Starting your musical journey can be an exciting and overwhelming experience.
The thought of creating beautiful music with your own hands is tempting, but the reality of learning an instrument can be intimidating, especially when choosing your first one.
However, if you’re interested in learning to play the ukulele, you’re in for a treat!
This instrument is not only fun to play, but it’s also relatively easy to understand, making it the perfect choice for beginners.
There are many types of ukuleles on the market, each with its unique sound and feel. Some are traditional Hawaiian instruments, while others are modern designs, each with its features and capabilities.
The selection of ukuleles available today is awe-inspiring, and it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s where we come in!
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 15 best ukuleles for beginners so that you can find the perfect instrument for your journey.
We’ll look at the best ukuleles for different styles of play, different budgets, and different levels of experience.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a much better idea of what to look for when choosing your first ukulele, and you’ll be ready to start making beautiful music.
Table of Contents
- Best Ukuleles For Beginners
- EASTROCK Tenor Ukulele
- Lohanu Ukulele Bundle Kit
- Bondi Ukulele Starter Kit
- Cordoba Protégé U100CM Ukulele
- Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert Ukulele
- Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano Ukulele
- Pyle PUKT55 Soprano Ukulele
- Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele Ukulele
- Kala LTP-S Starter Kit Ukulele
- Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele
- Kala KA C RW Mahogany Concert Ukulele
- Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele
- Alvarez Regent Series RU22C Ukulele
- Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
- Gretsch G9100 Std Soprano Ukulele
- The ukulele vs. guitar: A comparation between the two
- What to consider when choosing your first ukulele?
- How much should you spend on a ukulele?
- The various sizes of ukuleles
- What is the most suitable ukulele for beginners?
- Do you need ukulele lessons?
- What do you need to start playing ukulele?
Best Ukuleles For Beginners
Before I begin, here are my top selected choices:
Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele
Versatile, stylish, and great sound quality at a great price. Check Price
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Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano Ukulele
Inexpensive, beginner-friendly ukulele with quality sound. Check Price
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Lohanu Ukulele Bundle Kit
Complete beginner ukulele package with quality components and extras. Check Price
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EASTROCK Tenor Ukulele
High-quality ukulele, all-in-one set, 1-year guarantee.
The EASTROCK Ukulele is a high-quality instrument crafted with precision and care. It features a glossy mahogany finish, arched back design for a longer sustain, and Aquila strings for clear and sweet sounds.
This EASTROCK Ukulele I found it to be a high-quality option that has been crafted with precision and care.
Its mahogany construction features a glossy finish that is achieved through 9-cycle grinding and polishing processes, adding to the beauty of the wood grain.
The arched back design gives the instrument a longer sustain and warmer, deeper, woody tones that are a joy to listen to.
It also comes with Aquila strings, which are soft and smooth to the touch, and they help produce clear and sweet sounds that hold their tune well.
The whole thing comes as an all-in-one set, which includes a 26″ Tenor Ukulele, a padded backpack gig bag, five ukulele picks, a set of strings, a tuner, a microfiber polishing cloth, a flannel bag, and a sand hammer.
I would put this as great gift for music lovers of all levels, no matter what type of music they prefer.
The brand is dedicated to supplying competitive goods to music enthusiasts around the world, and they operate out of a 20,000 square foot professional ukulele factory.
EASTROCK also provides a 1-year product guarantee, so if you have any issues with the product, they are happy to help.
- Pros:
- High-quality craftsmanship.
- Glossy, wood grain finish.
- Long sustain tones.
- Cons:
- None noted.
My final verdict is that this Eastrock Ukulele is a high-quality and reliable option for music lovers of all levels.
The mahogany construction, glossy finish, and arched back design provide superior sound quality and a longer sustain.
The all-in-one set includes all the necessary accessories, and the 1-year product guarantee ensures peace of mind.
Overall, this makes for an excellent gift for those who appreciate music.
Lohanu Ukulele Bundle Kit
Complete beginner ukulele package with quality components and extras.
The Lohanu Bundle Kit is an excellent starter package for beginning ukulele players, offering an attractive instrument with chrome-plated strap buttons, die-cast tuning machines, and extras such as picks, strings, paracord hangers, straps, and gig bags. Its arched-back design provides enhanced sustain for well-defined notes and full, rich chords.
