Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $300 2026
So you're looking for a tenor uke that won't break the bank? Smart move. Tenor ukes offer a real step up in projection and low-end thump compared to sopranos, but they can still sound surprisingly good without emptying your wallet. Let's cut through the noise and find you something that'll hold its own at rehearsals, open mics, or even a low-key gig.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
⚡ The best tenor ukuleles in 2026 are Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8 (top pick), Ortega RU4MM-TE-8 for tighter budgets, and Baton Rouge V2-TACE Sun for pros — selected from 15 options across 6 brands, priced $138–$296, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8
by
Ortega
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Strings
8-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Solo Performance
Jazz
Blues
Key Feature:
This eight-string uke sounds like a big guitar with a warm mahogany body. The TUSQ nut helps you play all the extra strings cleanly. It works great for jazz players who want a full, rich sound without carrying heavy batteries.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body provides a warm, rich tone
- • TUSQ nut ensures smooth intonation and easier string bending
- • MAGUSX pickup offers built-in amplification for performance
- • Rechargeable battery power eliminates the need for extra batteries
CONS
- • Eight strings make the fretboard wider than standard tenor sizes
- • Natural finish may show dust or wear more easily than colored options
- • No specific body depth or back wood details are listed in specs
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 633532
$208
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8
by
Ortega
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Strings
8-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Blues
Jazz
Folk
Key Feature:
This ukulele packs eight strings into a warm mahogany body for deep bass. The fast Okoume neck and TUSQ nut make it easy to play, even up to the 18th fret. It suits players who want a bigger sound without the full guitar setup.
PROS
- • Mahogany body gives warm, rich bass response
- • Okoume neck provides a fast, stable playing feel
- • TUSQ nut ensures smooth action and bright tone
- • 18 frets allow easy access to higher positions
CONS
- • Okoume neck may lack the stability of solid wood
- • Natural finish offers less protection than a coat
- • No pickup installed limits output for amps
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 633528
$138
Baton Rouge V2-TACE Sun
by
Baton Rouge
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Walnut fingerboard
Jazz
Fingerstyle
Folk
Key Feature:
This tenor uke has a nice mahogany body and a cutaway for easy high-note access. The rechargeable pickup makes it great for playing in noisy rooms. While it lacks a listed weight or top wood, the armrest and walnut fingerboard make it a solid choice for players who want a bit more range than a soprano or concert model.
PROS
- • Cutaway design lets you reach high frets easily.
- • Mahogany body offers a warm, rich tone.
- • Rechargeable UKB pickup adds volume for practice.
- • Armrest provides comfortable playing support.
CONS
- • Scale length is longer than standard ukulele size.
- • No top wood material is specified in text.
- • Weight is not stated in the provided description.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 644033
$231
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBK
by
Flight
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Jazz
Blues
Folk
Key Feature:
The Pathfinder TBK is a really interesting take on a tenor ukulele – it's got electric chops and a surprisingly refined sound. The flamed maple top adds a touch of class, and the humbucker pickup gives you some serious grit. It’s perfect for players wanting a versatile, stage-ready uke with a modern edge, especially those exploring blues, rock, or funk-influenced styles.
PROS
- • Flamed maple top provides a surprisingly warm, articulate voice
- • Roasted maple fretboard offers smooth playability and resists humidity
- • Humbucker pickup delivers a thicker, more aggressive tone option
- • Solid build quality; feels much more premium than the price suggests
CONS
- • Basswood body lacks the resonance of more exotic woods
- • Transparent black finish can show fingerprints easily
- • 3-way pickup switch limits tonal flexibility compared to dedicated controls
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 508505
$296
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBL
by
Flight
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
22 frets
Body
Basswood body
Blues
Jazz
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
The Flight Pathfinder TBL is a seriously cool-looking and surprisingly versatile tenor ukulele. The pickup setup makes it great for gigging or recording, and the roasted maple neck is a joy to play. This is a fantastic choice for players who want a unique voice and amplified capabilities without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Flamed maple top adds visual flair and a touch of brightness to the tone.
- • Roasted maple fretboard offers smooth playability and resists humidity changes.
