The baritone ukulele is an extraordinary and multi-faceted instrument that has soared in popularity lately.
Characterized by its deep, melodic sound, it is the perfect choice for musicians searching for an alternative to more customary soprano or concert ukuleles.
Finding the ideal baritone ukulele may appear to be difficult with so many options available; however, it doesn’t have to be!
To do your search for the perfect baritone ukulele easier, we have gathered 17 excellent options!
We’ve included various options, from affordable entry-level instruments to high-end models that will satisfy even the most discerning musician.
Ready to find the perfect baritone ukulele for you? Let’s take a look at our top 17 picks!
Table of Contents
- Best Baritone Uukuleles
- Caramel CB103 Baritone Uukulele
- Kmise KMU30B Baritone Uukulele
- Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele
- Kala MK-B Makala Baritone Ukulele
- Caramel CB500 Electro-Acoustic Baritone Uukulele
- Kala KA-SA-B Baritone Ukulele
- Kala KA-BG Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
- Makala Baritone Ukulele by Kala
- Alvarez RU22B Baritone Uukulele
- Kmise Baritone Ukulele
- Cordoba 20BM Baritone Uukulele
- Lanikai (MAB) Baritone Uukulele
- Kala KA-BE Baritone Uukulele
- Kala Ziricote Gloss Baritone Ukulele
- Oscar Schmidt OU52-A-U 4-String Baritone Ukulele
- Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE Baritone Uukulele
- Cordoba 24S Spruce Baritone Uukulele
- What is a baritone ukulele, and how is it different from other ukulele sizes?
- What are the best materials for a baritone ukulele?
- What features should I look for when buying a baritone ukulele?
- Can beginner players start with a baritone ukulele, or should they start with a smaller size?
Best Baritone Uukuleles
Caramel CB103 Baritone Uukulele
Versatile, vintage-style ukulele with modern electronics.
The Caramel CB103 Acoustic-Electric baritone ukulele features a zebrawood top, walnut fretboard, and chrome tuners for a stylish, vintage look. It has three-band EQ controls and a chromatic tuner with an LCD color display for added convenience.
The Caramel CB103 Acoustic-Electric baritone ukulele uniquely combines vintage aesthetics and modern technology.
Its zebrawood top and sides look stylish and glossy, with a walnut fretboard adding a nice color contrast to the body.
You’ll find chrome tuners for an added touch of detail, buffalo bone nuts, and a saddle for superior sound quality.
The instrument measures 30 inches in length, with an easy-to-maneuver 20-inch fingerboard equipped with 18 frets.
To tune it up, you will find Aquila strings paired with closed-geared tuners and a truss rod embedded into the neck.
For convenience, the electronics side has three-band EQ controls and a chromatic tuner with an LCD color display.
This baritone beauty comes at an impressive price tag and boasts many features that make it stand out amongst other models.
Not only can you enjoy the warm tones of the acoustic instrument, but you add the projection power of an electric one when plugged in!On top of that, a low battery indicator proves handy when playing live gigs or recording music in studio sessions.
Though this ukulele delivers plenty of positive vibes, some weaknesses must be considered too.
It is equipped with delicate Aquila strings, so stretch them before tuning for the first time, or you may have to replace some broken ones later on!
- Pros:
- Stylish zebrawood-walnut design.
- Modern technology & features.
- Electric & acoustic sound.
- Cons:
- Delicate Aquila strings.
- Requires stretching before use.
- Higher price tag.
My final verdict is that the Caramel CB103 Acoustic-Electric baritone ukulele is an impressive instrument that combines vintage aesthetics and modern technology.
It boasts many features such as chrome tuners, buffalo bone nuts, a saddle for superior sound quality, Aquila strings paired with closed-geared tuners and a truss rod embedded into the neck, three-band EQ controls and a chromatic tuner with an LCD color display.
Despite some weaknesses such as delicate strings that require stretching before tuning, it proves to be a great value at an impressive price tag.
Kmise KMU30B Baritone Uukulele
Complete ukulele package, great sound and value.
This baritone ukulele is a great budget pick, made from mahogany and walnut with a smooth satin finish. 18:1 quality tuners ensure a great sound and tuning stability. The sound is high-quality, with premium metal and nylon strings for a warm sound.
The KMU30B baritone ukulele is an acoustic instrument that comes at a great low price and with a lot of extras.
Crafted from mahogany wood, the body has a satin finish that brings out the wood’s natural grain.
The fretboard is smooth walnut with a neat fretwire design, while 18:1 quality tuners hold their tune very well while you play.
In addition to this impressive craftsmanship, this budget pick includes some accessories to help you get going right away – a gig bag with an outer pocket, strap, picks, tuner, and strings. It is everything you need in one package.
The sound of the Kmise ukulele is also high-quality, thanks to both premium metal and nylon strings being used simultaneously for a warm sound.
An adjustable truss rod is built so you can adjust the action however you like, and an Allen key is included for extra convenience.
