AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Baritone Ukuleles Under $500 2026
The top pick is Kala MK-B Makala Series Baritone Ukulele ($133). Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 32 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 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
You get a baritone ukulele made of mahogany, with a rosewood fingerboard and 18 nickel silver frets. It has a 510 mm scale and comes with a gig bag, so you can carry it easily. It suits you if you want a larger ukulele in a natural satin finish.
Pros
- Mahogany top, back, sides and neck give a consistent wood build
- Rosewood fingerboard paired with 18 nickel silver frets
- Comes with a baritone gig bag (UB-B) included
Cons
- Plastic nut and bridge rather than bone or other materials
79AudioFu
Index↓ 7.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$145 · Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-B Baritone Ukulele
KALA KA-BE Baritone Ukulele · Kala
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
This is a baritone ukulele made of mahogany, with a rosewood fretboard, a built-in Kala pickup, and a gig bag included. It is tuned lower than a standard ukulele, so it suits you if you want a deeper sound or plan to plug into an amp. If you want an instrument you can play and plug in right away, this one is a good pick.
Pros
- Mahogany top, back, sides and neck give it an all-mahogany build
- Built-in Kala UK-300TR electronics let you plug straight into an amp
- GraphTech NuBone nut and bridge give the strings a smooth-running path
Cons
- Scale length of 20.06 inches is longer than a standard ukulele, so chord shapes may feel different at first
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$290 now$290€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
If you want a baritone ukulele with a striking exotic wood look, this one fits the bill. It has a ziricote top, back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, plus 18 frets and a GraphTech NuBone nut and bridge. Because it has no electronics listed, it suits you best if you play it acoustically and want the larger baritone size with a bag included.
Pros
- Ziricote top and back and sides give it a distinctive exotic wood look
- Mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fretboard
- GraphTech NuBone nut and bridge included from the factory
Cons
- Acoustic only, with no pickup or electronics listed
- Baritone scale of 20.06 inches is larger than a standard soprano or concert ukulele
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$358 now$358€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
If you want a baritone ukulele with solid mahogany wood and a pickup for plugging in, this one fits the bill. It has a 20-inch scale, so it plays a bit like a small guitar, and it comes with a gig bag so you can take it along. It suits a player who wants a plugged-in uke with a solid mahogany build.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top, back and sides give it a classic wood build
- Fishman Kula System pickup lets you plug it into an amp or PA
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle for a bone-style nut and saddle
Cons
- At 510 mm scale and 768 mm total length, it is a large ukulele for small hands
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$470 now$470€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BE Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
KA-B Satin Mahogany Baritone · Kala
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
If you want a baritone ukulele with a natural satin mahogany look, this one is worth a look. It has mahogany on the top, back, sides and neck, a rosewood fretboard, and 18 frets. It comes with a baritone gig bag and Aquila Super Nylgut strings, so you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Mahogany top, back, sides and neck give a classic all-wood build
- Rosewood fretboard with cream binding adds a classic look
- GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle help the strings sit well
67AudioFu
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
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale509 mm (20.04")
- Frets18 frets
If you want a baritone ukulele with an all-mahogany build and a high gloss natural finish, this one is worth a look. Its longer scale gives you more room on the neck than a standard ukulele, so it suits you if you want a little more space to play. It comes with a bag and Aquila Super Nylgut strings already fitted, so you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Mahogany top, back and sides give it an all-mahogany build
- Mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard
- GraphTech NuBone bridge and ABS Composite nut for string seating
Cons
- Its 509 mm (20 1/16") scale length is longer than a standard ukulele, so it may feel different at first
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$223 now$223€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This baritone uke packs solid wood tops and sides for a full, punchy tone that cuts through a band. The 19-fret neck gives you plenty of room to stretch out, while the bone hardware keeps the strings singing cleanly. It's a great choice for players who want a rich sound without the weight of a full-sized guitar.
Pros
- Solid poplar top drives a bright, responsive attack
- Solid mango back and sides add warm low-end depth
- 19 frets allow easy playing up the full neck
Cons
- Okoume neck may feel less stable than exotic woods
- Passive pickups lack built-in amplification options
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$425 now$425€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width39 mm (1.54")
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets18 frets
- Strings8-string
- BodyMahogany body
This Baton Rouge V2-B8 sun is a fantastic entry into the baritone ukulele world. The 8-string setup gives it a richer, fuller sound, almost like a mini-guitar, and the mahogany construction is really lovely. It’s a great option for singers who want a comfortable, full-voiced accompaniment or anyone exploring the baritone range.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tones ideal for mellow arrangements.
- Nato neck provides comfortable playability and stable intonation.
- Nubone nut and saddle enhance sustain and tonal clarity noticeably.
Cons
- 8-string baritone is less versatile than standard ukulele sizes.
- Nato neck, while stable, isn't as premium as some higher-end options.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$201 now$201€179 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")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
The Pathfinder Red is a solid entry into the electric baritone uke world. It's surprisingly versatile, thanks to the dual pickup configuration, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. This is a great option for players wanting that guitar-like tuning (DGBE) and a full, warm tone without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers excellent stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Humbucker/single coil combo delivers versatile tonal options, surprisingly punchy.
- Basswood body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the baritone tone.
Cons
- Basswood, while warm, lacks the complexity of more premium tonewoods.