- • Humbucker/single coil pickup combination provides versatile tonal options for different styles.
- • Solid basswood body delivers a warm, resonant foundation for the ukulele’s voice.
CONS
- • Basswood, while warm, lacks the premium tonal complexity of mahogany or koa.
- • High-gloss finish may be prone to fingerprints and require diligent care.
- • The 3-way pickup switch limits tonal shaping compared to more complex controls.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 504815
$287
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH
by
Leolani
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
433 mm (17.05")
Frets
18 frets
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Fingerstyle
Solo Performance
Blues
Key Feature:
This ukulele uses beautiful spalted mango wood for its top and sides, giving it a rich look and warm tone. The Cattle bone nut and 18 frets make it comfortable for players who want to reach higher notes easily. While the Okoume neck and reconstituted wood are fine, they are not as dense as solid tonewoods, and there are no pickups. It is a great choice for someone who loves exotic wood patterns and wants a classic tenor shape without needing electronics.
PROS
- • Exotic Hawaiian spalted mango wood on top and sides
- • Solid Cattle bone nut and saddle for smooth play
- • 18 frets allow easy access to high notes
- • Silk-matte finish feels smooth and looks unique
CONS
- • Okoume neck lacks the density of premium tonewoods
- • Reconstituted rosewood fingerboard may not age as well
- • No electronics listed for amplifying sound
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 622113
$278
Ibanez AUT10-OPN
by
Ibanez
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
19 frets
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Jazz
Blues
Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
The Ibanez AUT10-OPN is a surprisingly well-built tenor ukulele that offers a lot of bang for your buck. The solid paulownia back and spruce top combination gives it a pleasing, balanced tone that's great for beginners or players looking for a dependable, affordable instrument for casual playing and campfire singalongs.
PROS
- • Solid paulownia back & sides offer surprising warmth and resonance.
- • Spruce top provides clarity and projects well for a ukulele.
- • Okoume neck with open-pore finish allows for comfortable, fast playing.
- • Purpleheart fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive playing experience.
CONS
- • Plastic nut is a cost-saving measure; upgrade potential exists.
- • Open-pore finish, while nice, can be more susceptible to humidity changes.
- • Limited tonal versatility; best suited for strumming and fingerpicking.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 581596
$238
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH 5
by
Leolani
Scale
433 mm (17.05")
Frets
19 frets
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Solo Performance
Professional Playing
Key Feature:
This ukulele looks stunning with its exotic spalted mango wood and natural silk finish. The bone nut and saddle help you stay in tune, but the Okoume neck is lighter than traditional rosewood. It is a great choice for players who want beautiful wood without needing built-in pickups.
PROS
- • Hawaiian spalted mango wood offers rich, exotic visual and tonal depth
- • Cattle bone nut and saddle ensure crisp intonation across all 19 frets
- • Sealed machine heads with black buttons provide stable tuning stability
- • Aquila Black strings deliver a balanced, professional tone out of the box
CONS
- • Okoume neck material lacks the density and sustain of rosewood or maple
- • Reconstituted rosewood body components may age unevenly over time
- • No electronics or output jack listed for modern recording or stage use
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 622114
$231
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele SH 6
by
Leolani
Scale
433 mm (17.05")
Frets
18 frets
Strings
6-string
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Fingerstyle
Professional Playing
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
This six-string ukulele sounds warm and resonant thanks to its reconstituted rosewood. The exotic mango body looks stunning, but the softer Okoume neck is a bit risky for long-term play. It fits beginners wanting more range or pros needing a unique voice, though it lacks built-in pickups.
PROS
- • Exotic Hawaiian spalted mango body offers unique visual grain
- • Reconstituted rosewood provides a warm, resonant tenor tone
- • Six strings allow for extended range and chord voicings
- • Cattle bone saddle and bridge add classic acoustic sustain
CONS
- • Reconstituted wood may age differently than solid vintage wood
- • Okoume neck is softer and prone to warping over time
- • No active electronics for modern recording or amplification
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 622115
$208
Flight Iris Calantas Tenor
by
Flight
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
19 frets
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Professional Playing
Jazz
Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
This tenor ukeletone offers a bright spruce top paired with warm mahogany sides. It comes with a smooth rosewood fingerboard and a nice gig bag. The softer Okoume neck might not hold up as well as other woods. It suits players who want a classic sound without extra electronics.