When first starting on an instrument, one of the most beneficial investments for a beginner is a starter package.
The Lohanu Bundle Kit is an outstanding choice and provides everything needed to start playing immediately.
The ukulele is composed of laminate sapele and mahogany for the body, sides, and neck with cream binding, making it a beautifully attractive instrument. On top of this, the 18-fret rosewood fretboard offers different tones.
The setup also comes with chrome-plated strap buttons and die-cast tuning machines so you can start immediately.
Not only does it come with all essential hardware, but it also includes extras to make sure you are set up for success.
An assortment of picks, strings, paracord hangers, straps, and gig bags is part of the package.
Plus, there’s access to free video lessons and an unconditional lifetime warranty on everything included in the kit – fantastic value!
When playing the ukulele, you will be pleased with its tone. It produces well-defined notes without any dead spots along the neck and full and rich chords.
This arched-back design – usually only found in more expensive models – increases sustain and clarity of sound
Even with more petite soprano or concert sizes, you may still experience some volume loss due to the nature of those sizes, but the overall sound quality is just excellent.
So whether it’s soprano, concert, or tenor size that you’re after when starting your journey on an instrument, the Lohanu Bundle Kit certainly ticks off all boxes, making it an excellent bundle option for beginners!
- Pros:
- Beautiful design.
- Rich tones.
- Free lessons.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Lohanu Bundle Kit is an excellent choice for beginners.
It offers a beautiful instrument with chrome-plated strap buttons and die-cast tuning machines as well as an assortment of accessories and extras.
It also has an arched-back design that increases sustain and clarity of sound, making it a great value.
The sound quality is excellent, and it is well-suited for soprano, concert, or tenor sizes.
Bondi Ukulele Starter Kit
Everything you need for ukulele success in one convenient kit.
The Bondi MA-C Ukulele Starter Kit from Bondi Ukuleles is the perfect choice for beginners, providing a full-sized concert ukulele body, chrome die-cast tuning machines, Aquila Nylgut strings, and a rosewood fretboard. Offers plenty of richness and projection, making it an excellent choice for those looking for good value and quality content.
The Bondi MA-C Ukulele Starter Kit from Bondi Ukuleles is an excellent choice for beginners looking to get started on their new instrument.
It comes with a full-size concert ukulele body made of laminated sapele and provides plenty of additional accessories, tuitional material, and even some guitar gifts!
The ukulele features chrome die-cast tuning machines, Aquila Nylgut strings, and a rosewood fretboard.
It has 18 frets (14 in the clear) marked by little triangle inlays to help guide beginner players.
With a slightly wider nut width than many other models, it offers plenty of room for developing as a player.
Also included in the bundle is a gig bag with ‘compression sponge’ padding to ensure the ukulele is well protected, plus a clip-on digital tuner, felt plectrums, neck strap, capo, and gold-plated bookmark.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also an instructional video course and a Skype lesson with a pro tutor!
The sound of this ukulele is just as impressive as its practical elements – providing plenty of richness without sacrificing clarity.
The concert body gives good projection and allows plenty of room for growth as your skills improve.
So if you’re looking for good value, convenience, and quality content in one package, you should consider investing in the Bondi MA-C Ukulele Starter kit from Bondi Ukuleles!
- Pros:
- Full-size body.
- Additional accessories.
- Room for growth.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Bondi MA-C Ukulele Starter Kit from Bondi Ukuleles is an excellent choice for beginners looking to get started on their new instrument.
It offers great value and quality content, with a full-size concert ukulele body made of laminated sapele, chrome die-cast tuning machines, Aquila Nylgut strings, a rosewood fretboard with 18 frets, additional accessories, tuitional material, and even some guitar gifts.
The sound of the ukulele is also impressive, with plenty of richness and projection.
Cordoba Protégé U100CM Ukulele
Luxurious look and sound for under $100.
The Protégé U100CM ukulele from Cordoba provides exceptional quality for beginner players, with a luxurious look and feel. The mahogany body and neck, 18 frets, and open-geared tuning machines offer excellent tuning stability and traditional jingle.
