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More Ukulele Guides
Many have tried picking up the ukulele due to its small and friendly form factor. However, when it comes to finally becoming serious about it, you might need a degree of amplification for those performances. In this edition, I present to you the best electric ukulele brands in the market.
Plugging in allows you to overcome the ukulele’s low volume limitation, enabling you to perform for more people in bigger venues. Thankfully, manufacturers are making acoustic-electric ukuleles more available and accessible, giving you more options in terms of shape, size, and price.
Here the best ukuleles are in the sub $300 price range based on the most recent review and rating data. This guide is organized into three main categories based on the most popular ukulele sizes: Soprano, Concert and Tenor.
The Best Electric Ukulele – 2024
| Gearank* | SRC* | Check Price | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano Size | ||||||||
|
Luna UKE-VMS-EL | 87 | 60+ | |||||
| Concert Size | ||||||||
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Cordoba 15CM-E | 95 | 400+ | |||||
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Fender Fullerton Tele Uke | 94 | 100+ | |||||
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Luna High Tide Koa | 95 | 175+ | |||||
| Tenor Size | ||||||||
|
Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Ukulele | 88 | 250+ | |||||
|
Cordoba 25T-CE | 88 | 50+ | |||||
|
Fender Dhani Harrison Uke | 93 | 125+ | |||||
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
The Best Acoustic Electric Ukulele - Soprano
Luna UKE-VMS-EL Vintage Mahogany
Cons
- Some have reported fretwork and string height issues
Pros
- Good build
- Loud and clear amplification
- Cool cosmetics
Luna is known for their aesthetically pleasing yet affordable instruments, and this combination applies to their ukuleles.
The Luna UKE-VMS-EL is an acoustic-electric soprano uke with Luna's distinct cosmetic appointments and their UK-T2 pickup and preamp system.
The build quality and the amplification adds to the affordability of this ukulele. The amplified sound is clean yet loud. The 2-band EQ is also enough for tonal fine-tuning. It also does a good job of maintaining its tune even for a good period of time. This is a big deal given that most ukes in this price range suffer from tuning gear related problems.
However, a few had out-of-the-box issues with its fretwork and string action, but they were in the minority.
Speaking of cosmetics, this all-mahogany soprano ukulele comes with shark teeth inlays, sun rays graphic on the rosette, and brand specific graphic on the headstock.
The UK-T2 electronics include a piezo pickup, and a preamp with 2-band EQ (bass and treble), volume, and built-in tuner.
This is for you if you want nothing less than the best electro acoustic ukulele.
Specifications
- Top: Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Walnut
- Frets: 12
- Extras: None
The Best Concert Acoustic Electric Ukuleles
Cordoba 15CM-E Concert Acoustic-Electric Ukulele
Cons
- Few units had tuning issues
- Passive pickup
Pros
- All-mahogany construction
- Great build quality
- Good tone
In the guitar world, Cordoba's main focus are acoustic guitars with nylon strings. With their extensive knowledge, 15 CM-E earned it's reputation for having good build quality and tone even for ukes.
It features an all-mahogany construction, built into a concert-style body that meets Cordoba's quality standards and attention to detail.
While the competition came really close for this one. The Cordoba 15CM-E retains its position as one of the highly rated ones in the acoustic-electric ukulele category in the sub $300 price range. While it does sport a passive pickup, those who have tested it have mostly good things to report. Students and teachers alike give this ukulele their thumbs up.
The main point of contention is its lack of accessories, which can be a downer when compared to others in this price range. There are also a few who report tuning issues. However, most of them say it gets better as you play the instrument more, or after replacing the strings.
Note that the it does not have active electronics - this means you'll either need to get an acoustic preamp or an amp that supports passive pickups. Cordoba has a good track record for producing quality electronics. The amount of amplification gear you can use will be slightly limited, but once you find something you can use you’ll get a better tone than you would out of similarly priced ukes.
The Cordoba 15CM-E is a great sounding instrument for the price, and while it does use a passive pickup, the amplified tone is comparable to that of more expensive instruments.
Specifications
- Top: Laminate Mahogany
- Body: Laminate Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 19
- Extras: None
Fender Fullerton Tele Uke
Cons
- Lack of strap buttons
- Passive pickup
Pros
- Stellar tone and playability
- Tele-body looks pleasing
- Top-notch build quality and finish
This ukulele takes full advantage of Fender's electric guitar legacy by taking the form of the popular Telecaster.
It comes in the same single-cutaway body shape with the familiar Tele headstock profile, while retaining the ukulele's 4-string design, tone and playability.
