Welcome to my review of the best ukuleles for professionals. Today I’m going to dissect some of the finest ukulele models that were ever built, as well as touch on topics like the biggest ukulele brands, professional ukulele bundles, and more.
Quick Look: Best Ukuleles for Professionals
★ #1 Best Ukulele for Professionals Overall: Kala KA-S ★
- Best Low-Cost Ukulele for Professionals: Ranch Concert Ukulele
- Best Mid-Range Ukulele for Professionals: Kala Makala Waterman
- Best Boutique Ukulele for Professionals: Fender Grace VanderWaal
- Best Electric Acoustic Ukulele for Professionals: Fender Fullerton
- Best Ukulele for Professionals Under $1,000: Lanikai QMBLCET
- Best Ukulele for Professionals Under $500: Islander SAS-4
- Best Concert Ukulele for Professionals: Makala MK-C Concert
- Best Tenor Ukulele for Professionals: Cordoba 15TM Tenor
- Best Baritone Ukulele for Professionals: Makala MK-B Baritone
I strongly suggest that you check out the buying guide before you get to the reviews. It contains valuable info that you’ll need in order to make a proper, educated decision on which model is the best professional ukulele for you.
About Ukulele for Professionals
Touring and gigging ukulele players need to bring their best game to every show. Being well-equipped for a session or a concert means that you have the right instrument in your hands, and your best bet is a professional one.
In essence, professional ukuleles are sturdier, easier to play, and boast a fuller, substantially richer tone. Even though searching for a budget ukulele is much easier, I’ve made sure to pick a variety of professional models in each price range.
About Professionals Music
Beginners spend most of their time learning bits and pieces of music theory. Intermediately-skilled players sometimes form bands or perform in front of their friends. For professionals, however, playing their ukulele is their bread and butter.
Now, anyone who happens to be in the ukulele-playing side of the music business knows that professional musicians have two roles: doing sessions for other artists, and trying to get your name out there (either as a standalone performer or with a band).
Either way, you’ll need a professional, versatile ukulele that you can rely on to get you where you’re headed.
Types of Ukuleles for Professionals
The standard categorization of ukuleles applies to professional ones as well. However, pro ukulele players sometimes favor one type or the other, and most avoid sopranos and sopraninos, for example. The typical categorization of ukuleles is as follows:
Concert
This ukulele type is the second-smallest one, sporting a 2-inch taller neck in comparison to the tiny soprano. Professionals who participate in established circuits (playing several shows a day) often play a concert ukulele mainly because it’s super small and light.
See More: Best Concert Ukuleles for Beginners Buyer’s Guide
Tenor
Tenor ukuleles are generally a bit louder, so professionals who don’t particularly like semi-electric models favor these ukuleles. They’re decently light and easy to handle, although their tone is slightly warmer than that of a concert ukulele.
Baritone
The largest instrument in the ukulele family is the baritone. This bassy behemoth is big, heavy, and typically used by session players who want to get the biggest, fullest sound with minimal accessories.
Semi-electric
A ukulele that’s supplied with built-in electronics can be wired up to an amplifier, which can be any conventional type. Most professionals use these ukuleles as semi-acoustic models that provide unparalleled tone and volume control.
Travel
Compact, lightweight ukuleles that are both easy to handle and simple to transport. Travel ukuleles normally have slimmer bodies and are made of lightweight tonewoods.
Even though “standard” ukuleles may sound a bit better, travel ukuleles are often found in a professional player’s arsenal, at least as a replacement for their go-to ukulele.
10 Best Ukuleles for Professionals
I’ve handpicked the most valuable, best-performing, sturdiest, and best-sounding professional ukuleles.
The market isn’t exactly brimming with models such as these, so I hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for after reading my review of the best ukuleles for professionals.
1. Kala KA-S Satin Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
- Frets: 12
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Soprano
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Mahogany construction, satin finish
- Best for: Best overall – most versatile, best-sounding ukulele on the market
Even though I’m not the biggest fan of soprano ukuleles (as I consider them beginner instruments), Kala KA-S Satin surprised me with its beautiful sound. This ukulele offers unprecedented playability, a full-bodied and balanced tone, and to top it all off, it’s also decently affordable.
