AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Baritone Ukuleles Under $2,000 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
Mahogany and Koa are the usual suspects, but even within those, grain density and figuring make a HUGE difference. Mahogany generally gives a warmer, more mellow tone, while Koa can have a brighter, more complex voice, but both can be scooped or overly bright depending on the build. It's not just about the wood type, it's about the wood itself.
Bracing Pattern
A well-executed fan bracing pattern (like you'd find on a classical guitar) will give you more sustain and a fuller low-end thump than simple ladder bracing. Expect compromises at this price point - some will have decent bracing, others will feel a bit 'boxy.'
Neck Profile & Setup
This is critical for playability. A comfortable neck is non-negotiable, and a proper setup (action, intonation) makes all the difference. A thick, unwieldy neck profile will kill your hand speed, and high action will make it a chore to play.
Hardware & Binding
Don't get too hung up on fancy binding - it's purely aesthetic. However, decent tuners are essential. Cheap tuners will fight you mid-gig, making accurate tuning impossible. Binding and inlays are nice, but they don't affect the sound.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many baritones are being made with pickups these days. A poorly voiced pickup will sound brittle and ice-picky - it's almost worse than no pickup at all. Listen for natural dynamics and a full, balanced response when plugged in.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a baritone uke and don't want to drop serious cash? Smart move. They're fantastic instruments - that deeper, almost guitar-like range opens up a ton of possibilities, but you don't need to remortgage your house to get something that sounds and feels good. This list focuses on baritone ukuleles under $2000 that deliver the most 'bang for your buck,' instruments you can actually gig with and record without wincing.
At this budget, you're looking for a balance. Don't expect all-solid wood construction everywhere - tops are usually solid, backs and sides are often laminate. Focus on the neck profile and overall setup first.
A well-setup, playable instrument is always better than a 'prettier' one that's a pain to handle. Listen for that fat midrange honk - it's what separates a good baritone from a thin-sounding toy.
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 laminate back/sides and a solid wood back/sides?
Laminate is layers of wood glued together, generally cheaper and more stable. Solid wood resonates better, offering more complexity and sustain, but is more susceptible to humidity changes. A solid top is usually the priority.
Are baritone ukes harder to play than soprano or concert?
Generally, yes. The larger size means a wider fretboard, which can be a challenge for smaller hands. A good neck profile is even more critical.
Can I use a baritone uke for guitar-like chords and voicings?
Absolutely. The tuning (often DGBE, like the top four strings of a guitar) allows you to play guitar chord shapes directly. It's a great gateway instrument.
What kind of amp is best for a baritone uke?
A small acoustic amp with a built-in chorus or reverb can work wonders. Avoid overly bright amps - you want to preserve the warmth of the instrument. A clean amp with decent headroom is key.
What's the deal with different bracing patterns?
Bracing affects the resonance and projection. Fan bracing (more common on classical guitars) generally yields a richer, more balanced tone and better sustain than simpler ladder bracing. It's a trade-off - fan bracing is more complex to build and thus more expensive.
