The ukulele has seen a boom in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They are easy to learn, low cost, and compact enough for travel. They sometimes get a bum rap as being a toy instrument. That’s simply not true. The best ukuleles share all the same tonal complexity and harmonic resonance of any acoustic instrument. That’s why we’ve taken the time to highlight the best ukuleles in 2023 for beginners and pros.
Strumming its strings will transport you to an island beach, even if you’re in the heart of a bustling city. This instrument’s complex tones also make it a perfect option for a wide range of musical genres, from folk and pop to reggae and even rock.
And with notable players including John Lennon, Eddie Vedder, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, we know you’ll find plenty of songs to hone your skills with.
This post highlights the best ukulele features from brands like Martin, Fender, and Mahalo. So let’s dive right in!
*Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below and as an Amazon associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. However, these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.
Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
Martin is a staple brand among acoustic guitar players, so we were understandably excited to see what their flagship soprano ukulele could offer. We were not disappointed. While it may cost as much as a mid-range electric, the Martin S1 delivers tones, projection, and build quality far superior to many competitors.
The S1 features an all-mahogany construction, which is much better suited to the higher range of the instrument than a brighter tonewood. It still sounds very rich and full-bodied strumming open chords, whilst retaining that typical ‘plink’ you’d expect from an instrument of this scale length.
Whether you’re playing traditional Hawaiian music, rock, country, folk, or bluegrass, these ukuleles deliver a natural playing experience that you will love. And, as a quality instrument, Martin S1 is a ukulele that will last you a lifetime. Purchase on Amazon now.
Fender Fullerton Stratocaster Ukulele
Calling all Fender enthusiasts! The Fullerton Strat is an ideal ukulele for anyone who’s a self-diagnosed Fender addict. But, the Fender Fullerton Stratocaster is not just good-looking, it’s well-made too. The Mahogany body, maple neck and walnut fingerboard provide full, rich tones.
The Fullerton Strat ukulele even features a built-in preamp, giving you the option to enjoy it unplugged or plugged into an amp if you so wish. You might not find those Hank Marvin or John Frusciante-inspired Strat tones, but the Fullerton Strat ukulele still sounds rich and pleasing.
It is the perfect choice for the ukulele player looking to inject the spirit of rock ‘n roll into every performance. Shop here on Amazon!
Mahalo MR1 Soprano Ukulele
Mahalo MR1 is one of the best ukuleles for beginners at a very friendly price. As a complete package, including a handy carry bag, this tiny treat offers superb value. Simple enough to pick up and play, yet with more than a few neat touches of its own, the MR1 is the perfect starter uke for anybody of any age. It’s also available in a wide range of colors!
Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
As Cordoba’s best-selling ukulele, the 15CM is specially designed to suit new players while maintaining high quality. The 15CM boasts superb build quality and a killer tonal combination of a mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fingerboard. Its silver button tuners make it a breeze to tune your ukulele and maintain tuning for uninterrupted playing.
The 14.75” scale length of this concert model makes it slightly larger than a standard soprano, so it’s the ideal step-up for adult learners who’ve outgrown their first ukulele. Purchase here on Amazon.
Lanikai ACST-B Acacia
Baritone ukuleles provide a much rounder, deeper tone which works well for slower styles of music. With a slightly longer scale length and wider neck, they are great for adults particularly. The Lanikai ACST-B utilizes acacia as a tonewood, which really brings out the depth of the sound, making for a more mellow tone than you’d perhaps associate with a ukulele.
We particularly loved the maple binding around the body, which is a nice touch. It is definitely one of the best ukuleles on the market in 2023, though it does come with a hefty price tag. Purchase on Amazon today.
Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele
The all-mahogany construction of a Gibson Les Paul has gone down in history, so credit to Epiphone for offering ukulele players the chance to get in on the action. The Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele is an electro-acoustic tenor voiced ukulele, where the all-mahogany body and neck really bring out the potential warmth that 17” scale length can deliver.
The onboard undersaddle electronics offer great amplified tones, while nice touches like the Les Paul-shaped pickguard and headstock signature add up to a sweet little piece of rock history. Order this beauty on Amazon today.
In Conclusion
This compact four-stringed instrument with Hawaiian roots has charmed its way into the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. Ukuleles are undeniably awesome and a great addition to any music studio or home.