Overall, we are impressed by what this ukulele offers at such a low price. It has good sound quality, and all accessories are included – what more could you want?
Just be aware that the gig bag may be small and unpadded, though – something to bear in mind before purchase!
- Pros:
- Great low price.
- Premium craftsmanship.
- Includes extras.
- Cons:
- Small, unpadded bag.
- No extra padding.
My final verdict is that the KMU30B baritone ukulele is an excellent choice for a budget instrument.
The craftsmanship is impressive and the sound quality is high-quality.
The included accessories make it a great value, although the gig bag may be small and unpadded.
Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele
Affordable, quality sound with low action.
The KA-B baritone ukulele from Kala’s Satin Mahogany series is an attractive yet affordable option for those looking to add their first baritone uke to their collection.
Part of Kala’s Satin Mahogany series, this KA-B baritone ukulele is a popular choice for those who are adding their first baritone to their collection and those looking to upgrade.
Despite being priced at under $200, this uke offers a little more than you can find in the entry-level market.
The body and neck of this instrument feature mahogany laminate with a satin finish and cream binding. Its total length is slightly over 30 inches, and the neck is connected at the 14th fret.
You will get a rosewood or walnut fretboard depending on where you purchase it from, and there are 18 frets for comfortable playing regardless of whether you’re used to guitar.
Out of the box, its action is already low, but it may require some setup due to some string buzz we noticed (you may not have that issue).
For hardware, this baritone uke comes with sealed chrome die-cast tuners, which are pretty solid when tuning.
The bridge and saddle are made using GraphTech’s NuBone material, while the strings are Aquila Super Nylgut—ideal for producing deep, mellow sound with good sustain despite its price range.
In terms of looks, it may be a bit plain compared to more elaborately styled ukuleles, but it is still quite attractive.
More importantly, it feels great to play while making lovely sounds at an affordable cost. It’s tough to go wrong when buying a Kala instrument, and this proves just that!
- Pros:
- Low action out of box.
- Solid tuning hardware.
- Affordable price.
- Cons:
- May require setup.
- Plain looks.
- String buzz.
My final verdict is that the KA-B baritone ukulele from Kala’s Satin Mahogany series is a great choice for those looking for an upgrade to their collection or for a first baritone ukulele.
Despite its low price, it offers great hardware and strings for producing a deep, mellow sound, and it has great playability.
It may look plain, but it is still quite attractive, and overall it is an excellent instrument that is worth the cost.
Kala MK-B Makala Baritone Ukulele
Affordable, quality ukulele with extras.
The Kala Mk-B Makala Baritone Ukulele is an attractive mahogany instrument with chrome-plated open gear tuners and a bundle of extras. It is suitable for beginners or those looking for an affordable gift, though more experienced players may need something more advanced.
The Kala Mk-B Makala Baritone Ukulele is an attractive and well-made mahogany instrument with a great bundle of extras.
The back, sides, and top are all crafted from the same mahogany wood, giving it a warm and resonant sound.
It has 18 frets with 14 easily reachable, chrome-plated open gear tuners, white plastic keys, walnut fingerboard, and dot markers for easy playing.
In addition, this ukulele includes an instructional DVD, a cloth to clean it with, and a hard case!
Aesthetically pleasing as it may be, some crucial details should be considered when investing in such an instrument.
For instance, some may want to buy something more high quality than this offers.
At the same time, it’s good enough for beginners exploring the world of music or someone looking for a simple present – someone who is more experienced will likely find that they need something a bit more sophisticated.
But barring that, this is an excellent choice – providing great value for money and incredibly affordable!
- Pros:
- Attractive mahogany.
- Resonant sound.
- Great bundle.
- Cons:
- Not high quality.
- Basic features.
My final verdict is that the Kala Mk-B Makala Baritone Ukulele is an excellent choice for those looking for a great value for money instrument, especially for beginners exploring the world of music.
However, more experienced players might find that they need something more sophisticated.
Caramel CB500 Electro-Acoustic Baritone Uukulele
Rich, cost-effective sound in luxurious ukulele.
The Caramel CB500 Baritone Electroacoustic Ukulele offers an attractive, cost-effective package with its rosewood laminate construction, multi-soundhole design, tuners, preamp system, and buffalo bone nut and saddle. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this ukulele delivers a rich high-end sound with good projection and a darker, mature tone.
The Chinese ukulele brand Caramel offers a vast selection of ukuleles, ranging from small to large, and even an impressive baritone electroacoustic model – the CB500.
This model strives to be luxurious without breaking the bank and has plenty of eye-catching features that confirm this ambition.
For example, it’s full-size 30″ body features beautiful rosewood laminate construction, an unconventional multi-soundhole design on top, and exquisite binding around the edge of the body.
The neck is made of a truss rod and rosewood fretboard, including 18 frets for playing ease.
Its headstock flaunts Caramel engraved tuning keys and sealed tuners that give a unique aesthetic appeal and feel responsive to use.
