If you're looking for a new creative hobby, you might want to consider getting a ukulele. One of the most accessible musical instruments for beginners, they’re compact, portable and it only takes a few chords to learn how to play your favourite songs!
In this article, we’re here to help you start strumming with our guide to buying a ukulele online. Discover whether a soprano, concert or tenor is right for you and which strings to look for to take your playing to the next level. From authentic koa wood to accessory-packed kits for beginners, we’ve ranked 10 of the best ukuleles to buy in the UK on Amazon, Gear4music and Enya Music!
Quick List - Top Ukuleles
Alex is a passionate and experienced engineer in the music industry with six years of experience working in the field of Studio and Live production and engineering. Specialising in Live Engineering, he always aims to ensure the highest quality of audio is provided for his clients' performances and advises all newcomers to the field on what equipment and production methods are best required in order for the optimum end result.
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Alex is a passionate and experienced engineer in the music industry with six years of experience working in the field of Studio and Live production and engineering.
Specialising in Live Engineering, he always aims to ensure the highest quality of audio is provided for his clients' performances and advises all newcomers to the field on what equipment and production methods are best required in order for the optimum end result.
For more information on the services that Alex offers, take a look at his LinkedIn profile here.
Ukuleles come in a few different sizes, the three most common being the soprano, concert, and tenor. The sound of your ukulele will change depending on its size, with larger ukuleles having a richer, warmer sound and smaller ukuleles having a more treble heavy tone.
At 21 inches, the soprano ukulele is the smallest of the three main types. Since the very first ukuleles created were soprano-sized, they tend to have the most recognizable “ukulele” sound. They can be the best ukuleles for beginners as they are generally less expensive than their larger counterparts and easier for children to handle.
You may also want to consider a soprano if you are looking for a portable instrument to take on trips or to gatherings. However, if you have larger hands or thicker fingers, it might feel a bit cramped or uncomfortable when reaching their frets.
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Sometimes known as alto ukuleles, the concert ukulele is the next size up from the soprano at 23 inches. They have a deeper, fuller sound thanks to their larger size and feature a longer neck with more frets. A concert ukulele may be perfect for you if you want to stay more faithful to the classic ukulele sound, but find the soprano is a little too limited.
The tenor is the largest of the three most popular variations of the ukulele. At 26 inches, it has the fullest sound and deepest tone. It is a popular choice for performers as it has the greatest reach in terms of sound projection. However, since the frets are spaced the furthest apart, it sounds less like a traditional ukulele and closer to a guitar.
Traditionally, Hawaiian ukuleles were made of Koa, a hardwood native to the Hawaiian Islands. Ukuleles constructed with Koa produce a full, rich, authentic sound. Koa wood ukuleles are beautiful to look at, with unique grain patterns that will make your instrument truly one-of-a-kind!
Mahogany is a popular alternative to Koa. It maintains the vibrant and distinctive ukulele treble, while also providing emphasis to the bass. A good choice for concerts and live performances, this helps the ukulele to project further with a louder volume when played.
Sapele wood, sometimes called sapele mahogany, has many similarities in terms of sound but is actually its own distinct type of wood. When compared to mahogany, it has a stronger treble presence, and you may even notice that you get more complex overtones when playing a sapele-wood ukulele.
Less common, rosewood ukuleles are denser and more durable than other types. These ukuleles provide a bright sound, although they lack the warmth that is normally associated with traditional ukulele.
Bamboo ukuleles have become popular in recent years due to their strength and sustainability. However, bamboo ukes can be divisive as they have a sound that is rather unique. Sweet, but maybe not as warm as more traditional choices, it is definitely an acquired taste!
Many manufacturers are looking for alternative woods to make their ukuleles ever more effective, whilst keeping the price point down. Basswood and sengon are examples of alternative woods that have similar flexibility and suppleness to more traditional choices for a classical sound at a lower cost.
A solid wood ukulele is made entirely from solid pieces of timber, both the inside and out. Although they are more costly, solid wood ukuleles create the fullest possible sound. If you're on a budget, laminate ukuleles are a cheaper alternative. These ukuleles are made from thin slices of wood sandwiched together. They won't create the same rich tone as solid wood, but still sound great!
Ukuleles were traditionally made from animal-gut strings, but modern ukuleles tend to use synthetic alternatives instead. Aquila strings are made from a specially treated Nylgut material, designed to sound as close as possible to real gut strings. Although they may initially be a little tough on the fingers, you will get the most authentic, clear and defined sound.
Nylon strings are the most common type you are likely to encounter when shopping online. These strings are more malleable and provide a warm, clear sound. Unfortunately, they are subject to warping, so you may find yourself having to tune your ukulele more often.
Many musicians prefer fluorocarbon plastic strings to nylon since they provide many of the same benefits, yet tend to stay in tune for longer. Fluorocarbon was originally used for fishing lines so is a little more durable than nylon while remaining gentle on the fingers.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend picking a ukulele that comes with extra accessories as it can be more cost-effective than buying them separately. Even if you're more experienced, there are a few accessories that you may find useful.
A gig bag is designed to protect your instrument during transport. With ukuleles being particularly popular for their portability, a gig bag is the ideal accompaniment to bring with you on the go. Likewise, a strap will let you play more comfortably and you can carry it over your shoulder when not in use.
Other accessories can help vary your technique. For instance, a capo will allow you to play in different keys, whereas playing with a pick can increase the volume of your strumming. Some ukuleles even come with songbooks and guides to get you started, or an electronic tuner to help you keep your ukulele in tune.