The Protégé U100CM ukulele from Cordoba, an expert in classical guitars, is a step up in price compared to the other beginner options but still an affordable option paired with a range of equipment.
Its body and neck have a luxurious look and feel, constructed with laminated mahogany finished with a satin sheen and adorned with a mother-of-pearl soundhole rosette.
The channel is also made from satin-finished mahogany and fitted with 18 frets (14 clear), providing excellent quality for beginner players.
The open-geared tuning machines come with attractive pearl buttons that offer exceptional tuning stability without needing a tune-up straight out of the box.
The rosewood fretboard matches the rosewood bridge for consistency of material and tone.
A custom Protégé soft (although not padded) gig bag is included, which provides enough protection for the instrument during transport between lessons or practice sessions.
For under $100, this uke has exquisite sound quality that beginners will love – good volume and traditional jingle.
Though it may be slightly shallower in tone than more expensive models, it’s undoubtedly an excellent choice for any novice looking to start their journey with an affordable yet reliable option.
- Pros:
- Luxurious look & feel.
- Excellent quality.
- Good volume & tone.
- Cons:
- Shallower tone.
- Not padded bag.
My final verdict is that the Protégé U100CM ukulele from Cordoba is an excellent choice for any novice looking to start their journey with an affordable yet reliable option.
It has a luxurious look and feel, excellent tuning stability, exquisite sound quality, and good volume and traditional jingle – all for under $100.
Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert Ukulele
Unique look, mahogany warmth, reliable tuning.
The Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert ukulele is a great budget-friendly ukulele with an eye-catching design. It features a full-sized concert body made of satin-finished mahogany, reinforced by a solid C-shaped neck with rosewood fretboard and 18 frets. The open-gear tuning machines and graphite nut ensure reliable and responsive playability, while the included gig bag allows you to safely store your instrument.
The Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert ukulele offers a unique, budget-friendly look and feels that stand 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 look.
- Budget-friendly.
- Great sound.
- Cons:
- Quieter than others.
- No accessories.
My final verdict is that the Luna Guitars Tattoo Concert ukulele is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly instrument with unique looks and reliable sound.
Its construction with solid rosewood and mahogany, as well as its open-gear tuning machines and rosewood bridge, make it a stable and dependable ukulele.
Furthermore, its sound is rich and warm with a crisp twang for clarity.
It is great for practice and small performances, and is perfect for any musician on a budget.
Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano Ukulele
Inexpensive, beginner-friendly ukulele with quality sound.
The Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano Ukulele offers an ideal entry-level instrument, perfect for beginners. It provides good sound, playability, and a range of colors at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
The Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano Ukulele is the perfect choice for those just starting their ukulele journey.
It’s an inexpensive yet good-sounding instrument with plenty of color options, making it an excellent opportunity for those on a budget.
In addition, the MK1 is built from Saigon wood and features four strings with no electric component.
This makes it ideal for its purpose: helping beginning players get up to speed quickly and cheaply.
While more committed players may eventually outgrow this model, it does provide excellent sound and playability at an affordable price.
So whether you’re looking to learn the basics of ukulele playing or need something that’ll hold your interest until you upgrade later, the Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 delivers.
With its unbeatable value, solid construction, and quality tone, you can’t go wrong with this beginner-friendly choice.
- Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Good-sounding.
- Color options.
- Cons:
- No electric component.
- Not suitable for advanced players.
My final verdict is that the Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano Ukulele is an excellent choice for those just starting their ukulele journey.
It provides great sound and playability at an unbeatable price, making it an ideal instrument for those on a budget.
Its solid construction and quality tone make it a great choice for beginners, but it may not be suitable for more committed players in the long-term.
Pyle PUKT55 Soprano Ukulele
High-quality craftsmanship, Aquila strings, stunning visuals.
The PUKT55 ukulele from Pyle is a soprano-sized instrument with a dark-flamed laminated wood body, mahogany neck, and black walnut fretboard. Quality features include Aquila strings, closed die-cast tuners, and engraved sun soundhole rosette.
The PUKT55 from Pyle is a soprano-sized (21”) ukulele with a stunning dark-flamed laminated wood body bound in tortoiseshell celluloid binding.