To top it off, this instrument also has buffalo bone nut and saddle plus a preamp system featuring master volume control, 3-band EQ (bass/middle/treble), and a built-in digital tuner – all for less than one hundred dollars!
The sound quality is what stands out in this budget instrument.
Despite its price tag, you would expect something other than a rich high-end sound, but shockingly there’s no need for disappointment here either.
It has a darker yet mature sound complemented by good projection thanks to its arched-back design.
And although it performs well electronically, we find it most joyous when heard acoustically, where you can discover its authentic range of expression.
In conclusion, we are suitably impressed by the Caramel CB500 Baritone Electroacoustic Ukulele – this is a great-looking instrument with good craftsmanship and sounds phenomenal, considering its cost-effective price point!
With such impressive characteristics at such an affordable price tag – this might be our favorite ukulele ever!
- Pros:
- Beautiful design.
- Great craftsmanship.
- Rich sound.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Caramel CB500 Baritone Electroacoustic Ukulele is an impressive instrument with great craftsmanship, luxurious features, and a stunning sound quality for an incredibly affordable price point.
It is easily one of the best ukuleles available in the market.
Kala KA-SA-B Baritone Ukulele
Traditional craftsmanship, modern design, superior hardware.
This Kala KA-SA-B Baritone Ukulele offers a traditional style with modern features and impressive build quality. Its solid acacia top, sides, and walnut fretboard, along with Graph Tech NuBone for both the nut and saddle, provide great sound and playability.
The Kala KA-SA-B Baritone Ukulele is worth considering if you want a quality instrument that stands out from the crowd.
Crafted with traditional style and modern features, this ukulele offers exceptional build and sound quality. Its solid acacia top, sides, and walnut fretboard add to the visual appeal of the rich satin finish.
The neck is constructed from solid mahogany for outstanding playability without additional setup, and impressive fret markers enhance the look further.
The hardware on this uke is also higher than most instruments in its class, as it utilizes genuine Graph Tech NuBone for both the nut and saddle to provide excellent tone transfer capabilities.
Slotted tuners enable precise and smooth operation, while a lack of electronics means it won’t require any additional accessories to use its sounds fully.
Strung with Aquila Super Nyglut strings, players can expect great tones that will easily stand out in any setting.
Although some may find the lack of an electronic pick up or preamp system slightly disappointing, portability remains one of its main advantages, given its price range.
Additionally, it allows players some freedom to move around while playing their music.
The Kala KA-SA-B Baritone Ukulele should be your top choice if you’re looking for something that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design!
- Pros:
- Modern features.
- High-quality build.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Kala KA-SA-B Baritone Ukulele is an excellent choice for those seeking a quality instrument that stands out from the crowd.
Its solid construction, impressive fret markers, and genuine Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle make it an impressive instrument that is well worth the price.
Additionally, the Aquila Super Nyglut strings provide excellent tones that will stand out in any setting.
The lack of an electronic pick up or preamp system may be disappointing to some, but its portability still makes it an attractive option.
Kala KA-BG Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
Unique mahogany/spruce design, superb craftsmanship.
The Kala KA-BG Mahogany Baritone Ukulele offers a unique combination of spruce and mahogany wood, producing a warm yet bright sound. The craftsmanship is top-notch, with attractive white binding, gloss finish, comfortable neck and die-cast sealed tuners.
The Kala KA-BG Mahogany Baritone Ukulele is an excellent choice for musicians looking for something different in construction and sound.
This instrument has a mahogany back and sides and a unique spruce top.
Combining the two kinds of wood produces a warm yet bright sound that stands out without sacrificing the mahogany warmth.
Additionally, this ukulele comes with attractive white binding and a gloss finish to highlight its beautiful grain.
The neck is comfortable C-shaped mahogany, with walnut fingerboard, dots inlay, and nickel silver frets.
Additionally, it has reliable die-cast sealed tuners and a walnut bridge. Overall the craftsmanship of this instrument is top-notch, making it a great value at an affordable price.
One potential downside to this instrument is that some players may prefer the usual mahogany construction found among other baritone ukuleles on the market.
However, if you’re looking for something more unique in design and sound – perhaps you’re even looking to stand out from other players – then this ukulele won’t disappoint.
- Pros:
- Unique sound.
- Attractive finish.
- Comfortable neck.
- Cons:
- Not really.
My final verdict is that the Kala KA-BG Mahogany Baritone Ukulele is an excellent choice for musicians who want something different in design and sound.
The combination of mahogany and spruce wood produces a warm yet bright sound, and the craftsmanship of the instrument is top-notch.
It is a great value at an affordable price, and the only potential downside is that it may not be the usual mahogany construction found among other baritone ukuleles on the market.
Makala Baritone Ukulele by Kala
Warm mahogany sound, great for beginners, affordable.
The Makala Baritone Mahogany Ukulele by Kala is an ideal choice for those looking for a first ukulele. It features mahogany back, sides, and top with a satin finish, providing excellent sound quality in a nicely-crafted instrument. This is a great option for those on a budget who need a reliable ukulele.
