With the increase in popularity of ukuleles, it is more important than ever that musicians have a good handful of choices from which to choose. Whether you are just learning to play or you have been at it for a while now, you need a quality instrument to accompany your hard work.
In this list, we will go through some of the best ukuleles for under $300 in 2024. We will cover what each one has going for it and whether or not they are worth investing in.
The ukulele is a joy to play, and cheap ones have never been better. With that said, it’s important to get the best one for your budget.
In addition to being a versatile instrument at a low cost, the ukulele also offers a delightful sound that’s easy on the ears.
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Buying Guide
Whether you’re looking for a low-cost ukulele with all the essential features or just want to invest in a great set of strings, our buyer’s guide can help you make an informed purchase.
There are many types of ukuleles available in the market today, but an ideal instrument should be easy to hold and tune. It is also important that it does not become damaged easily because most households are plagued with small children who will put their toy instruments in their mouths or hands.
Solid Tenor Ukulele
This ukulele is an instrument that comes in four different sizes, soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. This instrument has a long neck with 4 or 6 strings (most often nylon) and can be tuned to produce sounds like guitars and violins. It has a shape like a guitar but with only four frets instead of six found on guitars.
Soprano Ukulele
This is the smallest ukulele which is 21 inches long with four strings that are made of nylon or gut. The strings are however very close together which means they can be played with one finger. Although small, the soprano ukulele has a bright sound to match its size, perfect for playing songs by contestants in talent competitions like ‘American Idol’.
Concert Ukulele
This ukulele has two strings more than the soprano, thus making it 25 inches long. It is also larger than the soprano but not as large as the tenor or baritone ukulele. The concert ukulele can be tuned similarly to the soprano but its sound is rarely heard by the listeners given its size.
5 Best Ukuleles Under $300 Reviewed
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1. Luna High Tide Koa Acoustic/Electric Soprano Ukulele with Preamp & Gig Bag, Satin Natural
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This Luna High Tide Koa Acoustic/Electric Soprano Ukulele with Preamp & Gig Bag, Satin Natural is a beautiful, well-made instrument that you can be proud to carry around to your next jam session.
Pros :
- Nicely crafted mahogany body
- Offers a great, rich sound
- Easy to play, even for beginners
Cons :
- The Koa top has no sound, which means this beauty is not for performing
- Gig bag may not protect the ukulele from tough climates, rough travel, or theft
2. Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele
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The Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele is a semi-hollow-body ukulele designed for contemporary uke players. It was made in 2015 and introduced during the summer of 2015.
Pros :
- The Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele is a beautiful, precision instrument that’s perfect for your next musical endeavor.
- It has all of the qualities you want in an ukulele: mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, 18 liters of capacity.
Cons :
- Acoustics are not as good as a fully wooden ukulele
- It’s on the more expensive side
3. Kala KA-ATP-CTG Tenor Acacia Cedar Top Ukulele Gloss Finish Natural
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This ukulele is an acoustic string instrument with four strings and a fretted fingerboard that can be played horizontally or vertically. It is the Hawaiian version of the guitar and came to fruition in the late 19th century. This tenor ukulele is made from acacia cedar and has a gloss finish.
Pros :
- This ukulele has a gloss finish which makes it look good and easy to play.
- It is made of acacia top which means it is sustainable since the wood comes from trees that are re-grown.
Cons :
- The price of this ukulele is slightly higher than most.
- Some users find the gloss finish to be a bit too glossy making it more difficult to play.
- This ukulele ships as a partial set and requires tuning and stringing before it can be played.
4. FLEA Ukulele (NATURAL, Concert) + FREE CASE
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Along with the ukulele, a sound so peaceful and so delightful, one of many choices to learn a bit of a musical instrument after a long time has passed.
Pros :
- Natural finish
- Concert
Cons :
- No tuners or gig bag included
5. Kala KA-SMHB Solid Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
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The Kala KA-SMHB Solid Mahogany Baritone Ukulele is a well-crafted instrument that will bring out your musical talents. The instrument is crafted from premium mahogany, making it a durable and beautiful ukulele with an incredible tone.
Pros :
- The all-solid Mahogany body and baritone size make it a great instrument for players of all skill levels
- A perfect entry level ukulele that’s easy to play, has good sound, and looks great
- Made in China with an attractive price tag that won’t break the bank like some other models on the market Cons
Cons :
- The color and finish of the Kala KA-SMHB Solid Mahogany Baritone Ukulele is slightly less than desirable, but for the price it’s hard to find a better ukulele.
Conclusion :
Unless you’re looking for a complete package, this is the best ukulele for under 300 dollars in 2024. It has great sound, easy to play, and is built with decent quality materials. If you are looking for better strings or other extras to make your playing experience more enjoyable, it would be best to purchase a different model.