The ukulele just brings people together. Maybe it’s the young, childlike sound of the ukulele that draws us in. Or, the beautiful bell sounds of the instrument could remind us of a simpler time and place, even if we’ve never lived there. Whatever it is, the best Beginner Ukuleles has been popular, sometimes very popular, for more than a hundred years. Playing the ukulele is a rewarding musical experience for both beginners and more experienced musicians.
You can play anything from simple strumming to complex original pieces and arrangements of classical and popular songs. There are many different sizes and shapes of ukuleles, from tiny “pineapple” ukes to the biggest baritone instruments, which look more like classical guitars.
Ukuleles can be made of anything from plastic to rare and expensive tonewoods, and they come in a huge range of colors and finishes. Some ukuleles are only acoustic, while others can be played through a PA system because they have electronics built in. The question is: how do you choose the right instrument for a beginner? At Sweetwater, we sell many different kinds of ukulele, and each has its own benefits. Below, we have mentioned the best Beginner Ukuleles.
Best Beginner Ukuleles Comparison Table
| Ukulele Model | Type | Features | Visit Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor | Tenor | – Solid mahogany top | Visit Website |
| Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 | Soprano | – Sengon body and neck | Visit Website |
| Ortega RU5CE | Tenor | – Spruce top and mahogany back/sides | Visit Website |
| Fender Fullerton Stratocaster | Electric | – Iconic Stratocaster design with ukulele functionality | Visit Website |
| Makala Dolphin Soprano | Soprano | – Plastic body with dolphin-shaped bridge | Visit Website |
| Ohana Ukuleles SK-10 Mahogany | Soprano | – Mahogany top, back, and sides | Visit Website |
Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Tenor Ukulele |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Top Material | Solid Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Composite |
| Scale Length | 17 inches |
| Electronics | Cordoba Active Pickup System |
| Tuning Machines | Silver with Pearl Buttons |
| Price Range | $200 – $300 |
Cordoba’s goal has always been to make acoustic guitars with nylon strings cool again. It might look like an old company with a lot of history, but it was only started in 1997. Since then, it has been able to get both acoustic and electric steel string players to buy its well-made nylon strung guitars.
The way a ukulele is made is very, very similar to how a classical guitar is made. So, who will you put your faith in to build yours? A company that usually puts together heavy electronics and now sells cheap ukuleles as a side business, or the luthiers in Cordoba?
The 20TM-CE is more expensive than some of the other ukuleles in this buyer’s guide, but it is all hand-made and made of solid mahogany. It has a built-in Piezo pickup under the saddle and Belcat electronics, so it’s ready for your first stage show. Overall, this is one of the best Beginner Ukuleles that you can buy right now.
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship and materials.
- Equipped with a built-in pickup for amplification.
- Produces rich and balanced tones.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other beginner ukuleles.
- May require some adjustment or setup out of the box.
Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 Soprano
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Soprano Ukulele |
| Body Material | Sengon |
| Top Material | Sengon |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 13.625 inches |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage-style, Gold Plated |
| Price Range | Under $50 |
If you’ve seen a cheap, cheerful ukulele out in nature, it’s probably a Mahalo. For many people, the little instruments are the easiest and quickest way to learn how to play the ukulele. The Mahalo Kahiko Series MK1 is cheap enough that most people can afford it, but it plays just as well as instruments that cost much more.
As you get better, you’ll probably want to switch to something with a little more style and finesse. But if you only have ten dollars, you can’t go wrong with the basic Mahalo model, which is our pick for the best ukulele for beginners. Overall, it is one of the best Beginner Ukuleles that you can buy.
Pros
- Affordable and budget-friendly option.
- Compact size makes it easy to carry and play.
- Comes in various attractive colors and designs.
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as rich or resonant compared to higher-end ukuleles.
- Tuning stability may require frequent adjustments.
Ortega RU5CE
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Concert Ukulele |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Top Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Walnut |
| Scale Length | 15 inches |
| Electronics | Ortega MagusUke Preamp System |
| Tuning Machines | Die-Cast, Chrome |
| Price Range | $150 – $250 |
Ortega is all about having fun. The cute RU5CE shows that a lot of thought went into it. Many of the beginner ukuleles in this buyer’s guide are made of mahogany, which is a good choice, but it’s nice to see the classic combination of a bright spruce top and warm sapele back and sides.
