Best Kala Baritone Ukuleles 2026
Okay, so you're looking at baritone ukes - smart move. They're not your typical soprano; we're talking guitar-adjacent territory here. Kala's really been the dominant force in baritone uke accessibility and design, and for good reason. Let's break down what makes their baritone offerings tick, and which one's gonna serve your needs best, whether it's laying down mellow grooves or cutting through a band mix.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026
#1
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Kala CT-SSRW-BG-C Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Solo Performance
Blues
Deep Ukulele Tones
Key Feature:
This Kala Baritone is a serious step up in build quality. The all-solid wood construction gives it a mature, resonant tone that's really suited for players who want a deeper, more guitar-like ukulele experience – think mellow jazz, fingerstyle arrangements, or even laid-back blues. It's a premium-priced instrument that rewards the investment with exceptional feel and sound.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers clear, articulate projection with warmth.
- • Rosewood back and sides add rich overtones and sustain.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers smooth, fast playability and precise intonation.
- • Venetian cutaway allows comfortable access to higher frets.
CONS
- • Rosewood can be prone to cracking in very dry climates – humidity control is crucial.
- • The high-gloss finish might feel a bit thick for some players’ preference.
- • Baritone size limits portability compared to smaller ukulele options.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 579694
$560
#2
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Kala Baritone Ukulele with Cutaway
by
Kala
Unique Sound
Blues
Deep Ukulele Tones
Key Feature:
This Kala baritone is a serious instrument for players wanting a full, rich sound. The solid top and ebony back provide a surprisingly complex voice, while the Fishman electronics make it stage-ready. It's ideal for musicians who appreciate a larger ukulele with a warm, expressive tone and are looking for something beyond a basic soprano or concert model.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers a bright, resonant, and surprisingly powerful tone
- • Striped ebony back and sides add warmth and sustain, balancing the spruce
- • Fishman Kula electronics offer a clean, amplified signal for stage performance
- • Mahogany neck and fretboard provide comfortable playability and a warm tonal foundation
CONS
- • Striped ebony can be visually polarizing; some may prefer all-wood construction
- • The matte finish, while attractive, can be more prone to fingerprints and smudges
- • Baritone size limits its portability compared to smaller ukulele variants
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 469319
$604
#3
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Kala Solid Spruce Travel Baritone
by
Kala
Unique Sound
Folk
Deep Ukulele Tones
Key Feature:
This Kala travel baritone is a fantastic option for players wanting a full baritone experience in a compact package. The solid spruce top gives it a surprisingly rich voice, and the comfortable neck makes it a joy to play. It's ideal for students, travelers, or anyone wanting a baritone without the bulk of a larger instrument.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant and articulate tone, a step up from laminate.
- • Travel-size body offers comfortable playability, especially for smaller hands or travel.
- • Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle improve sustain and intonation compared to standard plastic.
- • Mahogany back and sides contribute warmth and a pleasing complexity to the overall sound.
CONS
- • Travel size limits low-end response; bass frequencies are noticeably reduced.
- • Silk-matte finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • While well-built, the thinner body construction doesn't offer the same projection as a full-size baritone.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 569846
$351
#4
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Kala KA-ZCT-B Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Solo Performance
Folk
Guitar-Like Tuning
Key Feature:
The KA-ZCT-B is a seriously refined baritone, offering a beautiful, mature tone that punches above its class. Ziricote isn’t a common choice, adding a unique visual flair and tonal complexity. It's ideal for players wanting a rich, full sound for fingerstyle or mellow strumming, and who appreciate a quality instrument without the absolute top-tier price tag.
PROS
- • Ziricote top delivers a rich, complex, and surprisingly warm tone.
- • Mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and comfortable playability.
- • GraphTech NuBone nut and bridge enhance clarity and tuning stability.
- • Rosewood fretboard offers a smooth, familiar feel for experienced players.
CONS
- • Ziricote can be a brittle wood; requires careful handling and humidity control.
- • High-gloss finish may feel less 'organic' to some players preferring a matte feel.
- • Baritone size limits portability compared to smaller ukulele variants.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 529033
$362
#5
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Kala CT-SMH-BG Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Solo Performance
Unique Sound
Guitar-Like Tuning
Key Feature:
This Kala Baritone is a serious step up in build quality. The all-mahogany construction gives it a rich, mellow voice perfect for fingerstyle playing or mellow strumming. It's a great choice for experienced ukulele players wanting a full, guitar-like tone and comfortable 20.25 in scale length.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant, and balanced tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent clarity.
- • Bone nut and saddle enhance sustain and improve tonal response.
- • Open-gear tuners provide reliable tuning stability and a vintage aesthetic.