The neck of the instrument is constructed of mahogany, and it boasts a black walnut fretboard with 15 nickel frets.
It has an engraved sun soundhole rosette and headstock decal for added visual appeal.
The PUKT55 comes with solid hardware, such as a set of closed die-cast tuners, which are very smooth to use and keep the instrument in tune.
It is strung with a good set of Aquila strings instead of the typical cheap plastic strings, offering better playability and tonality.
This ukulele from Pyle sounds surprisingly good for an inexpensive model and provides enough volume for practice, lessons, or even impromptu performance.
Its unique design makes it a real eye-catcher, and its quality construction ensures it will last many years of playing enjoyment.
- Pros:
- Good quality construction.
- Engraved soundhole.
- Smooth tuners.
- Cons:
- None noted.
My final verdict is that the PUKT55 ukulele from Pyle is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality instrument.
It has a beautiful design, great hardware, and Aquila strings that offer superior playability and tone.
It is also very durable, so it should provide years of playing enjoyment.
Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele Ukulele
Superb build quality, fantastic tone, and perfect for performing.
This Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele is perfect for the stage, featuring solid mahogany construction and a 17″ (43cm) scale length for beautiful sound and playability. Its onboard piezo pickup and Belcat electronics make it ideal for plugging in and performing, while its expert construction ensures an instrument of top-notch quality.
The Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele is made for the stage, with its superb build quality and fantastic tone that comes from solid mahogany construction.
Its 17″ (43cm) scale length, 18 frets, and Pau Ferro fingerboard give it a beautiful look and feel, while onboard piezo pickup and Belcat electronics make it perfect for plugging in when you’re ready to perform.
Although the instrument doesn’t have a rich history like some of its predecessors, all of that time spent perfecting classical guitar construction has resulted in a ukulele crafted to exacting standards by experts.
Whether it’s the solid mahogany top’s sound projections or its lightweight construction’s playability, this tenor uke includes everything you need to be at your best on stage.
- Pros:
- Solid mahogany construction.
- Beautiful look and feel.
- Onboard pickup.
- Cons:
- No rich history.
My final verdict is that the Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Ukulele is a great quality instrument with a beautiful look and feel, amazing sound projections, and lightweight construction that make it perfect for performing.
Kala LTP-S Starter Kit Ukulele
Complete ukulele starter kit for easy learning.
Kala’s affordable ukulele starter kit is the perfect way to learn to play an instrument. It features a mahogany neck and body with a 13.6” scale length, plus functional accessories such as an accompanying tote bag and Aquila Super Nylgut strings.
Learning to play an instrument is no easy feat, but with Kala’s affordable ukulele for beginners kit, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time.
Featuring a mahogany neck and body, a 13.6″ scale length, and 12 frets, this soprano model has the traditional sound of a ukulele everyone loves.
Plus, its laminated mahogany build ensures durability without breaking the bank.
In addition, the kit includes functional accessories such as an accompanying tote bag for carrying your instrument wherever you go, plus Aquila Super Nylgut strings for easy tuning.
And make sure to download the free tuning app – family members and friends will thank you!
To take your learning even further, the starter kit provides access to online lessons with plenty of structure so you can master the craft without jumping between random videos on YouTube.
So don’t let long hours of practice dissuade you from mastering a musical instrument.
Kala’s ukulele set makes it easy to strut your stuff with its excellent sound quality, helpful accessories, and online lessons at an unbeatable price!
- Pros:
- Mahogany build
- Tuning app included
- Online lessons
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that Kala’s ukulele starter kit is an excellent choice for those interested in learning to play the ukulele.
The mahogany build ensures durability and the accompanying tote bag and Aquila Super Nylgut strings make it easy to tune and transport the instrument.
Additionally, with access to online lessons, anyone can learn the craft without having to search through countless YouTube videos.
All of this at an unbeatable price makes it a no-brainer.
Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele
Excellent value ukulele: Mahogany body, GraphTech NuBone saddle.
The KA-15S soprano ukulele from Kala is an affordable instrument crafted from mahogany with a rosewood or walnut fretboard. It boasts GraphTech NuBone saddle and nut, Aquila Super Nylgut strings, and can produce clear, bright tones with plenty of warmth.
