The Best Ukuleles Under $200
People have been more interested in learning to play string instruments lately. However, the guitar can be challenging to learn, especially for beginners. Ukuleles are a great option for people who want to start playing string instruments. Because they are smaller than guitars, they sound less warm but still have a lot of different tones.
Most Ukuleles are easy and comfortable instruments to play. They are ideal for beginners who wish to get started strumming right away. Today, we are looking at eight ukuleles that cost $200 or less. Without further ado, could you take a look at our list below?Top 8 Ukuleles Under $200
1. Enya Carbon Fiber Concert Ukulele
This ukulele is unlike any of the available ones. It is constructed out of a combination of carbon fiber and polycarbonate. It gives it a new tone and makes it stronger simultaneously. Some people might not like this ukulele because it is not standard, but its sound is good.
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2. Caramel Ebony Baritone ukulele
This baritone ukulele by Caramel is a great choice. It has a Rosewood/Ebony Wood laminate and looks beautiful. It’s comfortable to grip and play with, and the craftsmanship is fantastic. Some people might not like Caramel as a ukulele brand, but this high-quality instrument is worth considering.
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3. Kala Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
Kala is a brand of guitars that are known for their high quality. Many musicians choose this brand for live performances and recordings because it always sounds great. The mahogany wood used in this ukulele bundle offers a great sound. Mahogany is a wood used to make guitars because it delivers a good sound. The solid mahogany body will give the ukulele a good sound, and the mahogany neck will feel good and be easy to play.
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4. Enya X1 Tenor Ukulele
The Enya X1 Tenor Ukulele is a great ukulele. It’s one of the best ukuleles for under 200 dollars. The only problem is that it comes with a lot of accessories. Some people might not like that because it makes the ukulele more expensive. But the ukulele itself is of excellent quality. So if you don’t mind paying more, you should get this ukulele.
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5. Kala Bamboo Tenor Ukulele
This Kala KA line guitar is an excellent choice if you want Something charming. It has bamboo on the top, back, and sides. The high-quality strings are Aquila super nylgut, and it also has a Graph Tech NuBone nut. It’s a high-quality guitar perfect for anyone trying out the Kala brand.
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6. Luna Mahogany Concert Ukulele
This ukulele is a fantastic buy considering its low price point. Mahogany is utilized for the top, back, and sides. Additionally, it features a fingerboard and bridge made of Pacific Walnut. It makes it one of the best ukuleles for under 200 dollars. It also has an acoustic-electric hybrid system perfect for gigging, recording, or monitoring.
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7. Bondi Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
Bondi’s entry is near the end of the list, but it is still a good choice. It includes a bright, padded gig bag and many accessories. The most crucial part is that it comes with a mahogany-clad ukulele. This ukulele has a standard tenor size, natural satin finish, Aquila strings, and solid mahogany neck, back, and sides. You can see why this became one of the top ukuleles under $200.
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8. EleUke Peanut Ukulele
It is the craziest item on the list. It’s a ukulele that has an entire electric setup. It’s great for people who want to play the ukulele and have an electric guitar. It has many features, like being portable and wireless/Bluetooth compatible. You should check it out!
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Tips:
A $200 Ukulele Is an Excellent Middle-Range Instrument
We may readily separate the instrument into those exceeding $150 and those below $150. You shouldn’t expect much in the sub-$150 price bracket, yet the product could still meet your requirements. For ukuleles priced at more than $150, you may anticipate a more refined and superior finish and construction. You may especially examine this when you attempt to play through it, as it would represent the quality of the various frets as you try to play.
The warm sound emitted from a good ukulele differs depending on how much it costs. More expensive ukuleles typically provide a broader, more generous, and more robust sound and tone than less expensive ones. This difference can be heard when you let out a few strums. A more affordable ukulele would usually sound thinner than its more expensive counterpart.
This price point is good because it allows you to get a good quality ukulele that will last a long time. For $200, you can get a ukulele, a bag, and some accessories like a tuner or capo.
Never Go Lower Than $50
Although the price may be tempting, it’s not worth it if the instrument doesn’t sound good. You also can’t try it before you buy it, which makes it a bad idea to buy online. Remember that avoiding purchasing a ukulele is the essential step you can take now. Whose sound is subpar since you do not want to end up having to replace it?
