11 Best Concert Ukuleles That Will Elevate Your Sound (2024)

If you’re a ukulele player, you know that the right instrument can make all the difference in your performance.

In this article, I’ve rounded up the top concert ukuleles on the market.

No matter your skill level, these ukuleles offer excellent sound quality and craftsmanship to enhance your playing experience.

I’ll also include various options to suit your style and budget, from traditional wood construction to more modern ones.

Aside from that, we’ll go over some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic so that you can get a good idea of what to expect when getting one yourself.

Top 11 Best Concert Ukuleles

The Luna Guitars Flora Series Concert Ukulele has a distinct design that exudes the culture of Hawaii that we all love.

Its purple flamed maple top is especially eye-catching, with a figured soundhole inlaid with hibiscus and plumeria that looks really good.

When it comes to its body, it’s also crafted from maple, with a cutaway design for easy access to all 19 frets; this feature is incredibly unique as not all ukuleles have it.

The mahogany neck boasts a walnut fretboard and pearl moon phase motif fret markers, completing the aesthetic package and adding to its overall look.

Its open-gear tuners are chrome-plated with pearloid buttons and also add to the design while ensuring tuning stays steady.

This ukulele comes with an onboard chromatic tuner and two-band EQ, giving the player complete control over their sound via the included Luna UK-T2 preamp system.

When connected to an amplifier or played acoustically, the Flora has a vibrant, sustained tone yet is well-defined I think.

This is mainly due to its combination of tonewoods (both its maple body and mahogany neck) and being strung with high-quality Aquila strings from the factory.

Altogether, this uke provides solid performance at an attractive price point, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring a touch of Hawaii’s culture into their music.

• Pros:
  • Unique design.
  • Cutaway body.
  • Tuners/EQ.

• Cons:
  • None found.

My final verdict is that the Luna Guitars Flora Series Concert Ukulele is an excellent choice for anyone looking to bring a touch of Hawaii’s culture into their music.

Its unique design, combination of tonewoods, high-quality strings, and preamp system make it an attractive option at a reasonable price point.

This Lanikai QM-BLCEC is a beautiful concert ukulele that comes with a very unique aquatic vibe as part of the company’s ‘Sun, Sand and Surf’ series.

It features quilted maple on the top, back, and sides, making it stand out even more with its glossy, translucent blue stain.

With 18 frets on its rosewood fretboard and a single cutaway allowing for ample access to the higher frets, this concert uke is very playable.

I also found its fretboard to be wider than most ukuleles on the market, so if you’re someone with big hands, then this is definitely an option to consider.

What about its hardware? You may ask…

I think it’s impressive, too, boasting Grover chrome open-gear tuners, a Nubone XB nut and saddle, chrome strap buttons, and D’Addario strings.

Fishman Kula electronics include volume controls, 3-band EQ (bass, middle, and treble), and a built-in digital tuner.

In terms of sound, the laminated woods give off a robust, bright, clear acoustic tone while still providing a good bass response to enhance it further, thanks to the nut and saddle material.

You get an amplified style through the Fishman system that can be shaped with the 3-band EQ system at your disposal.

• Pros:
  • Beautiful design.
  • Wide fretboard.
  • Impressive hardware.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Lanikai QM-BLCEC is a high-quality concert ukulele that is visually attractive and offers great sound quality.

It features quilted maple on the top, back, and sides, 18 frets on its rosewood fretboard with a single cutaway, Grover chrome open-gear tuners, a Nubone XB nut and saddle, chrome strap buttons, and D’Addario strings.

The Fishman Kula electronics include volume controls, 3-band EQ (bass, middle, and treble), and a built-in digital tuner, giving players a full range of sound options.

Overall, this ukulele is an excellent choice for any player.

This Cordoba 20CM Concert Ukulele is an exceptional concert-size ukulele perfect for beginners and experienced players.

With its solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides, the instrument produces a rich, warm, balanced, and versatile tone that I think many of you will find interesting.

