AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Kala Tenor Ukuleles 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 24 models, 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-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
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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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
KA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala
12 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.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$392 now$392€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 ↗
All 24 tenor ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor UkuleleMakala Tenor Ukulele UB-T · Kala61Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 12
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$538€479$538€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$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 17
Kala KA SB ACA T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$370€329$370€329Check ↗
- 18
Kala KA-RES-BRS Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$426€379$426€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$639€569$639€569Check ↗
- 22
Kala Ziricote Super Tenor UkeleleKala45Stable$650€579$650€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 130 models we track, not a sample.
Median $370 — 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
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 130 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.
