars for a simple and small acoustic instrument. It really comes down to what you want as a musician.
Also, you should know why you want to learn the ukulele. Are you a professional musician who wants to add a different layer to your songs? Then maybe you should consider a Tenor ukulele. If you want to learn the ukulele as a new skill or for pure fun then a Soprano or Concert should do.