In addition, the natural wood pattern rosette and satin finish add to the beauty of this instrument, making it an eye-catching addition to any music collection.

One of the standout features of the Cordoba 20CM is its use of Aquila Nylgut strings, which are known for their excellent sound quality and durability.

Also, these strings provide a clear, bright tone perfect for playing various musical styles, from traditional Hawaiian melodies to more modern pop songs.

The ukulele’s concert size is ideal for players looking for a larger instrument that offers a broader range of notes and greater resonance.

And just like our previous example, the 20CM’s comfortable size and smooth fretboard make it easy to play, even for those just starting and with big hands.

• Pros:
  • Rich, warm tone.
  • Eye-catching design.
  • Durable strings.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Cordoba 20CM Concert Ukulele is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players.

Its rich and balanced tone, natural wood pattern rosette, satin finish, Aquila Nylgut strings, and comfortable size make it a great instrument to produce a range of musical styles.

When you think of a ukulele, you probably picture a tropical island and a person strumming a Koa wood ukulele.

The Martin C1K concert ukulele has a body made from beautiful Hawaiian Koa wood, which gives it a striking appearance with deep grain and intense coloring.

It has a satin finish that brings out the best in the Koa wood and is easy to maintain in good shape after some decent care.

Once you tune the Martin C1K, it will stay tuned for a long time, which is a significant advantage since most ukuleles are difficult to stay in tune.

While the Martin C1K is not a budget-friendly option, its price is still lower than similar Koa wood concert ukuleles.

In addition, the Martin C1K is a high-quality instrument with excellent craftsmanship, beautiful sound, and an eye-catching appearance.

The Martin C1K is an excellent choice for a high-end Koa wood concert ukulele.

The beautiful wood, lovely notes, and stable tuning make it worth the premium price.

However, if you are on a tight budget, consider other more affordable options.

• Pros:
  • Beautiful Koa wood.
  • Stays in tune.
  • Good craftsmanship.

• Cons:
  • Not budget-friendly.

My final verdict is that the Martin C1K is an excellent choice for a high-end Koa wood concert ukulele and is worth the premium price due to its high-quality craftsmanship, beautiful sound, and eye-catching appearance.

However, if you are on a tight budget, other more affordable options should be considered.

You can’t beat Ibanez ukuleles when you’re looking for an instrument that caters to any level of musician.

The UEW15E electro-acoustic concert uke is the perfect mid-level option thanks to its distinctive EW body shape, flamed mahogany top, back, and sides, and stunning ivory body binding.

It is an excellent-looking uke with impressive playability, and its C-shaped mahogany neck is fitted with a rosewood fretboard and 19 frets.

That’s not all, though – this model comes fully loaded with Ibanez-designed electronics, including an under saddle piezo pickup, a UK300-T preamp, a master volume rotary control, and bass and treble sliders, as well as a built-in digital tuner for accurate tuning.

The chrome open-geared Grover tuners provide excellent stability, while the Aquila black strings add character to your sound.

But what about the tone?

Thanks to the mahogany construction, you can expect rich warmth and good projection acoustically.

While plugged in, you’ll find your sound is articulated and balanced, with plenty of versatility provided by the 2-band EQ system.

Overall the UEW15E electro-acoustic concert uke offers great quality at a reasonable price tag – perfect for beginners or those who want something better than entry-level models without spending too much money.

With so many features, it’s good fun to play and will let you progress further with your playing!

• Pros:
  • Flamed mahogany body.
  • Electronics & tuner.
  • Rich tone & projection.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez UEW15E electro-acoustic concert ukulele is an excellent choice for beginners and musicians of any level looking for a high-quality instrument.

It offers great features, playability, and sound at a reasonable price point.

The Strong Wind Concert Ukulele SWM-G10 is a high-quality instrument made of AAA mahogany wood.

Its lower density produces warm tones, bright high pitches, and excellent portamento uke.