✅ Well-balanced sonic performance
✅ Highly durable
✅ Perfect intonation
✅ Beautiful aesthetics
❌ The binding is prone to dents and cracks
❌ No accessories
Why I Recommend It
Unless you’re looking for something specific, I warmly recommend that you try out Kala’s KA-S soprano ukulele.
It’s remarkably versatile in virtually all aspects of performance, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and it stays in tune for weeks on end. Be careful how you store it, though, as its binding is the only flimsy part on it.
2. Ranch Concert Ukulele Kit
- Frets: 18
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Concert
- Included in the box: Gig bag, clip-on tuner, Aquila Super Nylgut strings, polishing cloth, ukulele strap
- Material & finish: Mahogany neck and headstock; sapele top, back, and sides; gloss finish
- Best for: Best low-cost ukulele for professionals
If you’re on the market searching for a quality professional ukulele, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for it, I think you’ll be more than satisfied with Ranch Concert Ukulele Kit. The bundle offers a bunch of accessories and a sturdy, warm-sounding ukulele at an approachable price tag.
✅ Packed with a variety of cool accessories
✅ Warm, controllable sound
✅ Lightweight and highly playable
✅ Exceptional affordability
❌ Low volume
❌ Relatively flimsy
Why I Recommend It
I recommend Ranch’s Ukulele Instrument Kit to every professional who may be looking for a backup ukulele. The accessories are handy to have on tour since some of yours may break down just when you need them, and on top of everything, it’s available at a dirt-cheap price.
3. Kala Makala Waterman Concert Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Concert
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: ABS-construction, chalkboard finish
- Best for: Best mid-range ukulele for professionals
A professional should, in my opinion, search for road-worthy instruments that can survive thousands of miles without giving in.
The Kala Makala Waterman is an excellent example of such an instrument, as it’s made of premium-quality ABS material. It’s slightly pricier than average, but it holds tremendous value for the buck.
✅ Unparalleled durability
✅ Strong, vibrant tone
✅ Terrific intonation
✅ Unique aesthetic style
❌ Minimal versatility
❌ Difficult to repair, though easy to maintain
Why I Recommend It
Kala’s Waterman is a workhorse. It’s one of the strongest, most durable ukuleles I’ve used, and it sounds much better than you’d expect. Even though it may not be as good as some models in the Makala series, it packs quite a bang for the buck.
4. Fender Grace VanderWaal Signature Ukulele
- Frets: 17
- Pickup type: Fishman Kula pickup system
- Body shape: Soprano
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Sapele construction
- Best for: Best boutique ukulele for professionals
America’s Got Talent winner Grace VanderWaal certainly made quite a few ripples in the ukulele world when she got on stage, and here we’re looking at her signature Fender Grace VanderWaal model made by none other than Fender.
This is one of the best-sounding semi-acoustic ukuleles that the current market has to offer, although you should be prepared to pay top dollar for it.
✅ High-tier preamp system
✅ Tremendous tonal versatility
✅ Exceptional playability
✅ Durable
❌ Expensive
❌ A bit smaller than average
Why I Recommend It
At first glance, you may think that Grace’s Signature Ukulele is a toy, but you’d be sorely mistaken. This ukulele packs a massive, well-balanced tone, and it was great enough to win VanderWaal the first spot in front of the world’s sternest critics, so I’d wager it’ll sound just about right to anyone else.
5. Fender Fullerton Telecaster Ukulele – Butterscotch Blonde
- Frets: 18
- Pickup type: Fender preamp pickup system
- Body shape: Telecaster
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Spruce and mahogany construction, butterscotch blonde finish
- Best for: Best electric-acoustic ukulele for professionals
As both a ukulele and guitar player, I’ve found the Fender Fullerton to be the closest thing to my vintage Tele. This is a uniquely-designed semi-acoustic ukulele that offers a rocky tone with a tinge of overdrive, making it perfect for pretty much any musical genre and playing style.
✅ Iconic Telecaster design
✅ Superb sound quality
✅ Highly durable
✅ Unique design
❌ Potential problems with intonation
❌ Minimal gain within its sonic signature
Why I Recommend It
The Fullerton Telecaster is one of the most exquisite professional ukuleles available, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to stand out with a different kind of sound and aesthetic.
