AudioFu

Best Alternative Design Ukuleles for Intermediate 2026

Perfect alternative design ukuleles for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Unique Style For Modern Design For Experimental Music For Contemporary Players For Distinctive Look For Innovation
Martin Guitar Martin Guitar 0X Ten Uke SuLH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Martin Guitar Martin Guitar 0X Ten Uke SuLH

by Martin Guitar
Contemporary Players Distinctive Look Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Innovative construction methods
✓ PROS
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
  • • Innovative construction methods
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • May not suit traditional players

Martin Guitar 0X Ten Uke SuLHTenor UkuleleLeft-handed modelBack and sides: Flamed mahogany HPL (high pressure...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 597320
$637
Buy at Thomann View Details
Romero Creations D HO 6-String Guitarlele Nylon - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Romero Creations D HO 6-String Guitarlele Nylon

by Romero Creations
Experimental Music Unique Style Innovation
Key Feature:
• Innovative construction methods
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Modern player appeal
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • May not suit traditional players

Romero Creations D HO 6-String Guitarlele Nylon6-String GuitarleleBody shape: Tiny tenorTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 509190
$1,539
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ortega HYDRA-BSTE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ortega HYDRA-BSTE

by Ortega
Experimental Music Contemporary Players Innovation
Key Feature:
• Distinctive visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Modern player appeal
  • • Innovative construction methods
✗ CONS
  • • Novelty may wear off
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Ortega HYDRA-BSTEDouble Neck Ukulele with PickupTenor 4-String and Uke-Bass 4-stringTop: SapeleBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 507661
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gold Tone Resouke Tenor - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Gold Tone Resouke Tenor

by Gold Tone
Innovation Distinctive Look Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Innovative construction methods
✓ PROS
  • • Modern player appeal
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Limited resale appeal

Gold Tone Resouke TenorResonator Ukuleleback and sides: SteelResonator: Biscuit ConeNeck: MahoganyFretboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 436240
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Flight GUT850 Guitarlele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Flight GUT850 Guitarlele

by Flight
Experimental Music Contemporary Players Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
  • • Modern player appeal
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Higher cost for unique design

Flight GUT850 GuitarleleGuitarleleTop: solid spruceBack and sides: AcaciaNeck: MahoganyFingerboard and bridge:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 541537
$351
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez UICT10-MM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ibanez UICT10-MM

by Ibanez
Contemporary Players Distinctive Look Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
  • • Innovative construction methods
✗ CONS
  • • Novelty may wear off
  • • May not suit traditional players

Ibanez UICT10-MMUkulele with PickupBack and sides: OkoumeTop: SpruceNeck: OkoumeFingerboard: PurpleheartDot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 578849
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Baton Rouge V2-GT sun - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Baton Rouge V2-GT sun

by Baton Rouge
Contemporary Players Unique Style Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Innovative construction methods
✓ PROS
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
  • • Distinctive visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for unique design
  • • Limited resale appeal

Baton Rouge V2-GT SunGuitarleleBody tenor sizeBody: MahoganyNeck: NatoFretboard & bridge: Walnut17 FretsNut &...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 548648
$131
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kala KA-S8E 8-String Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Kala KA-S8E 8-String Tenor Ukulele

by Kala
Contemporary Players Innovation Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Distinctive visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Modern player appeal
  • • Innovative construction methods
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Novelty may wear off

Kala KA-S8E 8-String Tenor Ukulele8-String Tenor Ukulele with PickupTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 507219
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ortega OUBJ100-SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Ortega OUBJ100-SBK

by Ortega
Unique Style Experimental Music Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Innovative construction methods
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive visual appeal
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Limited resale appeal

Ortega OUBJ100-SBKUkulele BanjoBack & Sides: MapleNeck: MapleFretboard: Ovangkol18 FretsResonator: Maple /...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 346327
$356
Buy at Thomann View Details
Cascha Guitarlele Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Cascha Guitarlele Mahogany

by Cascha
Modern Design Distinctive Look Unique Style
Key Feature:
• Unique and modern aesthetics
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive visual appeal
  • • Modern player appeal
✗ CONS
  • • Novelty may wear off
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Cascha Guitarlele MahoganyGuitarleleBack and sides: MahoganyTop: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: Rosewood18...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 544697
$164
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Solid Uke Natural Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Harley Benton Solid Uke Natural Bundle

by Harley Benton
Unique Style Distinctive Look Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Distinctive visual appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
  • • Innovative construction methods
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Novelty may wear off

Harley Benton Solid Uke Natural Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Solid Uke Natural*Solid Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 544169
$131
Buy at Thomann View Details
Flight GUT350 SP/SAP Guitarlele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Flight GUT350 SP/SAP Guitarlele

by Flight
Distinctive Look Innovation Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Modern player appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Innovative construction methods
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • Novelty may wear off
  • • May not suit traditional players

Flight GUT350 SP/SAP GuitarleleGuitarleleTop: SpruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck: OkoumeFretboard and bridge: WalnutNut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 494960
$109
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kala KA-BNJ-MHG-C Concert Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Kala KA-BNJ-MHG-C Concert Ukulele

by Kala
Experimental Music Unique Style Innovation
Key Feature:
• Modern player appeal
✓ PROS
  • • Conversation starter
  • • Distinctive visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • Novelty may wear off
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone

Kala KA-BNJ-MHG-C Concert UkuleleBanjo Concert UkuleleAmericana seriesRemo Weatherking banjo headBack and Sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 576636
$263
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa VGS Manoa B-CO-M Banjo Uke MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Gewa VGS Manoa B-CO-M Banjo Uke MN

by Gewa
Contemporary Players Experimental Music Innovation
Key Feature:
• Innovative construction methods
✓ PROS
  • • Modern player appeal
  • • Distinctive visual appeal
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit traditional players
  • • Novelty may wear off

Gewa VGS Manoa B-CO-M Banjo Ukulele MNConcert Banjo UkuleleClosed shell: Maple12 Tension rodsNeckfingerboard and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 496180
$138
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez UICT10-BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Ibanez UICT10-BK

by Ibanez
Distinctive Look Modern Design Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Unique and modern aesthetics
✓ PROS
  • • Unique and modern aesthetics
  • • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
  • • May sacrifice traditional tone
  • • Limited resale appeal

Ibanez UICT10-BKUkulele with PickupBody design: IcemanBack and sides: OkoumeTop: SpruceNeck: OkoumeFingerboard: Purple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 470127
$208
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Ukuleles

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced alternative design ukuleles typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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