PROS
- • Solid Calantas spruce top offers bright attack
- • Warm mahogany back and sides add depth
- • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge feel smooth
- • Includes a deluxe gig bag for travel
CONS
- • Okoume neck is a softer, less stable wood
- • Natural finish shows wear quickly over time
- • 19 frets may be excessive for standard play
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 634167
$173
Ibanez URGT100-BK
by
Ibanez
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Professional Playing
Jazz
Folk
Key Feature:
This tenor uke offers a bright spruce top paired with a dark purpleheart fingerboard for a balanced tone. The undersaddle pickup keeps volume steady, making it great for beginners or small gigs. While the Okoume body is budget-friendly, the plastic nut and gloss finish limit long-term playability.
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers bright, cutting tone
- • Purpleheart fingerboard adds rich, dark harmonic depth
- • Undersaddle pickup ensures consistent output
- • Affordable price for quality tenor uke
CONS
- • Okoume back and sides may lack resonance
- • Plastic nut can cause fret buzz over time
- • High-gloss finish hides natural wood grain
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 557515
$173
Ibanez URGT100-SUY Ukulele
by
Ibanez
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
432 mm (17.01")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard
Purpleheart fingerboard
Solo Performance
Fingerstyle
Professional Playing
Key Feature:
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
- • Compact tenor size fits small hands well
CONS
- • Plastic nut feels cheap and slippery
- • Okoume back and sides are not dense
- • No weight listed makes balance hard to guess
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 650958
$173
Leolani Tenor Mango Ukulele
by
Leolani
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
433 mm (17.05")
Frets
18 frets
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Jazz
Solo Performance
Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
This tenor offers a rich look with its spalted mango body and nylgut strings. The 38mm nut width makes it friendly for bigger hands, but the reconstituted wood might not sound as warm as solid wood. It is a great choice for players who want a classic look without electronics.
PROS
- • Solid Hawaiian spalted mango body with premium nylgut strings
- • Wide 38mm nut fits larger hands comfortably
- • Reconstituted rosewood provides stable fingerboard surface
- • Beautiful mother-of-pearl dot inlays for clear fret markers
CONS
- • Reconstituted wood may lack resonance of solid wood
- • Saddle material is cattle bone, not traditional
- • No electronics included for amplified play
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 370370
$173
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T Bundle
Nut width
35 mm (1.38")
Scale
430 mm (16.93")
Frets
18 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerstyle
Professional Playing
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T is a fantastic entry point for ukulele players looking for a full-size sound with amplified capabilities. The acacia construction gives it a surprisingly rich tone, and the included accessories make it truly ready to play right out of the box. It's a great option for beginners or anyone wanting a versatile, affordable tenor ukulele for strumming and light fingerpicking.
PROS
- • Acacia top delivers a surprisingly warm and resonant tone, exceeding expectations for the price.
- • Ovangkol fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience with good note definition.
- • Built-in tuner is genuinely useful for beginners and quick adjustments on the go.
- • The arched back design enhances projection and adds a touch of visual appeal.
CONS
- • Acacia body might exhibit slight movement with humidity changes; requires some acclimation.
- • Chrome hardware, while visually nice, can feel a little lightweight and potentially prone to wear.
