Category: Ukulele Reviews

Best Electric Ukulele Reviews: 2022 Edition

I’ve collected the best electric ukulele reviews for beginner and intermediate shoppers.

FYI, an electric ukulele is often called an acoustic-electric ukulele. It’s simply a uke that has special electronics that allow it to be plugged into a ukulele amp. These electronics are known as a pickup.

Lohanu Acoustic-Electric Concert and Tenor Ukuleles

Available exclusively on Amazon, Lohanu’s concert and tenor electric ukuleles are some of the most affordable models you’ll find online.

Lohanu’s online-only business model allows them to offer excellent quality and customer service at lower prices than some other brands.

Their all-acoustic ukuleles are among the highest-rated ukes on Amazon, and their electric models are basically the same but with the addition of a pickup.

The Lohanu pickup system includes volume, treble, and bass controls, as well as a built-in tuner. These models both come in a package that includes a gig bag, clip-on tuner, strap, and extra strings.

I have a Lohanu LU-T tenor (no pickup) and love it. Click here to read my full review.

Donner DUC-4E and DUT-4E

Until recently, I didn’t know much about Donner ukes, but I kept seeing them pop on the Amazon bestseller list.

I decided to buy one for a review and was extremely impressed. The build quality and craftsmanship were excellent, and the uke sounded great. I felt it was an amazing value and one of the best overall beginner ukes on the market.

While I haven’t played one of their acoustic-electric models, I would assume that these ukes offer the same level of quality and value as Donner’s non-electric models.

Kala KA-TE & KA-CE

During my time managing a small acoustic music store, I’ve played hundreds of Kala ukes over the years. In my opinion, Kala makes some of the best acoustic-electric ukuleles for under $200.

As I mentioned in my article on the best beginner ukuleles, Kala is a well-established brand and they deliver a lot bang for the buck.

The concert-sized KA-CE and tenor-sized KA-TE are among the least expansive electric ukuleles in the Kala lineup. These models only cost about $50 more than their non-electric counterparts, which is a pretty good deal considering the high cost of a quality aftermarket pickup.

The under-the-saddle pickups on Kala’s acoustic-electric ukes are basic but good. They have controls for volume, bass, and treble, as well as a built-in tuner.

For the most part, these pickups offer a good reproduction of the instrument and are perfect for casual situations like jamming with friends or playing the coffee shop scene.

Cordoba 15CM-E & 20TM-CE Electric Ukuleles

I’ve been extremely impressed with the build quality, tone, and playability of Cordoba’s ukuleles. They make a great product for the money and should be on the shortlist for any player seeking a good beginner electric ukulele.

Both models feature a simple Cordoba-made pickup with volume control. Their more affordable 15CE-E is an ideal entry-level choice, while the tenor-sized 20TM-CE has a larger body and solid top for boosted resonance and richness.

The 20TM-CE also has a herringbone rosette and bridge inlay, adding a touch of class without going overboard.

Luna Electric Ukuleles

Luna is another company I feel offers good quality instruments at a reasonable price.

The pickup has basic volume, bass, and treble controls but no built-in tuners like the Kala models. The above-pictured package includes a gig-bag.

These model’s laser-etched tattoo patterns may not be for everybody, but it’s perfect for players seeking something a bit more unique.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out my full review of the Luna Tattoo concert ukulele.

Best Cheap Electric Ukuleles

The Aklot ukuleles above are the highest-rated cheap electric ukes available online.

At first, I was leery of their ultra-low price point, but after I purchased an AKT26 tenor (no pickup), I was convinced. My Aklot is beautifully made, plays like a dream, and sounds amazing. You can learn more at my full review.

The overall quality of Aklot ukes are hard to beat for the price, and the glowing customer reviews seem to indicate I’m not alone in that opinion.

If you don’t want to break the bank or just want a second uke to goof around with, these models seem to be a pretty safe bet.

