Portuguese immigrants introduced the machete to Hawaii, and its vibrant sound quickly became a beloved part of local culture, giving rise to the ukulele. With the instrument’s rising popularity, makers started crafting different versions to satisfy the increasing demand.
Not all ukuleles are the same, even if they look alike. They also don’t sound the same. You should know what to look for, especially if you want a professional-grade ukulele. Check out the different brands to see your options.
2 Major Factors To Consider When Choosing Professional Ukuleles
Construction
The basic materials in a ukulele significantly affect its sound quality and tone. The body is primarily wood, like mahogany, maple, and koa, though plastic versions exist. Cheaper models may use laminated wood or plywood. Various tonewoods are used for the soundboard, each impacting sound differently. Cedar offers complex overtones, spruce provides vibrant and loud tones, and redwood delivers clear and full sounds.
Voicing
Ukuleles come in different sizes, each affecting the range of tones. The soprano is the most common, measuring 21 inches with 12 to 15 frets and standard GCEA tuning for that classic sound. Smaller than this is the pocket type, also known as the piccolo or sopranino. Larger sizes go from concert, tenor, baritone, bass, to contrabass. The bigger the ukulele, the fuller the sound and broader the range due to longer strings and more frets.
Top Ukulele Brands for Professionals
1) Kanilea
The Kanilea Ukulele company, founded in 1998 by Joe and Kristen Souza, boasts a team of exceptional artisans. Joe, an apprentice of master luthier Peter Bermudez in the early 1990s, blended traditional techniques with modern tech to create the Total Resonating Ukulele-Redesigned (TRU-R) bracing system. This innovation ensures incredible resonance and sustain in each handcrafted instrument. While the premium models are costly, they’re worth every penny. For smaller budgets, the Oha Series offers great quality with modified TRU-R bracing. Made from mahogany sides and back, a walnut fingerboard and bridge, and a koa soundboard with a UV cured natural finish, these ukes feature Aquila super nylgut strings. Notably, the company plants a tree for every uke made through their Hawaii reforestation program.
2) Kala Ukulele
Kala Brand Music Co. offers a wide variety of ukuleles. Founder Mike Upton started the company in Honolulu in 2005, later moving to Petaluma, California. Kala ukuleles stand out for their quality and affordable prices. Their Waterman line honors the 1956 Maccaferri ukes and is great for beginners. It’s durable, easy to clean, and available in sizes and colors like soft pink matte soprano, glow-in-the-dark aqua matte soprano, fluorescent blue soprano, black concert, and seafoam green concert. The Makala line, also for beginners, features excellent sound and a vintage look with classic, dolphin, and shark models.
There are many options for concert ukes with summer-inspired designs in the Surf Series and sparkly designs in the Sparkle Series. The exotic wood series showcases unique grain patterns from bocote, macawood, burl, and ziricote for concert and tenor ukes. The Elite Series, although pricier, is handmade from premium materials like all-solid myrtle concert, all-maple tenor, salt-and-pepper doghair mahogany tenor, and gloss Honduran mahogany Hawaiian koa tenor. They also introduced the rubber-stringed U-Bass, which sounds like a large upright bass.
3) Luna Ukulele
The ukuleles from Luna offer a classic uke sound and feature artistic designs inspired by traditional Hawaiian body art, all at a reasonable price. Soprano ukuleles, popular for beginners, come in various designs like the Vintage Mahogany Soprano in red or black satin, Tribal Pineapple, Starry Night Soprano, and Tattoo Pineapple Mahogany pack. For a fuller tone, concert ukes include the newly released Vista Wolf, Owl, and Vista Deer, all equipped with a preamp. Options also include the Vintage Mahogany Concert pack, “Hau” Snow White Concert, and Maluhia Peace Concert with preamp and gigbag.
4) Ibanez
Hoshino Gakki began producing Spanish-style acoustic guitars for Japan in 1935, using the name Ibanez Salvador. They later shortened it to Ibanez. Salvador Ibanez, a Spanish luthier famous for his high-quality craftsmanship, inspired the brand name.
The company initially gained fame for their guitars but also became well-known for affordable soprano and concert ukuleles with built-in electronics and easy playability. Noteworthy models include the UEW15E, an acoustic-electric concert with a flamed African mahogany body and purpleheart bridge and fretboard, delivering a rich and vibrant sound. Another standout is the UICT10, an acoustic-electric tenor featuring a rock ‘n’ roll design with a spruce top and Okoume body, finished in black with a high gloss.
5) Martin
C. F. Martin & Co. began making ukuleles in 1907 at Bergstrom Music Co.’s request, producing their first six ukes. They later expanded their designs and prices by 1917, turning their ukuleles into bestsellers. Today, players can choose between high-end models like the Martin Soprano 5K and the 1T IZ Tenor, honoring Hawaiian singer Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole, or more affordable options like the Martin Soprano S1 and Tenor T1K.
6) Fender
Most uke players value both quality and playability, and Fender ukuleles meet these needs. Made in Indonesia, they offer excellent craftsmanship. The design varies from classic to cutaway styles and comes in multiple colors. These ukes are budget-friendly without compromising quality. Choose from soprano, concert, and tenor models to enjoy a clear, unique sound. You can also opt for acoustic-electric types like the Fullerton Strat concert or T‑Bucket tenor for a strong amplified tone.
7) Magic Fluke
Dale and Phyllis Webb founded the Magic Fluke Co. in 1999 to produce affordable, quality ukuleles in the United States. Over two decades later, they offer tenor, concert, soprano, baritone uke banjo, and electric uke. They source materials locally, ensuring their products are durable, have a warm sound, and are easy to play.
The Magic Fluke concert or tenor uke has a unique shape. It’s crafted from a wood soundboard and a molded thermoplastic body with D’Addario Nyltech strings. While it sounds great, don’t expect a traditional uke tone due to the plastic body. Features differ by model. For customization, opt for the Designer Fluke. Also, explore the Magic Flea uke available in various styles and colors like Koa Flea, All Black Lava, Spruce, Solid Color, and Designer Flea.
8) Lanikai
The Lanikai ukuleles are handcrafted on O’ahu, Hawaii, by Hohner Music Company. Mike Upton, the founder of Kala ukuleles, once worked for Hohner and contributed to developing Lanikai before starting his own brand.
The company provides a range of ukuleles beyond the usual four-string types, including five-string, six-string, and eight-string variations. Models like the Figured Bogota Series, Mahogany Series, and Julia Michaels Signature ukuleles cater to different needs. You’re sure to find something that meets your preferences from design to features.