The Makala Baritone Mahogany Ukulele by Kala is an instrument perfect for anyone looking to purchase a first ukulele.
Whether as a present or self-use, the price of this instrument will not put so much strain on your wallet.
You can enjoy excellent sound quality with a beautifully crafted instrument.
This model from Kala has been specially designed with beginners in mind, with materials chosen carefully and specifically for their warm and resonant sound.
With its mahogany back, sides, and top, this ukulele looks the part, too – all components are nicely fitted together, highlighted by a satin finish that highlights the wood grain.
Plus, at 30 inches long and 18 frets with 14 easily reachable, it is comfortable to play with and easy to learn.
The headstock features open-geared tuners with white caps, a plastic nut, and a walnut bridge complete with a plastic saddle.
You will find yourself pleasantly surprised in terms of sound quality, given the relatively low cost of this instrument.
It produces a typically warm mahogany-type sound that many makers strive for but often fails to achieve – which makes this even more impressive!
This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy a first ukulele who requires something affordable yet reliable.
As mentioned before, if you need something of higher specifications, other options may be available that meet your requirements better than this model.
- Pros:
- Beautifully crafted.
- Warm sound quality.
- Affordable price.
- Cons:
- None noted.
My final verdict is that the Makala Baritone Mahogany Ukulele by Kala is an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase a first ukulele.
It is affordable and produces a warm mahogany-type sound of great quality.
The materials chosen are carefully selected and the construction is professional, making this instrument an ideal choice for beginners.
Alvarez RU22B Baritone Uukulele
Warm tone and quality extras at an affordable price.
The Alvarez Ru22b Regent Series Ukulele is a budget-friendly ukulele, made with laminated mahogany and featuring a genuine bone saddle and nut, closed gear tuners, and fretboard markers. It has a warm sound and is well made, making it perfect for beginners, although its sound may not be as resonant as more expensive models.
The Alvarez Ru22b Regent Series Ukulele Natural/Satin is an instrument for the beginner.
Despite its budget price, it is still an impressive production. The body is made from laminated mahogany with a traditional shape and soundhole without any edge binding.
The neck is jointed to the body, and the rosewood fretboard has dot markers for easy playing.
Surprisingly for a budget instrument, it fits a genuine bone saddle and nut on a rosewood bridge.
Chrome closed gear tuners with black buttons complete the headstock and ensure you can stay in tune.
The mahogany creates a warm sound that may not be as resonant as more expensive models but still carries a friendly tone overall.
This ukulele is well made, looks great, plays quickly, and sounds good, given its price tag – making it perfect for beginners.
In addition, it has some nice extras, such as the natural bone saddle, fretboard markers, and closed gear tuners which round off its design nicely.
However, the sound could be better than more high-end instruments, so this should be considered when purchasing.
- Pros:
- Genuine bone saddle.
- Fretboard markers.
- Closed gear tuners.
- Cons:
- Sound not resonant.
- Not high-end.
- Budget price.
My final verdict is that the Alvarez Ru22b Regent Series Ukulele Natural/Satin is an excellent choice for beginners.
It is well made, looks great, plays quickly, and sounds good considering the price point.
The extras like the natural bone saddle, fretboard markers, and closed gear tuners add to the design.
However, the sound may not be as good as more high-end instruments, so this should be taken into account when making a purchase.
Kmise Baritone Ukulele
Unique baritone ukulele with innovative dot markers.
Kmise has put a unique spin on the baritone ukulele with a G-C-E-A tuning that offers fourteen frets for players to explore. Sealed chrome tuners complete the hardware complement, making this an ambitious offering at competitive pricing.
Putting something different on the table, Kmise has brought a unique baritone ukulele to the market.
Unlike standard four-string tuning, this model tunes G-C-E-A instead of D-G-B-E.
The mahogany back and sides are fashioned with craftsmanship and care, leaving no need for binding.
The satin finish and abalone inlay around the soundhole offer an attractive addition to the instrument’s body.
The neck is made from Okoume wood with a Rosewood fingerboard that houses twenty frets, although just fourteen are usable.
What’s most interesting about this ukulele is its dot markers – not just on the fingerboard but also along its top edge.
Such a feature gives players more control when strumming or playing their instrument.
The bridge is rosewood, and the saddle and nut are natural ox bone, keeping in line with the quality materials used throughout. Sealed chrome tuners complete the hardware complement of this model.
Overall, Kmise provides an ambitious offering at competitive pricing for beginner ukulele players and experienced ones looking for something new.
Learning new tuning styles at first may be unclear, but practice will undoubtedly result in a great reward – make sure you check out those dot markers!
- Pros:
- Unique baritone tuning.
- High-quality materials.
- Dot markers.
- Cons:
- Learning new tuning.
My final verdict is that Kmise has provided an ambitious, high-quality and well-priced ukulele for both beginner and experienced players alike.
