A Ukulele is a fun musical instrument to play. Its upbeat tone helps create melodies that are reminiscent of relaxing days by the sea, so it’s a great instrument to play for your pastime.
In this article, we’ll talk about the price range of Ukuleles based on their category. So if you’re a beginner looking to buy your first ukulele, or an experienced player looking for an upgrade, then you came to the right place.
Read on to know more about the different price ranges of ukuleles for 2020.
Different Price Ranges for ukuleles|How Much Does a Ukulele Cost?
To give you an overview, the price of ukuleles ranges from as low as 30 dollars and can go as high as 2,000 dollars. But even with that wide disparity between the cheapest and the most expensive, this doesn’t mean that the affordable ones aren’t worth looking into.
On the contrary, you might find some of the more affordable ones to be great practice ukuleles.
Price Ranges of Ukuleles
| Toy Ukulele | Available below 35 $ |
| Budget Ukulele | Available between 35 and 50 $ |
| Beginner Ukulele | Available between 50 and 150 dollars |
| Intermediate Ukulele | Available below 500 Dollars |
| High-End Ukulele | Available between 500 and 1500 Dollars |
| Expert Ukulele | Available above 1500 Dollars |
Budget Ukuleles
Budget/Cheap ukuleles are those that are available for less than 50 dollars. Most of these ukuleles are in the 30-dollar range and can be likened as child-friendly cheap ukuleles. The rare gems in this category are those within the 40 to the 50-dollar range, which have a more toned-down appearance that already resembles mid-level ukuleles.
The reason why the ukuleles in this price range are so affordable is because of the materials that go into their construction. They’re either made of plastic or laminated wood with low-quality tuners and strings.
Another reason why they’re so cheap is that they are mass-produced. Build quality control is often overlooked, so you may notice scraped paint or cheap components for ukuleles in this category.
Thus, before buying, make sure that you thoroughly check out the ukulele and see if it holds a tune or not. With patience, it’s possible to find a good budget ukulele that works.
Beginner Ukuleles
Beginner ukuleles are those that run from around 50 dollars to around 150 dollars. They are often made from laminated wooden pieces that are carefully pieced together to create a more decent sound and tone.
Because they already mimic the sound of more expensive ukuleles, those that fall within this category make great entry-level ukuleles.
Those on the more affordable end are the ones made with laminated wooden pieces that are carefully pieced in to form a ukulele that offers a decent tune. They also come with affordable yet durable pieces for tuners and strings.
On the other hand, those on the more expensive end are often made with affordable tonewoods that give the ukulele a more exotic sound.
When you’re out looking for a beginner cheap ukulele, observe how the ukulele is built. In most instances, they have better craftsmanship compared to the mass-manufactured budget ukuleles.
Mid-Level Ukuleles
Moving up the price ladder are mid-level ukuleles or those that fall within the 150-dollar to 500-dollar range.
Ukuleles falling under this category are made of solid tonewoods, and this gives your ukulele more warmth, bass, volume, and an overall good quality tone. They also come with more intricate designs and premium components.
For this ukulele price range, you can also buy a decent electric ukulele with an eye-catching cutaway body. The cutaway design makes it easier to play, but only if you’re already an experienced ukulele player.
High-End Ukulele
And finally, we will talk about the high-end ukuleles or those which are regularly priced above 500 dollars. If that’s surprising enough, then wait until we tell you that some ukuleles are even sold for over 2000 dollars.
Ukuleles that fall within this price range are known for their solid koa construction that just creates that unique ukulele tone and sound. Koa wood is native to Hawaii, and this is what makes it very expensive.
Additionally, these high-end ukuleles are made using only the most premium wood and components with unparalleled craftsmanship, so you know that you’re also paying for the hard work that went into each instrument.
Overall, while we do not recommend high-end ukuleles for beginners, you can’t deny that ukuleles within this price range are made of the most premium materials, and that makes them sound so good.
Professional ukulele players may find these within their price range, and the added benefit of owning a one-of-a-kind ukulele is a bonus.
Final Thoughts on Ukulele Prices
When it comes to buying a ukulele, we highly recommend one that offers the best value for the money. While it is tempting to go for the most affordable one, the learning experience may be quite frustrating, and that’s just like throwing 40 dollars down the drain.
We believe beginner ukuleles are both affordable and of great quality, so those falling within this price range are great for entry-level players. On the other hand, more experienced ukulele players will surely enjoy playing one from the mid-level and high-end categories.
