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Best ukuleles 2023: Check out these ukuleles for all budgets and playing styles
By Himani Jha | Updated Apr 23, 2024, 4:19 PM IST
The ukulele price in India starts at under Rs. 1500 and goes up to Rs. 25,000 depending on the quality and size. If you are planning to buy a ukulele, here we have enlisted some of the best options that will suit your budget as well as different playing styles.
Do you want to step into the world of musical instruments, and is the Ukulele your chosen point to begin? You have stumbled upon just the right buying guide you can find. Although e-commerce markets don't shy away from throwing all possible options at you, choosing the right one is crucial, considering that the factors of playability and comfort come into play. Unless you have an expert personally helping you out in choosing the right ukulele, we have some good advice for you to get started.
The best way to go shopping for a ukulele is to go to the market and get the in-hand feel and even try out the size of the ukulele. It is also important to understand some of the tiny bits and details like frets, saddle, and shape of your Ukulele.
Hence, if you’re in the market looking for a ukulele, we are here to suggest some of the best options available within your budget. We have classified them into different types based on their shape and size. The most commonly used ukuleles are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
The small ukuleles have higher sounds while the bigger ukuleles have lowered sounds. The Soprano is the smallest in size, with almost 12-15 frets whereas the concert-type ukulele has 15-20 frets, the Tenor has 12-25 frets, and the Baritone ukulele has the highest no. of frets i.e., 18 or more.
Best ukuleles that you can buy
1. Best overall: Kadence Wanderer Mahogany wood ukulele
The best way to go shopping for a ukulele is to go to the market and get the in-hand feel and even try out the size of the ukulele. It is also important to understand some of the tiny bits and details like frets, saddle, and shape of your Ukulele.
Hence, if you’re in the market looking for a ukulele, we are here to suggest some of the best options available within your budget. We have classified them into different types based on their shape and size. The most commonly used ukuleles are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
The small ukuleles have higher sounds while the bigger ukuleles have lowered sounds. The Soprano is the smallest in size, with almost 12-15 frets whereas the concert-type ukulele has 15-20 frets, the Tenor has 12-25 frets, and the Baritone ukulele has the highest no. of frets i.e., 18 or more.
Best ukuleles that you can buy
| Best ukuleles in India | Material type |
| Kadence Wanderer Mahogany wood ukulele | Wood, Mahogany, Rosewood |
| Juarez JRZ23UK/NA 23" Concert Size Ukulele Kit | Okoume, Sapele, Abs |
| Vault UK-003 Soprano Colourful Ukulele 21 inch With Gig Bag | Basswood |
| Vault UK 100C 24 inch Arched Back Concert Ukulele With Gig Bag | Sapele |
| Kala KA-P Mahogany Pineapple Soprano Ukulele | Mahogany |
1. Best overall: Kadence Wanderer Mahogany wood ukulele
Specifications: Item Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 10 cm | Top Material Type: Wood, Mahogany, Rosewood | Bracing Pattern: Soprano Ukulele
If you want a professional ukulele at a budget price, this is right for you. This is the Kadence Wanderer Mahogany which is made up of a Mahogany dark wood and has a dark brown finish. The Kadence 21-inch ukulele is suitable for adults, kids, beginners, players or professionals starting practice. Thanks to the properly aligned frets on the ukulele’s rosewood fretboard, you can enjoy a soft feel and achieve the perfect tone. The bone nut and saddle that’s properly balanced with a wooden bridge can achieve optimal transfer of string vibration. The ukulele nylon strings can hold the GCEA tuning. You get a full outfit that includes the Ukulele Capo, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks and Bag. You can buy it for Rs. 2,700.
What do users say about it: This is the best soprano ukulele in the Indian market in its price range.
What do we say about it?
- It's a very affordable option for beginners
- Its small size makes it travel-friendly
Pros:
- Great quality
- Made of mahogany wood
- Comes with a gigbag
Cons:
- Gigbag is of low-quality
2. Best in tuning: Juarez JRZ23UK/NA 23" Concert Size Ukulele Kit
Specifications: Item Dimensions: 61 x 22 x 9 cm | Top Material Type: Okoume, Sapele, Abs | Colour: Brown
This Juârez 23-inch ukulele is a four-stringed plucked instrument that is easy to learn and stimulates the potential of rhythm instruments, thereby being the best for beginners. It features a Sapele body, Okoume neck, Rosewood fingerboard, and bridge. The nylon strings produce a clear sound and are also comfortable to use. It has 18 frets which are comfortable and easy to play. However, it is only for beginners who have low budgets. You get the ukulele Gig Bag and 2 Picks in the kit.