- • Mahogany neck, while comfortable, might be a bit thicker than some players prefer.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 543679
$150
Ortega RU5CE-TE Tenor Ukulele
by
Ortega
Nut width
37 mm (1.46")
Scale
440 mm (17.32")
Frets
18 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Professional Playing
Solo Performance
Jazz
Key Feature:
The RU5CE-TE is a solid, affordable tenor ukulele – a great option for beginners and intermediate players looking for a stage-ready instrument. The spruce top gives it a brighter voice, while the mahogany body keeps things grounded and warm. It's particularly well-suited for folk, Hawaiian, or light strumming styles where a clear, amplified sound is needed.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with good projection
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, balanced foundation to the sound
- • Ortega MagusUke pickup system offers surprisingly clean amplified sound
- • Walnut fretboard and bridge contribute to a smooth playing feel and sustain
CONS
- • Mahogany construction can be slightly 'woody' – lacks some tonal complexity
- • Cutaway access to higher frets is a bit cramped for larger hands
- • The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can feel a little plasticky
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 389781
$150
Every tenor ukuleles that matches
76 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Ortega RUOX-TE | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 440 mm (17.32") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard | $150 |
| 17 | Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50T | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck | $138 |
| 18 | Flight NUT500 Tenor | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $115 |
| 19 | Ortega RUGH-BKT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $115 |
| 20 | Ortega RUGH-SRT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $115 |
| 21 | Ortega RUGH-PLT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $115 |
| 22 | Ortega RUGH-OCT | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $115 |
| 23 | Cascha Tenor Ukulele Premium Mah LH | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets · Body Mahogany body | $92 |
| 24 | Cascha Premium Mahogany Tenor Set BK | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets · Body Mahogany body | $86 |
| 25 | Kala Makala MK8 Tenor Ukulele | Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $231 |
| 26 | Leolani Macassar Ebony Tenor Ukulele | Scale 433 mm (17.05") · Frets 18 frets · Body Ebony body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $185 |
| 27 | Ortega RUACA-TE | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $278 |
| 28 | Fender Dhani Harrison Ukulele Tq | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 19 frets | $266 |
| 29 | Höfner Ukulele Violin Bass Size | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 445 mm (17.52") · Frets 18 frets | $231 |
| 30 | Ortega RUNAB-TE | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 440 mm (17.32") · Frets 18 frets | $230 |
| 31 | Flight Iris Tinta Tenor TDB | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $220 |
| 32 | Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NA | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $213 |
| 33 | Ibanez URGT100-SUR Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 24 frets | $173 |
| 34 | Baton Rouge UTC-T Cherry | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $150 |
| 35 | Baton Rouge UTM-T Flamed Maple | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $138 |
| 36 | Baton Rouge UTAS-T Ash | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 18 frets | $138 |
| 37 | Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor Bundle | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $134 |
| 38 | Cascha E-Tenor Ukulele Premium Mah | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets | $115 |
| 39 | Harley Benton Hawaii Cedar Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Frets 19 frets | $115 |
| 40 | Ortega RUGA-SKY Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $87 |
| 41 | Ortega RUGA-PLT Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $87 |
| 42 | Ortega RUGA-GAP Ukulele | Nut width 37 mm (1.46") · Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $87 |
| 43 | Cascha Premium Mahagoni Tenor Bundle | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 426 mm (16.77") · Frets 19 frets | $76 |
| 44 | Ortega NEO-U-TGB | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Body Okoume body | $243 |
| 45 | Ortega NEO-U-TSB | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") · Body Okoume body | $239 |
| 46 | Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa Ukulele | Scale 380 mm (14.96") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $231 |
| 47 | Kala Makala KA-AM-T-CE Amara T-Ukulele | Scale 445.5 mm (17.54") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $173 |
| 48 | Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 431 mm (16.97") · Frets 19 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $150 |
| 49 | Kala Makala Tenor Ukulele UB-T | Scale 429 mm (16.89") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $138 |
| 50 | Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428.6 mm (16.88") · Frets 18 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $115 |