CONS
- • The solid mahogany build can be slightly heavier than composite alternatives.
- • High-gloss finish might be a fingerprint magnet for some players.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to ukuleles with more complex bracing patterns.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 580205
$450
#6
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Kala KA-SDH-BE Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Unique Sound
Guitar-Like Tuning
Blues
Key Feature:
This Kala Baritone is a serious step up for players wanting a full, rich sound and amplified versatility. The all-mahogany construction gives it a lovely warmth, and the Fishman electronics make it stage-ready. It’s a great choice for singer-songwriters or anyone wanting a deeper, more guitar-like ukulele voice.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and mature tone.
- • Fishman Kula System provides a clear, amplified sound ideal for stage performance.
- • Rosewood fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience with good note definition.
- • Doghair finish is visually striking and adds a unique, premium aesthetic.
CONS
- • The solid mahogany build contributes to a slightly heavier feel compared to lighter ukes.
- • The scale length (510mm) might feel a little long for players used to smaller ukes.
- • The open-gear tuners, while aesthetically pleasing, can be slightly less precise than geared ones.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 618418
$461
#7
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Kala KA-CM-BE Curly Mango Barit Uke
by
Kala
Deep Ukulele Tones
Solo Performance
Folk
Key Feature:
This Kala baritone is a real gem. The curly mango wood gives it a gorgeous tone – warm, full, and surprisingly articulate. It's a fantastic option for players wanting a larger ukulele with a richer, more guitar-like sound, and the pickup system makes it stage-ready.
PROS
- • Curly mango top delivers warm, resonant, and complex tonal character
- • Mahogany neck provides comfortable playability and excellent sustain
- • Graph Tech Ratio tuners offer precise and stable tuning, a significant upgrade
- • UK-300TR pickup system is surprisingly clean and versatile for amplification
CONS
- • Curly mango can be visually variable; figuring may differ from product photos
- • Baritone size can be unwieldy for smaller players or travel
- • Rosewood fretboard, while standard, isn't the highest-end material at this price point
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 587247
$373
#8
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Kala KA-BG Gloss Mahogany Baritone
by
Kala
Blues
Deep Ukulele Tones
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
The Kala KA-BG is a beautifully crafted baritone ukulele that’s surprisingly full-bodied. Its warm tone and comfortable neck make it ideal for fingerstyle players and those wanting a mellow, guitar-like voice. It's a solid choice for someone wanting a premium baritone feel without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising depth.
- • Rosewood fretboard offers a comfortable playing experience and nice contrast to the mahogany.
- • The GraphTech NuBone bridge improves sustain and tuning stability compared to standard plastic.
- • Includes a gig bag, making it immediately playable and transportable.
CONS
- • Mahogany’s tonal character can be a bit 'dark' for players wanting a brighter ukulele sound.
- • The gloss finish, while beautiful, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • While versatile, the baritone scale limits its suitability for very complex or fast playing styles.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 532321
$219
#9
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Kala KA-CT-SA-BG Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Folk
Solo Performance
Unique Sound
Key Feature:
This Kala Contour baritone is a serious contender for players wanting a full, rich baritone sound. The all-solid wood construction gives it a mature voice, and the ebony fingerboard makes it a joy to play. It's perfect for experienced ukulele players or guitarists looking to explore the lower register.
PROS
- • Solid acacia top delivers a rich, warm, and resonant tone characteristic of higher-end instruments.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides exceptionally smooth playability and precise intonation.
- • Bone nut and saddle improve sustain and clarity compared to standard plastic components.
- • Open-gear tuners offer a vintage aesthetic and generally stable tuning, a step above closed gears.
CONS
- • The all-acacia construction can be somewhat prone to feedback at higher volumes, requiring careful EQ.
- • High-gloss finish, while visually appealing, may feel a bit thick and less 'breathable' for some players.