Adding a Pickup to Your Ukulele

It’s possible to amplify a non-electric ukulele by adding a pickup. There are a number of different types of pickups, and they all have various pros and cons.

Brad Bordessa over at Live Ukulele has written what I consider the definitive guide to ukulele pickups, so for more on this topic, I’d check out his article.

For what it’s worth, my favorite ukulele pickup is the K&K Aloha Twin. I think these sound amazing, but you’ll probably want to turn to a pro for the installation.

Should You Install a Pickup or Buy an Acoustic-Electric Uke?

So, should you install a pickup in your existing uke, or invest in a new ukulele that already has a pickup installed?

In many cases, it may not make financial sense to pay for an aftermarket pickup installation. Having a skilled tech install a quality pickup can easily cost over $100, which is more than many people paid for their uke in the first place.

For many players, the best option is simply to buy a new ukulele with a pre-installed pickup.

Do-It-Yourself Options

There are a handful of DIY pickup options available online. Most are simple stick-on transducers that you attach to the top of the ukulele with double-stick tape or a tacky putty.

In my experience, these pickups are OK but not great. They get the job done, but the sound is never as good as professionally-installed pickups.

These stick-on pickups are fine if you just you want a cheap and easy way to electrify your uke, but if you plan on performing live or recording, I don’t think they’re the best choice.

There are also some ukulele pickups that use a thin piezo “blade” that slips under the strings on the bridge. I don’t have personal experience with this style of pickup, but it seems like they would sound better than the stick-on versions.

Ukulele Amps

You can’t take full advantage of acoustic-electric ukulele without an amp. I’m posting a handful of good entry-level ukulele amps here, but if you want to learn more, check out my review of the best ukulele amps to find out which model fits your needs and budget.

Even though these amps are sold as guitar amps, they’ll work just fine for a ukulele.

Kala KA-15S Review (2022 Edition)

Kala’s KA-15S soprano ukulele is one of the most popular budget ukuleles on the market. With over 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon it’s a clear crowd favorite, but is it the right uke for you?

If you’re in a hurry, check out the review summary below.​ Otherwise, keep reading for my full review of the Kala KA-15S ukulele.

For this review, I purchased a brand new KA-15S online. My impressions are based on an “out of the box” uke with no tweaks or adjustments of any kind. All pictures are of the actual KA-15S I used for this review.

KA-15S Review Summary

Kala KA-15S Review - Full tilted

4,286 Reviews $65.00 Check Current Price

​I wasn’t sure what to expect from the KA-15S, but after spending some time with it, I think this uke is a great overall value and a natural choice for any budget-conscious player.

The KA-15S is a well-made entry-level uke that looks good, sounds great, and is easy to play. It’s a good choice for beginners seeking a respectable starter uke, but it’s also a great option for seasoned players in search of an affordable second instrument.

The KA-15S is available in a handful of different styles, including the spruce-topped KA-15S-S and the Hawaiian-themed KA-15S-H1.

Update: KA-15C and KA-15T Concert and Tenor Ukes

Due to the popularity of the KA-15S, Kala has released a concert and tenor version of this model–the KA-15C and KA-15T.

These larger body sizes are going to be louder, fuller, and generally just “bigger” sounding than the soprano-sized KA-15s. Some people may also feel more comfortable playing the longer fingerboards on these larger sizes.

While I haven’t played these models, I don’t see why the build quality would be any different for these two larger sizes.

KA-15S Full Review

Kala KA-15S - Body front angle close-up

Build Quality

Kala has developed a reputation for building great ukuleles at affordable price points, and the KA-15S is no exception.

The KA-15S has a clean look and a tight, solid feel. The build quality is far better than the cheap ukes you’ll find in the $20 to $40 range. In fact, I think the craftsmanship is better than some of the more expensive offerings from other brands.

The KA-15S is a very well-built uke for the money, but it’s important to have realistic expectations for an instrument in this price range. If you buy one expecting flawless craftsmanship you might be disappointed.

