AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Kala Tenor Ukuleles 2026
The top pick is Kala KA-JTE/2TS Archtop Tenor Ukulele ($223). Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $133. Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 24 models, 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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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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$176 now$176€157 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale428 mm (16.85")
- Frets18 frets
This Kala SMH-TG is a seriously nice tenor – the all-mahogany build gives it a rich, woody voice that’s a step up from entry-level ukes. It’s ideal for players looking for a comfortable, well-built instrument with a classic tone, perfect for folk, blues, or fingerstyle playing. The slotted headstock is a nice touch, adding a touch of elegance.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly complex tone.
- Rosewood fretboard and Graph Tech NuBone enhance sustain and intonation noticeably.
- Slotted headstock and maple binding add a touch of class to the aesthetic and build.
Cons
- Solid mahogany can be prone to movement with significant humidity changes.
- The high-gloss finish might feel a little thick or 'sticky' to some players.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$391 now$391€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala
11 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.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$649 now$649€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 24 tenor ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Kala KA-20T Tenor UkuleleKala50↓ 58.8%$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 12
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$537€479$537€479Check ↗
- 14
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$302€269$302€269Check ↗
- 15
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 16
Kala KA-SB-EBY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$369€329$369€329Check ↗
- 17
Kala KA SB ACA T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$369€329$369€329Check ↗
- 18
Kala KA-RES-BRS Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$425€379$425€379Check ↗
- 19
Kala Revelator Night Owl Mango Ten.Kala45Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 20
Kala Revelator Night Owl Acacia Te.Kala45Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 21
Kala ASFM-T-CE Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$638€569$638€569Check ↗
- 22
Kala Ziricote Super Tenor UkeleleKala45Stable$649€579$649€579Check ↗
- 23
Kala KA-TK-T-CE Teak Tri-Top TenorKala43Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 24
Kala KA-15-T BNDL Tenor Starter KitKala26Stable$156€139$156€139Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 131 models we track, not a sample.
Median $369 — 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
Tone
Kala's tone is generally warm and inviting, but it varies wildly. Their solid wood models (like the All-Mahogany) deliver a more focused, woody tone with a nice low-end thump - great for adding some weight to a vocal accompaniment. Laminate tops (common on their more affordable models) are brighter and punchier, which can be good for cutting through a band but can also get a little thin if you're chasing a more mellow vibe.
Playability
Kala's neck profiles are consistently comfortable, often erring on the side of a slightly slimmer profile which makes them accessible for players coming from guitar or bass. Action is usually decent straight out of the box, though a quick setup can really unlock the potential - especially on the lower-end models where corners sometimes get cut.
Build Quality
You get what you pay for. The entry-level models are well-built for the price, but the solid wood options show a noticeable step up in craftsmanship - tighter fretwork, better binding, and generally a more refined feel. Check the finish closely on the lower-end ones; sometimes you'll find minor blemishes.
Aesthetics
Kala isn't shy about experimenting with finishes and designs. While some of the wilder graphics are purely cosmetic, the wood grain patterns on the solid wood models are genuinely beautiful and add to the overall feel and value. It's a personal preference, but it matters when you're spending your hard-earned cash.
Versatility
The tenor size really shines here. It gives you more string tension and a lower overall pitch than a soprano, making it more comfortable to play and allowing for more complex chord voicings and fingerstyle work. It's a great size for both solo performance and blending in with a band - it won't get lost in the mix like a soprano sometimes can.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're thinking about a Kala tenor ukulele? Smart move. Kala really carved out a space for themselves, especially when it comes to accessible, playable instruments. They've gone from being the 'gateway' uke brand to offering some seriously decent options for gigging and even recording, though you gotta know what you're getting into with each model - some lean more towards beginner-friendly, others have that little something extra to really cut through a mix.
Don't fall for the hype; Kala's range is vast, and not everything is created equal. Solid wood is worth the extra investment if you're serious about tone and want something that will age well. Be realistic about your skill level - a complex binding and fancy finish won't magically make you a better player, but a well-set-up, comfortable neck will make practicing a heck of a lot more enjoyable.
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 24 tenor ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue (of 131 in the category). 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
Are Kala tenor ukuleles good for beginners?
Absolutely. Their smaller size and comfortable neck make them easier to handle than larger instruments. Just be prepared to spend a little time getting the action dialed in - it can be a bit high on some of the more affordable models.
What's the difference between a laminate and solid wood Kala?
Laminate tops are made of layers of wood glued together - they're more resistant to humidity changes but generally have a brighter, less complex tone. Solid wood tops offer richer, more resonant tones with better sustain, but require a bit more care in terms of humidity.
Can I plug a Kala tenor ukulele into an amp?
Some models, like the Electro-Acoustic series, have built-in pickups. The voicing on those pickups is often a bit 'generic' - expect a clean, amplified tone that might need some EQ tweaking to cut through a band. Aftermarket pickups are always an option, too.
What's a good Kala tenor ukulele for recording?
A solid wood model, like the Kala Elite or the All-Mahogany, will give you the most flexibility in the studio. Being able to mic it up and capture the nuances of the wood is key for a warm, natural recording.
Are Kala ukuleles easy to travel with?
Tenor ukuleles are a bit larger than sopranos, so they're not quite as convenient for travel. A gig bag is a must, and consider a hard case for more protection - especially if you're flying with it.
