AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles for Jazz 2026
The top pick is Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele ($84). Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo 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.
-
Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele · Kala
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale431 mm (16.97")
- Frets18 frets
This is a straightforward tenor uke built from solid mahogany for a warm, full tone. The rosewood fingerboard feels good under your fingers, and the included bag makes it easy to carry. It works great for players who want a classic acoustic sound without any extra electronics.
Pros
- All solid mahogany wood throughout body and neck
- Rosewood fretboard provides warm tone and grip
- GraphTech Nubon nut and saddle for smooth action
Cons
- No pickup system for amplification
- No adjustable bridge or truss rod mentioned
-
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↓ 55.7%since Aug 20 · lowest so far$504 · Aug 20$224 now$224€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
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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$291 now$291€259 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 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$167 now$167€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SDH-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale429 mm (16.89")
- Frets18 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Kala SDH-T is a really sweet-sounding tenor – the all-mahogany build gives it a lovely warmth and depth. It's a great step up from entry-level ukuleles, perfect for players wanting a more refined instrument with a traditional aesthetic. It’s an excellent choice for fingerstyle players or those seeking a mellow, inviting tone.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly complex tone.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle noticeably improve sustain and intonation.
- The 'Salt & Pepper Doghair' finish is aesthetically pleasing and unique, showcasing the wood grain.
Cons
- The aged cream binding, while visually appealing, can be prone to chipping with rough handling.
- Solid mahogany can be slightly heavier than laminate, potentially tiring for extended playing.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$325 now$325€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
CT-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale433 mm (17.05")
- Frets19 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Kala CT-SMH-TG is a beautifully crafted tenor ukulele, perfect for intermediate players or those seeking a premium instrument without the exorbitant price tag. The all-mahogany construction produces a wonderfully warm and mellow tone, ideal for traditional Hawaiian music and fingerstyle playing. It's a fantastic choice for players who prioritize natural wood tone and a comfortable playing feel.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience and clear note definition.
- Bone nut and saddle enhance sustain and improve the ukulele's overall tonal clarity.
Cons
- Solid mahogany can be susceptible to temperature and humidity changes, requiring careful storage.
- High-gloss finish might feel a bit thick for players preferring a more open, natural feel.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$415 now$415€369 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 ↗ -
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.
-
- 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$176 now$176€157 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 KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala62Stable$392€349$392€349Check ↗
- 12
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala62Stable$650€579$650€579Check ↗
- 13
Kala Makala KA-NS-RED-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala62Stable$1,235€1,099$1,235€1,099Check ↗
- 14
Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor UkuleleMakala Tenor Ukulele UB-T · Kala61Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 15
Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala59Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 16
Ortega RU5MM-TE UkuleleOrtega · 3 finishes57Stable$89€79$89€79Check ↗
- 17
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala57Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 18
Kala Makala KA-NS-BLK-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala57Stable$1,235€1,099$1,235€1,099Check ↗
- 19
Baton Rouge V2-TACE SunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes56Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 20
Kala Makala KA-CTD-SA-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala54Stable$729€649$729€649Check ↗
- 21
Ortega RUGA-ORG UkuleleOrtega53↓ 22.5%$78€69$78€69Check ↗
- 22
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega53Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 23
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8Ortega53Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 24
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBLFlight · 2 finishes53Stable$277€247$277€247Check ↗
- 25
Martin Guitar T1 FSC Tenor UkuleleMartin Guitar · 4 finishes53Stable$650€579$650€579Check ↗
- 26
Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$206€183$206€183Check ↗
- 27
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TBKFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 28
Flight NUT500 TenorFlight50↓ 5.1%$106€94$106€94Check ↗
- 29
Ortega RUGH-OCTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 30
Ortega RUGH-PLTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 31
Ortega RUGH-SRTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 32
Ortega RUGH-BKTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 33
Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega48Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 34
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight48Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 35
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 36
Ortega RUHZ30TH-JF Tenor UkuleleOrtega48Stable$357€318$357€318Check ↗
- 37
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight48Stable$376€335$376€335Check ↗
- 38
Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BLFlight · 2 finishes48Stable$673€599$673€599Check ↗
- 39
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$538€479$538€479Check ↗
- 40
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 41
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 42
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega46Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 43
Ortega RUNAB-TEOrtega46Stable$222€198$222€198Check ↗
- 44
Ortega NEO-U-TSBOrtega46Stable$231€206$231€206Check ↗
- 45
Ortega NEO-U-TGBOrtega46Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 46
Ortega RUACA-TEOrtega46Stable$268€239$268€239Check ↗
- 47
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$302€269$302€269Check ↗
- 48
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight46Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 49
Ortega ECLIPSE-TE8Ortega46Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 50
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight46Stable$545€485$545€485Check ↗
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
Tonewood
Mahogany tends to deliver that warmer, more complex tone that's crucial for jazz. Koa can be beautiful, but often leans brighter, which can be tamed with the right pickup setup. Spruce offers clarity and projection but can be a bit sterile without careful voicing.
Bracing Pattern
Lighter bracing allows more vibration, which translates to more sustain and a more responsive feel. Heavier bracing might be more structurally sound, but it can dampen the ukulele's natural resonance-something you don't want when you're trying to coax out nuanced dynamics.
Neck Profile & Fretwork
A comfortable neck is non-negotiable. Look for a profile that fits your hand and allows for easy chord changes and soloing. Well-dressed frets are also critical for clean intonation, especially when you're playing complex voicings.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many jazz players mic their ukes, but a good pickup can be a lifesaver in a band setting. Avoid anything overly bright or harsh; you want a pickup that captures the ukulele's warmth and avoids that ice-picky top end. A blend of acoustic and magnetic pickups can often offer the best of both worlds.
Scale Length & Tuning Stability
The tenor scale (typically around 17 inches) is a good compromise between portability and playability. Accurate tuning is essential, so look for a ukulele with a stable neck and quality tuners - you don't want to be fighting intonation mid-solo.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to bring the ukulele into your jazz gig? Smart move - it can cut through a busy mix with a unique voice. But not all tenor ukes are created equal; a bright, trebly sound perfect for Hawaiian tunes will just sound thin and anemic next to a piano or upright bass. We're gonna break down tenors that offer the warmth, sustain, and articulation you need to really swing.
Don't fall for the hype. A lot of cheaper ukes sacrifice build quality for price-you'll feel it in the action and the intonation. Spending a little more on a well-built instrument with a comfortable neck profile and decent hardware is always worth it.
If you're planning on plugging in, a decent pickup system is a must; cheap pickups often sound brittle and lifeless.
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 a tenor ukulele for jazz?
Sopranos are great for their bright, traditional sound, but they often lack the low-end thump and sustain needed for jazz. Tenors offer a fuller tone and more comfortable range for playing chords and solos.
Can I use a soprano ukulele for jazz?
Sure, but you'll have to work harder to compensate for its limitations. It'll likely require more EQ and careful mic placement to avoid sounding thin.
What kind of strings should I use?
Fluorocarbon strings are popular for their brightness and projection, but for jazz, I recommend trying a warmer set like Aquila Nylgut or Worth Brown. They'll add more body and complexity to the tone.
Is a solid wood ukulele really worth the extra cost?
Absolutely, if you plan on playing regularly. Solid wood ukes resonate better, age more gracefully, and generally offer a richer, more nuanced tone than laminate models. Laminate is fine for beginners, but you'll notice the difference as you improve.
I'm on a budget. What's the minimum I should spend?
You can find playable instruments for under $200, but expect compromises in build quality and tone. Around $300-$400 gets you into instruments with solid wood construction and better hardware - a worthwhile investment for serious playing.
