AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Tenor Ukuleles for Intermediate 2026

The top pick is Kala KA-JTE/2TS Archtop Tenor Ukulele ($224). Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $134. Kala KA-15T Mahogany 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

117models in this chart
20brands
$246median price
8price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Tenor Ukuleles Showing: For Intermediate · clear

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. 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 tenor uke sounds warm thanks to its mahogany body. The pickup makes it ready to plug in without needing extra batteries. It feels solid under your fingers with the rosewood fingerboard. Great for players who want a classic sound that works in any setting.

    Pros

    • Solid mahogany top and sides for rich tone
    • Graph Tech NuBone nut and bridge for playability
    • UK-300TR electronics capture acoustic dynamics

    Cons

    • No volume or tone control knobs included
    • Lacks built-in tuner functionality
    69AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand70
    • Lineup43
    • Price100
    • Specs50
    • Maker99
    ↓ 55.7%since Aug 20 · lowest so far
    $504 · Aug 20$224 now
    $224€199 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. 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

    The KA-TE is a solid choice for serious ukulele players wanting a well-built, amplified tenor. The mahogany provides a lovely, mellow tone, and the pickup is surprisingly decent for the price point. This is a great option for performers or anyone looking to expand their ukulele versatility.

    Pros

    • Solid mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant tones with natural sustain.
    • Kala UK-300TR pickup provides a usable, amplified signal for stage or recording.
    • Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle improve sustain and tuning stability.

    Cons

    • Satin finish, while attractive, can feel a little less refined than gloss finishes.
    • Mahogany's inherent brightness might require EQ adjustments for certain playing styles.
    66AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand80
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker99
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$291 now
    $291€259 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. Ibanez URGT100 Tenor Ukulele

    URGT100-SUY Ukulele · Ibanez

    7 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann

    • 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
    65AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand63
    • Lineup86
    • Price50
    • Specs67
    • Maker49
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$167 now
    $167€149 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. 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.
    63AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup43
    • Price30
    • Specs50
    • Maker21
    ↑ 6.6%since Aug 17
    $257 · Aug 17$274 now
    $274€244 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele

    KA-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala

    12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Scale428 mm (16.85")
    • Frets18 frets

    The Kala KA-T is a solid choice for players looking for a well-built, affordable tenor ukulele. Its all-mahogany construction gives it a warm, classic ukulele sound, and the Graph Tech nut and saddle improve tuning stability. It's perfect for beginners or intermediate players wanting a reliable instrument for strumming and fingerpicking.

    Pros

    • Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, resonant tone with good projection.
    • Rosewood fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and pleasing visual contrast.
    • Aquila Super Nylgut strings provide a bright, balanced sound and comfortable feel.

    Cons

    • Mahogany construction can be slightly less nuanced than more exotic woods.
    • Satin finish, while attractive, may show fingerprints and wear more easily.
    62AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand78
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs33
    • Maker99
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$176 now
    $176€157 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. Ortega RU5CE-TE Tenor Ukulele

    Ortega

    Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width37 mm (1.46")
    • Scale440 mm (17.32")
    • Frets18 frets
    • BodyMahogany body

    The RU5CE-TE is a solid, affordable tenor ukulele – a great option for beginners and intermediate players looking for a stage-ready instrument. The spruce top gives it a brighter voice, while the mahogany body keeps things grounded and warm. It's particularly well-suited for folk, Hawaiian, or light strumming styles where a clear, amplified sound is needed.

    Pros

    • Spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with good projection
    • Mahogany body provides a warm, balanced foundation to the sound
    • Ortega MagusUke pickup system offers surprisingly clean amplified sound

    Cons

    • Mahogany construction can be slightly 'woody' – lacks some tonal complexity
    • Cutaway access to higher frets is a bit cramped for larger hands
    57AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup86
    • Price50
    • Specs67
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$145 now
    $145€129 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. Baton Rouge V2-TACE Sun

    Baton Rouge

    Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width37 mm (1.46")
    • Scale430 mm (16.93")
    • Frets18 frets
    • BodyMahogany body
    • FingerboardWalnut fingerboard

    This tenor uke has a nice mahogany body and a cutaway for easy high-note access. The rechargeable pickup makes it great for playing in noisy rooms. While it lacks a listed weight or top wood, the armrest and walnut fingerboard make it a solid choice for players who want a bit more range than a soprano or concert model.

    Pros

    • Cutaway design lets you reach high frets easily.
    • Mahogany body offers a warm, rich tone.
    • Rechargeable UKB pickup adds volume for practice.

    Cons

    • Scale length is longer than standard ukulele size.
    • No top wood material is specified in text.
    56AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup86
    • Price50
    • Specs83
    • Maker64
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$224 now
    $224€199 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor Ukulele

    Makala Tenor Ukulele UB-T · Kala

    9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Scale429 mm (16.89")
    • Frets18 frets
    • FingerboardRosewood fingerboard

    The Makala Tenor UB-T is a solid, well-voiced ukulele offering a good balance of quality and affordability. It's perfect for beginners and intermediate players looking for a warm, full-bodied tone without the premium price tag – a really great all-rounder for strumming and fingerpicking.