Shopping for a good quality ukulele that won’t break the bank is challenging.
Fortunately, the KA-15S soprano from Kala is one of the most popular budget models among both beginners and experienced players.
The body of this instrument measures 21 inches in length and is made from impressive mahogany wood topped with a satin finish for an aesthetically pleasing look.
The neck features 12 silver nickel frets on either rosewood or walnut fretboard, which make playing it comfortable and fun.
At the bridge, there’s a GraphTech NuBone saddle along with a NuBone nut which helps produce consistent sound across different notes.
Furthermore, it comes equipped with Aquila Super Nylgut strings, an industry standard for many ukuleles.
This instrument offers clear, bright tones and can provide plenty of warmth, given its mahogany construction.
It might not be the loudest around, but considering its price range, it gives a pretty good projection.
- Pros:
- Mahogany body.
- Rosewood/Walnut fretboard.
- GraphTech NuBone saddle.
- Cons:
- Not the loudest.
My final verdict is that the KA-15S soprano ukulele from Kala is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players who are looking for a good quality ukulele on a budget.
It is made with an aesthetically pleasing mahogany body, a comfortable and fun rosewood or walnut fretboard, and features high-quality GraphTech NuBone and Aquila Super Nylgut strings.
It offers clear, bright tones and can provide plenty of warmth, and though it may not be the loudest ukulele around, it provides a good projection for its price range.
Kala KA C RW Mahogany Concert Ukulele
Premium mahogany uke, perfect for any level.
The Kala KA C RW Mahogany Concert is an excellent value ukulele, crafted with mahogany body, neck, and fingerboard, producing warm tones with clarity and projection. The attractive satin finish and cream binding make it both aesthetically pleasing and durable for years of playing.
The Kala KA C RW Mahogany Concert is a great ukulele for beginners who want to get into playing or intermediate players alike.
It’s a terrific value instrument, coming at around $/£100, and delivers an excellent sound with its mahogany body, neck, fingerboard, and a Graph Tech nut.
Its warm tones provide both clarity and projection, making it a great ukulele for beginners who may not have the benefit of many strings behind them yet.
This particular ukulele looks very smart, too, with its satin finish and cream binding adding to its attractive aesthetic.
This instrument will outlast any beginner phase you may go through – its quality materials make it resilient to wear and tear of strumming and plucking.
As such, it works wonderfully no matter what level of experience you have with playing the ukulele – sure to be your faithful companion on your musical journey!
Kala is one of the most highly respected names in the music world, having been crafting instruments since 2005 to suit every player’s style, from experienced players down to complete beginners looking for their first uke.
Their mission has always been to produce instruments that musicians love using to express their creativity; their dedication certainly shines through in this beautiful concert ukulele.
- Pros:
- Great value.
- Warm tones.
- Attractive aesthetic.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Kala KA C RW Mahogany Concert is an excellent ukulele for both beginners and intermediate players, offering great value for money and delivering an excellent sound.
It is also built to last, making it a great choice for any level of experience.
Finally, Kala’s reputation for crafting quality instruments is evident in this beautiful ukulele, making it a great choice for any musician.
Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele
Versatile, stylish, and great sound quality at a great price.
The Fender Zuma Concert ukulele provides a unique blend of Californian cool and Hawaiian tradition at a great value. This sapele-bodied instrument features an abalone rosette, walnut fingerboard, and sapele neck, delivering warmth and clarity in abundance.
The Fender Zuma Concert ukulele offers a unique blend of Californian cool and Hawaiian tradition.
It boasts a classic sapele body with an abalone rosette, walnut fingerboard, and sapele neck, adding to its robust construction.
Additionally, it features a tongue-in-cheek headstock for an extra dapper finish, complete with inline tuners and vintage Fender colors Lake Placid Blue and Burgundy Mist to choose from.
At just under $100 in price, the Zuma is undoubtedly one of the best value instruments out there.
Despite this modest pricing tag, it delivers an exceptional sound quality – with both warmth and clarity in abundance – that makes it ideally suited for fingerstyle and more emphatic strumming techniques.
