Are you looking for the perfect ukulele to fit your needs and preferences as a beginner or as a professional player?
There are so many ukulele brands and models available in the market to choose from.
That’s why it can be challenging to choose the one that suits your needs.
Well, don’t worry.
Here I’ve put together a list of the top 17 best ukulele brands for 2024 that will help you with this.
Whether you’re a beginner searching for your first ukulele as a beginner or you are a seasoned player who needs an upgrade to your ukulele collection, this list will help you narrow down your options and find the best ukulele to suit your playing style and budget.
Each of these brands offers quality, variety, and beginner-friendly features along with affordability.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
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Contents
Top 17 Best Ukulele Brands
1. Kala
Kala is a very popular ukulele brand. There is a wide range of ukuleles at different prices available under this brand which makes it a great choice for both professionals and beginners who are just starting out with ukuleles.
Here are some of the reasons why Kala is a good brand for beginners:
Affordable
Kala offers a variety of affordable ukulele models that are perfect for beginners who don’t want to spend too much money at the beginning.
They also offer higher-end ukuleles for professional ukulele players.
Quality
Kala ukuleles are known for their quality.
Generally well-made and has good sound. They are made with high-quality and long-lasting materials.
Variety
Kala offers a wide range of ukuleles in different sizes, shapes, and materials, so beginners can find the ukulele that suits their needs and playing style.
Kala also offers acoustic-electric ukuleles for those who want to amplify their sound by connecting to the amp or recording their performance.
Beginner-friendly features
Many Kala ukuleles come with beginner-friendly features such as onboard tuners, easy-to-play necks, and good intonation, which makes them easier to play and learn.
Overall, Kala is a great brand for beginners who want a quality ukulele without breaking the bank.
They offer a good balance of affordability, quality, and variety that make them a popular choice for you as a beginner or a professional.
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2. Lanikai
Lanikai ukulele brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, and innovative and wide range of designs.
Lanikai offers a wide range of products.
It is a great brand for every type of player, from beginners to professionals.
The quality and innovation provided by them have made this brand a trusted name among ukulele players.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Lanikai is a well-respected ukulele brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship.
Every detail of their instruments is executed to produce instruments that are both beautiful and functional for beginners as well as professionals.
Premium Tonewoods
One of the standout features of Lanikai ukuleles is their use of premium tonewoods.
From solid koa to acacia and mahogany, the brand offers a wide range of models made with high-quality woods which ensures high-quality sound.
Detailed Construction
Lanikai ukuleles are known for their detailed construction.
Each instrument is crafted with precision and care, which results not only sounds great but also feels comfortable and easy to play.
Innovative Design Elements
Lanikai ukuleles offer a wide range of innovative designs that enhance the playing experience.
From advanced pickup systems for amplified performance to unique body shapes for enhanced resonance and projection, the brand is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the ukulele.
I personally like its wide range of shapes suitable for beginners.
Wide Range of Models
There is a wide range of ukulele models available to suit every player’s needs, from affordable entry-level ukuleles to professional-grade ukuleles.
With their commitment to quality and innovation, Lanikai ukuleles are a top choice for ukulele players around the world.
3. Ohana
Ohana is our 3rd ukulele brand which is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to producing instruments that deliver rich and warm tones.
It also offers superior playability.
Established in 2006, this ukulele brand has quickly gained a following among ukulele players worldwide.
Their commitment to using premium wood materials and their construction details made them a good ukulele brand.
High-Quality Toon Woods
One of the key features of Ohana ukuleles is that they use high-quality tonewoods, carefully chosen for their acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal.
From solid mahogany to exotic acacia, this brand offers a wide range of models that deliver warm, resonant sound with impressive sustain in the strings.
Innovative Design
In addition to their exceptional tonal qualities, Ohana ukuleles are also known for their innovative design that enhances the playing experience.
For example, their cutaway models allow ukulele players to access higher frets easily, while their advanced pickup systems pick us and amplify the sound of the uke with precision for live performances.
Overall, the Ohana ukulele brand is a great choice for players of all levels, from beginners to pros.
With their commitment to quality, detail, and innovative design, Ohana offers a truly exceptional playing experience that is both rewarding and inspiring.
4. Cordoba
Cordoba is a brand that blends the traditional and the contemporary look with modern tech, which results in crafting ukuleles that not only sound great but also look stunning.