| 51 | Flight Diana TE Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Frets 18 frets | $262 |
| 52 | Kai KTI-700 Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 34 mm (1.34") · Frets 18 frets | $220 |
| 53 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel Bundle | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $215 |
| 54 | Kala Tenor Ukulele Starter Kit | Scale 432 mm (17.01") · Frets 18 frets | $196 |
| 55 | Cascha Cedar Tenor Uku Solid Top EQ | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") | $185 |
| 56 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulel w/Bag | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $185 |
| 57 | Kala KA-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428 mm (16.85") · Frets 18 frets | $182 |
| 58 | Flight Iris Tenor Ukulele BK | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 19 frets | $180 |
| 59 | Kala KA-TK-T-CE Teak Tri-Top Tenor | Scale 425 mm (16.73") · Frets 18 frets | $173 |
| 60 | Cascha Cedar Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 35 mm (1.38") · Scale 430 mm (16.93") | $162 |
| 61 | Harley Benton Hawaii Koa Tenor Ukulele | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Frets 18 frets | $162 |
| 62 | Kala KA-15-T BNDL Tenor Starter Kit | Scale 431 mm (16.97") · Frets 18 frets | $162 |
| 63 | Kala Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele | Scale 431 mm (16.97") · Frets 18 frets | $162 |
| 64 | Epiphone Ukulele Hummingbird Outfit FCS | Frets 19 frets · Body Mahogany body | $208 |
| 65 | Thomann Tenor Ukulele with PU | Scale 402 mm (15.83") · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $196 |
| 66 | Kala Makala KA-LEGACY-T Tenor Ukulele | Scale 428.6 mm (16.87") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $173 |
| 67 | Baton Rouge V2-T8 sun | Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $150 |
| 68 | Baton Rouge V1-TCE goth | Frets 18 frets · Body Mahogany body | $115 |
| 69 | Kai KTI-30 Tenor Ukulele | Frets 18 frets | $138 |
| 70 | Ortega RTPX-U-FMA | Body Okoume body | $258 |
| 71 | Ortega RTPX-U-ACA | Body Okoume body | $255 |
| 72 | Ortega RTPS-U-NAT | Body Okoume body | $243 |
| 73 | Ortega RTPS-U-SBK | Body Okoume body | $239 |
| 74 | Ortega RTPS-U-SBK-L | Body Okoume body | $239 |
| 75 | Baton Rouge V2-T sun | Body Mahogany body | $113 |
| 76 | Ortega RU5-TE | Body Sapele body | $89 |
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 76 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $173
from $87 to $266
Nut width
median 37 mm (1.46")
from 35 mm (1.38") to 38 mm (1.5") · 49 models
Scale
median 430 mm (16.93")
from 380 mm (14.96") to 440 mm (17.32") · 59 models
Frets
median 18
from 18 to 22 · 63 models
Body
mahogany, okoume, basswood
most common · 22 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, walnut, purpleheart
most common · 26 models
How to Choose the Best Tenor Ukuleles
1
Tone
We're looking for a balanced response, avoiding that brittle, ice-picky high-end you often find on cheaper instruments. A little warmth and sustain is a huge plus, especially if you're playing with a band.
2
Playability
Action is key. Too high and it's a chore to play; too low and you'll get fret buzz. A comfortable neck profile makes a big difference when you're practicing or gigging for hours.
3
Intonation
Does it stay in tune as you move up the neck? Poor intonation is a deal-breaker, no matter how pretty the instrument looks.
4
Build Quality
Solid wood tops (like spruce or mahogany) generally sound better than laminate, but expect some compromises at this price point. Check for clean fretwork and overall construction integrity.
5
Projection
Can it cut through the mix? A tenor needs to be heard, especially when playing with other instruments. Look for a decent soundboard vibration - that's where the volume comes from.
Buying Guide
At this price range, expect some trade-offs. Solid wood tops are a bonus, but often paired with laminate back and sides to keep costs down. Fretwork can be a bit rough - a quick trip to a luthier for a leveling and crowning can make a world of difference. Don't chase 'big' sound; focus on clarity, intonation, and playability - those are the foundations of a good instrument.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 76 tenor ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laminate is multiple layers of wood glued together - it's more resistant to humidity changes but generally sounds less resonant. Solid wood vibrates more freely, giving you more warmth and sustain, but can be more susceptible to environmental changes.
Some of these have basic built-in pickups, but don't expect premium voicing. The signal will be usable, but you'll likely want an external preamp for serious recording or gigging to add warmth and headroom.
That's subjective, but generally a 'C' or 'D' shape is comfortable for most players. A thicker 'D' profile offers more sustain but can feel bulkier. Try before you buy if possible.
A little bit is, especially on new instruments. However, excessive fret buzz indicates a setup issue. A luthier can adjust the action and level the frets to minimize it.
Standard tenor tuning is GCEA, a whole step up from soprano. Experiment with different tunings to find what suits your playing style and the music you're playing.
