How to choose the right ukulele
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For most beginners, a concert-size ukulele with a solid top is the sweet spot: it sounds fuller than a soprano, fits most hands, and stays affordable. Look for a brand with a good setup reputation, like Kala, Lanikai, or Cordoba, and budget for a tuner and new strings. Avoid the cheapest no-name options, which often have high action and dull tone.
What size ukulele should I buy?
Ukuleles come in four main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Soprano is the classic, bright, and small, great for traditional sound but can feel cramped for larger hands. Concert is a step up in body and scale length, offering a warmer tone and a bit more room, making it the most popular choice for adult beginners. Tenor has a bigger, louder voice and is favored by players who want to fingerpick or play with others, while baritone is tuned differently (like the top four strings of a guitar) and is a different beast altogether. If you’re buying your first uke, concert is the safest bet. It’s still compact and portable, but the extra fret spacing makes chords easier to grab. If you have very small hands or you’re buying for a child, a soprano is fine. If you already play guitar or want a deeper sound, a tenor might feel more natural. Most ukuleles in these sizes range from about 20 to 30 inches in total length, but the exact feel varies by brand.
What’s the difference between laminate and solid wood?
Laminate wood is made of thin layers pressed together, which makes it durable, resistant to humidity changes, and cheaper to produce. Solid wood is a single piece of tonewood, which resonates more and typically sounds richer as it ages. For a first uke, a laminate body is perfectly fine, it’s tough and sounds good enough. But if you can stretch your budget, a solid top (with laminate back and sides) gives you a noticeable upgrade in tone without breaking the bank. Solid wood requires more care: it can crack in very dry or very humid conditions, so you’ll want to store it in a case and avoid leaving it in a hot car. Laminate is more forgiving, which is why many travel ukes use it. The trade-off is that laminate won’t “open up” over time the way solid wood does, but for most beginners, that’s not a dealbreaker.
Which ukulele brands are reliable for beginners?
Kala is the go-to brand for many teachers and shops, they make a wide range of models from budget-friendly to pro-level, and their setup is usually decent out of the box. Lanikai is another solid choice, known for good intonation and playability at entry-level prices. Cordoba, a brand with strong classical guitar roots, offers well-made ukes with a warm, balanced voice. Other names like Ohana, Makala (Kala’s budget line), and Fender also have good options. Avoid no-name brands from marketplaces that don’t have a reputation for quality control. A cheap uke can have sharp frets, high action, and poor tuning stability, which makes learning frustrating. If you’re on a tight budget, look for a Makala or a Kala from a reputable dealer, and consider spending a little extra on a setup service if available.
How much should I spend on a ukulele?
You can find playable ukuleles for but they often require a setup (adjusting the nut and bridge) to play comfortably. A better starting point is the – range, where you’ll get a solid top or a well-made laminate, better tuners, and a more consistent build. If you can spend a few hundred dollars, you’ll get all-solid wood, premium hardware, and a tone that will satisfy you for years. Don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive uke, a uke with a good setup will serve you well for a long time. The biggest cost is often the accessories: a tuner, a case, and a strap. Many starter bundles include these, but they’re often low quality. It’s better to buy the uke alone and pick a decent tuner and a padded gig bag separately.
What accessories do I need with a ukulele?
At minimum, you need a clip-on tuner (essential, ukuleles go out of tune quickly), a set of replacement strings (the factory strings are often poor), and a gig bag or case for protection. A strap is helpful if you plan to play standing up, and a capo is useful if you want to play in different keys. A humidifier is a must if you live in a dry climate and have a solid wood uke. Strings are a personal choice: fluorocarbon strings are bright and clear, while nylon strings are warmer and softer. Many players upgrade to a brand like Worth or Aquila for better tone and tuning stability. If you’re buying a budget uke, swapping the strings is the cheapest way to improve its sound.
How do I know if a ukulele is set up well?
A good setup means the strings are the right height above the frets (not too high, not too low), the frets are smooth, and the intonation is accurate. You can test this by playing each string open and then at the 12th fret, the note should be the same pitch, just an octave higher. If it’s sharp or flat, the intonation is off. Also, check that the tuners turn smoothly and hold pitch. If you’re buying online, read reviews about the brand’s quality control. Many shops offer a free setup with purchase, take advantage of that. If you’re buying in a store, ask the staff to check the action and intonation. A poorly set up uke can make you think you’re a bad player when it’s actually the instrument.
Frequently asked questions
Is a soprano ukulele too small for adults?
Not necessarily, many adults play sopranos, but the tighter fret spacing can make chords feel cramped if you have larger fingers. A concert size is often more comfortable for adult beginners, but soprano is still a valid choice for its classic sound and portability.
What’s the best ukulele for a child?
A soprano is usually the best fit for kids because it’s small and light. Look for a model with a low action (strings close to the fretboard) so small hands don’t have to press hard. Brands like Kala and Makala offer good starter sopranos.
Do I need to learn to read music to play ukulele?
No, most ukulele players learn from chord charts and tabs, which are visual and easy to pick up. You can start playing songs within minutes, and reading music is optional for deeper music theory.
Can I tune a ukulele like a guitar?
No, a standard ukulele is tuned G-C-E-A (from top string to bottom), which is different from a guitar’s E-A-D-G-B-E. However, a baritone ukulele is tuned D-G-B-E, which matches the top four strings of a guitar, so guitarists may find it easier to transition to a baritone.
How often should I change ukulele strings?
Every 3 to 6 months if you play regularly, or sooner if they sound dull or feel rough. Strings are cheap, and a fresh set can revive a tired-sounding uke. If you’re a beginner, changing strings is a good skill to learn early.
What’s the difference between a concert and tenor ukulele?
Concert is slightly smaller and has a brighter, more traditional tone, while tenor is larger with a deeper, louder sound. Tenor also has more fret spacing, which some players prefer for fingerpicking. Both are tuned the same (G-C-E-A), so it’s mostly about feel and volume.