It’s not unusual for less expensive ukuleles to have some rough edges, glue squeeze-out, finish imperfections, etc. These are simply the compromises manufacturers have to make to offer an instrument at a price this low.

While the craftsmanship on the KA-15S is surprisingly good for the price, it’s not 100% perfect. The important thing is that it plays well and sounds good, which it does!

Setup and Playability

A common issue with entry-level ukes is that the strings are too high off the neck. This is known as “high action” and is generally a bad thing for a couple reasons:

  • Instruments with high action are harder to play
  • High action can cause notes to bend out of tune, especially when playing near the nut

Based on my experiences with other inexpensive ukuleles, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the KA-15S–but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with how well the uke played right out of the box.

Kala KA-15S Review - Setup and Playability

The action was low and even, making it a dream to play. I usually find myself making some minor adjustments to many ukes when I first get them, but the KA-15S didn’t need any tweaking.

Playability was good up and down the neck, and I didn’t experience any buzzing or high frets.

Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
(4286)
$65.00
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Kala 15S Satin Mahogany Ukulele with Hawaiian Island Laser Etching (KA-15S-H1)
Kala 15S Satin Mahogany Ukulele with Hawaiian...
(4351)
$79.00
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Tone

The KA-15S has a sweet, warm tone that really took me by surprise. Compared to other budget soprano ukes I’ve tried, the KA-15S has a lot more bass, volume, and resonance. In fact, I’ve played much more expensive ukes that didn’t sound this good.

There’s always going to be a limit to how much sound a tiny soprano uke like the KA-15S can produce, but this little uke is very impressive (especially considering the price point).

Many budget ukes have a tone that is thin, weak, and generally “dead.” This is often due to their heavy construction, thick finish, and cheap strings. I think the KA-15S avoids these pitfalls thanks to its light build, minimal finish, and high-quality Aquila strings.

Finish

Kala KA-15S Review Finish closeup

The KA-15S has a light matte finish that gives the uke a beautiful natural look. You can see and feel the texture of the wood, but it’s still smooth to the touch. While some might say the finish has a somewhat “raw” appearance, I think it looks great. In my opinion, it’s far better than the thick, plasticky finish found on many other budget ukes.

The light finish also allows the ukulele to resonate more freely, which helps tone. The thick finish on other beginner ukes can dampen the tone and make them sound dead and tinny.

A light sunburst finish on the body, neck, and headstock give the KA-15S some real character. I like how the shading is subtle and doesn’t cover the natural appearance of the wood.

Kala KA-15S rosette and soundhole

The laser engraved rosette is another nice touch. Normally, I’m not crazy about blasting an instrument with lasers, but the minimal rosette looks great and dresses up the uke without going over the top.

Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
4,286 Reviews
Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
  • Kala’s KA-15S came into the world in 2005 as the answer to a high-quality, affordable, entry-level ukulele and still remains the unrivaled ukulele in its class.
  • The KA-15S is well-suited for classroom use, practicing, and acoustic performance. It is the instrument of choice for schools - More people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
  • A very traditional Mahogany Soprano Ukulele in a satin finish with a bright, warm, full-bodied tone.
$65.00
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Soprano Body Size

There are three primary ukuleles sizes: soprano, concert, and tenor. The KA-15S is a soprano-sized ukulele, which is the smallest of the three sizes at only 21″ in length.

Different ukulele sizes comparison diagram

Soprano ukes are compact and more affordable than the larger sizes, but their tone tends to be a bit more “tinkly” and treble-focused compared to bigger ukes.

This doesn’t mean that soprano ukes sound bad. As I mentioned earlier, the KA-15S has a great tone for a budget-priced soprano uke. However, soprano ukes generally have less bass, sustain, and volume than the larger sizes, so if you want a more robust tone you may want to consider a concert or tenor.

