Rating of the best ukulele manufacturers for 2022

Ukulele is a stringed, plucked instrument. A four-string scaled-down version of a conventional acoustic guitar. Unusual sound, ease of use and relatively low price made the instrument popular.

A bit of history

Oddly enough, the birthplace of the ukulele is Europe, or rather Portugal. In the 18th century, mandolins and guitars were quite expensive. In addition, bulky tools were inconvenient to carry. Therefore, itinerant musicians began to make cheaper and lighter versions of the instruments - cavaquinho.

In the Hawaiian Islands, the kavakinyo ended up with the settlers, among them was the talented carpenter M. Nunez.Initially, he planned to create furniture, but the grandiose business idea failed and in order to feed their families, the carpenters had no choice but to engage in the production of musical instruments.

The Hawaiians didn't like Cavaquinho. "Jumping flea", "disgusting Portuguese guitar" - this is an incomplete list of offensive nicknames. By the way, the name "jumping flea" came from one version of the style of the game - chaotic finger movements. According to the second, the musicians themselves, who grimaced during the game, were called galloping fleas.

Later, either because the ukulele was appreciated by Princess Victoria Kaiulani herself, or because the Hawaiian acacia served as the material for its manufacture, the natives of Hawaii recognized the unusual sound of the instrument.

The ukulele gained worldwide fame after the performance of the Royal Hawaiian Quartet at an exhibition in San Francisco in 1915.

Ukulele - features

In general, the ukulele is only slightly different from the guitar. Same hollow wood or laminate body, same round resonant hole. But on a shortened and narrowed fretboard, only 12 frets and 4 strings fit.
And, of course, the size. The smallest ukulele is only 53 cm long and weighs just over 300 grams. Easy to fit in a backpack, so there will be no difficulties with transportation.

Kinds

There are 5 types in total. They differ in size, sound volume and capabilities. For example:

1. Soprano is a miniature guitar. Quiet sound and 12 frets. Suitable for travel lovers and as a first tool for a child.
2. Concert - 59 cm long, slightly larger than the previous model. 18 frets allow you to "take" additional sounds for playing instrumental music.
3. Tenor - 66 cm long appeared in the early 20s of the last century.The larger cabinet size provides louder sound. By the way, all famous musicians who perform instrumental compositions on the ukulele use this particular instrument.
4. Baritone - reminiscent of a regular guitar in both sound and EBGD tuning (similar to a six-string guitar). Appeared in the 40s of the last century and is suitable for travel lovers as a travel version.
5. Bass - a smaller copy of the bass guitar. It can be connected to an amplifier and will complement any mixed instrumental group with its sound. Can also be used to play rock songs.

If you want to turn an acoustic guitar into an electric (acoustic) guitar, pickups can be used. These are piezoelectric elements that enhance the sound of the instrument.

Housing material

The sound quality is affected not only by the dimensions of the ukulele - size, thickness, but also by the material from which it is made.

Cheap models are usually made of laminate - three-layer plywood. You can identify them by their bright colors. Such ukuleles look more like toys, and in terms of sound they are not the best option. If you plan to seriously engage in music, then it is better not to buy such guitars. Unless as an interior decoration or a musical toy for a child.

In inexpensive models, mahogany is used. The sound turns out to be muffled, the instrument does not transmit the upper frequencies completely. But at the same time, mahogany has good sound-reflecting properties.
Ukuleles with a body made of solid spruce sound good. They transmit both low and high sounds. They don't "jingle" or "ring". If you want to achieve a full-fledged sound transmission, take a closer look at such tools.

Koa is the Hawaiian acacia. Beautiful tree with wavy patterns, noble color.It was from it that the first ukuleles were made. Koa tools are noticeably more expensive. But they don't stand out in terms of sound.

Exotic zebrano guitars are beautiful. Precious wood with uneven dark stripes on a lighter background looks spectacular. But the sound, according to some owners of ukuleles, is more reminiscent of ringing.

Tip: Unvarnished guitars reproduce the sound best. Unfortunately, it is impossible to do without a protective coating. The main thing is not to buy a guitar, the body of which is covered with a thick layer of varnish. In this case, you can forget about good sound.