The Best Ukulele for Beginners in 2022 | Reviews and Ratings
With that in mind, here are some of our reviews of the best cheaper ukuleles for beginners in 2022. However, this list contains some premium quality recommended beginner ukuleles which are a bit more expensive.
Huawing Soprano Ukulele
This affordable ukulele is very easy to play. We love that it comes with marked frets that make them easy to locate, which helps you easily learn how to play. It’s also made from selected materials consisting of mahogany for its neck and body, and this is coupled with a walnut fretboard.
Considering how it is built and how great it sounds, this is one of the best beginner-friendly ukuleles on the market today. And with a price that’s below 50 dollars, you know you’re already getting a great deal to save money from this item.
Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit
Another impressive entry-level ukulele that you might want to consider is the Official Kala Learn to Play Soprano Ukulele Starter Kit.
Coming from a renowned brand like Kala, you can only expect great things from this instrument. Made with a sturdy mahogany body, Polynesian Shark Teeth laser-etched rosette, and Aquila strings, you know that this is one beginner solid wood ukulele that boasts premium quality.
Enya Concert Ukulele Nova U
For those who are looking for a head-turning ukulele, then you might want to consider the Enya Concert Ukulele.
This ukulele is made from carbon fiber polycarbonate that’s known for its durability. This means that this is one tough ukulele that will last for a long time. This material is also known for its waterproof properties, making it resistant to a variety of factors while also being easy to clean.
Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Acoustic
If you’re willing to pay a little extra for your first ukulele, then we highly recommend that you get the Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Acoustic.
This ukulele is made of mahogany built that’s both aesthetically pleasing while also able to create a bold and rich sound. It also comes with tattoo designs that mimic that of traditional Hawaiian ornamentation, and that gives it that extra appeal.
Construction of ukulele
Mass-produced ukuleles usually bypass build quality control, so you can expect that they’re the ones that won’t even last a year or two. Because of the poor build quality, you can also expect that the sound quality of these ukuleles is not at par with the others.
A more decent alternative is those that are hand-crafted by professional ukulele-builders. Regardless of the materials that go into these ukuleles, you can expect that the quality has been carefully scrutinized by professional craftsmen who know exactly what they want out of the instrument.
Materials of ukulele
As for the materials of the ukulele, the main consideration is what goes into the top of the instrument. The material that goes into the top of the ukulele helps it produce louder, richer, and bolder tones.
The most popular tonewoods used for ukulele tops are mahogany, cedar, and koa. Higher quality materials should be your top choice if you want a durable uke for yourself.
Components of ukulele
And finally, the components that go into the ukulele should also be considered. While the value of the components does not really affect the playability and overall sound of the ukulele, you can’t deny the fact that fancy components give your ukulele a more sophisticated appeal.
The quality of these components also has something to do with the ukulele’s durability. Tuners that are made from cheap materials may not last long, and frequent replacements could be both troublesome and a big waste of money. Similarly, poor fretwork would not give you a warm sound that most players prefer.
FAQs
In this section, we will add a few FAQs to clear your mind further.
How Much Does a Real Ukulele Cost?
After everything we’ve discussed, you already know that the price of a real ukulele can range somewhere between 100 dollars and 2000 dollars. This, of course, depends on the materials that go into the ukulele of your choice.
Thus, even if it is made of laminated wood pieces, the ukulele is still considered real in the sense that it can properly hold a tune for your musical entertainment and this is only possible if it has an ideal combination of the parts and consistent construction.
Can I Learn The Ukulele By Myself?
Yes, you can learn a ukulele by yourself. There are a lot of books that teach readers how to play the ukulele by themselves, and that saves them money from having to pay a professional ukulele instructor.
Additionally, modern technology has made it possible for everyone to access various media that teach us how to learn the ukulele from the comfort of home. Also, playing ukulele yourself will give you more confidence and help you increase your skill level.
Is Ukulele Hard To Learn?
The ukulele is not hard to learn. Its petite size makes it easy to handle – even if you’re a child with short limbs. And the fact that it has four strings means that you don’t have to memorize a lot of chords to begin playing.
Conclusion
Having fun and playing an instrument doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While a decent ukulele isn’t exactly cheap, the fact that you can find a good deal for less than 100 dollars is already a big win.
But if you’re a professional who’s willing to invest in a premium ukulele, then there’s nothing wrong with going for one that’s worth over one thousand dollars. After all, music is one thing that will always be worth the investment.