    Pros

    • Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, balanced, and pleasing tone.
    • Rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable playing experience and good note definition.
    • Aquila Super Nylgut strings offer excellent projection and a classic ukulele feel.

    Cons

    • Plastic nut and bridge feel a bit basic for the price point; a potential upgrade path.
    • Silk-matte finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and minor scuffs.
    61AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand70
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker99
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$134 now
    $134€119 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8

    Ortega

    Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width38 mm (1.5")
    • Scale430 mm (16.93")
    • Frets18 frets
    • Strings8-string
    • BodyMahogany body

    This eight-string uke sounds like a big guitar with a warm mahogany body. The TUSQ nut helps you play all the extra strings cleanly. It works great for jazz players who want a full, rich sound without carrying heavy batteries.

    Pros

    • Solid mahogany body provides a warm, rich tone
    • TUSQ nut ensures smooth intonation and easier string bending
    • MAGUSX pickup offers built-in amplification for performance

    Cons

    • Eight strings make the fretboard wider than standard tenor sizes
    • Natural finish may show dust or wear more easily than colored options
    53AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$201 now
    $201€179 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBL

    Flight

    Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width35 mm (1.38")
    • Scale432 mm (17.01")
    • Frets22 frets
    • BodyBasswood body

    The Flight Pathfinder TBL is a seriously cool-looking and surprisingly versatile tenor ukulele. The pickup setup makes it great for gigging or recording, and the roasted maple neck is a joy to play. This is a fantastic choice for players who want a unique voice and amplified capabilities without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Flamed maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness to the tone.
    • Roasted maple fretboard offers smooth playability and resists humidity changes.
    • Humbucker/single coil pickup combination provides versatile tonal options for different styles.

    Cons

    • Basswood, while warm, lacks the premium tonal complexity of mahogany or koa.
    • High-gloss finish may be prone to fingerprints and require diligent care.
    53AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup68
    • Price50
    • Specs67
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$277 now
    $277€247 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 117 tenor ukuleles

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes
    Index 51Stable
    51
    Stable$206€183
    $206€183Check ↗
  2. 12
    Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$145€129
    $145€129Check ↗
  3. 13
    Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$167€149
    $167€149Check ↗
  4. 14
    Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$224€199
    $224€199Check ↗
  5. 15
    Ortega RUNAB-TEOrtega
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$222€198
    $222€198Check ↗
  6. 16
    Ortega NEO-U-TSBOrtega
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$231€206
    $231€206Check ↗
  7. 17
    Ortega NEO-U-TGBOrtega
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$235€209
    $235€209Check ↗
  8. 18
    Ortega RUACA-TEOrtega
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$268€239
    $268€239Check ↗
  9. 19
    Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala
    Index 46↓ 6.9%
    46
    ↓ 6.9%$302€269
    $302€269Check ↗
  10. 20
    Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega
    Index 53Stable
    53
    Stable$134€119
    $134€119Check ↗
  11. 21
    Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$145€129
    $145€129Check ↗
  12. 22
    Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa UkuleleLeolani
    Index 45↓ 10.1%
    45
    ↓ 10.1%$201€179
    $201€179Check ↗
  13. 23
    Kala Makala KA-AM-T-CE Amara T-UkuleleKala Makala
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$167€149
    $167€149Check ↗
  14. 24
    Kala KA-TK-T-CE Teak Tri-Top TenorKala
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$167€149
    $167€149Check ↗
  15. 25
    Flight Iris Tenor Ukulele BKFlight
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$174€155
    $174€155Check ↗
  16. 26
    Leolani Macassar Ebony Tenor UkuleleLeolani
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$179€159
    $179€159Check ↗
  17. 27
    Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH 5Leolani
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$224€199
    $224€199Check ↗
  18. 28
    Ibanez AUT10-OPNIbanez
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$230€205
    $230€205Check ↗
  19. 29
    Flight Diana TE Tenor UkuleleFlight
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$253€225
    $253€225Check ↗
  20. 30
    Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SHLeolani
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$268€239
    $268€239Check ↗
  21. 31
    Baton Rouge UTC-T CherryBaton Rouge
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$145€129
    $145€129Check ↗
  22. 32
    Baton Rouge UTAP-T Apple Tenor UkuleleBaton Rouge
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$246€219
    $246€219Check ↗
  23. 33
    Kala Makala KA-LEGACY-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$167€149
    $167€149Check ↗
  24. 34
    Ortega RTPS-U-SBK-LOrtega
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$231€206
    $231€206Check ↗
  25. 35
    Ortega RTPS-U-SBKOrtega
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$231€206
    $231€206Check ↗
  26. 36
    Ortega RTPS-U-NATOrtega
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$235€209
    $235€209Check ↗
  27. 37
    Ortega RTPX-U-ACAOrtega
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$246€219
    $246€219Check ↗
  28. 38
    Ortega RTPX-U-FMAOrtega
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$249€222
    $249€222Check ↗
  29. 39
    Cascha Cedar Tenor UkuleleCascha
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$156€139
    $156€139Check ↗
  30. 40
    Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor UkuleleHarley Benton
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$156€139
    $156€139Check ↗
  31. 41
    Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel w/BagHarley Benton
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$179€159
    $179€159Check ↗
  32. 42
    Cascha Cedar Tenor Uku Solid Top EQCascha
    Index 39Stable
    39
    Stable$179€159
    $179€159Check ↗
  33. 43
    Höfner Ukulele Violin SizeHöfner
    Index 38Stable
    38
    Stable$224€199
    $224€199Check ↗
  34. 44
    Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala
    Index 59Stable
    59
    Stable$111€99
    $111€99Check ↗
  35. 45
    Kai KTI-700 Tenor UkuleleKai
    Index 37Stable
    37
    Stable$212€189
    $212€189Check ↗
  36. 46
    Thomann Tenor Ukulele with PUThomann
    Index 35Stable
    35
    Stable$190€169
    $190€169Check ↗
  37. 47
    Epiphone Ukulele Hummingbird Outfit FCSEpiphone
    Index 35Stable
    35
    Stable$201€179
    $201€179Check ↗
  38. 48
    Baton Rouge UTAS-T AshBaton Rouge
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$134€119
    $134€119Check ↗
  39. 49
    Baton Rouge UTM-T Flamed MapleBaton Rouge
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$134€119
    $134€119Check ↗
  40. 50
    Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor UkuleleSatin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele · Kala
    Index 71↓ 46.0%
    71
    ↓ 46.0%$84€75
    $84€75Check ↗

Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers

Measured across all 130 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $246 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.

10
36
43
30
8
3
<$100$100–200$200–400$400–750$750–1.5k$1.5k+
Nut width37 mm (1.46")

median of 79 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")

Scale430 mm (16.93")

median of 101 models · 425 mm (16.73")–440 mm (17.32")

Frets18

median of 110 models · 18–22

Fingerboardrosewood, ebony

most common · 49 models

How to choose the best tenor ukuleles

Playability (Action & Neck Profile)

Forget a thick, unwieldy neck. As an intermediate player, you need something comfortable for fingerpicking and those tricky chord voicings. Action that's not too high or too low - a little room for adjustment is ideal. A comfortable 'C' or 'D' profile is generally a safe bet.

Tone & Articulation

That bright, chimey ukulele tone is great, but you need more nuance. Listen for a balanced response across the frequencies - not too much ice-picky high-end, but enough clarity to hear individual notes when fingerpicking. Good articulation is key for cuts through a band mix.

Sustain & Headroom

A little sustain helps those melodies linger, and headroom means you can dig in without the tone collapsing into a muddy mess. This is especially important if you're thinking about adding a pickup for amplified gigs.

Build Quality & Materials

Solid wood tops (like spruce or mahogany) will generally give you better resonance and tonal complexity than laminate. Intonation needs to be spot-on-nothing's more frustrating than a ukulele that's out of tune as you move up the neck.

Versatility & Pickup Options

Are you planning on recording? Gigging? A built-in pickup can be a game-changer, but the voicing is critical. A bad pickup can make even a great ukulele sound lifeless and sterile. Consider the pickup's EQ and how it interacts with your amp or interface.

Buying guide

Alright, so you've moved past the basic C chord strumming and are actually looking to play some tenor uke. That's awesome. The tenor size opens up a lot of possibilities-more range, different voicings, and a chance to really start shaping your tone. But not every tenor is created equal, especially when you're past the beginner phase and need something that can handle more complex playing and a gig or two.

Don't chase the prettiest finish. Focus on playability first - a poorly set-up, beautiful ukulele is useless. Many cheaper tenors will cut corners on the nut and saddle material (plastic instead of bone or Tusq) - that's where you'll hear a noticeable difference in sustain and clarity.

If you're serious about recording, factor in a decent preamp if you're going electric; a cheap pickup will just limit your options.

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 soprano and tenor ukulele, and why did I outgrow the soprano?

Sopranos are smaller and have a higher pitch, which can feel cramped as your fingers get bigger and your chord vocabulary expands. Tenors have more range and a fuller tone, allowing for more complex arrangements and alternate tunings.

I'm thinking about getting a pickup - what should I look for?

Look for a pickup with a natural, balanced voicing. Piezo pickups can be harsh, so consider a KNA or magnetic soundhole pickup. An onboard preamp with a simple EQ is a huge plus for shaping your tone.

What does 'action' mean, and why is it important?

Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. High action makes it harder to fret notes cleanly; low action can cause buzzing. A comfortable action allows for easier playing and better intonation.

Solid wood vs. laminate - does it really matter?

It does. Solid wood vibrates more freely, resulting in a richer, more complex tone with better sustain. Laminate is more durable and cheaper, but it'll sound noticeably more 'boxed in.'

I'm on a budget. What are some compromises I can make?

You might have to settle for a laminate top instead of solid, or a simpler, less versatile pickup. Focus on getting a good setup - even a budget ukulele can sound decent if it's properly intonated and the action is adjusted correctly.

Related charts

#1 · AudioFu Index 69Kala KA-JTE/2TS Archtop Tenor Ukulele · $224€199
Check price ↗
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