AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Tenor Ukuleles Under $800 2026
The top pick is Martin Guitar T1 Streetmaster Tenor Ukulele ($557). Kala MK-T Makala Series Tenor Ukulele gives you the most for the money at $133. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 108 models across 16 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 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$702 · Aug 17$557 now$557€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$501 · Aug 20$222 now$222€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$289 now$289€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$526 · Aug 17$507 now$507€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$166 now$166€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$323 now$323€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$412 now$412€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$557 now$557€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 108 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$175€157$175€157Check ↗
- 12
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 13
Kala KA-BMB-T Bamboo Tenor UkuleleKA-SMH-TG-CE Tenor Ukulele · Kala61Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 14
Kala Makala KA-CLM-T Tenor UkuleleKala Makala59Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 15
Ortega RU5MM-TE UkuleleOrtega · 3 finishes57Stable$88€79$88€79Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-50THarley Benton · 2 finishes57↓ 25.2%$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 17
Baton Rouge V2-TACE SunBaton Rouge · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 18
Kala Makala CTD-SMH-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala56Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 19
Kala Makala KA-CTD-SA-TG Tenor UkuleleKala Makala54Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 20
Ortega RUGA-ORG UkuleleOrtega53↓ 22.5%$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 21
Ortega RU4MM-TE-8Ortega53Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 22
Ortega RU4MM-CE-TE-8Ortega53Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 23
Flight Pathfinder Tenor TBLFlight · 2 finishes53Stable$276€247$276€247Check ↗
- 24
Flight Iris Tinta Tenor NAFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$204€183$204€183Check ↗
- 25
Flight Vanguard Tenor E-Ukulele TPPFlight · 2 finishes51Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 26
Kala KA-20T Tenor UkuleleKala50↓ 58.8%$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 27
Flight NUT500 TenorFlight50↓ 5.1%$105€94$105€94Check ↗
- 28
Flight Comet Tenor Ukulele BLFlight · 2 finishes50↓ 3.3%$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 29
Ortega RUGH-BKTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 30
Ortega RUGH-SRTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 31
Ortega RUGH-PLTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 32
Ortega RUGH-OCTOrtega48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 33
Ortega RUOX-TEOrtega48Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 34
Flight Iris Calantas TenorFlight48Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 35
Kala Makala MK8 Tenor UkuleleKala48Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 36
Flight Aviator QM Tenor CEFlight48Stable$374€335$374€335Check ↗
- 37
Kala KA-SCAC-T8 Tenor UkuleleKala47↓ 4.0%$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 38
Kala KA-EBY-TE Tenor UkuleleKala46↓ 6.9%$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 39
Flight Aviator Mango Tenor CEFlight46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 40
Flight Navigator Tenor EQ-A SBFlight46Stable$542€485$542€485Check ↗
- 41
Flight Songbird Mango EQ-A TenorFlight46Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 42
Flight Songbird TPP Tenor EQ-AFlight46Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 43
Ortega RUGA-SKY UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 44
Ortega RUGA-PLT UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 45
Ortega RUGA-GAP UkuleleOrtega45Stable$84€75$84€75Check ↗
- 46
Kala KA-UNITY-T Tenor UkuleleKala45Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 47
Leolani Concert Hawaiian Koa UkuleleLeolani45↓ 10.1%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 48
Ortega RUNAB-TEOrtega45Stable$221€198$221€198Check ↗
- 49
Ortega NEO-U-TSBOrtega45Stable$230€206$230€206Check ↗
- 50
Ortega NEO-U-TGBOrtega45Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
Tenor Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 122 models we track, not a sample.
Median $222 — half of all tenor ukuleles here cost less.
median of 76 models · 35 mm (1.38")–38 mm (1.5")
median of 95 models · 402 mm (15.83")–440 mm (17.32")
median of 103 models · 18–22
most common · 42 models
How to choose the best tenor ukuleles
Tonewood
Solid wood (like mahogany or koa) is a HUGE upgrade over laminate. You'll hear it in the warmth and responsiveness. Laminate is fine for beginners, but solid wood will give you more dynamic range and a more complex tone - less 'plinky,' more 'singing.'
Neck Profile & Action
This is critical for comfort. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your chops. Lower action (string height) is easier to play, but too low and you'll get fret buzz. Finding the sweet spot is key. Test play if you can!
Intonation
Does the uke play in tune as you move up the neck? Poor intonation makes everything sound off, even if you're playing perfectly. It's a common issue on cheaper instruments, so listen closely.
Electronics (if applicable)
Many of these will have built-in pickups. Don't expect boutique preamp voicing at this price - the goal is usable, not amazing. Listen for harshness or muddiness when plugged in; a little EQ can fix a lot, but a bad pickup is a bad pickup.
Bracing Pattern
Internal bracing affects sustain and tone. A well-designed bracing pattern will resonate more efficiently, giving you more volume and a more balanced sound. This is hard to assess visually, but listen for a more 'open' and sustained tone.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a tenor uke that won't make your wallet weep? Good choice - the tenor size offers a sweet spot of portability and tonal richness. Finding something genuinely good under $800 can be tricky, but it's absolutely doable. We're not talking about instruments that'll rival a KoAloha custom, but solid, gig-worthy options that'll sound decent plugged in and feel good in your hands.
At this budget, you're making trade-offs. Solid wood is the biggest upgrade you can make, but be prepared for slightly higher action or a less refined finish. Electronics are often a compromise - they'll get you heard, but don't expect studio-quality sound.
Don't chase 'koa' - mahogany can sound fantastic and is often more affordable. Focus on playability and a pleasing tone, not just the label on the headstock.
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 122 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
Is koa really worth the extra money?
Koa can sound beautiful, but it's often overhyped. Mahogany, acacia, or even sapele can offer similar tonal qualities at a lower price. Focus on the overall instrument, not just the wood type.
What about laminate vs. solid top?
Solid tops resonate better and offer a richer tone. A solid top with laminate back and sides is a decent compromise if your budget is tight, but a fully laminate instrument will feel and sound noticeably cheaper.
How important are reviews?
Reviews are helpful, but take them with a grain of salt. Everyone's ears and playing styles are different. Try to find reviews that mention specific tonal qualities or playability issues.
Can I realistically expect a 'studio-quality' sound for under $800?
Absolutely not. You'll get a usable, gig-worthy sound, but you'll likely need to EQ and process the signal to get it sounding truly polished in a recording. Think of it as a good starting point.
What's the deal with 'high-G' tuning?
High-G tuning uses a re-entrant G string - it's higher pitched than the other strings. It creates a unique, almost nylon-string guitar-like voicing. It's a matter of personal preference - some players love it, others don't. Experiment and see what you like.