Soprano ukuleles can also be a little harder to play for folks with big hands or thick fingers. This is because the frets (metal bars on the neck) are closer together, so there’s less room to maneuver on the fretboard. That being said, many players with large hands adapt to the smaller fingerboard and can play them just as easily as the bigger sizes.

If you think you might need a larger size, check out the larger KA-15C (concert) or KA-15T (tenor) models.

Aquila Nylgut Strings

Kala KA-15S - Body front rotated

Like all Kala ukuleles, the KA-15S comes from the factory with Aquila Nylgut strings.

Many ukulele players agree that Aquila Nylgut strings are among the best-sounding ukulele strings you can get. They have a warm, sweet, harp-like tone and will improve the sound of nearly any instrument.

Tuners

The KA-15S comes with basic open-gear tuners. They’re tight and accurate, which is all you really need from a tuning machine.

Kala KA-15S tuning machines

Many ukes in this price range have tuners with cheap plastic washers around the tuner posts that are ugly and tend to rattle around. The metal washers (more commonly known as grommets) on the KA-15S are another nice touch that you don’t usually see on a budget uke.

When reading customer reviews of the KA-15S, you may come across complaints that the uke won’t stay in tune. These comments drive me crazy because it has nothing to do with the tuners–it’s actually the strings!

Ukulele strings are, by design, very soft and stretchy. They have a long “settling in” period where the strings will need to be tuned over and over until they stabilize. You can learn more about this in my article on why a new ukulele won’t stay in tune.

Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
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Kala Mahogany KA-15S-H2 Soprano Ukulele (Hawiian Islands with Tattoo Band)
Kala Mahogany KA-15S-H2 Soprano Ukulele (Hawiian...
(4286)
$79.00
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NuBone Nut and Saddle

The KA-15S has a nut and saddle made from a material called NuBone. This is a synthetic material that is hard and dense, which is ideal for stringed instruments.

Kala KA-15S saddle

Many inexpensive ukuleles have plastic nuts and saddles. Plastic is cheap, but it’s relatively soft and doesn’t do a good job of transferring string vibration to the top of the instrument.

This is one area where Kala probably could have “cheaped out” without many people noticing. In my opinion, the fact that they chose quality over making an extra couple bucks says a lot.

GraphTech, the company that produces NuBone, also supplies nuts and saddles to top companies like Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Godin, and more.

Frets

Considering the price tag, the KA-15’s fret work is very good. The frets were finished nicely and didn’t stick out past the fretboard, which can be an issue with less expensive ukes. I also didn’t notice any high or low frets​, another common problem with entry-level instruments.

Kala KA-15S Frets

The frets on a KA-15S are brass. While brass is a poor material for guitar frets, the strings on a ukulele are so soft that it would probably take years before you’d notice any kind of fret wear.

Kala KA-15S vs. KA-S vs. Makala MK-S

Kala produces two other soprano ukes that are very similar to the KA-15S: the KA-S and the Makala MK-S.

I own all three models, and they’re all great beginner ukes. Still, I feel the KA-15S is the best overall value. Here’s why:

  • The KA-S costs about $20 more than the KA-15S and doesn’t add much beyond the white binding on the edges of the body.
  • The MK-S is about $5 less than the KA-15S, but I don’t think it’s worth saving that money due to the downgraded tuners and the cheap plastic nut and saddle.

Here are Amazon links if you want to learn more:

Kala Satin Mahogany Soprano Ukulele with White Binding (KA-S),Brown
Kala Satin Mahogany Soprano Ukulele with White...
(1023)
$89.00
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Makala Soprano Mahogany Ukulele by Kala (MK-S)
Makala Soprano Mahogany Ukulele by Kala (MK-S)
(1240)
$59.00
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Final Thoughts

Kala KA-15S Headstock logo

Those shopping for a quality beginner uke at a reasonable price point will have a hard time finding a better ​choice than the KA-15S. The build quality, playability, and tone are better than many other ukes I’ve tried at this price point.

