Ukulele Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for You

The ukulele is a compact, charming, and fun-to-play string instrument known for its warm tone and easy learning curve. Whether you're a total beginner, a casual strummer, or a seasoned player looking to expand your acoustic palette, the ukulele offers a delightful musical experience that fits nearly any lifestyle. It's ideal for home practice, group jams, songwriting, or live performance.

At Music Planet, we offer a curated selection of ukuleles for every skill level and style. In this guide, we’ll explore the main types, help match your needs with the right model, and highlight the key features that set each ukulele apart.

Types of Ukuleles

Soprano Ukulele

The smallest and most traditional size, the soprano ukulele delivers a bright, classic tone and is great for beginners or players with smaller hands. Its compact size makes it easy to travel with.

Best for: First-time players, kids, and traditional Hawaiian music lovers.

Concert Ukulele

Slightly larger than the soprano, the concert ukulele provides more volume and a fuller sound. It has more space on the fretboard, which helps with playability.

Best for: Beginners wanting a fuller tone and intermediate players who need more room to explore.

Tenor Ukulele

The tenor ukulele offers even more volume and deeper tone, with a longer neck for expanded musical range. It’s a favorite for solo performers and fingerstyle players.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced players and performers who want enhanced tonal richness.

Baritone Ukulele

The largest standard size, the baritone ukulele sounds closer to a classical guitar and is tuned like one (D-G-B-E). It has a mellow, full-bodied tone.

Best for: Guitarists transitioning to ukulele and players seeking a deep, warm sound.

Electric Ukulele

Electric ukuleles come with pickups and preamps, allowing you to plug into an amp or PA system for performance. Many also include built-in EQ and tuner.

Best for: Gigging musicians, performers, and players wanting amplified sound.

Choosing the Right Ukulele for Your Needs

Learning Your First Instrument

If you’re a beginner or buying for a child, a soprano or concert ukulele is usually the best fit. They’re affordable, easy to hold, and make learning chords simple.

Expanding Your Acoustic Collection

Players with some musical experience may prefer a tenor or baritone ukulele for the added tonal depth and extended range. These models are also better suited to fingerstyle techniques and solo performances.

Playing in a Band or Ensemble

Electric or electro-acoustic ukuleles are ideal when you need to be heard through a mix. Look for models with built-in EQ for tone control and a cutaway body for upper fret access.

Traveling Light

A soprano ukulele is lightweight and compact, perfect for travel. Consider models with included gig bags or padded cases.

Songwriting and Jamming

The ukulele is a favourite for spontaneous songwriting. Concert and tenor models offer a comfortable balance between tone and portability, making them great companions for jam sessions.

Key Features to Consider

When comparing ukuleles, it’s important to look beyond size and shape. Key features affect tone, comfort, and playability.

Tonewood

The wood used for the body impacts the ukulele’s tone and resonance.

Why it matters: Different woods produce different tones—mahogany offers warmth, spruce delivers brightness, and acacia provides a rich, full sound.

How it varies: Entry models often use laminated wood; premium models use solid wood tops or all-solid bodies for better tone.

Size and Scale Length

The size of the instrument and distance between frets.

Why it matters: Affects playing comfort and tonal range. Larger sizes have more sustain and room for expressive playing.

How it varies: Soprano is the smallest; baritone is the largest. Concert and tenor offer a middle ground.

Electronics

Built-in pickups, preamps, and tuners.

Why it matters: Allows you to plug into amps and sound systems, making the uke stage-ready. Some include EQ controls for tone shaping.

How it varies: Not all ukes include electronics. Higher-end models often offer better pickups and more flexible EQs.

Build Quality and Finish

Refers to how well the ukulele is made and the type of surface treatment used.

Why it matters: Impacts playability, durability, and overall tone. A well-made instrument stays in tune and feels better in hand.

How it varies: Cheaper models may have rougher finishes or less stable tuning hardware; premium models have smooth edges, quality tuners, and satin or gloss finishes.

Fretboard and Action

The fretboard material and string height above it.

Why it matters: A smooth fretboard with low action improves comfort and makes it easier to play chords and melodies.

How it varies: Entry-level ukes may have plastic or composite boards, while higher-end models use rosewood or walnut with precision setup.

Popular Brands at Music Planet

Alvarez

Known for its commitment to craftsmanship and value, Alvarez produces high-quality ukuleles with excellent tonewood selection and smooth playability.

Target player: Intermediate to professional players who want expressive tone and elegant design at a fair price.

Stagg

Stagg offers beginner-friendly ukuleles with colorful finishes and accessible pricing. Their models are great for those just starting out or buying a first instrument.

Target player: First-time players, children, and casual musicians looking for good value.

Makala

Makala, a sub-brand of Kala, provides affordable ukuleles with surprisingly good tone and solid construction. They are well-known in schools and beginner circles.

Target player: Students, teachers, and anyone seeking a dependable entry-level option.

Tanglewood

Tanglewood’s ukuleles are crafted with style and comfort in mind, often featuring warm finishes and solid construction. They cater to players who appreciate traditional design with modern reliability.

Target player: Hobbyists and intermediate players wanting well-balanced tone and looks.

Ukulele Accessories

Gig Bags and Cases

Protect your instrument during transport. Soft gig bags are ideal for daily carry, while hard cases offer added protection for travel or gigs.

Tuners

Keeping your uke in tune is essential. Clip-on tuners are accurate, portable, and easy to use.

Stands and Hangers

Keep your ukulele accessible and safe from falls. Floor stands or wall hangers also help showcase your instrument.

Strings

Replacing old strings can improve tone and tuning stability. Try different materials (nylon, fluorocarbon) to find your preferred feel and sound.

Capos

Useful for changing key without altering finger positions, capos are helpful for songwriting and performance.

Final Tips Before You Buy

With its approachable size, joyful tone, and versatility, the ukulele is one of the most rewarding instruments you can learn and play. Whether you’re buying your first model or upgrading to something more professional, understanding the different types, features, and brands will help you find your perfect match.

Still unsure? Visit Music Planet in-store or online to try out different ukes and get expert guidance. Your musical journey starts here!