If you are looking to buy a reliable, high-quality ukulele, you have come to the right place!
Whether you are looking for high-end premium options or you’re trying to find the best ukulele brands for beginners, we’ve got you covered!
We have consulted all of our trusted ukulele connoisseurs in our team to provide you with a definitive list of the best ukulele brands and companies currently on the market!
These are the best ukulele brands on the market right now:
Kala
Top-notch products in every tier of their line of models
This ukulele manufacturer is very popular for a reason. Since their inception, they have solely focused on perfecting their craft as uke makers.
As a result, they are known to be one of the best ukulele brands for professional musicians, as well for beginners and everyone in between.
Kala’s incredibly rich catalog is sure to provide you with literally anything you need. Their affordable beginner models are very well crafted and are sure to serve you for quite some time.
Just check out the KA-15S soprano ukulele (link to Amazon) and see/hear for yourself.
As far as their top-rated line of products goes, the KOA-CT-T Port Orford Cedar Top tenor uke (link to Sweetwater) might just be one of the very best out there on the market.
Cordoba
The choice of build materials of the highest possible quality
There is no talk of good ukulele brands without mentioning the guys and gals at Cordoba!
Cordoba is notorious for using high-quality woods. A lot of their ukes are either made of mahogany or spruce and you are sure to be getting some spectacular sonic textures out of their models.
The 15CM-E concert ukulele (link to Amazon) is one of their most popular models and for a really good reason. You can find their models in different sizes which really adds to the versatility of choice.
Another one of the main draws of this manufacturer’s line of ukes is the fact that some of them come with the pickup installed. That feature makes these puppies incredible in both live and studio situations.
Lohanu
Great beginner options with a lifetime warranty for every one of their products
Just by reading the name of this company you could be sure that they are from Hawaii, right? Well, no. This bunch is from… Wait for it… Canada.
Geo fun facts aside, the folks at Lohanu make some of the best and most affordable beginner ukulele options.
Although you probably won’t find many premium ukes in their line of products, you are sure to find some of the best “bang for your buck” options.
One of the coolest things about this manufacturer is the fact that they offer a lifetime warranty with every one of their instruments.
Martin
The pinnacle of ukulele craftsmanship and the choice of material
Now, these folks are like the Steinway of the uke-making game. The craftsmanship of the builders at Martin is legendary and with these ukes, you are sure to be getting a high-end boutique-level product.
Having said that, it is worth noting that all of their products are anything but affordable. Well, for us average folk at least.
Their use of high-quality parts is also worth noting. From tonewoods to hardware, you are really getting a premium product in the truest sense of the word.
However, if you are not into spending thousands of dollars on your uke but still want a Martin, check out the Martin 1T IZ tenor ukulele (link to Sweetwater). That just might be the answer to your prayers.
Luna
Spectacular looks and clever designs
If nothing else, the ukes made by people at Luna are most definitely the best-looking ones out there on the market. Bar none.
The impeccable design really livens up the somewhat boring and predictable traditional ukulele designs.
With their loud mixture of colors and textures, you are sure to find a great instrument for your eccentric artistic needs.
Another one of the coolest things about Luna is the fact that you can freely enroll in their Luna Tribe and Luna University learning platforms once you buy one of their products.
Donner
Extremely affordable
Affordability is the name of the game here! With a surprisingly vast range of different products available, the Donner ukes are extremely beginner and budget-friendly.
Although you cannot expect anything resembling a “top-of-the-line” instrument, the Donner ukuleles are sure to satisfy all of your beginner needs and desires.
Frequently asked question about ukulele brands
What brands to avoid?
Just avoid buying your ukulele at supermarket. Besides those trappings, you are sure to find at least decent options within every uke manufacturer’s line of products.
What ukulele brands do professionals play?
Well, you can definitely find some Martins and Kalas in their hands.
What brand ukulele does Billie Eilish play?
In collaboration with Fender, Billie has done her own signature ukulele model which she plays exclusively.
What brand ukulele does Eddie Vedder play?
He is known for using many different models and brands, but more often than not, you can see him play a Mya-Moe Striped Myrtle Tenor Classic.
What brand ukulele does Grace VanderWaal play?
Yet another Fender endorsee here! She has two Fender models under her name, the signature and Moonlight.
What brand ukulele does Tyler Joseph play?
He predominantly uses Kala Hawaiian Koa Tenor.
What brand ukulele does Jake Shimabukuro play?
Shimabukuro is well known for playing the Kamaka 4-string tenor ukulele.
Conclusion
All in all, you can rest easy knowing that we are living in the golden age of ukulele production. Whatever it is that you need at a specific point in time, you are sure to find it!
This guide is specifically designed to guide you through the superabundant choices that are currently available on the market, so you don’t get lost and confused.
So, until next time – aloha!