The ukulele’s scientific wood fretboard and bridge provide full, warm, and bright sound with superb resonance.

It has advanced, sturdy nylon strings that prevent strokes and produce warm, brilliant, penetrating tones.

The SWM-G10 is ideal for children and adult beginners and makes an excellent gift option for music lovers of all ages. Its beautiful finish and solid construction make it a long-lasting investment.

Its quality materials and excellent sound set the Strong Wind Concert Ukulele SWM-G10 apart from other options.

The mahogany wood body and scientific wood fretboard and bridge create a unique tonal quality that stands out.

The ukulele is easy to play and produces a full-bodied sound that is perfect for beginners and experienced players.

Additionally, the Aquila strings provide a soft and smooth touch, making it a joy to play.

• Pros:
  • AAA mahogany wood.
  • Warm tones & bright pitches.
  • Excellent resonance.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Strong Wind Concert Ukulele SWM-G10 is an excellent instrument for both beginners and experienced players.

Its AAA mahogany wood body and scientific wood fretboard and bridge create a unique, warm tonal quality that stands out.

Additionally, the advanced, sturdy nylon strings and Aquila strings provide a soft and smooth touch, making it a joy to play.

Its beautiful finish and solid construction make it a long-lasting investment and an excellent gift option for music lovers of all ages.

This ukulele stands out from others with its remarkable design.

This uke has everything from the impressive abalone dolphins swimming around the triangular soundhole to the flamed maple top and standard maple laminate back and sides. Its gorgeous 3-ply maple binding and rosewood fretboard boast 19 frets!

But that’s not all! It also comes equipped with a pickup and UK-T2 preamp and open-geared tuners with pearloid buttons.

And if you’re looking for protection, it is even accompanied by a gig bag. Plus, you get Aquila Nylgut strings and a graphite nut saddle too.

It should be no surprise that this Luna ukulele sounds as impressive as it looks.

Its all-maple construction gives it a bright, crisp tone that is not overly harsh yet still packs substantial projection when played acoustically.

Plugged into an amp through its ¼” output jack gives a clear amplified sound for those bigger performances too!

So if you’re looking for beauty, style, and sound at an affordable price – this is your uke!

• Pros:
  • Beautiful design.
  • Fully equipped.
  • Gig bag included.

• Cons:
  • None listed.

My final verdict is that this Luna ukulele is an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, well-crafted instrument with great sound and features for an affordable price.

The Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert ukulele offers a unique, budget-friendly look and feels that stands out from the crowd.

Its full-sized concert body is made with satin-finished laminated mahogany.

It is reinforced by the solid C-shaped neck crafted with rosewood fretboard and 18 frets, accented by mother-of-pearl inlays shaped like shark teeth.

The open-gear tuning machines with pearloid buttons are reliable and responsive, while the rosewood bridge and graphite nut provide additional stability.

This ukulele has a great sound for its price – a rich warmth resonates through the mahogany while maintaining a crisp twang for clarity.

Although quieter than other models on the market, it is perfect for practice or small performances. Included is a fundamental gig bag to stow away your new instrument when unused.

• Pros:
  • Unique design.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Rich sound.

• Cons:
  • Quieter than others.

My final verdict is that the Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert ukulele is an excellent choice for both those looking for a budget-friendly option and those looking for a unique look.

Its full-sized concert body provides a great sound that resonates with a rich warmth and maintains a crisp twang for clarity.

The open-gear tuning machines with pearloid buttons are reliable and responsive, and the rosewood bridge and graphite nut provide additional stability.

It’s perfect for practice or small performances, and the included gig bag is a great bonus.

If you’re searching for a great-sounding ukulele that doubles as an eye-catching piece of art, the Les Paul Uke from Epiphone may be the perfect option.

This adorable uke packs a punch with its mahogany construction and AAA flame maple laminate body providing a faithful recreation of the classic 1959 Les Paul appearance.