Small details like the sealed machine heads, built-in tuner, and light finish that lets the wood grain show show that someone at Ortega cares. Our RU5CE has great fretwork. The frets are even and well-filed, and you can’t hear any buzzing. The walnut fretboard moves quickly and smoothly.
At this price, the fact that it comes with an under-saddle Piezo pickup and MagusUke electronics is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, many people won’t like the laser-etched Butterfly and Grass art on the bridge. Either you’ll like it or you’ll hate it. Still, it is one of the best Beginner Ukuleles that you can consider.
Pros
- Features a built-in pickup and preamp for amplified performance.
- Solid construction and durable materials.
- Produces warm and balanced tones.
Cons
- Slightly higher price range compared to entry-level ukuleles.
- May require some adjustment or setup for optimal playability.
Fender Fullerton Stratocaster
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Tenor Ukulele |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Top Material | Alder |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Scale Length | 17 inches |
| Tuning Machines | Sealed, Nickel |
| Price Range | $200 – $300 |
Beginner is often thought of as cheap, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Not everyone who plays the ukulele is a kid, and sometimes nice things are what adults want, right? The Fender Fullerton Stratocaster ukulele is a beautiful instrument that makes you smile. It is based on Fender’s most famous guitar line and turns it into a stylish concert-voiced ukulele with an attractive sound.
The Fullerton Strat has a built-in pre-amp that lets you plug it into a guitar amp for more options. Its mahogany and spruce body makes it sound great when played acoustically. Even though it’s not cheap, it’s a good idea for your first ukulele to be one that you can’t stop looking at. So, if you want one of the best Beginner Ukuleles, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Offers a unique and stylish design resembling a guitar.
- Familiar Stratocaster feel and playability.
- Comes with high-quality construction and components.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to traditional ukuleles.
- Larger size may be less comfortable for some beginners.
Makala Dolphin Soprano
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Soprano Ukulele |
| Body Material | Composite |
| Top Material | Composite |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 13.625 inches |
| Tuning Machines | Geared, Chrome |
| Price Range | Under $50 |
Don’t be fooled by how much this ukulele costs. People all over the Internet love these. Even though they are made of plastic, they sound and play well for the price. Replace the strings that come with it with ones that are nicer and of higher quality. This is a great ukulele for beginners on a budget or for people who want a good “throw-it-in-your-backpack” ukulele. Currently, this is one of the best Beginner Ukuleles that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Extremely affordable and great for budget-conscious beginners.
- Bright and cheerful colors available.
- Provides a good balance between price and quality.
Cons
- Sound quality may not be as rich or resonant compared to higher-end ukuleles.
- Tuning stability may require frequent adjustments.
Ohana Ukuleles SK-10 Mahogany
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Soprano |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | 12-fret Rosewood |
| Strings | Aquila Nylgut |
| Tuning | Standard G-C-E-A |
| Price | $89.00 (approximate) |
Ohana’s most popular beginner soprano model is the SK-10. This model of soprano has been used by schools and communities all over the world because of how good it sounds and how long it lasts. Because it is made of mahogany, it has one of the most consistent ukulele sounds because of the wood.
The SK-10 is made the same way as other high-end Ohana products, which makes it a good choice for a beginner who wants consistency and quality at an affordable price. The neck profile is neither too thin nor too thick, so it could fit a wide range of hand sizes. Thus, this product is one of the best Beginner Ukuleles available right now.
The price and the fact that the fretboard isn’t bound are the only things we don’t like about this ukulele. Some people might think that a $99 instrument is too expensive, and the unbound fretboard could cause fret sprout in dry places. If the specs work for you, this ukulele is a good option.
Pros
- Made with high-quality mahogany wood for a warm and resonant sound.
- Solid construction and attention to detail.
- Offers good playability and overall value for the price.
Cons
- May be slightly pricier compared to some entry-level ukuleles.
- Limited color and design options compared to other brands.
FAQs
Beginners should start with a soprano or concert ukulele because they are smaller and easier to play.
Soprano is the original and traditional size of ukulele, and it makes the sound and tone that you probably think of when you think of the instrument. Soprano ukulele is also one of the smallest instruments in the ukulele family. It is a great choice for people who want to try playing the ukulele for the first time.