What do users say about it: Users said that it's great for beginners and intermediate players, and is useful for learning and jamming
Why should you buy this?
- It is easy to learn
- Produce richer and brighter sound
- Nylon strings protect your fingers
Pros:
- Superb for beginners
- Smooth finish
- Best at its price
Cons:
- Users have reported that the fret board looks rough with wood shavings hanging out
3. Best in appearance: Vault UK-003 Soprano Colourful Ukulele 21 inch With Gig Bag
Specifications: Item Dimensions: 57 x 23 x 9 cm | Top Material Type: Basswood | Colour: White
The Vault UK-003 Soprano Ukulele is a good option at a sensible price. The fretboard of this soprano ukulele is crafted from Synthetic Wood, which delivers sounds rich in fundamentals. The sound of Synthetic Wood is characterized by a throaty low end, bright treble notes, and a scooped midrange. Its strings are made of high-quality Aquila, which produces great tunes. Available in 5 different colours, the Vault UK-003 Soprano Ukulele is the best option for beginners and professionals alike.
What do users say about it: This is the best soprano ukulele in the Indian market in its price range.
Why should you buy this?
- The Neck of the Ukulele is crafted from Maple
- This tonewood variety covers a wide tonal range
- Looks aesthetically appealing
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Ease of use
- Easily portable
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues in tunning
4. Best in durability: Vault UK 100C 24 inch Arched Back Concert Ukulele With Gig Bag
Specifications: Item Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 10 cm | Top Material Type: Wood, Mahogany, Rosewood | Bracing Pattern: Soprano Ukulele
The Vault UK 100C is another good option for beginners looking for a Concert ukulele. It measures 24 inches in size and features an arched back body shape. The Neck of the Ukulele is crafted from Mahogany Laminate, which makes it strong and rigid, thus providing a clean sound. The fretboard of this concert ukulele is crafted from techwood, which delivers sounds rich in fundamentals. The sound of techwood is characterized by a throaty low end, bright treble notes, and a scooped mid-range. The OX-Bone Saddle helps the ukulele strings to stay In-Tune for longer playing. Its self-lubricating properties help it resist strings hitching in the slots and going out of tune.
What do users say about it: Customers love the sound of this Ukulele. They also like the appearance and color of the stringed instruments.
Why should you buy this?
- The OX-Bone Saddle helps the ukulele strings to stay in tune
- The Fretboard of this concert ukulele is crafted from techwood offering rich sounds in fundamentals
- It has an arched back body shape
Pros:
- Made of mahogany wood
- Durable
Cons:
- Users have said that the gigbag that comes along with this guitar is not good
5. Best in size: Kala KA-P Mahogany Pineapple Soprano Ukulele
Specifications: Item Dimensions: 65 x 24 x 10 cm | Top Material Type: Sapele | Colour: Natural
The Kala KA-P Mahogany Pineapple Soprano Ukulele is best suited for casual strummers and music students. It features a mahogany body and a rosewood fretboard. Graph Tech’s NuBone nut is fitted to the ukulele to achieve a fully rounded sound. The Aquila Super Nylgut strings ensure a bright and clear sound. The KA-P is a part of Kala’s budget line of ukuleles. Musicians will also admire its craftsmanship.
What do users say about it: Customers love the sound of this Ukulele. They also like the appearance and color of the stringed instruments.
Why should you buy this?
- This ukulele offers a fundamental warm tone with strong lows and strong midrange
- Rosewood fretboard improves clarity and makes it sustainable
- Compact and lightweight size for easy transportation
Pros:
- Good build quality
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable to play
Cons:
- Users have shared that frets are buzzing
FAQs:
1. What are the best brands of ukulele in India?
If you are a beginner, ukuleles from the Kendence brand are the best choice. Other affordable ukulele brands include Ashton, Granada, FiliaKadence, and Greg Bennett.
2. How much does a good ukulele cost in India?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as prices for ukuleles can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and location. However, a good rule of thumb is to expect to pay anywhere from Rs 1,500 to Rs 7,500 for a quality ukulele.