The solid mahogany neck is outfitted with a 19-fret granadillo fretboard – an uncommon tonewood that provides the same frequency range and articulation as rosewood with added top end.

The SlimTaper neck profile offers smooth playability for easy chords.

Adding to Les Paul’s aesthetic charm, it is equipped with chrome-plated nickel tuners and two pre-installed strap buttons for easy use of your favorite rock guitar strap.

Plugging in is no problem, thanks to an under-saddle piezo pickup connected by an all-metal rim-mounted jack.

And remember, it included a gig bag and a limited lifetime warranty!

Though the sound could be better right away, we suggest switching out strings to better-quality ones to maximize potential.

Unfortunately, control of the output isn’t available on this model – but if you’re looking for a reliable showstopper of uke at an unbeatable price tag – it may be just what you need!

• Pros:
  • Mahogany construction.
  • AAA flame maple.
  • Gig bag included.

• Cons:
  • Low-quality strings.

My final verdict is that the Les Paul Uke from Epiphone is an excellent choice for anyone in search of an eye-catching ukulele with great sound potential.

The mahogany construction with AAA flame maple laminate body and granadillo fretboard provide a faithful recreation of the classic 1959 Les Paul look and sound.

The SlimTaper neck profile and pre-installed strap buttons also make for smooth playability, and the under-saddle piezo pickup and all-metal jack ensure easy plug-in.

The gig bag included and limited lifetime warranty make this an unbeatable deal – though better-quality strings may be necessary for superior sound.

The Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE concert ukulele is an excellent choice for experienced ukulele players and collectors looking for a unique, high-quality instrument.

Unlike other traditional ukuleles typically made from mahogany or walnut, this instrument is crafted from mango wood.

Yes, that’s right, wood from a mango tree! This results in a unique color and wood pattern.

While most other woods tend to be darker in color, mango wood is light but sturdy enough to create beautiful music.

The combination of mango wood and the maple fretboard creates a stunning black-and-white design that is perfectly finished with a satin finish.

The fret buttons are gold with black accents, giving the instrument a luxurious feel. The unique cutaway pattern on the side of the ukulele adds to its beauty and appeal.

Even though the Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE is the most expensive concert ukulele on the market, it is worth the investment.

It has a built-in tuner that ensures precision tuning and unparalleled sound quality.

Unfortunately, the gig bag included with the purchase is the only accessory, but the ukulele’s superior quality makes up for it.

It’s important to note that the Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE is not recommended for beginner ukulele players due to its price.

However, this instrument is suitable for you if you’re an experienced player or a collector.

What we love about the Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE is its unique mango wood construction, beautiful guitar-style tuners, pleasing cutaway pattern, and built-in tuner.

On the other hand, we were disappointed that it is more expensive than other models and doesn’t include any accessories except a gig bag.

The Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE is an exceptional instrument that will impress any musician or ukulele enthusiast.

• Pros:
  • Unique mango wood.
  • Guitar-style tuners.
  • Built-in tuner.

• Cons:
  • Expensive for some.

My final verdict is that the Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE concert ukulele is an excellent instrument for experienced players and collectors looking for a unique and high-quality ukulele.

The mango wood combined with the maple fretboard and gold fret buttons create a stunning look that is finished with a satin finish.

The unique cutaway pattern, built-in tuner, and guitar-style tuners all make this instrument worth the investment.

The only downside is the lack of accessories other than a gig bag.

The Hricane UKS-2 is an innovative and attractive concert ukulele that has been chosen as our Editor’s Choice.

It’s made from a sapele wood body and walnut fretboard and boasts quality construction, making this instrument perfect for both novice and experienced players.

The strings are also made from carbon sourced from Japan, with 18 brass frets on the fretboard.

Along with the elegant satin finish to bring out the beauty of its grains, it also offers easy string changes.

When you play the Hricane UKS-2, you will be enchanted by its smooth tones that float effortlessly between your ears.

