The Best Ukulele

Buying Guide

The past few years have seen a renewed interest in making music, with the pandemic pushing many to pick up an instrument they’ve always wanted to learn. But even before the pandemic, the ukulele was seeing a return to mainstream culture, both in homes and in the classroom. The instrument has it all. Ukuleles are small, affordable and easy to learn. They’re also quiet when compared to other instruments, making them great for practicing in a home full of people.

The ukulele is a close cousin to the guitar. However, it’s smaller and has only four strings, giving it a smaller range than the guitar. On the upside, this limitation makes it a great starter instrument. You can quickly master the ukulele, then move on to other string instruments. These features also make it an ideal choice for the younger people in your life.

Like other string instruments, ukuleles are constructed from wood. Spruce and mahogany are popular woods for ukuleles, but traditional Hawaiian ukuleles are made from koa wood. That said, there are different types of ukuleles, and the type plays a direct role in the sound it produces.

The types of ukuleles are:

• Soprano: The smallest of the ukuleles, this instrument has a shallow, thin tone. This type of ukulele produces the traditional sound often associated with the instrument.
• Concert: With a wider neck and slightly longer overall length, this ukulele type still features the traditional sound, but it packs a little more warmth into its tone.
• Tenor: This option, popular with more advanced musicians, is closer in size to the guitar while still being easy to learn. You’ll get a deeper tone with this instrument, bringing more bass to the traditional ukulele sound.
• Tenor XL: Similar to the tenor but slightly larger, this ukulele is popular with those who want the simplicity of a ukulele but who have larger hands.
• Baritone: The largest ukulele, the baritone produces the widest range in tone and has plenty of room for fingerpicking.
• If you’re new to the ukulele, you might want to start with a soprano or concert and work your way up to the baritone as you gain experience. Also, look for one that offers directions or online instruction. You should be able to find some great courses and books online if you’re serious about mastering the instrument.

• If you plan to take your ukulele on the go, you’ll need something to carry it in. For ukuleles, these cases are called gig bags, and the bags can vary in quality. Some have carrying straps that also vary in quality. You can purchase gig bags separately, so you aren’t limited to the one that ships with your instrument.
• As with guitars and pianos, ukuleles will occasionally need to be tuned to maintain peak performance. You can purchase a digital tuner that will help.
• Some beginner-geared ukuleles color-code the strings to make things easier while you’re learning the notes.
• If you want a ukulele that will last, pay close attention to the material used in its construction. The type of wood and quality of strings are especially important.
• Your fingers might tire after hours of practice. That’s where a pick can come in handy. You can buy them in sets so you’ll always have one nearby.
• Some ukuleles are more comfortable to use than others. If this is important to you, look for one that features an ergonomic design.
• Ukuleles come in a variety of fun colors. If you’re choosing one for the young aspiring musician in your life, a bright, lively color might be a great option.
• The hardware used in your ukulele is an important feature, as well. Pure copper can help your ukulele resist rust to hold up over many years.