The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation can be seen in every instrument they produce, from the high-quality tonewoods used to the unique designs incorporated into each ukulele.
With a wide range of models suitable for players of all levels, Cordoba has established itself as a top choice for those seeking exceptional sound quality and styles.
Two-Way Truss Rod
Cordoba ukuleles come with a two-way truss rod that provides additional stability for easy adjustments to the neck relief, even if you are using metal strings.
This feature ensures that the instrument is always in good condition.
Hand-Carved Scalloped Bracing
The 32T, 35T, and 38T ukuleles feature hand-carved scalloped bracing which is helpful to enhance the string’s projection and sustain. As a result, you’ll get a rich, full-bodied sound.
Blackwood Tek Fretboards
Blackwood Tek fretboards used in Cardoba ukuleles are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ebony fretboards.
This material provides a smooth playing surface along with an excellent tone transfer, and resistance to warping.
Carbon Fiber Composite Tops
Cordoba uses a range of ukuleles with carbon fiber composite tops, which are known for their durability, resilience, and resistance to low-high temperature and humidity changes.
These tops also help to deliver a bright, clear sound that’s perfect for live performances.
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5. Martin
For over 180 years, Martin has been known for their quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound, and their ukuleles are no exception.
Known for their state-of-the-art tonal clarity and vintage designs, Martin ukuleles offer a unique playing experience that blends traditional design with modern tech and innovation.
From the solid wood construction to the custom bracing patterns and patented neck joints, Martin ukulele is precisely crafted to deliver superior sound quality with ease of playing.
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, Martin’s range of ukuleles is suitable for you, with models that cater to different playing styles and preferences.
Patented Neck Joint
Martin’s ukuleles feature a unique dovetail neck joint, which ensures a tight fit between the neck and body for better tonal transfer and increased sustain in the strings.
Vintage Aesthetics
A wide range of Martin’s ukulele models features vintage designs, such as herringbone binding and rosettes, which give the instruments a classic, vintage look.
Custom Bracing
Martin’s ukuleles feature custom bracing patterns, designed to optimize sound quality and projection.
Variety of Toonwoods
Martin uses a variety of tonewoods in their ukuleles, including some that are not commonly used in other brands.
For example, their S1 Soprano model ukulele features solid genuine mahogany for the top, back, and sides, which gives the instrument a warm, mellow tone.
Special Edition Models
Martin regularly introduces limited edition and special edition ukulele models that feature unique designs, making them highly collectible for ukulele enthusiasts and collectors.
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6. Kamaka
Kamaka is one of the oldest and prestigious ukulele brands in the world. It has a good reputation for producing some of the finest instruments available.
Kamaka company was founded in 1916 by Samuel Kamaka, and has been a family-owned and operated business.
Kamaka ukuleles are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, detail, and beautiful, warm tone.
If you love warm tone then you should go for a Kamaka brand ukulele.
Traditional Bracing System
They use the traditional bracing system which is a unique feature of Kamaka brand.
It is one of the few ukulele manufacturers that still use the traditional fan bracing system. This type of bracing is useful in arranging the braces in a fan shape beneath the soundboard.
This type of bracing system is believed to produce a richer, more resonant sound compared to other bracing systems used by modern manufacturers.
Handcrafted Construction
Kamaka ukuleles are all handcrafted. This company employs skilled artisans who painstakingly handcraft each instrument using traditional techniques.
The detail they give to the ukuleles is visible in every aspect of the instrument, from the selection of the finest materials to the finishing touches.
Highly Customizable
Kamaka ukuleles are also highly customizable. They offer a wide range of customization options to customers. Such as choosing the type of wood used for the body, the inlay designs, and the finish.
7. Pono
Pono is another reputable ukulele brand that offers high-quality instruments at an affordable price for beginners as well as pros.
Here are some of the features of this ukulele brand.
Solid woods
Pono ukuleles are made of solid wood, which produces a warmer and more resonant sound compared to laminated wood. That’s where the sound differs from the regular ukuleles.
Gloss finish
Pono ukuleles come with a beautiful gloss finish that not only enhances their appearance but also protects the instrument from wear and tear and makes it durable.
Detail
Pono ukuleles are handcrafted by artisans. Artisans make them not only beautiful but also well-crafted and durable.