Speaking of body, it's hard to mistake its miniaturized Tele body for anything else, with Tele style pickguard and bindings completing its look. It comes in two popular Tele finishes, butterscotch blonde and black.
As expected, the Fender Fullerton Tele Uke gets a lot of thumbs up from fans of the Telecaster electric guitar, describing this as a complimentary compact instrument to the Tele that they already have.
In terms of its tone, I'd say Fullerton Uke is a bit warmer compared Epiphone Les Paul Uke. It has more mellow sound and body.
Some even go as far as plugging this uke into guitar rigs and applying effects like overdrive, and they are happy with the results. Regular uke players are just as pleased with its familiar design, but their positive feedback focuses mainly on its good build quality and sound.
Some have complained, however, about the lack of strap buttons, which should've made it stage-ready out of the box. It's also a bit pricy when compared to other concert ukuleles.
The headstock comes with Fender's label and is equipped with 4-in-line setup electric guitar style sealed tuners.
Other features include having a walnut bridge & fretboard, and the use of synthetic bone saddle.
Finally, the pickup and preamp system comes with two knobs that let you adjust tone and volume, and it comes with a built-in tuner.
This is one of the best electric ukulele options out there, especially if you are a fan of the Fender Telecaster. It brings with it great build quality and ease of play. If you're not a fan of the Tele, a good alternative is the Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele, a ukulele comes in the familiar single cutaway Les Paul shape.
Specifications
- Top: Spruce
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Maple
- Fretboard: Walnut
- Frets: 19
- Extras: None
Luna High-Tide Koa Concert Acoustic-Electric Ukulele
Cons
- Confusing description whether its solid Koa or laminated wood
Pros
- Solid workmanship
- Easy to play
- Warm, acoustic tone
Koa is a tonewood that has both aesthetic appeal and tone that suits ukuleles nicely. Luna effectively utilized its strength in the High-Tide Koa, with extra cosmetic details that you won't find elsewhere.
Certainly, this uke is a good value instrument, with virtually every reviewer appreciating its warm and traditional acoustic tone.
Aside from its mellow sound overall workmanship, is commendable as well. It's playability fits beginners and professionals alike. Its amplified sound also sounds great in that it doesn't sound too muddy or bright.
This uke has been received very positively, though there is some confusion as to whether or not it has a solid top, or if it is purely laminate. The Amazon storefront says “Solid Koa”, the website doesn't state one way or another. Also, this forum features a post by a user who reportedly spoke with a representative of Luna who said that the ukulele was made entirely from laminated wood.
Speaking of aesthetics, this ukulele has plenty, most notable of which is its abalone rosette, abalone wave fret markers, and multi-ply maple/walnut binding.
It also comes with active electronics which include a piezo pickup, and a preamp with 3-band EQ. The Luna High-Tide Koa Concert ukulele is a great choice for the stylish ukulele player.
Specifications
- Top: Solid Koa
- Body: Koa (Not Specified If It’s Laminate or Solid)
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 20
- Extras: Gig Bag
The Best Tenor Acoustic Electric Ukuleles
Cordoba 20TM-CE Tenor Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Ukulele
Cons
- A bit expensive
Pros
- Premium look
- Bright and articulate notes
- Active pickup system
The Cordoba 20TM-CE is small but yet its acoustic tone quality can speak for itself. Solid wood substantially increases the tone quality of an instrument, so the Cordoba 20TM-CE is going to have a stronger acoustic voice than those with laminate wood top.
It will also be louder, which will come in handy if you want to play along with other musicians unamplified. Another thing to keep in mind is that this uke is a tenor style, so you’ll have access to both the traditional ukulele tuning as well as low-G.
The 20TM-CE also comes with an active pickup system, a 2-band EQ (which controls bass and treble), and a volume control.
Because this uke is a bit expensive, we would only recommend purchasing it if you plan on playing a lot. If not, you’d probably be just as happy with one of the cheaper ukuleles.
Specifications
- Top: Solid Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 18
- Extras: None
Cordoba 25T-CE Tenor Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Ukulele
Cons
- Lack of extra free accessories
- Some have quality control issues
Pros
- Premium look
- Lively and articulate tone
- Real bone nut and saddle
The main distinguishing feature of the Cordoba 25T-CE Tenor is the use of solid acacia wood for the top, which gives this electric acoustic ukulele a premium look that matches its tone.
Figured acacia is used for the back and sides, and this tonewood is being marketed as a close relative to koa. While many do hear similarities in tone when comparing acacia with koa, not everyone agrees to this.
Design-wise I'd say that beautiful, amazing and pretty. Users mostly appreciate its looks, with commendations for minor details that include wood grain to those that love how it looks overall. The tone is also great on this one--lively and articulate. Cordoba is also known for playability, and this instrument upholds their reputation.