The unique G-C-E-A tuning and dot markers offer a new challenge for players, and with practice, will result in a great reward.
Cordoba 20BM Baritone Uukulele
Premium tone, craftsmanship, and playability.
The Cordoba 20bm Baritone Ukulele is made with premium mahogany and rosewood, and features a beautiful pearl inlay. With its hot and sweet sound, it’s perfect for guitarists transitioning to the instrument. It’s finished in satin to highlight the grain of the wood and has a modern rosette for added character.
The Cordoba 20bm Baritone Ukulele is an excellent and masterfully crafted instrument worthy of consideration for any musician’s collection.
It’s made with premium mahogany woods and attractive pearl inlay dot markers on a rosewood fingerboard.
This exquisite ukulele also has a rosewood bridge with a composite saddle, nut, and die-cast open-back tuners with pearl keys.
The sound of this baritone ukulele is hot and sweet, with beautiful sustain and easy playability for guitarists who have experience moving over to the instrument.
And looks-wise, it has been finished in satin to perfectly highlight the grain of the wood, while its modern rosette feature adds extra character.
It’s also worth noting that despite its Spanish-sounding name, Cordoba is now a US company – most instruments are made in China, but some higher-end guitars have been crafted in Valencia, Spain.
The only downside, perhaps, is its price tag: it isn’t cheap, but then again, you get what you pay for when it comes to quality musical instruments – the 20bm Baritone Ukulele included!
- Pros:
- Premium mahogany woods.
- Attractive pearl inlays.
- Hot and sweet sound.
- Cons:
- Expensive price tag for some.
My final verdict is that the Cordoba 20bm Baritone Ukulele is an outstanding instrument with a rich sound and attractive design, and it is well worth the price tag due to its premium construction and high-quality craftsmanship.
Lanikai (MAB) Baritone Uukulele
High-quality materials, warm sound, superior craftsmanship.
Lanikai ukuleles are renowned for their superior craftsmanship, featuring mahogany construction, a NuBone XB nut and saddle, and chrome open-backed tuners. These ukuleles have a warm sound and their comfortable neck makes it easy to play.
Lanikai Ukuleles are renowned for their superior quality and craftsmanship and proudly bear the name of a famous beach in Hawaii.
Built with mahogany on the back and sides, as well as the top, these ukuleles are finished with a satin coating that accentuates the wood’s natural grain.
To further enhance its sound performance, a NuBone XB nut and saddle help to add sustain, while chrome open-backed tuners keep it all in tune.
The vast and comfortable neck makes it easy to play right up to the fingerboard, which has dot markers for precision. Without much-added support or alteration, this instrument looks great and sounds even better.
Warm but quiet, with elegance and clarity that is unique amongst stringed instruments.
Although not the cheapest around, Lanikai ukuleles provide excellent value for money if you want to invest in something special.
The only downside may be the cost, but ultimately you get what you pay for – a high-quality instrument made from excellent materials with exceptional audio capabilities.
- Pros:
- Superior quality.
- Mahogany construction.
- Satin finish.
- Cons:
- Pricey.
My final verdict is that Lanikai Ukuleles are an excellent investment for those looking for a high-quality instrument.
The mahogany wood and satin finish provides a beautiful look and sound, while the NuBone XB nut and saddle and chrome open-backed tuners add sustain and keep everything in tune.
The comfortable neck and dot markers on the fingerboard make it easy to play, and the warm but quiet sound is truly unique.
Although they may be a bit pricey, you get what you pay for – an instrument with excellent materials and exceptional audio capabilities.
Kala KA-BE Baritone Uukulele
Traditional design, modern features, excellent sound quality.
The Kala KA-BE baritone ukulele blends traditional design with modern features for a unique sound. Crafted with mahogany and walnut fingerboard, it includes Chrome die-cast tuning machines, UK-300TR electronics, GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle, and cream binding for a timeless vintage look.
The Kala KA-BE baritone ukulele is the perfect combination of traditional design and modern convenience.
Crafted with mahogany wood throughout, this instrument features a luxe satin finish that brings out its natural beauty.
The walnut fingerboard has 18 frets and dot inlays, offering plenty of room for intricate fingering. The instrument also comes with various modern features to enhance your performance.
It’s equipped with Chrome die-cast tuning machines for precise tuning, ensuring you stay tuned as you play.
For added convenience, it also comes with UK-300TR electronics, complete with an EQ and built-in tuner, so no extra equipment is needed during performances.
The GraphTech NuBone material used on the nut and saddle adds an extra touch of quality that amplifies the sound beautifully.
Finally, the cream binding on the top and back add a timeless vintage style to this modern acoustic guitar.
The installed GHS black nylon strings may require replacement soon due to their lower quality.
However, they help create a warm tone typically associated with baritone ukuleles while giving off excellent sound projection when played loud.
There are also potential issues surrounding some rough fret edges that may need sanding before playing if they don’t go away after playing them a few times.