While I can recommend the KA-15S without hesitation, players in search of a bigger tone or slightly easier playability may want to consider the larger KA-15C (concert) or KA-15T (tenor) models.

More Resources

Pink Ukuleles: What to Know Before You Buy

Looking to buy a pink ukulele? There are a lot for sale online, but are they any good? Keep reading to find out.

Overview of Pink Ukuleles Covered in this Article

Your Best Bets

Based on my research and personal experience, the three models below seem OK. If you have to have a pink uke, these models are worth checking out.

However, I still think it’s a good idea to consider one of the high-quality beginner ukes I cover in my article on the best beginner ukuleles.

Makala Dolphin MK-SD/PKBURST Makala Dolphin MK-SD/PKBURST 366 Reviews $49.99 Check Current Price
Hola! HM-21PK Hola! HM-21PK 7,046 Reviews $39.99 Check Current Price
Everjoys Pink Ukulele Pack Everjoys Pink Ukulele Pack 15,308 Reviews $48.99 Check Current Price

Not So Good

These are some of the other top-selling pink ukes on Amazon. Even though they have decent customer reviews, I’m not convinced they’re actually good instruments. I talk about why in the next section.

With that said, ukes in this price range could be the right choice if you’re just looking for a novelty instrument, decoration, or a kid’s toy.

Diamond Head DU-110 Diamond Head DU-110 2,193 Reviews $27.56 Check Current Price
Honsing Kids Ukulele Honsing Kids Ukulele 1,762 Reviews Check Current Price
Mahalo MR1PK Mahalo MR1PK 2,565 Reviews $44.99 Check Current Price

Before You Buy…

When researching this article, I discovered that nearly all pink ukuleles for sale on Amazon cost less than $50. A couple of models were selling for below $30 as I write this.

The truth is, many of the ukes in this price range aren’t very good. I’ve worked in music retail for years and have seen firsthand how bad some of these cheap ukuleles are. I discuss the problems with cheap ukes in my post on how much ukuleles cost.

With this disclaimer out of the way, I did find a few models that seemed OK. I’ll highlight those below.

The other pink ukes I came across seemed pretty bad and I can’t recommend them, but I’ll still include the links if you want to check them out.

Good Beginner Ukuleles (That Aren’t Pink)

If you’re looking for a great starter ukulele for yourself or as a gift, check out my article on the best beginner ukuleles. I’m also posting a few of my favorite entry-level models in the table below.

If you’re shopping on a budget, have a look at my breakdown of the best cheap ukuleles.

✅ Pink Makala Dolphin Ukulele

366 Reviews $49.99 Check Current Price

I’ve purchased and reviewed a Makala Dolphin before, so it’s one of the models I feel most comfortable recommending.

Makala is the budget brand of a company called Kala, which is one of the largest ukulele makers in the world. The Makala line isn’t as nice as Kala’s standard ukes, but they’re still reasonably well made considering the price.

In my review, I gave it a 3 out of 5. It was decent, but not amazing. The build quality was pretty good. I couldn’t find any glaring issues. Still, the uke didn’t sound great, and the action (string height) was a bit high. I will say that I thought the baby pink plastic body was kind of unique.

This certainly isn’t the worst ukulele to learn with or purchase for a gift. Still, I feel there are far better options available for just a few more bucks.

✅ Hola! Music HM-21PK

7,046 Reviews $39.99 Check Current Price

Hola! has been around for a while and has a solid reputation. They offer a number of ukulele packages with more traditional designs, and they’re some of Amazon’s best sellers.

The HM-21PK is part of Hola!’s “Color Series” and seems fairly well made. I haven’t played this model before, but based on my knowledge of Hola! as a company, it’s likely one of the better pink ukulele options around.

This uke is pretty light on accessories, but to be fair, you can’t expect many extras at this price. It includes a thin canvas sack, a few picks, and a strap.

✅ Everjoys Pink Ukulele

15,308 Reviews $48.99 Check Current Price

I’m not familiar with the Everjoys brand, but their light pink ukulele pack is one of the best-selling models on Amazon.