We can imagine using this uke on its namesake beach in Malibu but equally donning a more reserved look when played indoors or in the studio.
The Fender Zuma is a versatile instrument suitable for players at all levels – whether you’re making your first foray into playing or looking to upgrade from something less inspiring.
- Pros:
- Abalone rosette.
- Walnut fingerboard.
- Exceptional sound.
- Cons:
- None.
My final verdict is that the Fender Zuma Concert ukulele is an excellent instrument at a great price.
It is suitable for players at all levels and offers an impressive blend of warmth and clarity, making it suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques.
Furthermore, its classic sapele body, abalone rosette, and vintage Fender colors make for a stylish and durable ukulele.
Alvarez Regent Series RU22C Ukulele
Full sound, quality construction, multiple sizes and colors.
The Alvarez Regent Series RU22C ukulele is perfect for beginners, offering a full, loud sound, comfortable body shape, various sizes, styles and graphics, and quality materials. Its seasoned tone woods, mahogany neck, natural bone nut and saddles, techwood fingerboard, and premium tuners help create a great playing and sounding instrument.
The Alvarez Regent Series RU22C ukulele is the ideal starter instrument for many reasons.
Its most notable feature is its full, loud sound that surpasses other ukuleles of its size.
In addition, the instrument is a concert-size uke.
It has been designed to fit comfortably in the hands of both adults and children alike.
Its curvy body shape gives it a more substantial feel for adult-sized hands without compromising its manageable proportions for younger players.
The Alvarez ukulele also comes in various sizes, styles, and colors, from soprano to baritone, as well as five Grateful Dead–inspired graphics—all available at or near the same price as the RU22C model.
Regardless of your size or style, all Alvarez Regent Series Ukuleles are constructed with quality-seasoned tone woods and mahogany neck for optimal strength and energy transfer between the neck and body.
A natural bone nut and saddles add sweetness, while a techwood fingerboard enhances playability and speed.
Finally, premium tuners help keep strings tight and in tune longer so you can focus on making music!
- Pros:
- Full, loud sound.
- Comfortable for all sizes.
- Various sizes, styles.
- Cons:
- None specified.
My final verdict is that the Alvarez Regent Series RU22C ukulele is an excellent starter instrument due to its full, loud sound, comfortable design, variety of sizes, styles, and colors, and quality construction with quality-seasoned tone woods and mahogany neck.
Premium tuners ensure strings stay in tune longer, making it an ideal choice for players of all ages.
Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
Rich tone, quality construction, great value for beginner.
The Cordoba 15CM Concert beginner ukulele offers a larger body shape and increased scale length than standard soprano ukes, and unbeatable value at less than $150. Lightweight but durable, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced musicians, with excellent playability and tone.
This impressive beginner-level instrument offers a larger, more rounded body shape and an increased scale length compared to traditional soprano ukuleles.
Constructed from beautiful mahogany and rosewood, this is a grown-up instrument that will last for years – and all for an incredibly affordable price.
The Cordoba 15CM Concert may differ from your standard soprano ukulele, but it has plenty of qualities that make it unique, including its attractive construction, sturdy finish, and gorgeously rich tone.
Plus, if you’re looking for something slightly different than the average ukes, this concert-voiced model is well worth considering.
At less than $150, the Cordoba 15CM Concert beginner’s ukulele is an incredible bargain – especially when you consider how durable it is compared to cheaper models.
The quality of materials used also contributes to its outstanding playability and gorgeous tonality; the combination of mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard brings depth and warmth to each note you play.
It’s also reassuringly lightweight – ensuring ease of use at home and on stage.
Overall, fans of the classic look and sound associated with concert voicing won’t be disappointed if they choose this excellent intermediate offering from Cordoba.
With its beautiful finish and excellent playability – even in challenging fretwork – it’s easy to see why many experienced musicians rate this well-balanced ukulele highly too!
That said, some potential buyers may find extra finish options welcome. However, aside from that minor point, this is an unbeatable choice if you want something with extra tonal possibilities without compromising playability or quality.
- Pros:
- Larger body shape.
- Increased scale length.
- Attractive construction.
- Cons:
- Lack of finish options.