6. Lanikai QMBLCET Ukulele
- Frets: 17
- Pickup type: Fishman Kula pickup system
- Body shape: Tenor
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Quilted maple construction, gloss finish
- Best for: Best ukulele for professionals under $1,000
This is one of the few ukulele models that I’m glad I spent more than a few hundred dollars on. Basically, it has it all – it packs a remarkably comfortable neck, Fishman electronics, a massive tone, and it was even pre-strung with D’Addario strings.
Simply put, the Lanikai QMBLCET may be a luxury, but it’s worth every single cent, as its performance can’t be matched by the vast majority of boutique ukuleles.
✅ One of the best-sounding ukuleles on the market
✅ Absolutely gorgeous gloss finish
✅ Tremendous sound, Fishman electronics
✅ Durable
❌ Very expensive
❌ Difficult to maintain
Why I Recommend It
When I tried this ukulele out, I didn’t pay too much heed to its cost. It won me over with its unique tone, and I’d already fallen for its looks and feel. If you value these things in an ukulele, look no further than the Lanikai QMBLCET.
7. Islander SAS-4
- Frets: 17
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Soprano
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Sides, back & top made of acacia, okume neck, fingerboard & bridge made of walnut, satin finish
- Best for: Best ukulele for professionals under $500
Aside from the fact that it may be one of the classiest ukuleles out there, Islander SAS-4 is also among the most versatile models available on the current market. It packs an arsenal of different tonewoods, each contributing to its completely unique sound.
✅ Exquisite sonic signature
✅ Highly durable and playable
✅ Pre-strung with Aquila strings
✅ Perfect intonation
❌ Expensive
❌ Extremely hard to repair (due to unique tonewoods)
Why I Recommend It
Basically, if you can’t afford Lanikai’s ukulele, I suggest Islander’s SAS-4 as it’s a more than adequate substitute. This ukulele offers a unique sound and feel, and it’s durable to boot, even though it’s a tad pricier than you’d imagine.
8. Makala MK-C Concert Mahogany Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Concert
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Mahogany construction, satin finish
- Best for: Best concert ukulele for professionals
In my humble opinion, concert ukuleles are perfect for professional musicians who frequently play shows. The Makala MK-C was my go-to during my golden days of gigging and touring, as it’s much lighter than average and stays in tune for extended periods.
✅ Quality mahogany construction
✅ Lightweight
✅ Decently durable
✅ Comfortable neck
❌ A bit more expensive than an average concert ukulele
❌ Low volume
Why I Recommend It
Polish it a bit and replace the factory strings, and you’ve got a perfect touring ukulele. It’s sturdy, it sounds great, and it remains in tune across multiple shows — what’s more to like?
9. Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Tenor
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: Mahogany construction, gloss finish
- Best for: Best tenor ukulele for professionals
Tenors are louder and slightly heavier than concert ukuleles, so I normally use the Cordova 15TM when I expect a bigger crowd. This ukulele offers a remarkable blend of quality tonewoods and hardware, and I think there are maybe a few tenor models that could aspire to reach its level of performance.
✅ Staggeringly beautiful
✅ Well-rounded performance
✅ Rich, full-bodied tone
✅ Relatively affordable
❌ Ultra-slim neck
❌ A tad heavier than average
Why I Recommend It
Cordoba’s 15TM is a great-sounding tenor with a big, distinct tone. It stays in tune, and it’s much more durable than average. I warmly recommend this model to anyone who demands these qualities out of their instrument.
10. Makala MK-B Baritone Mahogany Ukulele
- Frets: 18
- Pickup type: No pickup
- Body shape: Baritone
- Included in the box: Standalone ukulele
- Material & finish: All-mahogany construction, gloss finish
- Best for: Best baritone ukulele for professionals
Let’s wrap it up with the Makala MK-B Baritone from Kala’s Makala series. Essentially, this ukulele is more than twice as heavy as an average tenor ukulele and substantially bigger, but if you want to be heard, there’s no better instrument.
✅ Remarkable volume
✅ Stays in tune for extended periods
✅ Surprisingly bright tone
✅ Excellent for both live shows and studio sessions
❌ Expensive
❌ Very heavy
Why I Recommend It
MK-B offers a tremendously beautiful tone at ultra-high volumes, which makes it perfect for unplugged gigs and session work when an organic tone is mandatory. It’s pricey and heavy, but such is the case with most baritone ukuleles.
Best Ukuleles Brands for Professionals
Some companies do a better job at producing high-quality ukuleles than others. Their ukulele models are sturdier, richer in tone, and superior in all fields of performance when compared to average ukulele brands.
You may want to check out some of these names.
Kala
Kala is, by far, one of the (if not the) most popular ukulele brands out there. They offer a huge and versatile array of entry-level instruments, and their catalog of professional ukuleles is beyond formidable.
Fender
Fender is a titan in the guitar-making world, but not many people know that they also offer a broad selection of top-shelf ukuleles. If you’re searching for a quality acoustic-electric, I recommend starting with them.
Lanikai
Lanikai is a brand that’s earned their reputation as a boutique ukulele manufacturer. Even though Kala and Cordoba offer a bit more variety with their models, Lanikai’s range is packed with ukuleles that are in a league of their own as far as performance is concerned.
Cordoba
Another heavy hitter, Cordoba is sometimes wrongly perceived as a “beginner’s ukulele brand.” The truth is that they produce state-of-the-art ukuleles across all price point categories while particularly excelling in manufacturing top-tier models.
Ranch
As always, I wanted to include a brand that is slightly less renowned than Kala, Cordoba and Fender. One of Ranch’s ukuleles made it on this list because it offers an excellent compromise between price and quality, making it ideal for people on a budget.
Things to Consider When Choosing Ukuleles
Professional ukuleles are easy to spot. They stand out with their design, aesthetics, and obviously, their price tag.
These are some of the most important factors you should keep in mind when searching for a professional ukulele.
Size
Each ukulele size type offers the player a different set of benefits and drawbacks:
- Soprano: The smallest and lightest ukulele type, soprano ukuleles have the quietest volume, making them perfect for practice.
- Concert: Just a tad bigger and heavier than soprano, the concert ukulele is remarkably well-balanced, but still pretty quiet.
- Tenor: This ukulele type is average in terms of size and weight, but it’s significantly louder and offers more overtones.
- Baritone: It’s the biggest and heaviest ukulele type. Most baritone models pack a unique sonic signature, even though their playability is slightly lower.
Wood
Traditional ukulele players used koa wood to manufacture these beautiful instruments. Nowadays modern ukuleles are similar to guitars in terms of construction, so you’ll commonly see models made of mahogany, rosewood, and the like.
Ebony is not an overly common tonewood, but it’s one of the best-sounding and most durable wood types an ukulele can have. Rosette and maple are my personal preferences, while I’m not too keen on ABS (hardwood), even though it’s tough as nails.
Finish
The finish is mostly aesthetic, although professional players will notice the added weight and a tinge of difference in the sound of ukuleles that were spray-painted. Even so, this is one of the least-impactful factors on the list.
The Overall Tone & Sound
The combination of tonewoods and design dictate how well any ukulele will sound. The finish plays a certain role to some extent, but the wood pieces are substantially more important.
Obviously, this is among the most important elements of any ukulele’s performance, so you should go for tonewoods such as mahogany, nato, or maple. If you happen upon a koa-made ukulele, don’t think twice and grab it.
Price
Most professional ukuleles are expensive, so you should be prepared to pay top dollar for a quality model. However, exceptions are out there; for instance, Ranch’s ukulele instrument kit offers excellent value to pro ukulele players who can’t afford Fenders, Kalas, or Cordobas.
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In Conclusion
Before I pull the curtains down on this review of the best professional ukuleles, I’d like to wish you luck in your search for the best-sounding and sturdiest ukulele.
You can’t go wrong if you pick Kala’s KA-S, or if you’re more into semi-electric models, Fender’s Telecaster ukulele should be an obvious choice. Alternatively, Ranch’s professional ukulele instrument pack is a terrific option for people who are short on cash.
