AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele ($650). Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $510. Kala Makala KA-NS-RED-MNG-TE Tenor Ukulele leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 117 models across 20 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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Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
This Kala SMH-TG-CE is a serious step up for the experienced ukulele player. The all-mahogany build gives it a rich, mellow voice that's fantastic for fingerstyle and vocal accompaniment. It's an excellent choice for performers wanting a quality amplified sound without excessive feedback.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Fishman Kula electronics offer a clean, amplified sound suitable for stage performance.
- Venetian cutaway allows comfortable access to higher frets for expanded range.
Cons
- Solid mahogany can be prone to movement with significant humidity changes.
- Premium-priced point may be prohibitive for beginner ukulele players.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$650 now$650€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale436.6 mm (17.19")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This tenor ukulele feels solid thanks to the mango top and mahogany body. The built-in pickup makes it great for playing in loud venues without needing a separate amp. It is a premium-priced instrument that balances fancy inlays with reliable hardware like the Grover tuners.
Pros
- Solid mango top offers a beautiful unique grain pattern
- Passive piezo pickup adds built-in amplification for gigs
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle ensure smooth intonation
Cons
- No active electronics required means no battery life data
- High-gloss top finish may show fingerprints and scratches quickly
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,235 now$1,235€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
CT-SSRW-TG-C Tenor Ukulele · Kala
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Kala Contour Series Tenor is a serious step up in build quality. The combination of spruce and rosewood creates a beautifully balanced tone – bright and clear, but with a lovely warmth. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking for a premium-priced instrument with a comfortable feel and professional appointments.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, responsive, and articulate tone with excellent projection.
- Solid rosewood back and sides add warmth, sustain, and a richer harmonic complexity.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience and excellent note clarity.
Cons
- Open-gear tuners, while aesthetically pleasing, aren't the most precise for fine tuning.
- The high-gloss finish, while beautiful, might be a bit too reflective for some players' preferences.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$561 now$561€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This tenor uke feels solid thanks to its real mango wood top and mahogany body. The built-in pickup works well on its own without needing batteries. It looks fancy with those special shell inlays on the headstock. This instrument suits players who want a warm sound and clean pickup output without extra gear.
Pros
- Solid mango wood top offers strong resonance and projection.
- Mahogany back and sides provide warm, rich mid-range tones.
- Passive piezo pickup delivers clear signal without batteries.
Cons
- No active electronics means no preamp for tone shaping.
- Missing specific body weight or scale weight data.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,235 now$1,235€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale433.4 mm (17.06")
This is a solid-sound tenor with a real acacia top and lattice bracing. It looks nice with abalone details and has easy-to-turn open-gear tuners. It lacks built-in electronics and we don't know its exact weight. Great for players who want a strong, traditional sound without extra tech.
Pros
- Solid acacia top and sides offer strong, clear tone
- Lattice bracing keeps the body light while maintaining strength
- Abalone inlays and binding add a premium look
Cons
- No internal electronics or built-in amplification included
- No listed weight measurement for carry comfort
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$729 now$729€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-CT-SA-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Kala Contour is a serious step up for the intermediate player. The all-acacia build gives it a beautifully warm and balanced voice, and the ebony fingerboard makes it a joy to play. It’s ideal for players wanting a premium tone without the complexity of electronics – perfect for solo performance or ensemble work.
Pros
- Solid acacia top delivers warm, rich tone with excellent projection.
- Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and precise intonation.
- Bone nut and saddle enhance sustain and improve overall tone quality.
Cons
- Solid acacia construction makes it a premium-priced ukulele.
- High-gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and require more maintenance.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 3.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$529 · Aug 17$510 now$510€454 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width36 mm (1.42")
- Scale432 mm (17.01")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The T1 FSC is a seriously solid tenor uke from Martin. It's got a warm, full voice that's perfect for singer-songwriters and players who like a mellow vibe. If you want a dependable, well-built instrument without the premium price tag of their more exotic models, this is a great choice.
Pros
- Sapele top delivers a warm, balanced tone with surprising projection.
- Ebony fretboard offers smooth playability and excellent note definition.
- FSC-certified wood ensures responsible sourcing and sustainable practices.
Cons
- Sapele construction, while warm, lacks the bright sparkle of koa.