Wide range of sizes
ono offers a wide range of ukulele sizes, from the tiny soprano to the larger baritone. So it can be easy to find an instrument that suits your playing style and taste.
Innovative designs
They constantly innovate and experiment with new designs, such as the “Ultimate Tenor” model, which features an extended fingerboard for easier access to higher notes.
8. Oscar Schmidt
Oscar Schmidt was Founded in the late 1800s. This brand has a long history of producing top-notch instruments, and its ukuleles are no exception.
Here are some unique features of this brand that make it stand out from other ukulele brands.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Oscar Schmidt ukuleles are known for their superior craftsmanship. Each instrument is handcrafted by specialist artisans using the finest materials and techniques. As a result, you will get a beautiful and durable ukulele.
Wide Range of Styles and Sizes
Oscar Schmidt offers a wide range of ukulele styles and sizes to suit both beginners and professional ukulele players. From soprano to baritone, you will surely find the best fit for you.
Quality Materials
Oscar Schmidt ukuleles are made from high-quality materials, such as solid mahogany, spruce, and maple wood. These premium woods give the ukulele a unique and rich tone as well as make them durable.
Great Sound
Oscar Schmidt ukuleles are known for their rich, warm tones. Whether you’re playing alone or in a group, your ukulele will sound great and stand out from the crowd.
Affordable
Oscar Schmidt’s ukuleles are affordable. So you can get this without breaking the bank.
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9. Fender
Fender is well-known in the music industry for producing high-quality guitars and ukuleles. This company was founded in 1946 by Leo Fender in California, and quickly became one of the most iconic brands in the guitar world.
In recent years, they’ve expanded their offerings to include ukuleles, and getting huge popularity in this segment.
There are some features that stand out Fender ukuleles from other brands.
Unmatched Design
Fender ukuleles are especially known for their sleek and modern designs just like their guitars. They feature beautiful finishes and unique shapes that make them stand out from other ukulele brands on the market.
High-Quality Materials
Fender uses high-quality materials such as solid mahogany, koa, and spruce to produce their ukuleles. By using these materials they are getting a solid competitor to the established ukulele brands.
Great Sound
As Fender uses high-quality materials that’s why you will get a rich, warm tone in their ukuleles. They produce a sound that is both full and clear, making them a great choice for both solo playing and group performances.
Variety of Sizes and Styles
Fender offers a wide range of ukulele sizes and styles, including the popular sizes, soprano, concert, and tenor. This makes it easy to find a ukulele that fits you.
Affordable Prices
As Fender has good marketing knowledge through their guitar selling skills, you will get their ukuleles at affordable prices that never disappoint a beginner.
10. Luna
Luna is not an old player in the ukulele market. It was founded in 2005 by Yvonne de Villiers in Florida, with a mission to create high-quality and affordable instruments.
Their ukuleles are known for their stunning designs that feature intricate patterns and artwork.
Here are some unique features of Luna ukulele brand.
Stunning Designs
As I told you above, Luna ukuleles are known for their beautiful and unique designs, along with the feature intricate patterns and artwork.
They offer a wide range of designs, such as animal prints, floral patterns, and celestial themes. If you are an artwork lover then it’s easy to find a ukulele that fits your personal style.
High-Quality Materials
Luna ukuleles are made from high-quality materials such as solid mahogany, koa, and spruce. Using these high-quality tonewoods ensures great sound and durability.
Variety of Sizes and Styles
Like other well-known ukulele brands, Luna offers a wide range of ukulele sizes and styles, including soprano, concert, and tenor. This makes it easy to find a ukulele that fits your playing style and preferences.
Luna ukuleles are a great choice for you if you are looking for a ukulele with a stunning design and high-quality sound.
With their beautiful designs, high-quality materials, great sound, variety of sizes and styles, and affordable prices, they are a great choice for you as a beginner.
11. Gretsch
If you’re a fan of vintage-style musical instruments, then the Gretsch brand is a great fit for your ukulele needs.
Gretsch was founded in 1883 by Friedrich Gretsch in Brooklyn, New York.
They initially focused on producing banjos, but later they expanded to guitars, drums, and ukuleles. Their ukuleles are known for their vintage style and high-quality sound.
Here are their unique Features,
Vintage Style
As I told above, Gretsch ukuleles are known for their vintage-style designs. Their ukuleles feature classic details like vintage-style binding, inlays, and finishes.
