AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor Ukulele ($557). Ibanez URGT100 Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $166. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 117 models across 19 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Tenor UkulelesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width36 mm (1.42")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets20 frets
The T1 Streetmaster is a seriously well-built ukulele, especially for the price. It's got a lovely, mellow tone that’s perfect for strumming along to folk tunes or adding warmth to island-inspired arrangements. This is a great choice for intermediate players who want a reliable, quality instrument without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, focused tone with surprising projection.
- Sipo fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, comfortable for extended sessions.
- Martin’s M620 strings provide a balanced, clear voice characteristic of their quality.
Cons
- All-mahogany construction can lack the bright sparkle some players prefer in a ukulele.
- The gig bag, while functional, is a basic accessory; a hardshell case is recommended.
89AudioFu
Index↓ 20.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$702 · Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-JTE/
2TS Archtop Tenor Ukulele KA-JTE-BKGN Tenor Ukulele · Kala
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a tenor ukulele with mahogany on the top, back, sides and neck, plus a rosewood fingerboard. It has a UK-300TR pickup already fitted, so you can plug it into an amp or PA. It comes with a tenor case, which is handy if you travel or take it to gigs. It suits you if you want a bigger uke with a built-in pickup and a glossy Brooklyn Green finish.
Pros
- Mahogany top, back, sides and neck give the uke one wood family throughout
- Factory-fitted UK-300TR electronics let you plug straight into an amp or PA
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and bridge give a bone-like contact point at the strings
Cons
- Scale length of 428 mm may feel long if you are used to a soprano size
69AudioFu
Index↓ 55.7%since Aug 20 · lowest so far$501 · Aug 20$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
KA-TE Satin Mahogany Tenor EQ · Kala
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a tenor ukulele made from mahogany, with a rosewood fingerboard and a satin finish. It has a built-in Kala UK-300TR pickup, so you can plug it into an amp when you want to play louder. It suits you if you want an electric-ready tenor that comes with a bag.
Pros
- Mahogany top, back, sides and neck, with a rosewood fingerboard
- Kala UK-300TR electronics built in, ready to plug into an amp
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and bridge for the strings
Cons
- The electronics are a single Kala UK-300TR system, with no other controls or connections listed
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-CT-SA-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
If you want a tenor ukulele with solid acacia on the top, back and sides, this one is worth a look. It has a mahogany neck, an ebony fingerboard, a bone nut and saddle, and it comes with a gig bag for trips. It suits you if you want a natural-looking acoustic ukulele you can take anywhere.
Pros
- Solid acacia top, back and sides give it a solid-wood build
- Mahogany neck paired with an ebony fingerboard
- Bone nut and saddle for a solid string path
65AudioFu
Index↓ 3.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$526 · Aug 17$507 now$507€454 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width37 mm (1.46")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardPurpleheart fingerboard
This tenor uke sounds lively thanks to its spruce top and purpleheart fingerboard. The plastic nut and Okoume body mean it won't sound like a premium wood instrument. It plays well with its built-in pickup, making it perfect for beginners who want a portable, budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for bright, punchy tone
- Real purpleheart fingerboard adds unique color
- Undersaddle pickup included for easy play
Cons
- Plastic nut feels cheap and slippery
- Okoume back and sides are not dense
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SDH-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale429 mm (16.89")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a tenor ukulele with a solid mahogany top, back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard. The longer 16.875 inch scale gives you a bit more space between the frets than a smaller ukulele, so it suits you if you want a little extra room to play. It is a good pick if you want an all-wood ukulele with a classic look, and it comes with a PRS gig bag to carry it around.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top, back and sides for an all-wood build
- Mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard
- 18 nickel silver frets give you a long, even playing surface
Cons
- Tenor scale of 429 mm is longer than a soprano or concert ukulele
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$323 now$323€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
CT-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a tenor ukulele, a bit bigger than a soprano, with a solid mahogany top, back and sides. If you want an all-wood ukulele with an ebony fingerboard and a high-gloss natural finish, this one fits the bill. It comes with a gig bag, so you can carry it straight to your next session or outing.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top, back and sides give this ukulele an all-wood build
- Ebony fingerboard and rosewood binding add a finished look
- Bone nut and saddle are included for a solid string path
Cons
- Comes with a gig bag only, not a hard case, so travel may need extra protection
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$412 now$412€369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
CT-SSRW-TG-C Tenor Ukulele · Kala
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a tenor ukulele with a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. It has a Venetian cutaway, an ebony fingerboard, and 19 nickel silver frets, so you can reach the upper frets easily. It suits you if you want a tenor-size ukulele built with solid woods and a gig bag included.
Pros
- Solid spruce top on a tenor body with a Venetian cutaway
- Solid rosewood back and sides with purpleheart binding
- Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, bone nut and saddle
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width36 mm (1.42")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
You get a solid quilted mahogany tenor uke with a rosewood fingerboard and 20 frets, so you have room to play higher up the neck. It comes with a gig bag and is made in the USA. It suits you if you want a tenor-sized uke with an all-wood build and a bag to carry it around.