How to setup

The easiest way is to download the tuner app on your smartphone. Since the uki has only 4 strings (although some models may have 8 doubles). Turn on the microphone on your smartphone and follow the instructions in the app.

Important: when tuning a ukulele, it is worth considering that the bottom - the thickest string does not emit the lowest sound, unlike a conventional acoustic guitar. On the contrary, it sounds higher than the first three.

How to learn and what to play

Here the possibilities of the ook are comparable to the guitar. There are many instructional videos on the internet. At the same time, the compositions vary from simple lullabies to rather complex musical compositions.
Learning to play the uke is quite easy. Nylon strings are easier to pinch, and your fingers will hurt less. If you have already earned calluses, you can slightly loosen the tension of the strings.

How to choose

If you only plan to learn to play or pick up an instrument for a child, be guided by the price. For starters, an inexpensive uka will do. But it is worth remembering that the tool cannot be cheaper than 2500 - 3000 rubles.Ordering a guitar on Chinese sites is not the best option. Firstly, you can’t check the sound, settings (cheap guitars can’t be tuned by frets, besides, they start to ring over time). Secondly, a fragile tool can be easily damaged during transportation.

Tip: we are only talking about ordering from Chinese sites. There is nothing wrong with buying a Chinese-made guitar in an offline store. You can find an inexpensive and high-quality model from a Chinese manufacturer. For example, from the company Lanikai.

If you choose an instrument for a child, check how easily the strings are clamped. According to connoisseurs, the ukulele is the easiest instrument to use - the soprano. It is perfect for small hands. But for men it is better to choose a uku-concert or a tenor.

The pegs must be securely fastened, without scrolling and loosening. The case is without scratches or cracks.
Listen to the sound - there should be no extraneous crackling and ringing. In a professional shop, the seller will tune the guitar, pick up the necessary accessories.

The body material for a beginner does not really matter. Try to play, listen to the sound. If everything suits you, you can safely take it.

How to choose strings

Depending on the material of the strings, the instrument can change the sound.

1. Nylon is the most common string material. The price doesn't really affect the sound. Unless cheap ones will have to be changed more often.
2. Fluorocarbon - gives a brighter sound and is virtually immune to temperature changes
3. Braided Metal – Metal-core strings are durable, but can produce an extra, unpleasant sound.
4. Metal - practically not used, because they create an additional load on the upper part of the body and neck. Therefore, before buying, it is better to check whether it is possible to use metal strings on a specific model of the uki.

Some manufacturers supply sets consisting of several types of strings - nylon and metal braided.

Best Ukulele Manufacturers for 2022

BATON ROUGE

German brand. The office is located in Tübingen. Despite the fact that the tools are made in China, the quality does not suffer. Budget cost and good sound - a great option for beginners. The material is mainly maple wood.

Feedback on the uk from BATON ROUGE is mostly positive. The only downside is the sound. Someone notes clanging and ringing. But in general, for those who are just starting to learn or acquire an instrument for playing for their own pleasure, this is what you need.

Website: https://www.batonrougeguitars.com/

• budget cost;
• Beautiful design;
• informative site.

• small assortment.

flight

Musical stringed instruments under the Flight brand appeared in the late 80s. The peculiarity of the brand is that the entire model range was developed in collaboration with musicians and teachers. The result is, if not professional, but quite reliable instruments that will withstand any playing style. There are representative offices of the company in many countries of the world - Indonesia, China, Vietnam, India.

Amaro wood was used in the Flight DU design line, and specifically in the Amara model. Luxurious, deep color and clear sound, pickup included.The top deck is one-piece, so the instrument requires careful and careful handling.

Flight also has simpler models, made of mahogany, spruce. The top deck is solid or laminated.
Another great thing about Flight ukuleles is that they all come with a thick fabric case.

• reliability;
• high sound quality;
• beautiful clear sound even with inexpensive instruments.

• no official website.

Kala

American brand with 13 years of history. Offers both budget and exclusive ones, finished with precious woods and mother-of-pearl. For the production of the case, spruce, myrtle, mahogany, koa are used. Prices start at $99, with collectible Hawaiian Koa Gloss models as high as $300.