This gives them a timeless look which is perfect for players who love to play vintage instruments.
High-Quality Materials
High-quality materials such as solid mahogany, koa, and spruce are used to craft thier ukuleles.
Great Sound
Gretsch ukuleles generally produce a warm, fuller sound that is perfect for both solo playing style and group performances.
Their smooth fretboard and easy-to-use tuning pegs provide a comfortable playing experience.
Variety of Sizes and Styles
There is a wide range of ukulele sizes and styles, including soprano, concert, and tenor available in their inventory which is suitable for both beginners and pros.
Professional Quality
Gretsch ukuleles are often used by professional musicians, thanks to their high-quality sound and construction. But they are also a great choice for beginners.
With their vintage style, great sound, and professional quality, it’s easy to see why Gretsch is a top choice for ukulele players around the world.
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12. Alvarez
Alvarez is a well-known guitar brand that has also made a name for itself in the world of ukuleles.
Alvarez was founded in 1965 by Kazuo Yairi in Japan. They initially focused on producing classical guitars, but later included other types of acoustic guitars and eventually ukuleles.
They are known for their high-quality instruments that are designed for serious musicians.
Handcrafted Quality
Alvarez ukuleles are handcrafted using traditional Hawaiian techniques. The traditional build ensures that each instrument is unique and of the highest quality.
If you want to know the history of the ukulele then you should read A Brief History of the Ukulele: From Hawaii to Global Popularity.
They use premium tonewood materials like solid mahogany, koa, and spruce to produce a great sound along with durability.
Innovative Designs
Alvarez ukuleles offer several innovative designs that set them apart from other brands.
They offer unique features on their ukuleles like cutaway bodies, built-in electronics, and even a 6 strings baritone ukulele.
Great Sound
Alvarez ukuleles produce a bright, full sound; perfect for both solo and group performances.
Variety of Sizes and Styles
They have a wide range of ukulele sizes and styles in their inventory, including soprano, concert, tenor, and 6 strings baritone.
Quality at a Reasonable Price
Despite their high-quality materials and handcrafted construction, Alvarez ukuleles come at a reasonable price.
That’s why they are a great choice for both beginners and experienced players under their budget.
13. Kanile’a
Kanile’a is a new ukulele brand but they quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality instruments. I think the main reason behind it is the origin of this brand.
Kanile’a was founded in 1998 by Joe and Kristen Souza in Kaneohe, Hawaii. As they are from Hawaii, it ensures the quality of the ukulele.
They initially started out by building ukuleles in their garage but quickly became one of the most respected ukulele brands in the world.
They are known for their commitment to quality and innovation along with their dedication to the Hawaiian culture and community and the features that they offer.
Such as,
Hawaiian Woods
Kanile’a ukuleles are made of Hawaiian woods, including koa, mango, and acacia. These woods not only produce an authentic Hawaiian sound but also represent Hawaiian culture and tradition.
Innovative Designs
They always offer innovative designs. They offer unique features like their proprietary TRU-R bracing system to enhance the resonance and sustain of the instrument.
High-Quality Construction
Kanile’a ukuleles are made using traditional methods by Hawaiian artisans with high-quality materials.
Great Sound
Kanile’a ukuleles produce an authentic Hawaiian ukulele sound that is perfect for both solo playing and group performances.
Customization Options
There is a wide range of customization options available in their ukuleles, including different woods, inlays, and finishes. This allows you to create a truly unique instrument that reflects your personality and style.
Kanile’a ukuleles are a great choice for you if you want a high-quality instrument that is innovative, unique, and represents the Hawaiian culture.
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14. Islander
Islander is another new brand in he world of ukuleles. It was founded in 2010 by Kanile’a Ukulele founder Joe Souza.
Souza wanted to create a brand that would offer high-quality ukuleles at an affordable price point, especially for beginners. That’s why he designed Islander ukuleles in Hawaii and manufactured them overseas.
Let me show you the unique Features of Islander ukuleles.
Solid Wood Construction
Islander ukuleles are made from solid wood, which gives them a rich and full sound. They use mahogany, acacia, and spruce woods in their ukuleles to produce a great tone along with durability.
Quality Hardware
Islander ukuleles come with high-quality hardware. Such as geared tuning machines and a rosewood bridge. Which makes them easy to play for beginners.