Speaking of looks, it also comes with maple/ebony rope-style top binding, and it matches the design of the rosette and tie-block. The neck is crafted from mahogany and is topped by an 18-fret rosewood fingerboard.
There are a few complaints about fretboard related quality control issues. There are some who gave slightly lower ratings because they feel that they should get some extras for the price, like more preamp controls and free accessories.
For plugging-in, it comes with a built-in active preamp and pickup system, with basic 2-band EQ and volume control. Finally, both the nut and saddle are crafted from real bone material.
With its impressive specs and quality, this is an electric-acoustic ukulele that will not disappoint.
Specifications
- Top: Solid Acacia
- Body: Figured Acacia
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 18
- Extras: None
Fender Dhani Harrison Uke
Cons
- On the expensive side
Pros
- Comfortable to play for any skill level
- All-ovangkol, cool, detailed cosmetics
- Powerful amplified tone
Fender teamed up with Dhani, a singer/songwriter multi-instrumentalist who loves the ukulele. Thus they've created this all-ovangkol signature uke. It meets the specific preferences of the artist, who has the same passion for music as his father, George Harrison.
It has a tenor size body crafted from ovangkol, and fitted with electronics for plugging in. The preamp comes with a built-in tuner, and controls for adjusting tone and volume.
The neck is crafted from nato, and features a 19-fret nato fingerboard, with a headstock that follows the iconic Fender stratocaster shape.
Owners are pleased with its overall appearance, including the appointments that Dhani approved of. Once you play chords or leads with this, ukulele you'll find that it demonstrates ease of use and playability for any level.
Even professionals at Guitar Player magazine arrived at the same conclusion as regular users, concluding that it has a "fabulous look, smooth playability and powerful amplified tone".
No noteworthy complaints to write about, aside from its substantially higher price and limited finish options.
Wrapping up its features are detailed cosmetics which include laser cut back graphic, and fingerboard inlays that resemble moon phases.
You don't have to be a fan of Dhani or George Harrison to appreciate the quality of this signature instrument. Get this if you want the best tenor ukulele that you can conveniently plug into an amp or a PA system.
Specifications
- Top: Ovangkol
- Body: Ovangkol
- Neck: Nato
- Fretboard: Walnut
- Frets: 19
- Extras: Gig Bag
Things to Consider When Buying an Acoustic-Electric Ukulele
There are many factors that affect the overall quality and performance of eacoustic-electric ukuleles, but for this guide, we narrow it down to three essentials, size, tonewood and pickup/preamp type.
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For this edition, we feature three of the most popular ukulele body types: soprano, concert and tenor. The general rule is that the smaller the size is, the brighter or more trebly it sounds. And for many this trebly is what makes a great ukulele. This means that soprano, is the brightest sounding of the group, while tenor being the biggest has more low-end than the other two. Finally, concert size ukes are expected to have a tone sits in the middle. For further details on all five of the most commonly found sizes, you can visit our dedicated guide about sizes titled: The Different Ukulele Sizes Explained. That way if you choose to purchase a ukulele that’s not on this list you’ll know the pros and cons of each body type.
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Also under size is scale length, which is the distance between the nut and the bridge - it basically describes the length of the strings. It impacts both the tone of the strings and the force required to play them. The longer the scale length the more the top resonates (which increases volume), though a longer scale length can somewhat reduce warmth. Long scale length also means more space for bigger fingers, while short scale is ideal for younger players with small hands.
The scale lengths for the main body styles are as follows:
- Soprano body and Pineapple Uke: 13-14 in.
- Concert Uke: 15-16 in.
- Tenor Uke: 17-18 in.
- Baritone Uke: 19-20 in.
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One of the most important things to consider when looking at a ukulele is the wood it’s made from. Like other acoustic musical instruments, the acoustic tone of a ukulele is heavily influenced by the woods used in its construction. Most affordable ukuleles are made from mahogany, but should you choose to upgrade at some point in the future you should be aware of the pros and cons of different tonewoods.
The tonewoods below are commonly used in ukuleles, but it should be noted that there’s a variety of woods used by manufacturers and luthiers. So, if a uke is made from a wood you don’t recognize, look up the properties of the tonewood in question before you make your purchase. Note that the effect of wood on tone is not exact science, but the information provided below will help shed light on how each wood is generally perceived to sound.
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Koa
Ukuleles have traditionally been made from koa. Because of this, if you’re looking for the quintessential ukulele tone you’ll most likely be pleased with an instrument made from koa.