This no doubt explains why it’s highly ranked on Amazon, where people have praised this ukulele’s beauty, ease of play, and excellent sound quality.

To ensure you’re happy with your purchase, there is even a 30-day money-back guarantee, showing great confidence in their product.

This fantastic instrument wins us over for all these reasons, but there are a few things to keep in mind when considering it.

Although not always noticeable, some users have reported having to lightly sand down the frets for smoother playing action – something worth bearing in mind if you’re looking for perfection from your ukulele!

• Pros:
  • Sapele wood body.
  • Walnut fretboard.
  • Japanese carbon strings.

• Cons:
  • Sand down frets.

My final verdict is that the Hricane UKS-2 is an excellent instrument for both novice and experienced players.

Its quality construction, attractive satin finish, smooth tones, and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for anyone looking for a great-sounding ukulele.

While some users have found they need to sand down the frets for smoother playing action, it is still a great value for its price and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For those who still do not know the differences between the different ukulele sizes, let’s watch this video by the Uke Like The Pros YouTube channel:

Ukulele Sizes and What is Best For You | Soprano, Concert, Tenor, or Baritone?

What is a concert ukulele?

A concert ukulele is a type of ukulele that is slightly larger than a soprano ukulele but smaller than a tenor ukulele; in other words, compact enough to take on all your adventures.

It usually has a scale length of around 15 inches and is tuned to the same pitches as a soprano or standard ukulele: G-C-E-A.

Concert ukuleles are popular among musicians who want a slightly bigger and more resonant sound than a soprano ukulele but still want a relatively small and portable instrument.

On the other hand, they are also preferred by players with larger hands, as the slightly larger size makes them more comfortable to play.

Concert ukuleles are available in a variety of materials, including traditional Hawaiian koa wood, as well as other woods such as mahogany, maple, and spruce.

They may also feature decorative touches such as inlaid fret markers, binding, and rosettes.

People who like concert ukuleles often appreciate their friendly size and the comfortable feel that they give.

Should you buy an acoustic-electric ukulele?

The decision to buy an acoustic or an acoustic-electric ukulele depends on your needs and preferences.

For example, if you just want to play for fun and don’t need amplification, I think an acoustic ukulele is the way to go.

It’s simple and produces a beautiful, natural sound, plus it’s loud enough to have a good time and play with friends or family.

However, if you’re interested in performing or recording your music, then I think an acoustic-electric ukulele could be a better choice.

With its built-in pickup, you can easily connect it to an amplifier or recording equipment, amplifying your sound or recording your performances.

The choice depends on what you want to do with your ukulele.

If you’re unsure which one to get, I suggest trying out both types of ukuleles to see which one feels better for you.

At the end of the day, it depends on whether you want to amplify it, play live, or record your instrument.

What makes a concert ukulele different from other types of ukuleles?

The concert ukulele is the second largest of the four standard sizes of ukuleles after the tenor ukulele.

It is an excellent choice for musicians who want a more versatile and dynamic sound than the more petite soprano or concert ukuleles.

One of the key differences between a concert ukulele and other ukuleles is its size.

The concert ukulele is typically around 23 inches long, more significant than the soprano ukulele but smaller than the tenor ukulele.

This size difference affects the instrument’s sound, making it richer, fuller, and louder than the soprano ukulele.

The larger body of the concert ukulele also allows for a broader range of tones and a more balanced sound across the strings.

Another difference between the concert ukulele and other ukuleles is the tuning.

While all ukuleles are tuned to the same notes, the concert ukulele has a longer scale length than the soprano ukulele, which means the strings are further apart.

This makes it easier to play complex chord shapes and fingerpicking patterns.

The concert ukulele is also a good choice for musicians because of its versatility. Its larger size and range of tones make it well-suited to various musical styles, including pop, rock, folk, and jazz.

It is also popular among ukulele enthusiasts who want a more traditional and authentic sound.

Which material to choose for a concert ukulele?