My final verdict is that the Cordoba 15CM Concert beginner’s ukulele is an incredibly valuable instrument that offers a beautiful construction, sturdy finish, and rich tone.
It is lightweight and provides excellent playability even in challenging fretwork, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.
Furthermore, its affordability makes it an unbeatable choice for those looking for something with extra tonal possibilities without compromising on quality.
Gretsch G9100 Std Soprano Ukulele
Authentic vintage sound, mahogany tonewood, lightweight and portable.
The Gretsch G9100 Std Soprano Ukulele is a high-quality vintage instrument made of mahogany wood, featuring a comfortable 13.5″ scale length and a robust sound with a focused midrange. Lightweight and portable, this small uke is perfect for bluesy folk-style jams or adding twang to your bluegrass licks.
Gretsch has long been renowned for producing high-quality vintage pieces, and the Gretsch G9100 Std Soprano Ukulele is no exception.
Featuring a mahogany top, mahogany back and sides, an ovangkol fingerboard, and a comfortable 13.5″ (34cm) scale length, this ukulele oozes class and authenticity with every strum.
The use of mahogany wood for the body’s construction is a fantastic choice.
This traditional tonewood provides a surprisingly robust sound with a focused midrange and lack of harsh overtones, which give it plenty of character.
Despite its small size, this uke can easily stand up against its bigger brothers regarding volume.
Portability is also essential here: weighing only 2 lbs (0.91 kg), transporting the Gretsch Soprano Ukulele is simple – whether to take on holiday or pack in your car to head off on the open road looking for adventure!
But, of course, we’d consider taking this uke anywhere.
Due to its smaller fretboard, those with larger hands may play this soprano model more challenging than other sizes.
But for all other players, the G9100 is an ideal choice for bluesy folk-style jams or adding some twang to your bluegrass licks.
- Pros:
- Robust sound.
- Portable design.
- Versatile use.
- Cons:
- Small fretboard.
My final verdict is that the Gretsch G9100 Std Soprano Ukulele is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality ukulele.
Its mahogany construction gives it a robust sound with a focused midrange, and its portability and lightweight design make it easy to take with you on your musical adventures.
It may be more challenging to play for those with larger hands due to its smaller fretboard, but overall, it is an excellent choice for all other players.
The ukulele vs. guitar: A comparation between the two
The ukulele will be recognizable if you are familiar with guitar playing.
Both instruments have several similarities, including a body, neck, fretboard, headstock, nut, bridge, saddle, and strings. However, the components on a ukulele are smaller in size than a guitar.
This outline will focus on the differences between the two instruments that are particularly important to musicians.
String and Fret Count: The standard ukulele has four strings, while a guitar has six. Additionally, ukuleles typically have 12 to 21 frets, whereas guitars generally have 19 to 24 frets.
Playability: Due to the lower string tension and fewer frets, the ukulele is more accessible to play than the guitar. The reduced number of notes and chords to master makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
Tonality: The ukulele has a brighter, happier sound than the guitar, which has a more comprehensive tonal range and louder projection. The size of the ukulele will also affect its overall tone.
Portability: The ukulele is smaller and lighter than the guitar, making it easier to transport. For instance, a 21″ soprano ukulele is much shorter than a standard 39″ guitar.
Cost: In general, ukuleles are more affordable than guitars. Entry-level ukuleles can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, whereas entry-level guitars are priced from $50 to $200.
What to consider when choosing your first ukulele?
When looking for your first ukulele, it’s tempting to choose one that looks and sounds great, especially if you’re willing to spend a lot of money.
However, for a beginner, the most crucial factor to consider is comfort and playability. This means looking for a ukulele with a smooth neck and low action.
If you opt for a more affordable option, you may need to have it professionally set up to improve the action.
Another factor to consider is the size of the ukulele.
The chart mentioned in the content suggests soprano or concert ukuleles as they are easier for beginners to hold and play.
Concert size is a safe option for adults, while a soprano is suitable for children. However, a tenor or baritone may be better if you have experience playing the guitar or have larger hands.
The sound quality of the ukulele is also crucial, as it’s essential to hear the notes you’re playing and feel encouraged by how your music sounds.
Entry-level ukuleles may not have the same richness and complexity as high-end solid wood models, but you’ll be fine if the sound is clear.