Despite these minor defects, the Kala KA-BE offers an exquisite warm sound, excellent construction, and convenient features such as a built-in pickup and tuner – making it one of the best acoustic-electric baritone ukuleles available today.
- Pros:
- Mahogany construction.
- Luxe satin finish.
- Built-in tuner.
- Cons:
- Rough fret edges.
- Lower string quality.
- Potential tuning issues.
My final verdict is that the Kala KA-BE baritone ukulele is a great instrument, offering an exquisite warm sound, excellent construction, and convenient features such as a built-in pickup and tuner.
Despite some minor defects, it is one of the best acoustic-electric baritone ukuleles available today.
Kala Ziricote Gloss Baritone Ukulele
Beautiful ziricote wood, clear & balanced sound.
This baritone ukulele offers a unique look and sound, thanks to its ziricote wood top, back, and sides. It also features a mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a slotted headstock. Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle, Aquila strings, and a padded gig bag are included.
The Kala Ziricote Baritone KA-ZCT-B is a stunning and high-quality ukulele that will impress any player or audience.
Made with top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, this instrument stands out for its unique visual appearance and exceptional sound quality.
One of the critical features of the KA-ZCT-B is the ziricote wood used for the top, back, and sides.
This rare tropical hardwood is known for its beautiful grain patterns, which give the ukulele a striking visual appeal.
But it’s not just about looks – ziricote also produces a warm and clear sound with a balanced mid-range and excellent projection.
This makes the KA-ZCT-B an excellent choice for players who want an instrument that sounds as good as it looks.
The KA-ZCT-B also features a mahogany neck, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a slotted headstock, all of which add to its high-quality construction and visual appeal.
The neck is comfortable and stable, and the ebony fingerboard and bridge provide excellent playability, smooth action, and a comfortable feel.
In addition, the slotted headstock looks excellent and improves the instrument’s overall balance.
In addition, the KA-ZCT-B includes a Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle, which helps to improve the instrument’s resonance and sustain, producing a clear and balanced sound.
The ukulele also comes with Aquila strings, known for their bright and punchy sound, and a padded gig bag for easy transport and storage.
- Pros:
- High-quality materials.
- Attractive visuals.
- Warm, clear sound.
- Cons:
- None found.
My final verdict is that the Kala Ziricote Baritone KA-ZCT-B is an outstanding ukulele that combines impressive visual appeal and exceptional sound quality.
It is made from high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, and features a rare tropical hardwood known for its beautiful grain patterns and rich sound.
Its mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard and bridge provide excellent playability and comfort, while the Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle help to improve the instrument’s resonance and sustain.
With Aquila strings and a padded gig bag included, this ukulele is an excellent choice for any player.
Oscar Schmidt OU52-A-U 4-String Baritone Ukulele
Affordable, high-quality mahogany ukulele with Aquila strings.
The Oscar Schmidt OU52-A-U Baritone Ukulele is crafted from mahogany and tech wood for a smooth finish, and features an abalone rosette and bindings. Chrome tuners and Aquila strings provide stability and quality for tuning, making it a great choice for its sound, tuning, affordability, and construction.
The Oscar Schmidt OU52-A-U Baritone Ukulele is a fantastic instrument, one of the market’s lightest and most affordable models. It’s crafted from mahogany for a sleek, smooth finish that highlights the wood’s natural beauty tones.
The fingerboard and bridge are made from resilient tech wood, enabling this instrument to be shipped to locations where certain types of wood may be prohibited.
Additionally, it has an abalone rosette and bindings for an eye-catching effect.
The chrome tuners provide stability and durability for tuning, although some people may find them fitting a bit lose. If this is the case, replacing them with an upgraded version is always possible.
Oscar Schmidt also includes Aquila strings on their ukuleles which are known to be excellent quality but may need changing after a while if they were on the instrument before purchase.
When deciding why we chose this model, it speaks for itself: great sound, easy to tune, affordability, and top construction.
Though two drawbacks may prevent it from being perfect – no truss rod and potentially needing to upgrade the tuners – these small details don’t detract too much from its stunning attributes overall!
- Pros:
- Lightweight & affordable.
- Mahogany body.
- Tech wood fingerboard.
- Cons:
- No truss rod.
- Loose tuners.
My final verdict is that the Oscar Schmidt OU52-A-U Baritone Ukulele is an excellent instrument, offering great sound and construction at an affordable price.
It is crafted from mahogany and tech wood, with an abalone rosette and bindings, and Aquila strings.
The only drawbacks are that there is no truss rod and the tuners may need to be replaced.
Nevertheless, these small details do not detract too much from its other excellent attributes.
Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE Baritone Uukulele
Exotic look, warm tone, built-in pickup, comes with gig bag.
The Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE Striped Baritone Ukulele features a striking striped ebony design, a comfortable mahogany neck, and an onboard pickup and preamp system that allows for easy amplification. It produces a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent intonation, perfect for solo playing or accompanying other instruments.
The Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE Striped Baritone Ukulele is an impressive instrument with a unique look and an exceptional sound.
The baritone size is the largest among the different types of ukuleles and provides a warm and rich tone that is perfect for solo playing and accompanying other instruments.
The ukulele’s striped ebony top, back, and sides give it an exotic appearance that is sure to attract attention.
The mahogany neck provides a comfortable grip, and the rosewood fingerboard and bridge offer excellent playability.
The 18 frets on the fingerboard allow for extended range and make the instrument suitable for more complex melodies and chords.
One of the principal features of the Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE is its built-in pickup and preamp, which allows for easy amplification when playing in a live setting.
This is a significant advantage for musicians who want to perform on stage, in front of an audience, or record their music.
The pickup and preamp system works well, producing a natural, transparent sound that captures the instrument’s essence.The ukulele’s sound is warm, full-bodied, and well-sustained.
The baritone size offers a deeper tone that resonates beautifully, especially when played with a gentle fingerpicking style.
The ukulele’s intonation is also well-balanced, which ensures that each note sounds crisp and clear.
The Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE Striped Baritone Ukulele comes with a gig bag that provides adequate protection for the instrument when transporting it.
This is a great added feature as it ensures the instrument stays safe when on the move.
- Pros:
- Unique look.
- Rich tone.
- Built-in pickup.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Kala KA-SSEBY-B-CE Striped Baritone Ukulele is an excellent instrument that offers a unique look, exceptional sound, comfortable grip, and excellent playability.
With its built-in pickup and preamp and its warm, full-bodied sound, it is perfect for solo playing and performing in a live setting, and the included gig bag provides adequate protection for transportation.
Cordoba 24S Spruce Baritone Uukulele
Beautiful design, superior sound, quality materials.
The Cordoba 24S Spruce is a stunning baritone ukulele with exceptional sound quality, playability, and aesthetics. Visual highlights include an abalone rosette and Cordoba’s exclusive black and gold floral tuning machines.
For several reasons, the Cordoba 24S Spruce is included in our list of the best 17 baritone ukuleles.
Firstly, it boasts exceptional sound quality, thanks to its solid spruce top, which produces a warm and clear sound with excellent projection.
In addition, the Indian rosewood back and sides provide a deep, rich bass response, while the mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard provide excellent playability and comfort.
Secondly, the Cordoba 24S Spruce features an abalone rosette and sleek satin finish, making it visually stunning and standing out amongst other instruments in its class.
Furthermore, this ukulele is built with high-quality materials, including a bone nut and saddle, enhancing the instrument’s resonance.
Lastly, the Cordoba 24S Spruce comes with Aquila Nylgut strings, which produce a sweet and bright sound.
It also includes Cordoba’s exclusive black and gold floral tuning machines, which are precise and easy to use, allowing quick and accurate tuning.
- Pros:
- Excellent sound quality.
- Deep, rich bass.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Cordoba 24S Spruce is an excellent choice of baritone ukulele due to its superior sound quality, excellent playability, stunning visual design, high-quality materials, and precise tuning machines.
What is a baritone ukulele, and how is it different from other ukulele sizes?
A baritone ukulele is a type of ukulele that is the largest and deepest sounding of the four main ukulele sizes.
The standard tuning of a baritone ukulele is lower than other ukuleles, typically to D-G-B-E, the same as the four highest strings on a guitar.
This tuning gives the baritone ukulele a unique sound different from other ukulele sizes.
The size of a baritone ukulele is more prominent than other ukulele sizes, including soprano, concert, and tenor.
The larger size of a baritone ukulele makes it easier to play for those with larger hands or fingers. It also allows for a richer sound with more volume and sustains.
The larger size also means that the frets are spaced further apart, making it easier to play certain chords.
Baritone ukuleles are often made with high-quality materials such as solid wood, which helps to produce a warm, resonant sound.
They also typically have a longer scale length than other ukuleles, contributing to their deeper tone.
While baritone ukuleles are different from other ukulele sizes, they are still a part of the ukulele family and can be used to play the same types of music.
However, their unique sound and size make them well-suited for certain styles of music, such as blues, jazz, and folk.
Overall, the baritone ukulele is an excellent choice for those who want a richer sound and prefer a larger instrument.
What are the best materials for a baritone ukulele?
The materials used in constructing a baritone ukulele can significantly impact its sound quality, durability, and overall playability.
Generally, high-quality materials are preferred for baritone ukuleles to produce a warm, resonant sound and have good projection.
One of the best materials for a baritone ukulele is solid wood, which can be mahogany, koa, spruce, or cedar.
These woods offer excellent tonal qualities and produce a warm, rich sound.
Mahogany is popular due to its affordability, while koa is highly valued for its exceptional tonal qualities and beautiful appearance.
Spruce and cedar are also suitable for their brightness and warmth.
In addition to the type of wood, the quality of the wood also matters.
For example, premium-grade woods with tight, straight grain patterns will produce a better sound than lower-grade woods with irregular grain patterns.