- 38mm nut width might feel wide for players accustomed to smaller uke necks.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 32 baritone ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Flight Maia Baritone EQ-A RosewoodFlight54Stable$391€349$391€349Check ↗
- 12
Flight Maia 8 Steel String Bari EQ-AFlight54Stable$403€359$403€359Check ↗
- 13
Ortega RU5CE-BA BaritoneOrtega · 2 finishes53Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 14
Flight NUB310 Baritone UkuleleFlight51Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 15
Flight Pathfinder Baritone Ocean BlueFlight51Stable$347€309$347€309Check ↗
- 16
Kala Solid Spruce Travel BaritoneKala51Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
- 17
Flight Aviator Baritone Mango CEFlight51Stable$369€329$369€329Check ↗
- 18
Kala KA-CM-BE Curly Mango Barit UkeKala51Stable$380€339$380€339Check ↗
- 19
Flight Lily Baritone EQ-A SteelStringFlight51Stable$403€359$403€359Check ↗
- 20
Flight Aviator QM Baritone CEFlight51Stable$425€379$425€379Check ↗
- 21
Ortega RUOX-BAOrtega49Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 22
Flight Nighthawk Baritone EQ-A BKFlight49↓ 8.0%$412€367$412€367Check ↗
- 23
Kala KA-TEAK-B Teak Bariton UkuleleKala48Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
- 24
Flight Iris Baritone Ukulele BKFlight48Stable$196€175$196€175Check ↗
- 25
Kala Teak Tri-Top Baritone UkuleleKala48Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 26
Kala KA-TEAK-BE Baritone UkuleleKala48Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 27
Flight Aurora Baritone EQ-AFlight48Stable$380€339$380€339Check ↗
- 28
Flight Nomad BaritoneFlight48Stable$380€339$380€339Check ↗
- 29
Cascha Ukulele Mahogany BaritoneCascha46↓ 5.0%$127€113$127€113Check ↗
- 30
Kala Makala KA-SSEBY-B Baritone UkuleleKala Makala46Stable$436€389$436€389Check ↗
- 31
Kala Makala KA-AM-B-CE Baritone UkuleleKala Makala43Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 32
Thomann Baritone EU Ukulele with PUThomann37Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
Baritone Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 35 models we track, not a sample.
Median $290 — half of all baritone ukuleles here cost less.
median of 17 models · 38 mm (1.5")–39 mm (1.54")
median of 26 models · 18–19
median of 25 models · 485 mm (19.09")–513 mm (20.2")
most common · 19 models
How to choose the best baritone ukuleles
Tonewood
Solid wood is king, but in this price range, expect some laminate. Mahogany offers a warm, fundamental thump, while sapele can bring a bit more clarity and articulation. Don't discount well-chosen laminates - a good laminate top with a mahogany back and sides can still be surprisingly responsive.
Neck Profile
This is huge. A comfortable neck profile is essential for longer playing sessions. Thin, D-style necks are easy to play but can sometimes lack sustain, while chunkier necks offer more stability but require more finger strength. Pay attention to reviews on this.
Fretwork
Sloppy fretwork is a deal-breaker. Sharp fret ends will kill your playing and make intonation a nightmare. Even at this price point, decent fretwork shouldn't be a lottery. Check for buzz and unevenness along the neck.
Intonation
Baritone ukes are more sensitive to intonation issues than sopranos. Poor intonation will make chords sound muddy and solos downright frustrating. A well-setup instrument is crucial; be prepared to take it to a tech if needed.
Electronics (if applicable)
Many baritones are being made with pickups these days. Expect budget piezo pickups to be a bit... clinical. They'll work for basic amplification, but don't expect lush, organic tones. The voicing will often be a little scooped in the midrange, requiring EQ to compensate.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to dive into the baritone uke world without breaking the bank? Smart move. These things offer a surprisingly rich, guitar-like tone, especially compared to their smaller cousins, but good ones can still cost a pretty penny. We've hunted down the best baritone ukuleles you can snag for under $500, focusing on instruments that actually sound and feel good, not just look impressive on a website.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Solid wood tops are common, but expect laminate back and sides to keep costs down. Don't be afraid of a good laminate - it's often the best you can do without blowing the budget.
Focus on playability - a comfortable neck and well-set-up action are worth more than fancy wood. Factor in the cost of a setup; a good tech can work wonders.
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 35 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 tenor?
Baritones are tuned like the highest four strings of a guitar (DGBE), giving them a much deeper, richer tone. Tenors are tuned like a standard ukulele (GCEA) and have a brighter, more traditional sound.
Are baritone ukes good for recording?
Absolutely! Their fuller tone sits nicely in a mix. Just be mindful of the low-end frequencies - a little EQ can go a long way.
Can I use a guitar amp for a baritone uke?
Sure, but be careful with the gain. Baritone ukes don't handle high-gain distortion as well as guitars. A clean or slightly overdriven amp is your best bet.
What's a 'setup' and do I need one?
A setup involves adjusting the action, intonation, and fretwork to optimize playability. Almost any new uke benefits from a setup - it's like a tune-up for your instrument.
What about composite ukuleles? Are they any good?
Composite materials (like carbon fiber) are becoming more common. They're durable and consistent, but often lack the warmth and resonance of wood. They're a good option if you need something that can withstand travel and rough handling, but they're rarely the first choice for tone.





