Gearank

Cordoba, though known more for their nylon guitars than ukuleles, have an excellent track record across the board when it comes to nylon string instruments.

The company has solidified its reputation through the variety of great nylon instruments they’ve produced. Case in point: the Cordoba 15SM Soprano Ukulele.

The 15SM is made from mahogany, likely laminate. As a general rule, when a company doesn’t specify that an instrument is made from solid wood the instrument is likely made from laminate.

Though while solid wood is generally more desirable, laminated wood’s strength makes it a good choice for beginning musicians who don’t know yet know how to care for a solid wood instrument.

Key Features

• Top: Mahogany
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 17

Pros
Cordoba’s 15SM is generally considered to be a step-up when compared to other beginner ukes. It is well received for its good resonance and overall sound quality, some owners even claiming that it is the best sounding in its price range. Build quality is also appreciated by many, and it catches the attention of prospective buyers with its simple yet elegant design.

Cons
There are a few reports of minor quality control issues, and like most ukuleles in this price range, it has its share of users who complain about tuning stability.

Overall
With Cordoba's penchant for visual appeal and value for money, this soprano ukulele is well worth considering, especially for beginners.

Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are now more highly rated options available which you can see in our guide to The Best Soprano Ukuleles.