Pros
- Solid quilted mahogany top, back and sides give it an all-wood build
- Rosewood fingerboard with white dot inlays makes frets easy to find
- TUSQ nut and black ratio machine heads help guide strings and keep tuning
Cons
- Tenor size may feel bigger than a soprano or concert uke for small hands
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,511 now$2,511€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Dhani Harrison Tenor Ukulele
Dhani Harrison Ukulele Tq · Fender
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width35 mm (1.38")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- Frets19 frets
This Dhani Harrison signature uke is a solid choice for players wanting a good-sounding, amplified tenor. The Ovangkol construction gives it a richer tone than many entry-level models, and the Fender preamp is a convenient bonus. It's ideal for singer-songwriters or anyone looking for a versatile, easily amplified ukulele with a unique aesthetic.
Pros
- Solid Ovangkol top delivers a surprisingly warm, resonant tone.
- NATO neck offers comfortable playability and good stability.
- Fender UKE preamp provides clean amplified sound, easy to shape.
Cons
- Ovangkol can be a bit dense, resulting in a slightly heavier ukulele.
- The NATO neck, while stable, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or koa.
All 117 tenor ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor UkuleleMakala Tenor Ukulele UB-T · Kala61Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 12
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$175€157$175€157Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 14
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 15
Kala Makala KA-NS-RED-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala61Stable$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 16
Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala59Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 17
Ortega RU5MM-TE UkuleleOrtega · 3 finishes57Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50THarley Benton · 2 finishes57↓ 25.2%$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 19
Baton Rouge V2-TACE SunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 20
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 21
Kala Makala KA-NS-BLK-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 22
Kala Makala KA-CTD-SA-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala54Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 23
Ortega RUGA-ORG UkuleleOrtega53↓ 22.5%$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 24
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega53Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 25
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8Ortega53Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 26
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBLFlight · 2 finishes53Stable$276€247$276€247Check ↗
- 27
Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$204€183$204€183Check ↗
- 28
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TBKFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 29
Kala KA-20T Tenor UkuleleKala50↓ 58.8%$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 30
Flight NUT500 TenorFlight50↓ 5.1%$105€94$105€94Check ↗
- 31
Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BLFlight · 2 finishes50↓ 3.3%$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 32
Ortega RUGH-OCTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 33
Ortega RUGH-PLTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 34
Ortega RUGH-SRTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 35
Ortega RUGH-BKTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 36
Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega48Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 37
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight48Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 38
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 39
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight48Stable$374€335$374€335Check ↗
- 40
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 41
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 42
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 43
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight46Stable$542€485$542€485Check ↗
- 44
Flight Songbird Mango EQ-A TenorFlight46Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 45
Flight Songbird TPP Tenor EQ-AFlight46Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 46
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 47
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 48
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 49
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 50
Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa UkuleleLeolani45↓ 10.1%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 131 models we track, not a sample.
Median $230 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.
median of 80 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 102 models · 425 mm (16.73")–440 mm (17.32")
median of 111 models · 18–22
most common · 49 models
How to choose the best tenor ukuleles
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
If you're planning on plugging in, the pickup is critical. Cheap pickups often sound ice-picky and harsh. Look for pickups that try to replicate the natural tone of the instrument - a warm, round response is what you want, not a brittle, overly bright sound. Headroom is also key; it needs to handle a little drive without fizzing out.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up from a soprano? Smart move. The tenor ukulele offers a richer tone, more fretboard space for comfortable chord voicings, and it just plain feels better in your hands. But with more options comes more to consider - wood choices, bracing patterns, and that all-important low-end thump that'll let you cut through a band mix. Let's break down what makes a good tenor ukulele.
Tenor ukuleles are a step up in price from sopranos, and you'll start to see corners cut if you go too cheap. Action is a huge factor - a high action will make playing uncomfortable and choke the tone. Don't be afraid to spend a bit more for a well-set-up instrument from a reputable brand.
Solid wood tops are almost always worth the extra investment; laminate tops tend to sound a bit flat and lifeless. Ultimately, play before you buy if you can - feel the neck, hear the tone, and make sure it inspires you.
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 131 tenor 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 tenor and a soprano ukulele?
Tenors are larger, have a longer scale length (17 inches vs. 13 inches for sopranos), and produce a deeper, richer tone. They're generally more comfortable to play for adults and offer more room for complex chord voicings.
Is a solid wood top really worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. Solid wood tops resonate more freely and produce a more complex, vibrant tone. Laminate tops can sound a bit 'boxy' and lack the same responsiveness. The difference is noticeable, especially when recording.
My tenor ukulele sounds 'muddy'. What's going on?
That's often a result of a dark wood like mahogany, or a bracing pattern that emphasizes the low end. It's not necessarily a bad thing - it can be great for cutting through a mix - but it might not be ideal for all genres. String choice can also affect this; try a brighter set of strings.
Can I easily tune a tenor ukulele down a step?
You can, but it's not always recommended. Tuning down can slacken the strings and potentially affect intonation. The neck might also need adjustment. It's best to check with a luthier if you plan on doing this regularly.
I'm planning to use my tenor ukulele for live gigs. What should I look for?
Durability is key. A well-built instrument that can handle the bumps and jostles of gigging is essential. A good preamp and pickup are a must if you're plugging in. And seriously, get a reliable case - you'll thank yourself later.





