AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor Ukulele ($560). Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $133. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 115 models across 18 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
You get a tenor ukulele with a spruce top, okoume back and sides, and an Ibanez undersaddle pickup, so you can plug it into an amp or sound system. It has 24 frets and a 17-inch scale, which gives you more room on the neck than a soprano or concert size. It comes with an Allen key and a gig bag, so you can take it to a jam or gig right away.
Pros
- Spruce top paired with okoume back and sides gives a clear wood build
- Ibanez undersaddle pickup lets you plug in and play amplified
- Purpleheart fingerboard and bridge give a dark, contrasting look
Cons
- Plastic nut instead of bone, so the nut is made of plastic
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 ↗ -
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.
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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 ↗
All 115 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-T Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$176€157$176€157Check ↗
- 12
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$391€349$391€349Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$649€579$649€579Check ↗
- 14
Kala Makala KA-NS-RED-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala61Stable$1,232€1,099$1,232€1,099Check ↗
- 15
Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala59Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 16
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8Ortega59↓ 12.9%$175€156$175€156Check ↗
- 17
Ortega RU5MM-TE UkuleleOrtega · 3 finishes57Stable$89€79$89€79Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50THarley Benton · 2 finishes57↓ 25.2%$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 19
Baton Rouge V2-TACE SunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes56Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 20
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$504€449$504€449Check ↗
- 21
Kala Makala KA-NS-BLK-MNG-TE Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$1,232€1,099$1,232€1,099Check ↗
- 22
Kala Makala KA-CTD-SA-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala54Stable$728€649$728€649Check ↗
- 23
Ortega RUGA-ORG UkuleleOrtega53↓ 22.5%$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 24
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega53Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 25
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBLFlight · 2 finishes53Stable$277€247$277€247Check ↗
- 26
Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$205€183$205€183Check ↗
- 27
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TPPFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$369€329$369€329Check ↗
- 28
Kala KA-20T Tenor UkuleleKala50↓ 58.8%$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 29
Flight NUT500 TenorFlight50↓ 5.1%$105€94$105€94Check ↗
- 30
Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BLFlight · 2 finishes50↓ 3.3%$649€579$649€579Check ↗
- 31
Ortega RUGH-BKTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 32
Ortega RUGH-SRTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 33
Ortega RUGH-PLTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 34
Ortega RUGH-OCTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 35
Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega48Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 36
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight48Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 37
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$223€199$223€199Check ↗
- 38
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight48Stable$376€335$376€335Check ↗
- 39
Cascha E-Tenor Ukulele Premium MahCascha47↓ 11.1%$99€88$99€88Check ↗
- 40
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$537€479$537€479Check ↗
- 41
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$302€269$302€269Check ↗
- 42
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight46Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 43
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight46Stable$544€485$544€485Check ↗
- 44
Flight Songbird Mango EQ-A TenorFlight46Stable$649€579$649€579Check ↗
- 45
Flight Songbird TPP Tenor EQ-AFlight46Stable$672€599$672€599Check ↗
- 46
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 47
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 48
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 49
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 50
Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa UkuleleLeolani45↓ 10.1%$201€179$201€179Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 129 models we track, not a sample.
Median $231 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.
median of 78 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 100 models · 402 mm (15.83")–440 mm (17.32")
median of 109 models · 18–22
most common · 47 models
How to choose the best tenor ukuleles
Wood Choice
Spruce, mahogany, and koa are common. Spruce offers a brighter, more articulate tone - great for cutting through a mix - while mahogany tends to be warmer and more mellow. Koa, when properly figured, provides a complex, slightly sweet tone, but it's also the most expensive, so expect compromises at this price point.
Bracing Pattern
A well-executed bracing pattern is crucial for sustain and projection. Look for a fan bracing pattern, as it generally distributes vibrations more effectively than a ladder brace, leading to a fuller, more resonant tone. Cheaper ukes often skimp here, resulting in a boxy, lifeless sound.
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is paramount. A slim, even profile is generally preferred, especially for faster playing. Equally important is the action - the string height above the fretboard. Too high, and it's a chore to play; too low, and you'll get fret buzz. Ideally, you want something adjustable and comfortable.
Hardware Quality
Tuners are often overlooked, but they're critical for staying in tune on stage. Cheap plastic tuners will slip and make gigging a nightmare. Solid geared tuners are a must, and a good nut material (bone or Tusq) will improve sustain and tuning stability.
Overall Build Quality
Check for consistent fretwork, clean glue joints, and a well-fitted bridge. These details speak to the overall care and craftsmanship that went into the instrument. Sloppy construction translates to intonation problems and a shorter lifespan.
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a tenor uke that doesn't require selling a kidney? Smart move. The tenor size gives you more real estate for some serious fingerpicking and chord voicings, and thankfully, you don't need to drop serious cash to get a playable, gig-worthy instrument.
At this price range, you're trading off something. A solid koa top will sound gorgeous but might mean simpler tuners or less refined bracing. Don't be swayed by flashy aesthetics - focus on the fundamentals: playability and tone.
A well-set-up instrument, even with less premium wood, will always sound and feel better than a poorly built one with fancy appointments. Prioritize a comfortable neck profile and low action; those are easy fixes later, but a bad neck profile is a dealbreaker.
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 129 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 laminate and solid wood?
Laminate is basically plywood - more stable and less prone to cracking, but it dampens the tone. Solid wood breathes and resonates more, offering better projection and a richer tone, but requires more careful humidity control.
Does a built-in pickup really make a difference?
It depends. Many stock pickups are... underwhelming, often colored and lacking dynamics. A decent aftermarket pickup, though, can be a lifesaver for live gigs or recording, allowing you to cut through the mix without sacrificing too much natural tone. But factor that extra cost in.
Are 'concert' and 'tenor' sizes really that different?
Yes. Tenor ukes have a longer scale length (typically 17 inches vs. 15 inches for concert), which gives you more string tension, a fuller low-end thump, and generally better intonation. It's a more versatile size for serious playing.
What should I look for in the 'action'?
Ideally, the action should be low enough to play comfortably without fret buzz. Around 2.5mm-3mm at the 12th fret is a good starting point, but personal preference varies. A luthier can adjust it if needed.
Can I realistically expect 'koa' tone under $2000?
You can get some koa, but it'll almost certainly be a koa top over a mahogany back and sides - a cost-saving measure. Don't expect the complex, shimmering tone of a solid all-koa uke; it's a different beast altogether. Manage your expectations.