The Everyjoys ukulele package comes with quite a few accessories, including a digital clip-on tuner, extra strings, polish cloth, strap, and picks. The gig bag looks pretty thin, but it’s better than the canvas sacks many cheap ukes come with.

Overall, it seems like a decent deal.

Most of the negative reviews were from customers saying their uke wouldn’t stay in tune. Ukuleles have very stretchy strings, and it can take a long time for them to “settle in.” This is an issue with any ukulele, not just beginner models. In fact, I’ve written a whole article about ukuleles that won’t stay in tune.

Good Beginner Ukes

Before I move on to the pink ukes I don’t recommend, I want to suggest a few good beginner ukes that I’ve personally purchased and reviewed.

❌ Diamond Head DU-110

2,193 Reviews $27.56 Check Current Price

This Diamond Head DU-110 is among the cheapest pink ukuleles on this list. If you have a 2-year-old and just want to give them something to bang on, this uke isn’t a bad option.

I have a Diamond Head DU-150 I’m in the process of reviewing, and so far it’s not very good. The construction is rough, the action (string height) is too high, and it sounds tinkly and lifeless.

Considering the rock-bottom price, I could understand buying this uke as a decoration or toy for a young child. Otherwise, I’d steer clear of it.

❌ Honsing Kids Ukulele (Pink)

1,762 Reviews Check Current Price

This ukulele looks about the same as the Diamond Head. wIn fact, it looks like they could be from the same manufacturer, but I can’t be sure.

Either way, I’d stay away from this one. It’s got the telltale signs of a low-quality strings instrument, like the painted fingerboard and brass frets. On a side note, the description claims it has nickel silver frets, but in the customer images, they’re clearly brass.

I did think the Amazon listing description was pretty funny, with lines like “Lovely Color – Pink that Daughter Loves, as Cute as the Color of Cherry Blossoms” and “Suited Scene – Family Party, as a Gift for Kids or Toddler, Little Uke.”

❌ Mahalo MR1PK

2,565 Reviews $44.99 Check Current Price

I’ve seen a few Mahalo ukes over the years and I was never very impressed. Sure, they’re playable and will make uke-like noises when you strum them, but the experience of using them isn’t fun.

Like other ukes in this category, MR1PK is fine as a toy or novelty, but not as a real instrument.  For a little more money, you can get a great quality instrument that will grow with you as you learn to play.

Martin C1K and T1K Review

In this review, I’m going to be taking a look at Martin’s C1K and T1K ukuleles.

These ukuleles are Martin’s most affordable all-solid koa models, but they’re still relatively expensive compared to the large assortment of beginner ukuleles on the market in recent years.

Are they worth the extra money? Keep reading my C1K and T1K review to find out.

The C1K and T1K are available on Amazon and through authorized Martin dealers.

C1K and T1K Review Summary

As the manager of a small acoustic shop that carries Martin products, I’ve had a chance to play several dozen C1K and T1K ukuleles. This review is based on my general impressions of these ukes.

While Martin is mostly known for their acoustic guitars, the company has a rich history of building fine ukuleles. In fact, ukes were responsible for keeping the Martin company afloat during some of their more trying financial times.

The C1K and T1K represent two of the most affordable ukes in the Martin lineup. Their simple, understated design helps keep the cost down, but top-notch craftsmanship provides a playing experience on par with ukes that cost two or three times as much.

Martin T1K review - body closeup

The C1K and T1K are identical except for their body size, which is why I’ve lumped them together in a single review. Both models currently sell for less than $550.

Both models have solid koa bodies, which provides for a noticeably bigger, sweeter tone than less expensive ukes made out of laminated wood.

Build quality, playability, and tone are superb, which is to be expected from a company that has been building ukes for over 100 years.

While the price will be a bit on the high side for many folks, the C1K and T1K are great mid-level ukes and are ideal for intermediate players seeking an upgrade or beginners who want to give themselves a head start.