Especially for beginners, inexpensive plastic ukki are produced. The cost is about 3500 rubles (with a discount - 2500). You should not expect deep sound, but it is quite suitable for beginners.

For connoisseurs of great sound and beautiful design, models from the Ziricote line are suitable - chocolate brown wood with a contrasting finish.

Website: https://kalabrand.com/

• wide model range;
• different price range - you can choose a bite for both a professional game and for training;
• good quality (no complaints from the owners).

• English site.

Mahalo

The brand name is "thank you" in Hawaiian. Was chosen as the distributor of musical instruments by Kikutani Music (Japan). The first ukuleles were released in China in a limited range.

Despite the low prices? Mahalo ukuleles sounded great.The peculiarity of the brand is that it makes exclusively uki. And, according to representatives, he knows absolutely everything about the ukulele.

Today the instruments are made in Indonesia.

In addition to the ukulele, the brand produces accessories - stands, straps, cases, picks, tuners.
Judging by the reviews, the quality of the tools is on top. Good assembly, no complaints about the sound and strings. The only possible drawback is that at the first stage you will often need to tighten the strings. It is worth noting that stretching the strings is quite normal for a new instrument.

Website: https://mahaloukuleles.com.au/

• performance quality;
• the ability to purchase additional accessories;
• clear sound;
• price-quality ratio;
• high-quality and beautiful packaging - when ordering online, you can be sure that the uka will be delivered safe and sound.

• no.

Lanikai

The brand belongs to the German company Hohner. The Lanikai line is the ukulele. For production, mahogany, rosewood are used. Laconic design, beauty of natural wood and clear sound - all this made Lanikai popular in Russia.

Depending on your wishes, you can choose a ukulele with or without a pickup, a miniature soprano or a more solid concert version. Uki keep the system for a long time, they are distinguished by a bright, sonorous sound. It is possible to tune each string (in this regard, the design is similar to electric guitars).

In general, reviews about the Lanikai ukulele are only positive. The only downside is the price. Soprano will cost at least 6,000 rubles.

Website: http://lanikaiukuleles.com/

• quality assembly;
• pure sound;
• in the manufacture of noble wood species are used.

• expensive.

Pono

A subsidiary brand of the Hawaiian workshop Ko'olau Ukuleles. The guitars are assembled in Indonesia. Quality control is the strictest. Wood for the hull is kept for 6 months at a humidity of 45%, the production process takes place at the same humidity.

Extensive range, deep sound. At the same time, the sound is slightly quieter than similar inexpensive models.
Materials for the production of Hawaiian ukuleles use standard ones, namely acacia, mahogany. Body finish - matte or glossy. It is noteworthy that the tenors are equipped with a special rod that can be used to adjust the angle of the neck.

In addition to the ukulele itself, Pono is also a string manufacturer. Sold in sets. Nylon or nylon monofilament to choose from.

• quality control;
• deep sound;
• wide model range.

• price.

Luna

Beautiful ukuleles with the author's design. Each instrument is handcrafted from mahogany, rosewood and koa.

Each model is decorated with the author's drawing. Basically, these are waves, motifs from traditional ornaments resembling tattoos.

Ukuleles from Luna are suitable for both beginners and professional musicians. The price is not budget. A soprano ukulele from the Big Wave line will cost 9,000 rubles.

Website: https://www.lunaguitars.com/

• Beautiful design;
• guitars are made of precious woods, some models are decorated with mother-of-pearl mosaics;
• built-in tuner (depending on model).

• no significant

Kamaka

The brand has a very interesting history. Founder - Samuel Kaialili Kamaka started making ukuleles in the basement of his own house.Later, in 1921, the first store was opened, which featured an oval-shaped pineapple-like specimen of uki. And already in 1928, the original design was patented.
Uki Kamaka will suit connoisseurs of real quality and handmade.

Website: http://www.kamakahawaii.com/

• handmade;
• good sound.

• high price.

The ukulele is a unique instrument that opens up many possibilities for beginners and professionals alike. Great for kids. The main thing is to choose your tool.