Best Ukulele Brands for 2023
Music Authority may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Ukuleles are versatile and easy to learn instruments that have gained popularity among kids and adults alike. Right from manufacturing ukuleles suited for beginners to the ones that professionals would love to use, the market is flooded with a plethora of ukulele brands.
But there are few brands that have established their mark over the years when it comes to crafting reliable ukuleles. We’re here to acquaint you with the top 5 best ukulele brands for 2020 which will ease your buying process and fetch you nothing but the best.
Related Article: Best Ukuleles for 2020 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|
1. Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele |
|
Buy on Amazon |
2. Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele |
|
Buy on Amazon |
3. Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele |
|
Buy on Amazon |
4. Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany DUC-1 23 inch |
|
Buy on Amazon |
5. Luna High Tide Series Koa Soprano Ukulele Cable Bundle |
|
Buy on Amazon |
Table of Contents
Kala
All About Kala
Kala Brand Music Co. hails from Petaluma, CA. Finding its roots in culture and creativity, the Kala community draws its inspiration from multiple sources of art, food, dairy, and music. Petaluma’s Gold Rush history, its fusion of modern and traditional and its turn of the century downtown are some elements that influence the essence of Kala.
Kala has been a pioneer in the field of innovation and variety. Along with this, it excels in crafting budget-friendly ukuleles. Kala believes that there’s a uke for every musician who wants to play one.
Kala Brand Music Co. has created a step by step guide to creating a Ukulele Circle in collaboration with ukulele virtuoso and educator, James Hill. The Ukulele Circle Starter Kit is available as a free download to dealers.
Kala Brand Music is spreading more excitation with new additions to the popular Ukadelic™ Series of ukuleles. New models include Black Paisley, Peace love, Swirls, Skulls, Leopard, and USA.
Ukadelic™ has taken ukulele into another dimension where audacious graphics capture all that is fun about the ukulele and more. The designs of these colorful ukes incorporate art, culture, and humor into their design.
In addition, they are very playable and well-made featuring all wood construction, geared tuners, and Aquila Strings.
Most Popular Product
- Kala’s KA-15S came into the world in 2005 as the answer to a high-quality, affordable, entry-level ukulele and still remains the unrivaled ukulele in its class.
- The KA-15S is well-suited for classroom use, practicing, and acoustic performance. It is the instrument of choice for schools - More people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
- A very traditional Mahogany Soprano Ukulele in a satin finish with a bright, warm, full-bodied tone.
- Comes with a beautiful Walnut Fingerboard and Bridge, Mahogany Neck, 12 Brass Frets, GraphTech NuBone and Aquila Super Nylgut Strings from Italy and distinguished by its etched Polynesian-style Shark Teeth rosette
- Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
KA-15S is a great option for beginners who are looking for quality ukuleles to learn the basics with premium nylon strings at a moderate price. Seasoned players can also choose this model since it is classy, has a sturdy rosewood fretboard for long hours of playing and a mahogany body for a high-end feel which is budget-friendly.
Córdoba
All About Córdoba
Córdoba was founded in 1997 by Tim Micklaucic and has become both an innovator and a leader in the field of nylon instruments. The company manufactures incredible ukes, classical instruments, and flamencos.
Pepe Romero Jr., a prominent maker of classical guitars adapted his designs for ukuleles and is the company’s primary ukuleles designer.
Córdoba’s electronics also have an outstanding track record when it comes to passive, non-third party pickup systems. They excel at transferring the tone of your instrument to the amplifier.
This company strives for the comprehensive development of its nylon strings for guitar and ukes by incorporating the early master luthiers craftsmanship with modern improvements to upgrade their instruments to the next level.
If a guitar or ukulele is what you need for playing regularly in the garden or at concert night, check out the Córdoba brand’s classic range. Every Córdoba guitar/uke is a Spanish heritage design and is fairly lightweight and sensitive.
These handmade instruments vary in sizes from 1⁄4 to full capacity. The Córdoba collection consists of a wide range of guitars/ukes in various colors, designs, and tonewood.
Most Popular Product
- Rich, Bright Sound: The Mahogany Top, Back, And Sides, Give This Small Bodied Ukulele A Rich, Clear, And High-Quality Sound.
- Easy Tuning: Córdoba Silver With Pearl Button Tuners Make It A Breeze To Tune Your Ukulele And Maintain Tuning For Uninterrupted Playing.
- Classic Aesthetics: Showcases A Solid Mahogany Top, Back, And Sides, With Quality Construction All Around. The Handcrafted Body Also Includes An Abalone Rosette And An Ivoroid Binding To The Body And The Fingerboard That Distinguishes It From Other Models.
- Satin Finish: Additional Features Include A Sleek Satin Finish, Silver Tuners With Pearl Buttons, And Premium Aquila Strings.
- Natural wood has unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain; Product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown here.
Córdoba 15CM Concert Uke is medium sized compared to a larger tenor type. Despite its compact size, it scores full marks in terms of hardware and performance.
It’s a great choice for both entry-level and professional players who are looking for an all-round uke under 200$. Beginners will find this model easy to use while professionals can deliver a classic performance with this rustic beauty.
Fender
All About Fender
70 years ago in a California workshop, Leo Fender tried his hand at repairing musical instruments. By 1946, Fender had developed the original Princeton, Deluxe and Professional amps.