The bottom line: If you’re looking to upgrade from your $100 beginner uke but aren’t quite ready to drop $1,000+ on a Kamaka, the C1K and T1K are tough to beat.

Build Quality & Appearance

The C1K and T1K are beautifully built ukuleles. Craftsmanship is tight and clean, attention to detail is excellent–these ukes have an overall feeling of quality that really comes through when you have a chance to see and play one.

Martin C1K review - fretboard and heel closeup

The 1K series are built in Martin’s Mexican factory, which is where they produce some of their more affordable guitars. I’ve played quite a few Mexican-built Martin instruments and feel that the craftsmanship of these products is nearly identical to their US-made instruments.

Another way Martin keeps the cost down on the 1K ukes is by minimizing cosmetic appointments. The C1K and T1K have a satin finish, no binding, and a very basic fingerboard inlay pattern and rosette.

By cutting back on unnecessary appointments, Martin is able to offer these ukes at a substantially lower price.

As much as I can appreciate fancy features like ornate binding and elaborate inlays, I’m a big fan of the 1K series’ simple, understated design.

Solid Koa Construction

A big selling point for the C1K and T1K are their solid koa bodies. Koa is a beautiful wood that only grows on Hawaii, and it has been used as a traditional ukulele tonewood for decades.

Why does solid wood construction matter? As a general rule, solid wood produces a warmer, richer tone than the laminated woods usually found in less expensive instruments (more on this below).

The koa wood Martin uses on their 1K ukes isn’t quite as figured as what you might find on higher-end instruments, but it still looks and sounds great.

The appearance of the koa can vary a lot, so if you buy online be prepared to get a uke that looks a bit different from any of the photos you’ve seen.

Tone

As I touched on above, the all-solid koa construction helps give the C1K and T1K a big, warm, open tone. Every time I strum one of the 1K ukes in our shop I hear a resonance and complexity that just isn’t there with less expensive ukes.

The C1K and T1K also have incredible volume and projection, making them ideal for vocal accompaniment or playing in small groups.

My only complaint is about the factory-equipped Martin strings. The Martin-brand fluorocarbon strings aren’t terrible, but I’ve swapped them out for Aquilas in the past and felt it did a lot to improve the tone.

Hardware

The C1K and T1K come with open-back Grover tuners. These are good, high-quality tuners that provide smooth and accurate tuning.

Gig Bag

The included gig bag is decent quality, but it’s not super thick and won’t protect the uke from crushing damage or a hard impact.

I wish Martin included a hard case with these ukes, but that probably would have pushed the price up another $75 to $100 so I can understand why they went with the gig bags.

Considering the cost of these ukuleles, I’d highly recommend investing in an aftermarket hard case.

Other Martin Ukuleles

While the C1K and T1K are arguably the best values in the Martin ukulele lineup, they do have a handful of other models that are worth a look.

The S1

Martin’s S1 is their most affordable all solid wood soprano ukulele. Most of what I wrote above about the C1K and T1K applies to the S1, except that the S1 is built with mahogany instead of koa.

Like the C1K and T1k, it’s a great all-solid ukulele for the money and one of the best professional-grade soprano ukes available for under $500.

The 2K Series

If price isn’t a factor, you should take a look at the 2K Concert and 2K Tenor.

These gorgeous American-made ukuleles have a handful of high-end features that put them in a different class than the C1K and T1K.

Whether or not these ukes are worth the extra money is a conversation for you and your wallet, but there’s no denying that they’re among the finest instruments on the market.

Not Ready for a Martin?

If you’re not quite ready to drop over $500 on a C1K or T1K, these beginner ukuleles are worth checking out. While they certainly won’t have the tone and craftsmanship of a Martin, they’re still excellent instruments and are just a fraction of the cost.

If you want to learn more, I’ve written a whole article on the best ukuleles for beginners.

Additional Resources

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