AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Ukuleles Under $200 2026
The top pick is Kala MK-B Makala Series Baritone Ukulele ($134). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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 ↗ -
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This baritone uke offers a deep sound thanks to its mahogany body and wound strings. The Graph Tech hardware keeps playability smooth. It suits players wanting a bigger voice without needing extra gear.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body and neck for a warm tone.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle for smooth action.
- Wound D and G strings add low-end depth.
Cons
- No electronics listed for amplification options.
- Total length is quite long for standard players.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$167 now$167€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale485 mm (19.09")
- BodySapele body
The RU5CE-BA is a solid entry into the baritone ukulele world. It offers a surprisingly full and warm tone thanks to the spruce top and sapele body, and the built-in tuner is a handy touch. This is a great option for players looking to explore baritone ukulele without a premium-priced investment – especially those who enjoy a slightly wider neck feel.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers clear, articulate projection with warmth
- Sapele body provides a balanced, resonant tone with sustain
- Walnut fingerboard and bridge offer a smooth playing experience
Cons
- Sapele body can feel a little plain aesthetically for some players
- Cutaway access to higher frets is somewhat restricted
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$156 now$156€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Frets19 frets
- BodySapele body
The Flight NUB310 is a seriously impressive baritone uke for the money. The sapele construction gives it a full, mellow voice that's great for strumming chords or fingerpicking. It’s perfect for beginners or experienced players wanting an affordable, well-built baritone with a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Sapele body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection
- Okoume neck provides comfortable playability and stability
- Walnut fretboard and bone nut/saddle contribute to a clean, bright sound
Cons
- Sapele finish can be prone to minor scratches with heavy use
- Arched back, while visually appealing, might slightly compromise sustain compared to a flat back
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale430 mm (16.93")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This baritone uke plays big and warm thanks to its mahogany body and spruce top. The walnut fingerboard is smooth, and the extra frets make it easy to reach high notes. It is a great choice for players who want a full sound without extra wiring. Perfect for those who enjoy deep, resonant tones in a portable package.
Pros
- Solid mahogany back and sides give warm tone
- Light spruce top adds bright response
- Walnut fingerboard feels smooth under fingers
Cons
- No electronics means no built-in pickup
- Mahogany neck may feel heavy in hand
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale513 mm (20.2")
- Frets18 frets
This baritone uke plays big and deep thanks to its long scale and teak wood. The Graph Tech hardware helps it hold notes longer than standard models. It fits players who want a full sound without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid teak wood gives a warm, rich tone right out of the box.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and bridge add durability and clear sustain.
- Long 513mm scale length produces deeper, bassier baritone notes.
Cons
- Teak wood is heavy, making this ukulele feel quite substantial.
- Matte finish may show fingerprints and wear over time.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$156 now$156€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Frets19 frets
The Flight Iris BK is a surprisingly well-built baritone ukulele that punches above its price point. The Spruce top gives it a clear, defined voice, while the mahogany adds warmth. It’s a fantastic option for beginner to intermediate players who want a full, rich baritone tone without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Solid Spruce top delivers a bright, responsive, and articulate tone.
- Okoume neck provides excellent stability and a comfortable playing feel.
- Slotted headstock adds a touch of classic elegance and improved string angle.
Cons
- Mahogany back and sides can slightly dampen the top's potential brilliance.
- The 38mm nut width might feel a bit wide for players accustomed to smaller ukes.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$197 now$197€175 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets18 frets
The Baton Rouge V2-B Sun is a fantastic entry point into baritone ukulele playing. Its mahogany construction delivers a lovely, warm tone, and the guitar-style tuning machines make it comfortable for guitarists. It's a great choice for singer-songwriters and players seeking a relaxed, mellow vibe.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tones ideal for mellow playing.
- Nubone nut and saddle improve sustain and intonation noticeably.
- Open-pore finish allows the mahogany to breathe, enhancing its natural tone.
Cons
- Nato neck, while stable, lacks the premium feel of a mahogany or ebony neck.
- Walnut fretboard can show wear more quickly than rosewood or ebony.
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- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets19 frets
This Cascha baritone is a solid entry point into the larger ukulele world. It's surprisingly full-sounding and easy to play, especially if you’re coming from guitar – the tuning is the same! It's a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone wanting a mellow, warm ukulele voice without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant tone.
- Rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and good note definition.
- The longer baritone scale provides a fuller, guitar-like sound.
Cons
- Mahogany can be a bit 'woody' – lacks the sparkle of koa.
- Factory Aquila strings are decent, but an upgrade is recommended.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$134 now$134€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Baritone Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 10 models we track, not a sample.
Median $156 — half of all baritone ukuleles here cost less.
median of 5 models · 38 mm (1.5")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 9 models · 18–19
median of 6 models · 430 mm (16.93")–510 mm (20.08")
How to choose the best baritone ukuleles
Tone & Resonance
At this price, don't expect boutique wood tones. We're looking for a warm, even response - avoiding that brittle, ice-picky top end and hoping for some sustain. A little 'fat midrange honk' is a bonus.
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A playable neck is everything. High action makes it a chore, and a neck that feels awkward will kill your motivation. We prioritize instruments with reasonable action and a comfortable, if basic, neck profile.
Intonation
This is where budget instruments often stumble. Poor intonation means notes get progressively out of tune as you move up the neck - crucial for recording or gigging. We're checking for acceptable intonation across the playable range.
Build Quality & Hardware
Expect basic hardware (tuners, bridge) - they might not be super-precise, but they need to function. We're looking for solid construction that won't fall apart after a few gigs. Cheap laminate tops are common, so expect some compromises.
Versatility (Acoustic & Electric Options)
Some baritones have built-in pickups, opening up recording or live amplification possibilities. While the pickup voicing might be basic, it's a huge plus for expanding its uses.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a baritone uke without dropping a fortune? Smart move. They've got that guitar-like range, that deeper resonance - perfect for adding some low-end thump to your songwriting or cutting through a band mix. Finding a good one under $200 takes some digging, but it's totally doable if you know what to look for; we're aiming for bang-for-your-buck here, not pristine studio instruments.
Under $200, you're making trade-offs. Expect laminate tops (mahogany or sapele are common) which won't have the same complex overtones as solid wood, but are more affordable. Intonation will likely be the biggest compromise - don't expect perfection.
Prioritize playability and a comfortable neck; you can always tweak the action slightly, but you can't change the neck profile. If you plan to plug in, check the pickup voicing-it might be thin or muddy.
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 10 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 soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone uke?
Basically, size and tuning. Baritones are the largest and tuned like the lower four strings of a guitar (DGBE). They have a much deeper, richer tone.
Can I tune a baritone uke like a guitar?
Yes, absolutely! It's a common thing to do. Just be aware the scale length is shorter, so the string tension will be different - you might need to experiment with string gauges.
Are laminate tops really that bad?
They're not bad, just different. Solid wood tops generally have more complex overtones and resonate better, but laminate is more stable and less prone to cracking in different climates. It's a budget-friendly compromise.
What about intonation? Can I fix it myself?
You can adjust the saddle position to improve intonation slightly, but at this price point, you're likely dealing with limitations in the nut and bridge placement. Don't expect miracles.
Is it worth spending more than $200?
It depends. Spending more can get you better wood, hardware, and intonation, but the law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly. For casual playing or songwriting, a good baritone under $200 is often plenty.
