Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $800 2026

Affordable tenor ukuleles under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

Martin Guitar T1 FSC Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Martin Guitar T1 FSC Tenor Ukulele

Solo Performance Jazz Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
• Largest standard ukulele size
✓ PROS
  • • Professional instrument capability
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point
  • • May be too large for some players

Martin Guitar T1 FSC Tenor UkuleleTenor UkuleleTop: SapeleBack and sides: SapeleNeck: SapeleFingerboard:...

4.8/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor Ukulele

Jazz Blues Folk
Key Feature:
• Rich, full tone
✓ PROS
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
  • • Great for complex playing
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point
  • • Less classic ukulele sound

Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor UkuleleTenor UkuleleTop: MahoganyBack and Sides: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Martin Guitar Martin Guitar 0X Ten Uke Suns - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Martin Guitar Martin Guitar 0X Ten Uke Suns

Blues Fingerstyle Folk
Key Feature:
• Rich, full tone
✓ PROS
  • • Professional instrument capability
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point
  • • May be too large for some players

Martin Guitar 0X Ten Uke SunsTenor UkuleleTop: HPL (high pressure laminate)Back and sides: Flamed mahogany HPL (high...

4.5/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Martin Guitar 0X Tenor Uke Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Martin Guitar 0X Tenor Uke Black

Blues Professional Playing Folk
Key Feature:
• Rich, full tone
✓ PROS
  • • Professional instrument capability
  • • Rich, full tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less classic ukulele sound
  • • May be too large for some players

Martin Guitar 0X Tenor Uke BlackTenor UkuleleBack and sides: HPL (high pressure laminate)Top: HPL (high pressure...

4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Flight Mustang EQ-A Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Flight Mustang EQ-A Tenor Ukulele

Blues Folk Professional Playing
Key Feature:
• Great for complex playing
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, full tone
  • • Professional instrument capability
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point
  • • Less portable than smaller sizes

Flight Mustang Tenor CE UkuleleTenor Ukulele with PickupUnique headstockScalloped cutawayBuilt completely out of solid...

4.9/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Martin Guitar T1K Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Martin Guitar T1K Tenor Ukulele

Fingerstyle Professional Playing Folk
Key Feature:
• Great for complex playing
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, full tone
  • • Professional instrument capability
✗ CONS
  • • Less classic ukulele sound
  • • May be too large for some players

Martin Guitar T1K Tenor UkuleleTenor Ukuleletop: KoaBack & sides: KoaNeck: Selected hardwoodFingerboard:...

4.6/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor Ukulele

Folk Solo Performance Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, full tone
  • • Professional instrument capability
✗ CONS
  • • May be too large for some players
  • • Less classic ukulele sound

Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor Ukulele8-String Tenor UkuleleTop: CedarBack and sides: AcaciaNeck: MahoganyFretboard:...

4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Risa T-Style Electric Ukulele BSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Risa T-Style Electric Ukulele BSB

Fingerstyle Blues Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Great for complex playing
✓ PROS
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
✗ CONS
  • • May lose some traditional uke character
  • • Less classic ukulele sound

Risa T-Style Electric Ukulele BSBTenor Electric UkuleleTuning: g-c-e-a (low g)Body: PineBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style TSB

Solo Performance Folk Blues
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Great for complex playing
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point
  • • May lose some traditional uke character

Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style TSBElectric UkuleleTenor sizeSolid mahogany body with arched topMahogany neckRichlit...

4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Martin Guitar T1K LH Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Martin Guitar T1K LH Tenor Ukulele

Fingerstyle Jazz Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Largest standard ukulele size
✓ PROS
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
  • • Professional instrument capability
✗ CONS
  • • Less classic ukulele sound
  • • May lose some traditional uke character

Martin Guitar T1K LH Tenor UkuleleTenor UkuleleLeft-handed modelTop: KoaBack & sides: KoaNeck: Selected...

4.6/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Kala Ziricote Super Tenor Ukelele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Kala Ziricote Super Tenor Ukelele

Folk Fingerstyle Professional Playing
Key Feature:
• Largest standard ukulele size
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
  • • Professional instrument capability
✗ CONS
  • • May be too large for some players
  • • May lose some traditional uke character

Kala Ziricote Super Tenor UkeleleSuper Tenor UkuleleTop: solid spruceBack and sides: ZiricoteNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SB

Jazz Professional Playing Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Great for complex playing
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
✗ CONS
  • • Higher price point
  • • May lose some traditional uke character

Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBTenor Ukulele with PickupWith cutawayBack and sides: RosewoodTop: solid flamed mapleNeck:...

4.5/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style BK

Jazz Professional Playing Folk
Key Feature:
• Comfortable fret spacing
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, full tone
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
✗ CONS
  • • May be too large for some players
  • • Less portable than smaller sizes

Risa Tenor Ukulele SC-Style BKElectric Tenor UkuleleSolid mahogany body with arched topMahogany neckRichlite...

4.7/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BL

Folk Solo Performance Blues
Key Feature:
• Largest standard ukulele size
✓ PROS
  • • Professional instrument capability
  • • Great for complex playing
✗ CONS
  • • May be too large for some players
  • • Higher price point

Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BLTenor Ukulele with PickupWith Scalloped Blackwood CutawaySpindle headstockTop: solid...

5.0/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Kala KA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Kala KA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele

Solo Performance Jazz Professional Playing
Key Feature:
• Great for complex playing
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable fret spacing
  • • Largest standard ukulele size
✗ CONS
  • • May lose some traditional uke character
  • • Less classic ukulele sound

Kala KA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor UkuleleTenor Ukulele with PickupWith Venetian cutawayTop: Solid mahoganyBack and sides: Solid...

4.6/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Tenor Ukuleles

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced tenor ukuleles typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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