Ukulele means jumping flea in Hawaiian. A fitting name for an instrument that is known for its cheerful sound. The Ukulele first arrived in Hawaii with Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800s. They have since become an integral part of Hawaiian culture. Today they are even more popular all over the world as they are easy to play and look great!
But how do you decide on a brand when there are now so many manufacturers in the world making ukuleles? Nobody wants to end up with a poorly made instrument that won’t last long or sound good.
In this article, we are going to look into the best ukulele brands. Also, how you can find a quality instrument at a great price for your level of experience.
Best Ukulele Brands
There are a few things that you should consider when choosing a ukulele brand. The first is of course the quality of the instrument. You want to make sure that it’s made of good materials and will last a long time.
The second thing to consider is the price. You don’t want to spend too much on your first ukulele. But you also don’t want to get something that’s too cheap and will fall apart.
Another thing to consider is the brand’s reputation. You want to make sure that the company you’re buying from has a good reputation. Especially for making quality instruments. And finally, you want to make sure that the brand has a good selection of ukuleles for you to choose from.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best ukulele brands out there.
When done with the best brands, have a look at the different types of ukuleles here.
Kamaka
Kamaka is one of the most well-known Ukulele manufacturers. They have been crafting them since 1916. Kamaka Ukuleles are known for their quality craftsmanship and beautiful design. They are prized by both professionals and amateur musicians alike.
The beautiful finishes on their instruments allow the koa wood grain to be seen and enjoyed. The necks are made of mahogany for a very robust ukulele. If you’re looking for a top-quality Ukulele, Kamaka is a great choice.
Koaloha
Koaloha is a Hawaiian word that means: your love. It’s also the name of a brand of Hawaiian-made ukuleles. Koaloha ukuleles are known for their bright, joyful sound. They have been played by some of the most famous ukulele players in the world, including Daniel Ho and Herb Ohta Jr.
The company was founded in 1995 by Alvin Okami, who had been making ukuleles for many years. Today, Koaloha ukuleles are handcrafted on the island of Oahu. They use only the finest woods and materials, like solid koa.
They are truly a labor of love, and it shows in their beautiful workmanship and incredible sound. Looking for a ukulele that will bring you years of enjoyment? Then there’s no better choice than a Koaloha.
Ohana
Ohana ukuleles are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. They are well-made, high-quality instruments that sound great. Ohana ukes are also reasonably priced. This makes them a great option for beginner and experienced players.
Whether you’re looking for a soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone ukulele. Ohana has an instrument to suit your needs. And with a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, there’s sure to be an Ohana uke that’s perfect for you. Be sure to check out Ohana’s impressive selection, which is made in Long Beach, California.
Kala
Kala is a Ukulele company that was founded in 2005. They began with the mission of making the instrument accessible to everyone. Since then, Kala has become one of the leading Ukulele manufacturers in the world. Offering a wide range for all levels of players. From beginner to professional, Kala has a Ukulele that is perfect for everyone.
Kala’s Ukuleles are known for their artisanship and attention to detail. Each Ukulele is made with care, ensuring that every player can enjoy the perfect sound and feel of a Kala. Whether you’re starting out or you are a professional. Kala’s Ukuleles are sure to bring you hours of enjoyment.
Lanikai
Ukuleles are a popular instrument all around the world. Lanikai makes some of the best in the business. These beautiful instruments are handcrafted from start to finish. Each one is truly unique.
Lanikai ukuleles are specially designed to produce a warm, mellow tone. A sound that is perfect for any type of music. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, a Lanikai ukulele is a great choice for anyone who loves music.
Donner
Donner has been one of the leading names in ukuleles for over a decade, and it’s easy to see why. Their instruments are well-crafted and offer a great sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro! What’s more, they’re very affordable, making them a great option for those on a budget. The Donner ukulele is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality instrument. Especially one that won’t break the bank.
Find out about all the different ukulele sizes here!
Martin
Martin is a well-respected and popular choice among guitar and ukulele players. Originally designed in the early 1900s by C.F. Martin & Company. These instruments quickly became known for their excellent craftsmanship and rich, full sound.
Today, the company continues to produce high-quality instruments. They are beloved by musicians around the world. While there are many different types of ukuleles on the market. Martin is still considered one of the best! This is due to their superior construction and beautiful tone.
Looking for an instrument that will provide years of enjoyment? The Martin Ukulele is an excellent choice.
Lohanu
If you’re in the market for a new ukulele, you may have come across the Lohanu brand. Lohanu is a relative newcomer to the ukulele world. But they’ve quickly gained a reputation for making high-quality instruments. One of the things that set Lohanu apart from other brands is their use of solid mahogany for the body and neck.
This gives their ukuleles a warm, rich tone. It’s perfect for strumming chords or picking out melodies. Lohanu ukuleles are also very well-constructed. With beautiful wood grain patterns and neatly finished edges. A Lohanu ukulele would make an excellent addition to your collection.
Oscar Schmidt
Thanks to the popularity of shows like Ukulele Under the Stars. This small four-stringed instrument is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. And one of the most popular brands of ukuleles is Oscar Schmidt. Founded in 1871, Oscar Schmidt is one of the oldest and most respected names in ukuleles.
The company’s ukuleles are known for their quality and beautiful craftsmanship. From entry-level models to top-of-the-line instruments. Oscar Schmidt has a ukulele to suit every player. If you’re just starting out or have been playing for a long time, an Oscar Schmidt ukulele is a great choice.
Luna
The Luna Ukulele is an instrument that is perfect for both beginners and experts. The bodies are made of exotic wood, which gives them a rich, warm sound. The neck is maple or mahogany, and the fingerboard is normally rosewood or walnut. The Luna Ukulele also features Pearloid dot inlays and die-cast tuning machines.
The effect is an instrument that looks as good as it sounds. The Luna Ukulele is available in four different sizes. Soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each size has its own unique sound, so you can choose the one that best suits your playing style. They also offer 6-string and bass ukuleles as well.
Magic Fluke
The Magic Fluke ukulele is a quality instrument perfect for players of all kinds. Their ukuleles feature a smooth finish that looks great and is comfortable to play.
Some of their ukuleles also have a built-in pick-up system. This allows you to plug it into an amplifier or PA system, so you can play it loud and proud. If you are looking for a well-made, affordable ukulele, the Magic Fluke is a perfect choice. They are proudly made in the USA and have sold over 27,000 of them!
Conclusion
There are many different brands of ukuleles on the market. Each has its own unique features and benefits. When choosing a ukulele, it’s important to consider your budget. Also, your playing style, and what you’re looking for in an instrument.
If you’re just starting out, a less expensive ukulele may be a good option. But if you’re a more experienced player, you may want to invest in a higher-quality instrument. Whichever route you choose, there’s sure to be a ukulele out there that’s perfect for you.
FAQs
How do you know if a ukulele is good quality?
There are a few things you can look for to determine if a ukulele is of high quality. First, check to see if the body and neck are made of solid wood. Avoid ukuleles that have laminate or plywood construction. These will not produce as good of a sound.
Second, take a look at the overall construction of the ukulele. Make sure that the edges are smooth, and the finish is even. Avoid a ukelele that is made of any plastic parts, as this usually means it’s low quality.
What is the most popular ukulele size?
The soprano is the most popular size of ukulele. It’s small and portable, making it a great choice for beginners. The concert and tenor sizes are also popular choices, as they offer a fuller sound than the soprano. Baritone ukuleles are the largest size, and they have a deep, rich sound.
