AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Kala Concert Ukuleles 2026
The top pick is Kala KA-SURF Surf Series Concert Ukulele ($145). Kala Waterman Concert Ukulele BS gives you the most for the money at $61. Kala KA-SA-C Acacia Concert Ukulele leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models, 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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Kala KA-SURF Surf Series Concert Ukulele
KA-TK-C-CE Concert Ukulele · Kala
98 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale406 mm (15.98")
- Frets18 frets
This Kala Concert ukulele is a solid option for players wanting amplified sound on a budget. The teak top gives it a pleasing warmth, and the cutaway makes those higher notes easily accessible. It's a great choice for beginners and gigging ukulele players looking for a dependable, versatile instrument.
Pros
- Teak top offers a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Florentine cutaway provides excellent upper fret access for lead lines.
- Active electronics deliver a clean, amplified signal suitable for performance.
Cons
- All-teak construction can make the ukulele feel a bit dense.
- Meranti neck, while stable, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or rosewood.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$145 now$145€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale376 mm (14.8")
- Frets18 frets
The Kala KA-CG is a solid choice for beginners or players looking for a warm, inviting concert ukulele. The all-mahogany construction gives it a mellow tone that's great for folk and traditional Hawaiian styles; it's a dependable instrument that won't break the bank.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers warm, resonant, and pleasing tonal character
- Rosewood fretboard adds a touch of refinement and smooth playability
- Aquila Super Nylgut strings offer comfortable feel and bright, clear projection
Cons
- Mahogany can be a bit 'woody' – lacks the sparkle of koa for some players
- High gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging
61AudioFu
Index↓ 10.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$190 · Aug 17$171 now$171€152 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale378 mm (14.88")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Kala Guidance Concert is a solid choice for beginners or players wanting a beautiful, well-voiced ukulele at an affordable price. The mahogany provides a mellow tone, and the artwork makes it a real standout. It's a great instrument for folk, Hawaiian, or just casual strumming around the house.
Pros
- Mahogany top delivers warm, balanced, and pleasing tonal character
- Sam Mangakahia’s artwork adds a unique, artistic touch and collectible value
- Rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and good note definition
Cons
- Open gear tuners may require more frequent adjustments compared to geared tuners
- Mahogany construction, while warm, lacks the projection of some woods like koa
47AudioFu
Index↓ 7.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$122 · Aug 17$113 now$113€101 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale378 mm (14.88")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The KA-UNITY-C is a solid choice for players seeking a warm, traditional ukulele sound without breaking the bank. The mahogany construction and comfortable neck make it easy to play, and the unique artwork is a nice touch. It's a great instrument for beginners and intermediate players who appreciate a classic, mellow tone and a visually appealing instrument.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, resonant, and pleasingly mellow tone.
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability and comfortable fret access.
- Aquila Super Nylgut strings provide a bright, clear voice with good projection.
Cons
- All-mahogany construction can lack the brightness some players prefer.
- Open-gear tuners are visually appealing but less precise than geared tuners.
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- Scale376 mm (14.8")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Kala Hibiscus Concert Uke is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a warm, inviting sound. The all-mahogany construction gives it a lovely, mellow tone that's great for strumming chords and singing along. It's a beautiful instrument, well-built for the price, and a joy to play.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers a warm, focused, and pleasingly mellow tone.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle improve sustain and intonation noticeably.
- The Aquila Super Nylgut strings offer a bright, comfortable feel and good projection.
Cons
- Open-gear tuners can be a bit less precise than geared tuners for absolute tuning stability.
- Mahogany’s tone, while lovely, lacks the bright shimmer of some other ukulele woods.
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- Scale377 mm (14.84")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This all-mahogany ukulele sounds warm and full, thanks to its solid wood construction. The rosewood fretboard and GraphTech nut give it a nice punch, and it comes with a gig bag. It suits players who love traditional tone without needing extra features.
Pros
- Full mahogany body for warm, mid-focused tone
- Rosewood fingerboard adds rich high-end sparkle
- GraphTech NuBone nut for strong string response
Cons
- Mahogany body may lack bass extension
- No pickup or electronics included
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- Scale376 mm (14.8")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This ukulele uses solid acacia for the top and back, giving it a warm, bright tone. The GraphTech nut helps with intonation, and the 20 frets let you play higher notes easily. It comes with a case and factory strings, but you won't find any electronics inside. The silk-matte finish feels nice to the touch. It suits players who want a sturdy, all-wood instrument without extra features.
Pros
- Solid acacia wood on top and back
- GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle
- Full 20-fret neck for reach
Cons
- No electronics for amplification
- No weight data provided
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$549 now$549€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale376 mm (14.8")
- Frets18 frets
The Kala Surf Wipeout is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate players looking for a reliable, well-balanced concert ukulele. The spruce top provides a clear voice, while the mahogany body adds a touch of warmth – it's a really versatile instrument, great for strumming chords and exploring simple melodies. This ukulele is especially appealing to those starting out or seeking a dependable practice instrument.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with good projection.