- Limited tonal versatility; excels in folk and mellow styles, less so for blues.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$650 now$650€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Frets19 frets
The Flight Comet is a seriously impressive tenor uke. The combination of maple and mango wood gives it a really unique voice - bright and punchy with a surprising amount of warmth. It's perfect for players looking for a stage-ready instrument with a premium feel and amplified versatility.
Pros
- Solid flamed maple top delivers a bright, focused, articulate tone.
- Mango back and sides provide warmth and sustain, balancing the maple's brightness.
- Double C1U active pickups offer clear, amplified tone with good feedback resistance.
Cons
- The high-gloss finish might be a fingerprint magnet for some players.
- Mango wood can be prone to cracking if not properly humidified.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale430 mm (16.93")
- Frets19 frets
This uke sounds warm because of its solid mango top and back. The slim body sits easy on the lap while the active pickup keeps the volume clear. It needs a battery to work, but the 19 frets give you plenty of room to stretch your fingers. Great for players who want that bright, punchy mango tone without the bulk.
Pros
- Solid mango wood makes a warm, rich tone.
- Active pickup system provides clear signal output.
- Slim body design feels comfortable to play.
Cons
- Active electronics require a fresh battery.
- No passive pickup option for a quieter sound.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$650 now$650€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale430 mm (16.93")
- Frets19 frets
This slimline tenor uke uses solid maple and mango for a rich, bright tone. The active pickup makes it easy to plug in, though you need a power source. It's a great choice for players who want a comfortable feel and reliable sound without extra bulk.
Pros
- Solid flamed maple top for bright resonance
- Active double C1U pickup for clean output
- Slimline design for easy chord playing
Cons
- No weight information provided in description
- Active electronics require external power source
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
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 Ziricote Super Tenor UkeleleKala45Stable$650€579$650€579Check ↗
- 12
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleCT-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala65Stable$415€369$415€369Check ↗
- 13
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala57Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 14
Kala ASFM-T-CE Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$639€569$639€569Check ↗
- 15
Martin Guitar O'ahu TKE Uke BurstMartin Guitar44Stable$1,291€1,149$1,291€1,149Check ↗
- 16
Martin Guitar 1T IZ Tenor UkuleleMartin Guitar44Stable$2,527€2,249$2,527€2,249Check ↗
- 17
Kala Makala KA-3CD-ACA-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala43Stable$785€699$785€699Check ↗
- 18
Kala Makala KA-NS-BLU-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala43Stable$1,235€1,099$1,235€1,099Check ↗
- 19
Kala Makala KA-NS-AMB-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala43Stable$1,235€1,099$1,235€1,099Check ↗
- 20
Martin Guitar 0X Tenor Uke Black LHMartin Guitar42Stable$650€579$650€579Check ↗
- 21
Kala Makala KA-POI-ACA-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala41Stable$785€699$785€699Check ↗
- 22
Kamaka Tenor HF-3Kamaka40Stable$2,133€1,899$2,133€1,899Check ↗
- 23
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala62Stable$392€349$392€349Check ↗
- 24
Flight 4SB Sammy Turton Tenor UkuleleFlight43Stable$606€539$606€539Check ↗
- 25
Flight Fireball Tenor EQ-AFlight41Stable$628€559$628€559Check ↗
- 26
Flight Mustang EQ-A Tenor UkuleleFlight43Stable$594€529$594€529Check ↗
- 27
Luna Guitars Uke Vineyard Koa Bevel T PULuna Guitars38Stable$673€599$673€599Check ↗
- 28
Ziegenspeck E-Uke TenorZiegenspeck38Stable$1,572€1,399$1,572€1,399Check ↗
- 29
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$538€479$538€479Check ↗
- 30
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SDH-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala65Stable$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 31
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight46Stable$545€485$545€485Check ↗
- 32
Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style TSBRisa38Stable$593€529$593€529Check ↗
- 33
Romero Creations Grand Tenor Spalted MangoRomero Creations33Stable$1,291€1,149$1,291€1,149Check ↗
- 34
Kala Revelator Night Owl Mango Ten.Kala45Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 35
Kala Revelator Night Owl Acacia Te.Kala45Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 36
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TBKFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 37
Ortega ECLIPSE-TE8Ortega46Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 38
Kala KA-RES-BRS Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 39
Flight Victoria Tenor SoundwaveFlight43Stable$448€399$448€399Check ↗
- 40
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight48Stable$376€335$376€335Check ↗
- 41
Flight Aviator Galaxy Tenor TPP CEFlight45↑ 7.7%$410€365$410€365Check ↗
- 42
Ortega RUHZ30TH-JF Tenor UkuleleOrtega48Stable$357€318$357€318Check ↗
- 43
Kala KA-SB-EBY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 44
Kala KA SB ACA T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 45
Flight Diana Soundwave Tenor UkuleleFlight43Stable$392€349$392€349Check ↗
- 46
Flight Nighthawk Tenor EQ-AFlight43Stable$379€337$379€337Check ↗
- 47
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight46Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 48
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$302€269$302€269Check ↗
- 49
Flight Victoria CEQ-A TenorFlight43Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 50
Kai KTI-5000Kai37Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 130 models we track, not a sample.