- • The scale length, while standard for baritone, can feel longer than a soprano or concert ukulele.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 579804
$549
#10
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Kala KA-B Satin Mahogany Baritone
by
Kala
Folk
Solo Performance
Unique Sound
Key Feature:
The Kala KA-B is a really solid entry into the baritone ukulele world. The all-mahogany build gives it a mellow, full sound that’s perfect for fingerstyle players or anyone wanting a guitar-like feel in a smaller package. It’s a great option for those transitioning from guitar or looking for a rich, warm ukulele tone.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant tone with surprising depth
- • GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle improve sustain and tuning stability
- • Rosewood fretboard offers a comfortable playing experience with good feel
- • Cream binding adds a touch of elegance without sacrificing the natural aesthetic
CONS
- • Mahogany can be a bit 'woody' – lacks the brightness of some other tonewoods
- • Scale length, while standard for baritone, might feel long for ukulele beginners
- • Satin finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints and grime more easily
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 524799
$208
#11
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Kala Makala MK-B Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Folk
Deep Ukulele Tones
Blues
Key Feature:
The Makala MK-B is a fantastic entry point into the baritone ukulele world. Its all-mahogany construction gives it a mellow, woody voice that's surprisingly rich for the price. This is a great choice for beginners or players looking for a comfortable, affordable baritone with a classic vibe.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly full tone
- • Rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable playing experience with decent clarity
- • Aquila Super Nylgut strings offer a bright, balanced sound and good projection
- • Includes a gig bag, making it immediately playable and transportable
CONS
- • Plastic nut and bridge feel budget-oriented and may impact sustain
- • Mahogany construction can be prone to movement with humidity changes
- • Baritone size makes it less versatile for smaller players or travel
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 573010
$147
#12
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Kala KALA KA-BE Baritone Ukulele
by
Kala
Unique Sound
Blues
Guitar-Like Tuning
Key Feature:
The KA-BE is a solid entry into the baritone uke world. It's got a really pleasing, mellow tone thanks to the all-mahogany build and the GraphTech hardware helps keep it in tune. This is a great choice for players wanting a full, rich baritone voice with amplified capability, especially those coming from guitar or bass.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle improve sustain and tuning stability.
- • UK-300TR electronics offer a usable, amplified sound with reasonable clarity.
- • Rosewood fretboard adds a touch of elegance and comfortable playability.
CONS
- • Mahogany construction, while warm, lacks the brightness of some other tonewoods.
- • The satin finish, while attractive, can feel a bit plasticky to some players.
- • Baritone size might be unwieldy for smaller players or those used to soprano/concert.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 523859
$285
How to Choose the Best Baritone Ukuleles
1
Tone
Kala baritones often lean towards a warmer, more mellow tone than some competitors, thanks to their frequently using mahogany or laminate woods. It's a great foundation for fingerpicking and laid-back grooves, but you might need to EQ to really cut through a full band - that low-end thump needs to be controlled.
2
Build Quality
The entry-level models are solid, but you'll notice a significant jump in quality and consistency with their higher-end offerings. Solid wood tops (like spruce or mahogany) versus laminate construction really change the sustain and responsiveness, and the finish work is noticeably better.
3
Neck Profile & Playability
Kala's neck profiles are generally comfortable, erring on the side of a slightly thicker feel which is nice for players with larger hands. Action tends to be reasonable out of the box, but a quick setup can really unlock the instrument's potential - especially important if you're playing live and need that responsiveness.
4
Aesthetics & Design
Kala isn't necessarily pushing boundaries with radical designs, but their aesthetic is consistently appealing. They offer a wide range of finishes and wood combinations, from classic looks to some really striking exotic options, which can be a big factor for stage presence.
5
Electronics (on models with pickups)
Kala's pickup systems are functional, but they're not going to blow you away. Expect a clean, fairly neutral voicing - meaning you'll likely need to dial in some EQ to get it sounding right for your specific amp or PA. Headroom is decent, but don't expect a ton of breakup or distortion from the preamp itself.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the flashiest finishes if you're serious about tone. Solid wood tops make a world of difference - the difference between a muted thud and a singing resonance. Entry-level models are fine for bedroom practice, but if you're gigging regularly, invest in something with better build quality and a more comfortable neck; a little extra cash goes a long way in avoiding frustration. And seriously, get a setup - it's the single biggest improvement you can make to any instrument's playability.
Our Methodology
We're not just looking at spec sheets here. We've spent countless hours with these Kala baritones - playing them live, tracking them in the studio, and A/B'ing them against other brands. It's about feel, response, and how they actually sound in a real-world context, not just how they look on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baritones are tuned like the four lowest strings of a guitar (DGBE), and are significantly larger - typically around 23-27 inches in scale length. Tenors are smaller and tuned like a standard ukulele (GCEA).
Absolutely, but be mindful of that low-end. A good mic and some EQ can tame the boominess and bring out the warmth. They record well for mellow acoustic tracks and can even be surprisingly versatile with some effects.
While it's technically possible, it's not recommended. The neck wasn't designed for the increased tension, and you risk damage. Stick with ukulele-specific baritone strings.
The models with solid wood tops and good intonation are your best bet - something like the Kala Elite or the AB Series. You'll need that clarity and sustain to cut through the mix. A pickup system is almost essential too.
Laminate is more durable and less prone to cracking in varying humidity, making it a good budget option. Solid wood resonates better, offering more volume, sustain, and a richer tone - but it's also more sensitive to environmental changes.
