AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles for Jazz 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor Ukulele ($560). Ibanez URGT100 Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $167. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 117 models across 19 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Top 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$705 · Aug 17$560 now$560€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$503 · Aug 20$223 now$223€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$290 now$290€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$528 · Aug 17$509 now$509€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$167 now$167€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$324 now$324€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$414 now$414€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$560 now$560€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$2,522 now$2,522€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$176€157$176€157Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$391€349$391€349Check ↗
- 14
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$649€579$649€579Check ↗
- 15
Kala Makala KA-NS-RED-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala61Stable$1,232€1,099$1,232€1,099Check ↗
- 16
Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala59Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 17
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8Ortega59↓ 12.9%$175€156$175€156Check ↗
- 18
Ortega RU5MM-TE UkuleleOrtega · 3 finishes57Stable$89€79$89€79Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50THarley Benton · 2 finishes57↓ 25.2%$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 20
Baton Rouge V2-TACE SunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes56Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 21
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 22
Kala Makala KA-NS-BLK-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$1,232€1,099$1,232€1,099Check ↗
- 23
Kala Makala KA-CTD-SA-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala54Stable$728€649$728€649Check ↗
- 24
Ortega RUGA-ORG UkuleleOrtega53↓ 22.5%$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 25
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega53Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 26
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBLFlight · 2 finishes53Stable$277€247$277€247Check ↗
- 27
Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$205€183$205€183Check ↗
- 28
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TBKFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$369€329$369€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%$649€579$649€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$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 37
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight48Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 38
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 39
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight48Stable$376€335$376€335Check ↗
- 40
Cascha E-Tenor Ukulele Premium MahCascha47↓ 11.1%$99€88$99€88Check ↗
- 41
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$537€479$537€479Check ↗
- 42
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$302€269$302€269Check ↗
- 43
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight46Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 44
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight46Stable$544€485$544€485Check ↗
- 45
Flight Songbird Mango EQ-A TenorFlight46Stable$649€579$649€579Check ↗
- 46
Flight Songbird TPP Tenor EQ-AFlight46Stable$672€599$672€599Check ↗
- 47
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 48
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 49
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 50
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 131 models we track, not a sample.
Median $231 — 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
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 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 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.





