The tenor ukulele offers a beautiful middle ground in the ukulele family. Its larger body and longer scale length produce a richer, deeper, and louder tone than its concert and soprano cousins, while remaining more compact than a baritone. This makes it an excellent choice for players seeking greater resonance and fingerboard space without sacrificing the classic, cheerful ukulele sound.
Whether you are a beginner ready to upgrade or an experienced player looking for your next instrument, finding the right tenor uke is key. The perfect model balances playability, tonewood character, and build quality to inspire your musical journey. With so many options available, we’ve curated a list of standout instruments to help you find your match.
The Best Tenor Ukuleles for Every Player
- Hricane Tenor Ukulele 26 Inch Professional Ukelele
- Ukulele Tenor Size Bundle From Lohanu (LU-T)
- Ranch Tenor Ukulele 26 inch Wooden Professional ukelele
- Tenor Ukulele Bundle, Deluxe Series by Hola! Music
- Kmise Professional Ukulele for Adult Beginner
- Kala MK-T Makala Tenor Ukulele Bundle
- Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
- Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
Hricane Tenor Ukulele 26 Inch Professional Ukelele
This Hricane tenor ukulele is a fantastic instrument for players seeking a professional sound from a ready-to-play kit. Crafted with a solid sapele body and a walnut fingerboard, it is designed to produce a warmer and deeper tone than many laminate alternatives. The inclusion of quality Aquila nylon strings further enhances its rich, pitch-perfect Hawaiian harmonies right out of the box.
Playability is a key focus, with 18 brass frets and clear position marks at the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets to help you navigate the fingerboard with ease. The 26-inch scale provides more room for fingerpicking and complex chords, making it a great instrument for advancing beginners and intermediate players alike. The bundle includes essential accessories like a bag, digital tuner, and strap.
Ukulele Tenor Size Bundle From Lohanu (LU-T)
The Lohanu Tenor Ukulele Bundle stands out for its incredible value and player-friendly features. It comes as a complete set with virtually everything you need to start playing immediately, including a strap that attaches to two pre-installed strap pins—a convenient feature not always found on standard ukes. The package also includes a case, tuner, picks, and even a hanger.
This uke is equipped with high-quality Aquila strings installed, ensuring great sound and stable tuning from the first strum. Lohanu is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and includes free video lessons to help beginners get started on the right foot. It’s a thoughtfully curated bundle that removes the guesswork from purchasing your first tenor ukulele.
Ranch Tenor Ukulele 26 inch Wooden Professional ukelele
Ranch has designed a tenor ukulele that prioritizes both sound quality and the learning experience. The instrument features an arched back, which contributes to longer sustain and a fuller, warmer tone. Paired with the smooth and responsive Aquila strings, this uke produces a clear and sweet sound that holds its tune well through extended practice sessions.
Built with a sapele body and a mahogany neck, it offers a pleasing aesthetic and solid construction. For beginners, the inclusion of 12 online video lessons is a significant advantage, providing a structured way to learn the fundamentals. The wider fret spacing makes it particularly comfortable for adult players to handle.
Tenor Ukulele Bundle, Deluxe Series by Hola! Music
The Hola! Music Deluxe Series tenor ukulele is an all-mahogany instrument known for its rich resonance and classic look. Mahogany is a prized tonewood for its ability to produce a well-balanced sound with warm mid-range tones, making this uke a reliable choice for various playing styles. The nato neck and rosewood fingerboard add to its durability and comfortable feel.
This bundle is thoughtfully put together with the essential accessories a player needs, including a padded gig bag for protection, a strap for playing comfort, and picks. With Aquila Nylgut strings pre-installed, you can expect a high-quality sound that meets the expectations of both new and experienced musicians.
Kmise Professional Ukulele for Adult Beginner
Kmise addresses a common beginner frustration—staying in tune—with its high-precision 18:1 sealed gear tuning machines. These pegs allow for more precise adjustments and better tuning stability compared to standard models. The ukulele is also set up with a lower action, making the strings easier to press down and reducing finger fatigue during long practice sessions.
This mahogany tenor uke comes with a strong educational support system, including free online lessons and a quick-start booklet. Kmise stands behind its product with a notable offer of lifetime free string replacement, which adds tremendous long-term value for any player.
Kala MK-T Makala Tenor Ukulele Bundle
The Kala MK-T Makala is a fantastic entry-point into the world of a renowned and trusted ukulele brand. Kala is celebrated for producing consistent, high-quality instruments, and this tenor model lives up to that reputation. Its mahogany body and neck generate a warm, full tone that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
The smooth walnut fingerboard ensures comfortable playability, allowing your hands to move freely across the frets. This particular bundle is packed with value, including a gig bag, tuner, strap, Aquila strings, and even an instructional DVD from Austin Bazaar, providing a comprehensive start for any new ukulele player.
Kala KA-15T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
The Kala KA-15T is a step-up model that offers the pure, un-bundled experience of a quality Kala instrument. It is constructed entirely from mahogany, which delivers the rich, resonant sound that players expect from this classic tonewood. As part of Kala’s most popular series, it represents a benchmark for reliability and tone in its class.
This ukulele is an excellent choice for the player who already has accessories or prefers to choose their own, as it is often sold as the instrument alone. Its straightforward, no-fuss design focuses on the essentials: great sound, solid construction, and the comfortable playability that has made Kala a favorite among ukulele enthusiasts worldwide.
Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
Cordoba is known for its expertise in crafting nylon-stringed instruments, and the 15TM Tenor Ukulele benefits greatly from this heritage. This model features a solid mahogany top, which allows the wood to open up over time, developing a more complex and personalized tone. The combination with mahogany back and sides creates a cohesive and warm sound profile.
With a sleek design and attention to detail, the 15TM is built for the player who appreciates traditional craftsmanship. It offers a clear, balanced voice that responds well to dynamic playing, making it a satisfying instrument for both beginners focusing on tone and intermediate players looking for a reliable main uke.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Next Tenor Ukulele
So, you’re thinking about getting a tenor ukulele. Good call. The tenor size is a fantastic choice for players who want a richer, deeper tone and a bit more room on the fretboard. I’ve played a bunch over the years, and I can tell you that not all tenors are created equal. To help you find the right one, here are the key things I always consider.
First up is tonewood. This is the material used for the top, back, and sides of the ukulele, and it has a huge impact on the sound. If you’re after a bright, punchy, and classic ukulele sound, a model with a solid spruce top is a great place to start. For something warmer and more mellow, mahogany is a classic choice that sounds fantastic. Koa is the traditional Hawaiian wood, and it offers a beautifully balanced tone with a complex sound. Many great ukuleles use laminates (thin layers of wood pressed together), which are durable and affordable, but all-solid-wood instruments generally provide better resonance and a more mature sound as they age.
Next, think about the neck and fretboard. A tenor’s neck is longer and wider than a concert or soprano, which can be a big help if you have larger hands or are working on complex fingerstyle patterns. I always check the action—that’s the distance between the strings and the fretboard. High action can make a ukulele difficult to play, causing your fingers to fatigue quickly. A well-set-up instrument with low, easy action is a joy to play. Also, look at the number of frets. Many tenors have 17 or 18 frets, giving you more range up the neck for solos.
Don’t forget about the hardware. Machine heads (the tuning pegs) should feel smooth and hold tuning well. Geared tuners are common on tenors and are very reliable. If you plan on playing with others or amplifying your sound, consider a model that comes with a pickup system installed. It’s usually more cost-effective than having one installed later. Finally, set a budget. You can find excellent entry-level tenor ukuleles that won’t break the bank, and there are also incredible high-end instruments for when you’re ready to invest more seriously. The best tenor ukulele for you is the one that feels good in your hands, sounds great to your ears, and inspires you to play more often.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of a tenor ukulele over a soprano?
The two biggest advantages are tone and playability. A tenor ukulele has a larger body and a longer scale length, which gives it a deeper, louder, and more resonant sound compared to the brighter, more traditional sound of a soprano. The wider fretboard and more space between frets can also make it more comfortable for players with larger hands or those who like to play fingerstyle.
Are tenor ukuleles harder to play for beginners?
Not necessarily. While the fretboard is a bit wider and the neck is longer, the tuning (G-C-E-A) is the same as a soprano or concert ukulele. This means all the chord shapes you learn are identical. Some beginners actually find the extra space easier to manage. It really comes down to personal comfort, so if possible, I suggest trying different sizes to see what feels best for you.
Do I need a ukulele with a pickup?
You only need a pickup if you plan on plugging your ukulele into an amplifier or a PA system. This is essential for performing live or recording directly. If you’re only going to play at home for yourself, a pickup isn’t a requirement. Many of the best tenor ukuleles for players come in both acoustic and “acoustic-electric” versions, so you can choose based on your needs.
What is the difference between solid wood and laminate?
A solid wood ukulele is made from pieces of solid tonewood, which vibrate more freely and can produce a richer, more complex sound that often improves with age. A laminate ukulele is made from thin layers of wood (and sometimes other materials) pressed together. Laminate ukes are generally more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, making them durable and affordable, but they typically don’t offer the same acoustic quality as solid wood.
How much should I expect to spend on a good quality tenor ukulele?
For a well-made, entry-level tenor ukulele from a reputable brand, you can expect to spend between $100 and $250. In this range, you’ll often find laminate or hybrid models that play and sound very good. If you’re looking for an all-solid-wood instrument, prices usually start around $300 and can go up significantly from there for professional-grade models.