Buying Something Under $100 Would Never Be Premium
If you are ready to invest approximately $300, you can anticipate a ukulele of high quality. Nevertheless, the instrument may have minor cosmetic flaws, such as glue smears, imperfect woodcuts, or loose or shaky things. These flaws shouldn’t harm the ukulele’s sound or playability.
Don’t Overthink It; It’s Just a Ukulele!
Before making your first ukulele purchase, there are numerous things to consider. If you follow the rules and use the items on this list, you will be happy with your purchase. You may not be able to play as well as your favorite artist. Still, these entry-level ukuleles sound amazing and are close in quality. So buy one and start making music!
There are some things you should think about before you buy a ukulele. You need to figure out what type of ukulele is best for you and what size is the right fit. You also need to consider the price and how often you will play.
The Eternal Struggle of Price vs. Quality
To get the best quality, you need to spend the most money. It is true for things like ukuleles. The cost of the ukulele depends on the material used in its construction.
The tonewood is an essential part of the sound a ukulele can make. The shape, size, and type of string play a role, but the tonewood is the most important part. Most people know that non-wood ukuleles don’t sound as good as traditional wood ukuleles.
If you wish to buy a ukulele, you must know that you don’t have to spend much money to get a good one. If you’re only willing to pay $25-$50, you can get a toy ukulele that isn’t meant for playing. But if you’re ready to spend between $50-$100, you can find some great ukuleles worth trying out and getting used to.
Now, let’s look at each of the entries more closely. The first thing you’ll want to consider is size. As a ukulele gets bigger, its sound becomes deeper and fuller, with a richer sound with a lower pitch. The Enya X1 Tenor Ukulele will have a higher sound than the Caramel Ebony Baritone Ukulele. The pitch between the two would be that of the Luna Mahogany Concert Ukulele.
The next thing you’ll want to think about is the shape and form factor. Some ukuleles have cutaways that can make them hard to play for some people, like the Enya Carbon Fiber Concert Ukulele and the Luna Mahogany Concert Ukulele. But every other ukulele is almost always symmetrical, meaning it’s easy to switch from any handedness.
When determining the location of the soundhole, there are a few more considerations to consider. For example, the Caramel Ebony Baritone Ukulele has a left side bias that makes blocking the sound easier. Suppose your palm is lingering there while you play. Another thing to consider is EleUke’s peanut form factor which minimizes size but maximizes electronics.
The last thing you want to think about is how your ukulele looks. It might be beneficial if you concentrate on the sound of it. Ukuleles are mainly instruments, so the sound is more important than how they look. For example, some ukuleles have cool designs, like the Luna Mahogany Concert Ukulele’s shark teeth tattoo finish. Or the Kala Mahogany Tenor Ukulele’s flower design as it’s a Mandy Harvey signature.
Best Ukuleles Under $200: Comprehensive Guide
If you have a tight budget, it can be challenging to find an excellent instrument. The good news is that ukuleles are generally inexpensive. It indicates that overall chances of obtaining a decent $200 ukulele t increased.
This article will go through the greatest ukuleles for around $200. By the end of this post, you ought to be able to decide what is ideal for you after doing some research. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Top 8 Ukuleles Under $200 Review
1. Hadean UKB-23
The Hadean UKB-23 has high-quality materials and a preamp with an integrated tuner that is good for amplified use with bass, volume, mid, and treble control.
These Aquila Nylgut strings don’t absorb much moisture, so they stay in tune better. They also come in different gauges, making them more accurate when fretting the notes. It has an integrated tuner and adjustable truss-rod, making it easy to tune quickly.
This Ukulele is excellent for playing bass guitar notes. You will find it easy to adjust the spacing between the frets. However, several customers have complained about the battery compartment and its difficulty accessing it.
Many loved how the Oscar Schmidt OU2 sounded, even when it was unplugged. They liked its accurate preamp and tuner. They also said it was an excellent choice for performances or practices since it is half the price of the Kala.
However, several customers complained that the tuning devices made the instrument too hefty. Others said that when amplified, it sounded like a standup bass.
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2. Cordoba 15CM
. In addition to that, it has a natural satin finish and a construction that is a set-neck. The fingerboard binding and abalone-style rosette distinguish the 15 CM from other Ukulele models.
Its sleek satin finish, silver tuners with pearl buttons, and premium Aquila strings make it not just a pretty ukulele but one that’s easy to play.
There is a fifteen-inch tenor (15TM), soprano (15SM), and edge-cutting finish with pickup (15CM- E EB) sizes. If you are left-handed, you might think about adjusting the nut and having it intonated by a skilled luthier.
Some experts say you can find an excellent tenor ukulele for under $200. However, because the strings take weeks to adapt, you should expect them to go out of tune every hour. Re-tune your string three or four times to improve its ability to stay in tune.
People say this Uke has a warm tone compared to other models like the ADM concert Mahogany. They also say it sounds fantastic and only takes a few weeks for the strings to stretch out. However, some customers complain that it doesn’t stay in tune for long and buzzes when you play it.
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3. Luna UKECORAL
The Luna UKECORAL concert ukulele is made from solid mahogany. It has 20 frets and a fretboard made from walnut. The design on the fretboard is a kelp and fish design with an abalone shell inlay.
The Luna UKECORAL guitar has a 15″ scale, a Rosewood fingerboard, and a bridge. It also boasts a set-neck design and a natural satin finish. The guitar comes with a tan gig bag that is durable and impressive.
People who have used the Uke said that it is a good one. They like the size, tone, and how comfortable it is to hold. Some people also like the design of the laser on it.
Some users said that this is their first Uke with Aquila strings, and they haven’t had any tuning problems. Other customers recommend getting a different, more sturdy bag if you have kids or pets or travel a lot. FYI, if you’re looking for an instrument to take with you wherever you go, check out our compilation of the best travel ukuleles.
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4. Luna Guitars Starry Night
The Luna Guitars Starry Night is a good guitar for people who have never played guitar before. It has a mahogany top and body, which makes it sound great. It also comes with everything you need to start playing, including a gig bag for taking it with you wherever you go.
You can maintain your Luna in tune by using the clip-on tuner, which is simple to use. The Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD will give tips and tricks for using your Luna.
You will also receive a cleaning cloth to keep your priceless instrument in excellent condition. The majority of users said that its attractive design complements the quality of its sounds. Whether you have multiple recurrent concerts, are a new guitarist, or do songwriting on the road, the Luna Guitars Starry Night is ideal.
People who have used the product say that it has a clear sound. They also like that it comes with a protective canvas case and a gig bag.
The sellers confirmed that this Ukulele is acoustic (rather than acoustic-electric), as some reviewers claimed. It does not, however, include Aquila strings or a strap.
Some users have complained that the strings loosen quickly and need a screwdriver to tighten the screws after a few hours.
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5. Kala KA-SCG
The Kala KA-SCG Concert Ukulele is an excellent choice for fingerpicking. It has a spruce top, which gives it a unique, punchy, warm sound. The laminated mahogany sides and back also help to enhance the richness of the tonal quality. At the same time, the solid Sitka spruce top will project your volume.
People who have used the product said they liked how the back and sides of the product added an organic character to their tone. One user even said that the contrasting wood is beautiful and that the sound it produces is excellent with a deep tone.
Experts say that the spruce top distinguishes this Uke from others. Although some users have said that the strings need tuning occasionally, they found that it became simpler over time.
Some users loved how big the concert size was and that it was easier to move between frets on their fingers. Others thought it was too loud for a beginner, and the stock strings did not stay in tune. One user said that the finish was exceptional but that it occasionally got out of tune and hurt his ears.
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6. Ibanez 4-String Ukulele
The Ibanez 4-String Ukulele is a good choice for anyone looking for an original-shaped ukulele with an excellent finish. It has sturdy nylon strings and an onboard tuner, making it easy to stay in tune. Plus, it comes with Ibanez tech support, so you know you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
This Uke is very smooth, and its wood is adorable. The built-in tuner and onboard EQ work great together and even come with a pair of batteries. Some users have said that their unit had problems with the EQ, but Ibanez sent them a new EQ tuner for free.
Most people liked how it came pre-configured so they could start playing immediately. You can strap it on, but it will take some work. It may be difficult to slip your strap over the 14-inch jack on the rear of your instrument, but it is doable.
Some users advised that if you purchase this instrument, you should get straps that tie to the head of your instrument and go under the strings. It will make it more secure. Others recommended a mandolin strap for anyone who finds it difficult to find a good one for their Ukulele.
Some people loved how the electronic sounds were high quality. Other people said that the hard cases that work with Ibanez 4-String Ukuleles are Pukana La and the concert uke case.
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7. Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele
The Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele is excellent for gamers with large hands. It comes with a concert body style that makes it easy to play and provides a great experience.
Its 16-fret neck means that you can play more notes. The no-tie bridge lets you change your strings quickly. The four inline Tele headstocks include great vintage-style tuners that are ideal for home and studio use.
This clarinet is shiny. It has a pleasant sound that complements other instruments well. Some buyers were dissatisfied since it did not come in a case.
Most customers enjoyed the gloss surface and timbre when playing above the fifth fret. Other consumers were upset that the lower frets periodically went out of tune and sounded too small.
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8. Caramel CUB402
The Caramel CUB402 is a high-quality Ukulele with an impressive EQ to help you adjust the bass, treble, middle, and volume. It has a solid mahogany body, Aquila bass string, wall hanger cleaning cloth, strap, and a padded gig bag.
Some experts say that this guitar is suitable for both beginners and professionals. They say its EQ has strong endurance so that you can play it for a long time.
Some people say that this Ukulele is like a regular bass guitar. People also mentioned that playing bass on this Ukulele is simple and easy. However, some individuals did not appreciate being required to install add-ons. Most people like it because it is well-built and has good gameplay.
One user mentioned that the booklet contains instructions for a regular ukulele, not a bass Ukulele. It means that it will take some time to figure out how you can tune this instrument.
A few users did not like how the unplugged volume sounded from the E to the G strings. The output from the A and D strings is stronger than from the E and G strings.
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A Guide to Choosing A Ukulele Under $200
Material
Most of the ukuleles for sale that cost less than $200 are made from laminates. It means the top is made from different types of wood glued together. However, sometimes you can find ukuleles that have a solid top. You may have to forego some features to afford it in this situation.
You should look for a ukulele with a solid top, but don’t focus too much on that one aspect. There are great-sounding laminate ukuleles available for a lower price. If you’re looking to spend more, we have a post about some of the best ukuleles under $500.
Build Quality
When it comes to quality control, there might be a lot of discrepancies between companies. You want to look for companies with high-quality construction and are very careful with their quality control. It is important because customer reviews can help you figure out which companies aren’t committed to providing good quality products every time.
Hardware
In this price bracket, you might find ukuleles with poor-quality hardware. It can often affect the tuning and intonation of the Ukulele. However, if you are choosy, you can find brands that better fit their instruments with good hardware.
Features
Adding extra features to your Ukulele can make it more fun to play. But remember that the instrument’s tone and feel are its most essential features. You should focus on these things when looking for a ukulele.
Tone
You may expect a higher tone in the price range of around $100 than in the under $100 category. However, depending on what material has been utilized and how it’s designed, the tone will vary greatly. So, look for richer and more balanced tones to indicate the quality of the material.
Read more: Use This Time During Coronavirus Isolation to Learn to Play Guitar or UkuleleFrequently Asked Questions About Best Ukulele Under 200
Budget ukuleles don’t always sound as good as they should. Often, they have a poor sound quality which makes the instrument’s tone worse. High-quality Ukuleles usually play with a bright, crisp sound. In comparison, cheap ukuleles can sound lifeless and dull.
Compared to the guitar and other stringed instruments like the mandolin, the ukulele is simpler to master. It is because its soft nylon strings are gentler on your fingertips and don’t create finger pain like guitars. The small size reduces wrist tension because the notes are reachable without stretching.
A solid wood uke means that the thin pieces are slices of wood from a solid piece of timber. There is no glue or bonding between the pieces; it is just one piece of wood from front to back.
If you want your concert ukuleles to sound louder and have more bass, you can change the strings to tenor strings. They are thicker than regular strings, so they will make your uke feel bigger and add more tension. If you like to strum hard, this may be a good choice!
Compared to the soprano ukulele, the concert ukulele is bigger. It means that it has a fuller sound and warmer tone with more mid-range than the soprano. Concerts also project better than the sopranos, making the overall volume slightly louder. The standard ukulele tuning of G/C/E/A applies to the concert size.
Some people might find it easier to play a concert ukulele if they have smaller hands. Others might find it more comfortable to play a tenor ukulele if they have larger hands.
The most common woods used for making guitars are mahogany, koa, maple, and rosewood. Mahogany and maple are often used for the neck because they can resist string tension. Rosewood and ebony are sometimes used for the soundboard and bridge because they are rigid and stable.
Most people can play the Ukulele comfortably within 3 to 6 months if willing to learn and practice. Some people can do the task more quickly than others, but this is a reasonable estimate for most people.