Median $246 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.
median of 79 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 101 models · 425 mm (16.73")–440 mm (17.32")
median of 110 models · 18–22
most common · 49 models
How to choose the best tenor ukuleles
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A comfortable, responsive neck is paramount. We're looking for a smooth action - not too high, not too low - and a neck profile that fits the hand well, allowing for clean, articulate runs and complex chord voicings. A chunky neck can feel like wrestling a bear, while a too-thin one can lack sustain.
Tonewood Selection
Mahogany offers a warm, fundamental tone with a nice low-end thump, great for rhythm work. Koa delivers a more complex, shimmering voice with a subtle sweetness, but can sometimes lack that immediate punch. Spruce tops add clarity and projection, often favored for cutting through a mix.
Bracing Patterns
The internal bracing is critical for shaping the instrument's tone and projection. A well-designed bracing pattern minimizes unwanted overtones and maximizes sustain. Poor bracing can lead to a muddy, undefined sound - something you definitely don't want when you're trying to nail a tricky fingerstyle arrangement.
Fretwork & Intonation
Sloppy fretwork is a dealbreaker. We're looking for smooth, level frets that allow for clean bends and accurate intonation across the entire fretboard. Poor intonation will make playing in tune a frustrating exercise, especially when recording.
Hardware & Build Quality
Solid hardware (tuning machines, bridge) is essential for stability and tuning accuracy. Cheap plastic tuners will fight you on stage, and a poorly fitted bridge can lead to structural issues down the road. It's a trade-off - you can't always get the fanciest aesthetics on a budget.
Buying guide
So, you've mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns on a soprano or concert uke and you're craving something more? The tenor ukulele offers a wider fretboard, more resonance, and a different tonal palette - but not all tenors are created equal. This isn't your beginner's guide; we're focusing on instruments that'll actually challenge and inspire a serious player who wants to push the boundaries of what a uke can do, whether it's gigging or laying down tracks.
Don't chase the prettiest wood grain. Focus on feel and sound. Higher-end tenors often use thinner finishes, which allow the wood to resonate more freely - a subtle but noticeable difference.
Be prepared to invest in a good setup from a qualified luthier; even expensive instruments often benefit from a professional tweak to the action and intonation. And remember, a slightly brighter tone can be tamed with EQ, but you can't add depth that isn't there.
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 130 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 baritone ukulele?
Tenors are tuned GCEA (like a guitar), while baritones are DGBE (like the top four strings of a guitar). The baritone's larger body and lower tuning give it a deeper, more guitar-like tone, but a tenor offers more versatility for traditional uke playing.
I'm used to playing a soprano. How much harder is a tenor to learn?
The wider fretboard takes some getting used to, requiring more precise finger placement. However, the larger body and increased resonance make it more rewarding to play, and the GCEA tuning is familiar to guitarists.
Are solid wood tenors always better than laminate?
Not necessarily. A well-built laminate tenor can sound surprisingly good and offer better humidity resistance, while a poorly made solid wood one can be a disappointment. It's about the overall design and craftsmanship, not just the wood type.
I want to record my tenor ukulele. What kind of pickup system should I look for?
Piezo pickups are common but can sound harsh. Magnetic soundholes offer a warmer tone, while condenser mics provide the most natural sound - but are more sensitive to background noise. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for your style and recording environment.
My tenor ukulele buzzes when I bend strings. What's causing that?
It's likely a combination of factors - action that's too low, uneven frets, or a warped neck. A professional setup can usually resolve buzzing issues, but it might require a fret leveling or neck adjustment.