For beginners, there’s usually no need for electronics, so think about whether you need to amplify your sound. If the ukulele you like comes with electronics, consider it a bonus but not a necessity.
If you’re serious about playing the ukulele and have a budget that allows it, consider investing in a more expensive option. This will likely result in a better-looking, smoother-feeling, and better-sounding instrument than a budget-friendly option.
How much should you spend on a ukulele?
The beauty of a ukulele is that it is an affordable instrument. Even the most premium high-end models will cost a thousand dollars.
For beginners, there’s no need to spend that much, especially if you’re not sure it’s the right instrument.
Nowadays, many brands offer ukuleles, and the quality is generally much better.
However, there are still some very cheap models on the market, and anything below $40 could be considered a toy.
We suggest spending over $100 to ensure you have a playable and fairly good-sounding ukulele.
If you have a higher budget and believe that the ukulele is an instrument you will stick with, you can spend anywhere from $200 to $500, which will provide you with a wide range of options in terms of brands, models, sizes, designs, and tonewoods.
The various sizes of ukuleles
Ukuleles come in various sizes, ranging from pocket-sized models to contrabass ukes.
However, the most popular sizes can be divided into four categories: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
Soprano: The soprano ukulele is the smallest of the popular sizes, with a length of approximately 21″ and standard G-C-E-A tuning. This size is ideal for children or players with smaller hands, although adults can enjoy playing it. Its sound is bright and happy, but it could be quieter.
Concert: The concert ukulele is the most popular size among beginners and has a rich, classic ukulele tone with slightly better projection. Its body length is around 23″, which makes it easier for adults to play, as the fretboard feels less cramped.
Tenor: The tenor ukulele has a length of around 26″ and offers a more extensive, deeper sound while retaining the traditional ukulele tone. This site is easier to play for adults with slightly larger hands.
Baritone: The baritone ukulele is the largest of the popular sizes, with a length of around 29″. This size suits guitar players transitioning to the ukulele and those seeking a deeper tone. The baritone has a tuning of D-G-B-E, which is five-half steps lower than standard ukulele tuning (and identical to the highest four strings of a guitar).
We take advantage of the fantastic videos of Uke Like The Pros:
This time they bring us closer to the different sizes of ukuleles. If you still have doubts after reading our post, we suggest you not miss it.
What is the most suitable ukulele for beginners?
There are four main styles or sizes of ukulele, soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, and it may be challenging for novice players to determine which size is the most manageable to play.
However, as a general rule, we recommend starting with a concert or tenor ukulele.
These sizes offer adult beginners more room on the fretboard and a more comfortable instrument than the small soprano.
However, a soprano ukulele may be more appropriate for a child with smaller hands who can easily handle the smaller fretboard.
On the other hand, we advise beginners to avoid a baritone ukulele due to the change in tuning to D-G-B-E, which can be confusing for first-time players.
Do you need ukulele lessons?
If you’re someone that wants to learn to play the ukulele and are motivated to practice, lessons can be a helpful way to get started and develop good playing habits.
Lessons can provide structured learning and guidance, as well as the opportunity to receive feedback and ask questions.
However, some people may prefer to learn on their own, using online resources or instructional books.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and what works best will depend on the person’s preferences, learning style, and resources.
For a beginner, the answer is always yes, some guideance is necessary.
This can be as simple as reading a beginner’s book or watching tutorials on YouTube.
For a more comprehensive learning experience, consider enrolling in an online ukulele course or taking lessons with a local professional teacher in individual or group sessions.
What do you need to start playing ukulele?
The great thing about a ukulele is that you can take it anywhere and make music without needing additional accessories.
For example, bringing a ukulele to the beach is much easier than an electric guitar, cables, amplifier, and power generator.
However, beginners may still want to invest in a case for their ukulele, as this will make it easier and safer to transport and store the instrument.
Some ukuleles come with their case, so check before buying a separate one.
A strap can also help support the ukulele when playing while standing or seated, but it’s optional since the ukulele is lightweight and easy to hold.
On the other hand, a digital tuner is another accessory worth considering, as these devices are relatively inexpensive and can help you tune your ukulele accurately.
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