- Mahogany back and sides add warmth and sustain, balancing the brightness.
- GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle improve tuning stability and enhance tone transfer.
Cons
- Semi-gloss finish might feel a bit plasticky to some players' preference.
- Limited fret access beyond the 12th fret restricts advanced playing styles.
43AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$140 · Aug 17$134 now$134€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale376 mm (14.8")
- Frets18 frets
This is a solid, durable ukulele built from recycled plastic. The black finish looks modern and the eighteen frets make playing easier. It comes with a gig bag, but the plastic body sounds a bit hard compared to wood.
Pros
- Uses recycled ABS for durable top and body
- Features 18 frets for easy playability
- Includes a gig bag in the box
Cons
- Plastic materials lack organic warmth
- No electronic pickups included
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- Scale381 mm (15")
- Frets18 frets
This Kala cigar box uke is a real conversation starter with its cool Victorian design. It’s surprisingly resonant for a budget-friendly instrument, and the Meranti wood gives it a warm, mellow tone. It's perfect for folks who want something different and enjoy a bit of vintage charm without needing a high-end instrument.
Pros
- Victorian motif adds a unique aesthetic appeal and visual interest.
- Meranti wood provides a warm, resonant tone with a surprising amount of projection.
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut and saddle enhance tuning stability and sustain.
Cons
- Meranti, while decent, isn’t a premium tonewood limiting high-end sparkle.
- Open-gear tuners can be a bit finicky and require more careful adjustments.
All 14 concert ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Concert Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 157 models we track, not a sample.
Median $134 — half of all concert ukuleles here cost less.
median of 102 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 101 models · 375 mm (14.76")–405 mm (15.94")
median of 139 models · 16–19
most common · 36 models
How to choose the best concert ukuleles
Tone & Voicing
Kala's Laminate models are generally balanced, a little polite, good for strumming but can lack some character. Their solid wood versions (like the Redwood or Koa) really open up, offering more sustain and that desirable harmonic complexity - that 'air' that makes a uke sing. It's not a scorching high-end, but a warm, responsive tone.
Build Quality & Materials
Kala's budget Laminate lines are... well, they are what they are. The action can be a little high straight out of the box, and the finish might not be the most resilient. Stepping up to the solid wood models reveals noticeably better craftsmanship, tighter fretwork, and a more refined feel - important if you're playing live and want something that feels reliable.
Neck Profile & Playability
The Kala Concert necks generally offer a comfortable C-shape profile, easy to get around on for most players. However, the lower-end models can sometimes have a slightly less consistent neck feel - a minor annoyance, but worth noting if you're a stickler for ergonomics.
Intonation & Tuning Stability
Intonation is decent across the range, but cheaper Kala models can drift out of tune more easily, especially with aggressive strumming. Solid wood models tend to hold their tuning better due to the inherent stability of the material. This matters when you're trying to cut through a mix or record a clean part.
Aesthetics & Finish
Kala really nails the look. They offer a wide range of finishes, from simple satin to high-gloss, and the Koa models are particularly stunning. This is a purely subjective factor, but a uke you like looking at is a uke you're more likely to pick up and play.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at a Kala Concert Uke - smart move. They've become a staple for a reason, but not all Kalas are created equal. We're going to break down what makes their Concert models tick, from the basic Laminate lines to the more premium solid wood options, so you can find one that'll actually inspire you to play, whether it's campfire jams or tracking a session.
Don't chase the flashiest Koa finish if you're just starting out. A good Laminate Kala will get you playing and learning. If you're serious about tone and reliability, invest in a solid wood model - the difference is significant.
Pay attention to the action and fretwork; a quick setup from a local tech can make a huge difference, especially on the lower-end models.
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 14 concert ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue (of 157 in the category). 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
Are Kala ukes good for recording?
Absolutely, but it depends on the model. Laminates are fine for basic strumming, but a solid wood Kala with a decent mic will capture a much richer, more nuanced tone. Consider a small condenser mic to really bring out the details.
What's the difference between Kala Soprano, Concert, and Tenor?
Concert is a sweet spot - larger than a Soprano, more projection and a slightly lower register, but smaller than a Tenor. It's a good balance of portability and playability. Sopranos are bright and chimey, Tenors are deeper and more guitar-like.
Can I change the strings on a Kala uke?
Of course! Strings are the easiest way to dramatically change the tone. Experiment with different brands - Aquila Nylons are popular, but Worth Brown are a good alternative for a warmer sound.
Are Kala ukes easy to learn?
They're very approachable! The neck profile is comfortable, and the tuning is relatively forgiving compared to some other instruments. Just start with simple chords and build from there.
Do Kala ukes need to be humidified?
Solid wood Kalas, yes. Just like any solid wood instrument, they're susceptible to cracking if they get too dry. A simple case humidifier will do the trick.