As time passed, Fender dived deeper into the world of guitars and introduced the Telecaster (originally named the Broadcaster) in 1951. With a bright and clean sound, the Telecaster was ideal for the western swing.
Having made a mark with each passing century, the 21st century witnessed a return of Fender to its roots in Southern California with its 24,500-square-foot headquarters.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Andy Mooney, Fender is taking giant strides in the field of innovation. Born a visionary, Leo Fender’s aim of giving wings to every artist lives on.
Inspired by the vibrant sunshine state culture and landscape, Fender has revamped its ukulele lineage. Modern Fender ukuleles are perfect for beginners and experienced players alike with a simpler approach and sleek design.
Several innovative developments include a no-tie bridge, elegant Abalone binding, and a traditional 4-in-line Tele headstock.
Most Popular Product
- Tenor sized ukulele
- Solid koa top, koa back and sides
- Abalone top binding and rosette; bound back and fingerboard
- 4-in-line Tele headstock with vintage-style tuners
- No-tie bridge; bone nut and saddle
Despite being a brand name famous for making guitars, Fender does not disappoint in the domain of ukes.
Donner
All About Donner
Since its inception in 2012, Donner has been aiming to create new music and performance experiences. Donner has been a pioneer of mini pedals that brought musical satisfaction to many people around the globe.
Despite being young, Donner is full of energy and creativity, committed to researching, producing and marketing musical instruments, particularly guitar effect pedals.
Committed to creativity, Donner has excellent resources that sustain the high quality which inspires professional artists and designers. Along with this, they also make instruments that are easy enough for anyone to play.
Looking at their products and their reputation, they have definitely achieved their goal. Their best-known product line – their mini-pedal guitar effects, are reliably well received and relatively inexpensive. Similarly, their ukuleles have enjoyed a similar response, prized for their affordability, quality control, and tone.
Most Popular Product
- 🎯[Well Made Durable Mahogany Craftsmanship] Donner concert ukulele with a smooth mahogany body produces a crisp and pleasant sound. With well-polished smooth rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Sami-Open finish with 9-cycle grinding and polishing process, quality details for your comfortable playability and durability.
- 🎯[Warm Rich Sound] Donner Ukulele Mahogany top body and neck bring you a much richer, brighter, and warmer sound; High-density bone nut and saddle combine with 4 Highly polished smooth Aquila carbon nylon strings to gain clear and nice resonance and more sustain.
- 🎯[Become a Better Player, Faster] Concert ukulele bundle pack includes a concert ukulele, gig bag, strap, tuner, 4 extra Aquila nylon strings, 4 picks, and cleaning cloth. Meet all needs of players. The padded gig bag features backpack style with 2 padded shoulder straps and an exterior pocket for a comfortable carry and well protection for the ukelele. A decent gift for birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc
- 👨👩👧[Easy to Play Your Own Songs] Get started with Donner 23-inch ukulele and professional free ONLINE VIDEO lessons for beginners. Easy to understand and get started. Donner ukulele bundle kit is a great ukulele set for adults, beginners, or professionals.
- 🎯[Easy to Tune] Donner patented chrome-plated guitar-style tuners increase accuracy and keep the ukulele always in tune. Digital clip-on tuner is easy to tune and play. 18 brass frets with fret position marks at 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets on neck and top of fingerboard.
Beginners who are looking for traditional ukes that don’t cost a bomb should opt for DUC-1. Since it can be difficult to choose accessories separately as a beginner, Donner will provide you with not just a quality uke but also add-on items to venture into the music territory.
Luna
All About Luna
The accomplished stained-glass artist, Yvonne de Villiers (co-founder), envisaged a company that would reflect designs as unique as those who would be playing them. She drew much of her mother’s inspiration from playing bass.
Yvonne has always believed that consumers should be treated not just as sales transactions, but as part of a larger family-the Luna Tribe. Keeping this in mind Luna Guitars came into being.
The reason why Luna instruments are considered art to many is that they are crafted with love by the artists themselves. The Luna acoustic guitar line has been the inspiration behind the now world-recognized Luna Ukulele.
You can choose a series: Soprano, Concert, Tenor, or Baritone or go for something more exotic from our Tribal or Heartsong series. Luna ukes are ideal for travel and suitable for pros, beginners or children. Naturally aesthetic, Luna offers not just a brand name but an outstanding quality for its price.
Most Popular Product
- Total Music Source Exclusive!
- Bundle Includes: Luna Gigbag Extra Set of Strings Instrument Cable Clip-on Tuner TMS Polishing Cloth
- Koa Body
- Mahogany Neck
- Right Handed
Intermediate to advanced level players who need the earthy, close-to-nature feel in their ukes should opt for Luna’s High Tide Series. Ukuleles are comparatively cheaper to buy, and easier to play than guitars.
Investing in expensive ukes will definitely get you a product of higher quality which will last a long time. When it comes to tonewood and design, decide what kind of sound you want from your uke. Mahogany tonewood acoustic ukes like the ones from Kala can emit a warm, deep sound.
Electric ukes like Fender give your tone a modern touch. Whatever uke you choose to purchase, make sure you pick one from a trusted brand that will deliver value for your money.
Read Other Related Reading:
The Newly Launched Acekool Stand Mixers 2021 in the U.S. Acekool Stand Mixer
The Newly Launched Acekool Air Purifier 2021 in the U.S. Acekool Air Purifier D01