Need more accessories? Browse the best guitar capos and gig bags here.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Enya Concert Ukulele|EUC-25D | ![]() | Premium High-end Sound Quality Suitable for All Levels of Players | |
2 | Enya Concert Ukulele |EUC-M6 | ![]() | A Solid Mahogany Ukulele With Cutaway to Help Reach Higher Frets | |
3 | Paisen Concert Rosewood Ukulele | ![]() | A Durable Concert Ukulele With Huge Accessories Bundle | |
4 | Gear4music Sapele Soprano Ukulele Pack | ![]() | Unique, Characterful Tone Delivered by Sapele Mahogany Body | |
5 | Mahalo Kahiko Soprano Ukulele|2500-BR/MK1 | ![]() | A Basic Ukulele That's Suitable Beginners | |
6 | Martin Smith Premium Soprano Ukulele Kit With Tuner and Bag | ![]() | A Premium Kit for Beginners at an Affordable Price | |
7 | Aklot 8-String Ukulele Tenor Set | ![]() | A Unique 8-String Tenor Ukulele Made From Solid Mahogany | |
8 | Fender Venice Soprano Size Ukulele - Cherry | ![]() | A Compact Soprano Ukulele That’s Comfortable to Play | |
9 | Malani Beginner Ukulele | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Beginner's Ukulele | |
10 | Martin Smith Soprano Size Ukulele | ![]() | An Inexpensive Soprano With a Glossy Finish |
The Enya EUC-25D is our top pick for a high-quality concert ukulele equipped with all the accessories you will ever need, plus a lifetime string replacement! With this purchase, you will receive a tuner, premium case, picks, strap, capo, polish cloth, an extra string set, and a sand finger shaker.
Its body is made entirely from solid mahogany, bringing you a classic look while assuring quality and durability. If you want an all-rounded uke with excellent high-end sound performance, look no further.
For those with a flair for style, this Enya Concert ukulele is made from solid mahogany and finished with a high-gloss shine, to keep your instrument looking crisp and sounding phenomenal! This ukulele is suitable for a wide range of players, from beginners to professionals.
You'll notice this one has some very interesting design aspects. The fretboard is marked with a beautiful flower design that can be used as a guide for finger positioning, with a cutaway to help you reach higher frets.
This Paisen Concert ukulele is a superb option for those starting out on their ukulele journey. Made of durable and long-lasting rosewood, so you will be able to play this instrument for many years as you continue to grow as a ukulele player!
This kit is a good investment as it comes fully equipped with a tuner, picks, spare nylon strings, a capo clip and shoulder strap. With strap buttons already installed, this ukulele is designed for portability.
The Sapele Soprano Ukulele is made to be the best at everything - it has great sound, an elegant look, and optimum playability. With a sapele mahogany body, any room will be filled with its rich, textured and defined sound.
This ukulele is crafted for performance, as it designed with an ultra-smooth basswood ply fretboard. Finishing it off are extra-comfortable, sleek Aquila Nylgut strings to ensure effortless playing and give you a premium feel.
Mahalo's Kahiko Series Soprano Ukulele is a fantastic basic option suitable for beginners. It is crafted using a mix of high-quality materials. The fret-board and bridge are made of mahogany, while the body is made from Indonesian sengon wood.
No matter the colour you choose, each ukulele is treated with a semi-gloss transparent finish to protect the wood from chipping. You definitely can't go wrong with the no.1 selling ukulele brand in the world!
The Martin Smith Premium Soprano Ukulele Kit sets itself part with its huge range of accessories. Bundled with a digital tuner, adjustable strap, gig bag and more, this kit includes all the gear you need to get playing!
The ukulele itself is constructed from lightweight sapele with Aquila nylon strings. For the casual ukulele player, this will certainly be a good investment without breaking the bank. But feel free to take it to the next level as this ukulele is great for newbies to pros.
This 8-string Tenor ukulele from Aklot is made of solid mahogany. Compared to normal 4-string ukuleles, this has extra strings - providing a richer, fuller sound.
It even features high-quality Aquila Nylgut strings, which are lighter on the fingers to allow you to play for longer. An attractive option if you're looking to buy a full set as this ukulele comes with 5 picks, a shoulder strap, and a gig bag.
Famous for their guitars, Fender are branching out into smaller stringed offerings with their Venice Soprano ukulele. Its size, shape, and slim "C"-shaped neck profile make it comfortable, easy to play and highly portable.
Made with an emphasis on comfort, it boasts easy-to-change strings and a comfortable-to-play fretboard. Unfortunately, this ukulele does not come with a gig bag nor a tuner. So you will need to purchase them separately if you want to take your uke around or tune it on the go.
The Malani Beginner Ukulele is perfect for those who want to try out the instrument for the first time. It's made from budget-friendly eastern mahogany and comes bundled with downloadable learning materials, including chord and tuning guides!
While it may not be the best option for those planning to pursue their musical hobby in a long-term or professional capacity, it's ideal for those just starting out! Unfortunately, this ukelele pack does not include a tuner.
With a gloss-finished body that gives it a lustrous shine finish, this Martin Smith Soprano ukulele is our most budget-friendly choice. Its compact size makes it easy to play and travel with, especially when paired with a handy gig bag and beginners guide for those who are just starting out.
The fretboard is made of smooth basswood wood with nylon, making it very comfortable to play. It may not give the richest or most vibrant sound, but it is a great beginners ukulele, and certainly good value for money!
No. 1: Enya|Concert Ukulele|EUC-25D
No. 2: Enya|Concert Ukulele |EUC-M6
No. 3: Paisen|Concert Rosewood Ukulele
No. 4: Gear4music|Sapele Soprano Ukulele Pack
No. 5: Mahalo|Kahiko Soprano Ukulele|2500-BR/MK1
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