Other materials used in constructing a baritone ukulele include the fretboard, which can be made of rosewood, ebony, or other high-quality woods.
The bridge can also be made of rosewood or ebony, while the tuning machines can be made of high-quality metals such as chrome or gold.
Ultimately, the best materials for a baritone ukulele will depend on personal preference and budget.
However, it is crucial to consider the tonal qualities and durability of the materials to ensure that the ukulele produces a high-quality sound that will last for years.
What features should I look for when buying a baritone ukulele?
Baritone ukuleles are becoming increasingly popular, especially among musicians who want a richer and deeper sound.
However, with so many options in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best baritone ukulele for your needs.
Here are some key features to consider when shopping for a baritone ukulele:
Size and playability of the instrument
To ensure that the size and playability of the instrument are suitable for you, it is essential to consider the width of the fretboard and the overall weight of the ukulele.
The fretboard should be wide enough to accommodate your fingers comfortably, and the weight of the instrument should be balanced to prevent neck strain during long playing sessions.
Another crucial factor to consider is the action height, which refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard.
The action height can significantly impact the playability of the instrument, as higher action height can make it harder to press down the strings and create clear notes.
Thus, it is important to check that the action height is comfortable for you to play.
Materials used
The materials used to construct the baritone ukulele are crucial in determining the instrument’s sound quality and durability.
High-quality baritone ukuleles are typically made of solid woods, such as mahogany, koa, and spruce.
These woods produce warm, full-bodied, and well-balanced sounds.
Solid tops are also crucial for sound quality, as they resonate better and produce a richer tone. In contrast, laminate tops are less expensive but produce a less desirable sound.
When it comes to durability, the quality of the wood used also plays a significant role.
High-quality woods are less likely to crack or warp over time, making them a more worthwhile investment in the long run.
Sound quality and tone
The sound quality and tone of the baritone ukulele are arguably the most critical factors to consider when choosing an instrument.
A quality baritone ukulele should produce a warm, resonant sound with good projection. It should be well-balanced, with clear treble and deep bass notes.
Its tone should be consistent across all strings, and there should be no buzzing or muffled sounds when playing.
To test the sound quality and tone of the instrument, it is advisable to play different notes and chords on it.
This way, you can gauge how it sounds and how well it projects.
It is also helpful to listen to recordings of experienced musicians playing the same instrument to get an idea of how it should sound.
Hardware
The hardware of the baritone ukulele is another essential factor to consider.
Its tuning machines, bridge, and nut are crucial in ensuring the instrument’s tuning stability and playability.
Geared tuning machines are preferable to friction tuners as they tend to stay in tune better, especially when playing for extended periods.
The bridge and nut should also be made of high-quality materials and designed to provide maximum stability and sustain.
Altough, for most people, this won’t be a deal breaker, anyone planning on using the instrument daily should take extra care with selecting the best hardware.
Brand reputation
The reputation of the brand is also an important factor to consider when choosing a baritone ukulele.
I’d say, stick to well-known brands that have a proven track record of producing high-quality instruments.
Do some research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from experienced musicians to ensure that you choose a reputable brand.
Reputable brands are more likely to use high-quality materials and maintain strict quality control measures during production, resulting in a better overall instrument.
They also tend to offer better customer support, warranty, and repair services, making them a safer investment in the long run.
Budget/money willing to spend
The budget or money you are willing to spend is an essential factor to consider when choosing a baritone
Baritone ukuleles can range in price from less than $100 to thousands of dollars.
So take your time to determine your budget and look for a baritone ukulele within that range.
Keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality, so it is essential to prioritize your needs and preferences.
I encourage you to watch this YouTube video by Uke Like The Pros, if you still doubt whether to buy a baritone ukulele or not.
Can beginner players start with a baritone ukulele, or should they start with a smaller size?
While baritone ukuleles are an excellent option for intermediate and advanced players, there may be better choices for beginner ukulele players.
Baritone ukuleles are the largest of the four main ukulele sizes and have a lower pitch, making them more challenging to play and harder to find resources for learning.
It is typically recommended that beginners start with a smaller size, such as a soprano or concert ukulele, before moving on to a baritone.
Starting with a smaller size allows beginners to become comfortable with the instrument’s feel and mechanics, develop proper playing techniques, and learn basic chords and strumming patterns.
Additionally, smaller ukuleles are more affordable, which is essential for those still determining if they will stick with the instrument.
Once players have developed skills on a smaller ukulele, they may feel more confident and comfortable moving up to a baritone ukulele.
This larger size allows for more room on the fretboard and can create a deeper, richer sound that many players favor.
In summary, while a beginner can start on a baritone ukulele, it is typically recommended that they start with a smaller size to develop skills and familiarity with the instrument before moving up to a larger size.
In love with guitars, and gear; expert in all things music! Been writing about guitars for about 5 years and counting. Born in the ’90s. Alma Mater: University of Havana. Always curious, trying to understand the world. #TeamFender