Simple and Elegant Design
The simple and elegant design is both classic and modern making them the first choice of the youth. Satin finish, classic rosette, and minimalist headstock give them a timeless look.
Wide Range of Sizes and Styles
Islander build soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles.
Affordable
Islander ukuleles are affordable, which makes them a great choice for beginners under their budget.
15. Flight
Flight is another new brand in the ukulele market. It was founded in 2010 by a group of ukulele enthusiasts in Slovenia.
They wanted to create a brand that would provide high-quality and affordable ukuleles. Since then, Flight has become one of the most popular ukulele brands in Europe and now it is expanding its reach to the United States and the rest of the world.
Here are the unique features of Flight ukuleles.
Unique Designs
Flight ukuleles come with some unique designs that are totally different than other brands. They offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and shapes that cater to different styles and preferences.
Innovative Materials
Flight uses innovative materials to build their ukuleles, such as bamboo and eco-friendly plastics. These unique materials not only make their instruments more sustainable but also give them a unique look and sound. If you like some off-beat style then this brand is one that you should check out.
Quality Hardware
Flight provides high-quality hardware in their ukuleles, such as geared tuning machines and bone nuts and saddles. This hardware is very useful for a beginner and professional on the fly.
Easy to Play
The comfortable neck and fretboard and low-string action make the Flight ukuleles easy to play, especially for beginners.
Affordable Price Point
Flight ukuleles are priced affordable, which makes them a great choice for those who want a quality instrument on a low budget.
16. Enya
Just like Flight, Enya is another new ukulele brand that has gained popularity in recent years.
It was founded in 2011 by a group of music enthusiasts in China.
In recent years, Enya has become one of the most popular ukulele brands in the world and has expanded its reach to other instruments, such as guitars, and kalimbas.
Carbon Fiber Construction
One of the best things I like about this ukulele brand is the Cabon Fiber body. Enya ukuleles feature a unique carbon fiber construction that makes them lightweight and very durable.
Carbon Fiber also helps produce a bright and clear sound, great for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Innovative Designs
Enya ukuleles offer different innovative designs that combine traditional and modern elements.
They offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and shapes that cater to different styles and preferences suitable for beginners and advanced players.
Enya ukuleles are a great choice for anyone who wants a unique, high-quality, and highly durable instrument.
With their carbon fiber construction, innovative designs, quality hardware, and affordable price point, Enya is a top choice for ukulele players around the world.
17. Koa
Koa is a Hawaii-based ukulele brand. It is a premium ukulele brand that is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and beautiful designs.
Koa was founded in 2005 by a group of music enthusiasts in Hawaii. The manufacturers wanted to create a brand that would reflect the beauty and culture of the Hawaiian islands.
They produce high-quality instruments that were worthy of the Koa name. In the last 15 years, Koa has become one of the most respected ukulele brands in the world.
Premium Materials
Koa ukuleles are made from premium materials, including Hawaiian Koa wood, which is known for its beautiful grain patterns and tonal qualities.
This wood is highly prized by ukulele musicians for its warm and rich sound.
Handcrafted Construction
Koa ukuleles are handcrafted by skilled Hawaiian artisans using traditional techniques.
Each instrument is carefully crafted to ensure that it meets the high standards of the Koa brand.
Unique Designs
Koa’s unique designs reflect the beauty and culture of Hawaii. They offer a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, that would be the best fit for your style and playing.
Customizable Options
Koa ukuleles are customizable. They offer customization options for their ukuleles, including different woods, inlay designs, and hardware choices.
So you can create a truly personalized instrument that reflects your individual style and personality.
Exceptional Sound Quality
These ukuleles produce exceptional sound quality, with a warm and rich authentic Hawaiian ukulele tone that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
The combination of premium materials, handcrafted construction, and unique designs all contribute to the exceptional sound quality of Koa ukuleles.
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Verdict
Each ukulele brand mentioned in the article brings its own unique style and strengths to the market.
From traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship to innovative design and affordability all ukulele brands are unique.
Where old brands such as Kala, Kamaka, and Martin are popular choices with a reputation for producing exceptional instruments, while newer brands such as Flight and Enya are gaining recognition for their impressive quality and value.
Overall, these top 17 best ukulele brands offer a wide range of options for you to find the perfect ukulele to suit your own needs and preferences.
