AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Ukuleles Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele ($504). Kala MK-B Makala Series Baritone Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $134. Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 41 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Scale514 mm (20.24")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
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.
Cons
- The solid mahogany build can be slightly heavier than composite alternatives.
- High-gloss finish might be a fingerprint magnet for some players.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$504 now$504€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele
KA-CT-SA-BG Baritone Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale514 mm (20.24")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
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.
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.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$606 now$606€539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele
CT-SSRW-BG-C Baritone Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale514 mm (20.24")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
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.
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.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala MK-B Makala Series Baritone Ukulele
Makala MK-B Baritone Ukulele · Kala
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
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
Cons
- Plastic nut and bridge feel budget-oriented and may impact sustain
- Mahogany construction can be prone to movement with humidity changes
78AudioFu
Index↓ 7.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$145 · Aug 17$134 now$134€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele
KALA KA-BE Baritone Ukulele · Kala
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
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.
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.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$291 now$291€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
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.
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.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$358 now$358€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
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.
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.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$471 now$471€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BE Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
KA-B Satin Mahogany Baritone · Kala
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
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
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
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$201 now$201€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BE Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
KA-BG Gloss Mahogany Baritone · Kala
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
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.
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.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale514.4 mm (20.25")
- Frets18 frets
This baritone uke uses solid mahogany all the way through for a warm, full tone. The extra soundport and contoured edges make it comfortable to hold for long sessions. It looks great with abalone details but lacks built-in pickups for playing in loud venues. It suits players who want a rich, acoustic voice without needing extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top and back for rich resonance
- Contoured armrest for long playing comfort
- Abalone inlays add beautiful visual detail
Cons
- Baritone size may be too large for some players
- No built-in electronics for amplified use
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 11Sep 11$606 now$606€539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 41 baritone ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Flight Aviator Galaxy Baritone BR CEFlight · 2 finishes61Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 12
Baton Rouge V2-B8 sunBaton Rouge · 2 finishes58Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-15 B Baritone UkuleleKala54Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 14
Flight Pathfinder Red BaritoneFlight54Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 15
Flight Maia Baritone EQ-A RosewoodFlight54Stable$392€349$392€349Check ↗
- 16
Flight Maia 8 Steel String Bari EQ-AFlight54Stable$403€359$403€359Check ↗
- 17
Ortega RU5CE-BA BaritoneOrtega · 2 finishes53Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 18
Flight Maia Luxe Baritone EQ-AFlight52↓ 1.7%$594€529$594€529Check ↗
- 19
Flight NUB310 Baritone UkuleleFlight51Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 20
Flight Pathfinder Baritone Ocean BlueFlight51Stable$347€309$347€309Check ↗
- 21
Kala Solid Spruce Travel BaritoneKala51Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
- 22
Flight Aviator Baritone Mango CEFlight51Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 23
Kala KA-CM-BE Curly Mango Barit UkeKala51Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 24
Flight Lily Baritone EQ-A SteelStringFlight51Stable$403€359$403€359Check ↗
- 25
Flight Aviator QM Baritone CEFlight51Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 26
Flight Navigator Baritone EQ-A SBFlight51Stable$611€544$611€544Check ↗
- 27
Flight Fireball EQ-A Baritone UkuleleFlight51Stable$692€616$692€616Check ↗
- 28
Ortega RUOX-BAOrtega49Stable$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 29
Flight Nighthawk Baritone EQ-A BKFlight49↓ 8.0%$412€367$412€367Check ↗
- 30
Kala KA-TEAK-B Teak Bariton UkuleleKala48Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 31
Flight Iris Baritone Ukulele BKFlight48Stable$197€175$197€175Check ↗
- 32
Kala Teak Tri-Top Baritone UkuleleKala48Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 33
Kala KA-TEAK-BE Baritone UkuleleKala48Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 34
Flight Aurora Baritone EQ-AFlight48Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 35
Flight Nomad BaritoneFlight48Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 36
Flight 4SB Sammy Turton BaritoneFlight48Stable$594€529$594€529Check ↗
- 37
Kala Baritone Ukulele with CutawayKala48Stable$650€579$650€579Check ↗
- 38
Kala Makala KA-SSEBY-B Baritone UkuleleKala Makala46Stable$437€389$437€389Check ↗
- 39
Cascha Ukulele Mahogany BaritoneCascha43Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 40
Kala Makala KA-AM-B-CE Baritone UkuleleKala Makala43Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 41
Thomann Baritone EU Ukulele with PUThomann37Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
Baritone Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 44 models we track, not a sample.
Median $370 — half of all baritone ukuleles here cost less.
median of 31 models · 485 mm (19.09")–514 mm (20.24")
median of 34 models · 18–19
median of 21 models · 38 mm (1.5")–39 mm (1.54")
most common · 25 models
How to choose the best baritone ukuleles
Tonewood
Solid wood is king, but expect laminate backs and sides at this budget. Mahogany generally delivers a warm, even response, while Koa can offer a more complex, brighter tone-but often with a bit of a midrange honk that might not suit every style. Spruce tops are common and offer good projection.
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is crucial, especially if you're planning on playing for extended periods. Look for something that feels good in your hand; a slimmer C profile is generally easier for smaller hands, while a thicker D profile offers more sustain. Action (string height) is also vital - too high, and it's a chore to play; too low, and you'll get fret buzz.
Intonation
This is where cheaper instruments often fall down. Poor intonation means chords will sound out of tune as you move up the neck. Check it carefully by playing a chromatic scale; if it's noticeably off, it's a dealbreaker.
Hardware & Build Quality
Pay attention to the tuners - cheap plastic ones will fight you every time you try to tune, making gigging a nightmare. Solid build quality means the instrument will last longer and withstand the rigors of travel and stage use.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
If you're planning on amplifying your uke, the pickup voicing is important. Piezo pickups can sound harsh and brittle, so look for ones with a warmer, more natural tone or consider a K&K Mini. Headroom is also a factor; a weak preamp will clip and distort easily at higher volumes.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a baritone uke, huh? Smart move. They've got that low-end thump that's perfect for adding some serious warmth to your music, whether you're laying down a mellow groove or trying to cut through a band mix. Finding a good one under $1000 is totally doable, but you gotta know what to look for - it's not all sunshine and rainbows at this price point.
At this price range, you're going to find compromises. Laminate wood is common to keep costs down, and while it's perfectly playable, it won't have the same resonance as solid wood. Don't get hung up on fancy binding or inlays - focus on the neck, intonation, and overall feel.
If the action is too high, a professional setup can make a huge difference, but factor that cost in.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 44 baritone ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a baritone uke and a guitar?
A baritone uke is tuned like the top four strings of a guitar (DGBE), but smaller, so you get a lower, warmer tone. It's a great bridge between a ukulele and a guitar.
Is a laminate top really that bad?
It's not terrible, but it will generally lack the complexity and projection of a solid top. It's a trade-off for affordability. A solid top with laminate back and sides is a good sweet spot if you can find it.
What about electric baritone ukuleles?
Electric baritones open up a lot of possibilities for different tones and effects, but be aware that the quality of the pickups and preamps can vary wildly. Listen for a natural, un-processed sound before adding effects.
How important are the tuners?
Crucially important. Cheap tuners will make keeping the uke in tune a constant battle. Even a small improvement in tuner quality makes a big difference on stage.
Can I take a cheaper baritone uke and have it upgraded?
Absolutely. A professional setup (nut, saddle, fret leveling) can dramatically improve playability, and upgrading the strings can brighten the tone. But at some point, you're throwing good money after bad - know when to cut your losses.