Choosing the suitable material for your concert ukulele is an important decision that will impact your instrument’s sound, feel, and even look.

There are several options available, each with its pros and cons.

One of the most popular materials for concert ukuleles is mahogany.

Mahogany is known for producing a warm, rich tone that is great for strumming and fingerpicking.

It is also a durable wood that can withstand changes in humidity and temperature.

However, the downside of mahogany is that it can be heavy, making the instrument uncomfortable to play for long periods.

Another popular choice is koa wood. Koa is a native wood of Hawaii and is prized for its beautiful figure and bright, balanced tone.

Koa is also a lightweight wood, which makes it comfortable to play for extended periods.

However, koa is a more expensive wood, which can make it a less affordable option for some musicians.

Acacia wood is another option for concert ukuleles.

Acacia is similar to koa in tone and appearance but is generally more affordable.

It is also a durable wood that can withstand changes in temperature and humidity.

However, acacia wood can be heavier than koa wood, which may be better for some musicians.

Finally, some concert ukuleles are made with exotic woods like mango, cedar, or spruce.

These woods can produce unique and beautiful tones but can be more expensive than traditional woods.

They may also require careful maintenance to keep the instrument in good condition.

When choosing a material for your concert ukulele, it is vital to consider the sound you want to achieve, your budget, and your preferences for weight and appearance.

Different materials and playing styles can help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Can a beginner play a concert ukulele?

A concert ukulele can be an excellent option for beginners, as it offers a balanced sound and is small enough to hold comfortably.

Additionally, it is a step up from the smaller soprano ukulele, which can be more difficult for some beginners to play due to its size.

While a concert ukulele may be slightly larger than a soprano, it is still small enough to be held comfortably, and its frets are spaced closely enough for most beginners to find their way around the instrument.

Concert ukuleles also tend to have a fuller, warmer tone than soprano ukuleles, which can be more inspiring to play for beginners.

When choosing a concert ukulele for a beginner, it is crucial to consider the quality of the instrument.

A poorly made ukulele can be frustrating to play and may not stay in tune, discouraging a beginner from continuing to practice.

Therefore, investing in a high-quality concert ukulele that will sound great and be easy to play is best.

It is also vital for beginners to choose a ukulele made from materials that suit their playing style and preferences.

For example, a ukulele made from mahogany will generally have a warmer, more mellow sound, while spruce will have a brighter, more lively sound.

Different materials can also affect the overall feel of the ukulele, with some players preferring a heavier or lighter instrument.

Ultimately, whether a beginner can play a concert ukulele depends on the individual’s dedication to learning and willingness to practice regularly.

With the right instrument and patience, anyone can learn to play the concert ukulele, regardless of their skill level.

How do I know which is the best concert ukelele for me?

Choosing the best concert ukulele for you can be daunting, especially if you are a beginner.

With so many options available in the market, it can take time to figure out where to start.

However, there are several factors you can consider to ensure that you select the best concert ukulele for your needs.

First, you need to consider your budget. Concert ukuleles range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Knowing how much you are willing to spend will help narrow your options.

Next, you need to think about the sound you are looking for.

Different types of wood produce different sounds, so you must choose one that fits your preference.

For example, mahogany is known for its warm sound, while koa is known for its bright sound.

It would be best if you also considered the playability of the ukulele.

You want an instrument that is comfortable to hold and play, with good action and a fretboard that is easy to navigate.

Additionally, consider the aesthetic appeal of the ukulele.

Some people prefer a traditional-looking instrument, while others prefer a more modern design.

Finally, you can read reviews and seek advice from other ukulele players.

The Best Concert Ukuleles for Beginners...

Online forums and social media groups are great resources for getting recommendations and opinions from other players.

In summary, choosing the best concert ukulele for you involves considering your budget, sound preference, playability, and aesthetics and seeking advice from other players.

By considering these factors, you can find the perfect concert ukulele to fit your needs and skill level.