The sound is considered to be very direct, with less overtones than other woods. It emphasizes mid-range frequencies, which is perfect for tenor body and baritone body ukuleles. Koa is also regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing tonewoods, and is the reason why the best ukulele deals often feature koa wood. Still, wood choice is of course a matter of personal preference.
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Mahogany
Mahogany is a staple musical instrument tone wood. It has a similar response to koa, though it’s regarded to have more warmth. While mahogany may not be as attractive as koa, some of the best ukuleles in the world are made from mahogany. A notable example of a high-end ukuleles made from mahogany would be those manufactured by Martin.
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Cedar and Redwood
Cedar and redwood are both warmer than mahogany, though some consider this tone wood to be less focused. This means that they’re great for strumming, but they may not be the best choice for those of you looking to play more complicated music.
Another thing to be aware of is that ukuleles made from cedar or redwood won’t cut through a mix as well as those made from a tonewood with a more focused tone, so if you plan on playing in an ensemble you may want to look at ukes made from mahogany, koa, or rosewood, unless you are using an amplifier.
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Rosewood/Ovangkol
Rosewood and ovangkol are closely related woods that offer a rich and clear tone. The woods are considered to produce very glassy (not piercing) highs and full-bodied yet articulate lows.
Rosewood and ovangkol have the potential to sound brittle when used in smaller instruments, depending on the construction. So be sure to play a rosewood/ovangkol ukulele before you buy it (or at least look up sound samples) to decide whether you’re going to like the focused tone of an instrument made from one of these woods.
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Laminate vs. Solid Wood
A solid wood instrument is exactly what it sounds like: an instrument made from a solid piece of wood. Laminated wood instruments are made from thin sheets of wood that are glued and pressed together. Solid wood instruments resonate more than their laminate counterparts, which results in a louder and more harmonically rich instrument. Solid wood instruments also reflect the properties of the wood used to a greater degree than laminated instruments.
While laminate instruments may not sound as rich as those made from solid wood, they are more affordable. Laminate instruments are also more durable, which makes them a good fit for beginning musicians who may not yet know how to properly care for an instrument.
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Size
Scale Length
The main body types listed above start from small Soprano ukuleles, to the bigger Baritone ukes. The baritone ukulele generally have bigger bodies and longer scale lengths. This means they are slightly louder acoustically, and would fit better among those with bigger hands.
Tonewood
Type of Pickups
Both transducers and piezo pickups have their strengths. Piezo pickups have the capability to sound great while still being affordable, and while transducer pickups may offer a more organic tone, the difference between a good transducer and a good piezo (that’s properly EQ’d, of course) is negligible during a live performance.
Active vs. Passive Pickups
A passive pickup needs an external boost in order to produce a signal that’s strong enough for live applications, while an active pickup already has a power supply (a battery). Passive pickups can be plugged directly in to a PA Mixing Console or amplifier, but the results will depend on the features of the amp or P.A. in question. Passive pickups produce an anemic and flat tone when the signal isn’t boosted. Some amps do take passive pickups into account, though because many don’t you’re more limited. If you use an instrument with passive pickups - you will need an acoustic preamp unless it already sounds good through your PA or acoustic amp.
Best Electric Ukulele Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on June 17, 2024
We re-examined the most popular, widely available, sub $300 electric ukuleles, along with soprano, concert body, and tenor acoustic-electric ukuleles. We ended up shortlisting 30 of the most promising ones for further analysis - you can see them in the Music Gear Database. We then collected and analyzed relevant information from reviews and comments in forums, online stores and videos, including the most recent user feedback, which added over 5,200 sources. All these data were processed via the Gearank Algorithm to produce the rating scores out of 100 that you see above. Finally, we selected the best rated among them and divided them into three main categories based on popular sizes: Soprano, Concert and Tenor. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
Drawing from his experience in performing and recording, he teaches guitar and bass and mentors young artists to be better musicians. And when he is not busy playing or tinkering with musical gear, he puts on his entrepreneurial hat, which helps fund his passion for collecting guitars, mecha figures and Gunpla kits.
Contributors
Allen Articulo: Co-author, Product Research
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Supplemental research, Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the Luna UKE-VMS-EL, Luna High-Tide Koa, Cordoba 15CM-E, Cordoba 25T-CE and Fender Fullerton Tele Uke.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
The videos above have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
Publication of our February 2022 Edition resulted in the following ukes coming off the recommended list above:
With the publication of our March 2021 edition the following came off the recommended list above, but you can still access our analysis of them:
As a part of our May 2020 update the following came of the recommended list above, but you can still read about them here:
As a result of our November 2018 update the following ukuleles came off our recommended list above but you can still read what we have to say about them: