Ukulele Brands

There’s no shortage of ukulele brands out there and it’s difficult to know the good ones from the terrible. Hopefully these pages will help you to determine which brands are worth paying attention to and which brands you should avoid.

  • Baton Rouge

    Baton Rouge are a German based guitar and ukulele brand that have gained a very good reputation for making ukuleles that are both affordable and excellent quality. Chinese manufactured.

    Baton Rouge Website
  • Cordoba

    Cordoba have a large range of ukuleles that are well reviewed. Their 15SM soprano is one of their most notable ukuleles.

    Cordoba Website
  • Ibanez

    Ibanez are a long standing guitar brand that turned their hand to ukuleles back in 2009. They’re actually a Japanese business that started importing guitars from luthier Salvador Ibanez (hence the name).

    Ibanez Website
  • Kala

    Kala are one of, if not the biggest ukulele brand in the world. They make a wide range of ukuleles under their main brand name and also sell a budget range under the Makala brand. Well known for consistent quality and one of my most recommended brands.

    Kala Website
  • Kamaka

    Kamaka make some of the finest ukuleles in the world. Based in Hawaii Kamaka have a rich 100 year history. Prices start at around $1,000 and go beyond $2,000.

    One of the most respected ukulele brands in the world.

    Kamaka Website
  • Kanile'a

    Kanile'a are a Hawaiian ukulele brand that make professional grade instruments. Prices are in the thousands and their quality is legendary. Ukulele Underground's Aldrine Guerrero is a big fan.

    Kanile'a Website
  • Lanikai

    Lanikai make entry level ukuleles and are a part of Hohner. Kala founder Mike Upton used to work for Lanikai. No strangers to innovation (they created the first USB ukulele). Generally known for being pretty good.

    Lanikai Website
  • Luna

    Luna ukuleles have a very distinct look and appear all over YouTube due to their laser etched designs. Affordable and generally decent quality.

    Luna Website
  • Mahalo

    Mahalo are a Japanese ukulele brand that make entry-level ukuleles. Mostly known for mass produced cheap ukuleles they do also have a few other tricks up their sleeve with their electric bass and Acacia lines.

    Mahalo Website
  • Noah

    Solid Vietnamese handmade ukuleles at affordable prices. Start at around $200 and go up to the $400 mark. Ben Rouse and Michael Adcock are big Noah fans.

    Noah Website
  • Ohana

    Ohana are a Californian ukulele brand with a great reputation for quality (I own an Ohana SK-25). Generally slightly more expensive than Kala but often considered in the same bracket. They have a great ambassador in Ken Middleton.

    Ohana Website
  • Outdoor

    Outdoor ukulele make composite plastic all-weather ukuleles. Based in Bend, Oregon these ukuleles are built for extreme conditions. Come in a range of colours and sizes. Prices start at $100 for a soprano.

    Outdoor Website
  • Stagg

    Stagg make entry-level (mainly laminate) ukuleles which are very popular on Amazon (not always a good thing).

    Stagg Website