10 Best Concert Ukuleles In 2023

Ukuleles have enjoyed a huge popularity boom in recent years, becoming one of the most sought-after instruments in the world. They make about 50 thousand more ukeleles than guitars if you can believe it.

Ukuleles, introduced by the Portuguese and popularized by Hawaiian musicians, have become integral to today’s music creation.

Because they are smaller than guitars, it makes them more comfortable for anyone to hold. Ukes are also beginner friendly.

But more than being convenient, ukuleles are becoming popular because of their warm and beautiful tone. So popular that many top singers have incorporated the ukulele in their songs, such as “Fearless” by Taylor Swift, “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train, and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.

The type of ukulele we focus on in this article is the concert ukulele.

While most beginners typically choose a soprano ukulele since it is easiest to handle, a concert ukulele is better for more advanced players. I

t has a warmer tone and creates a richer sound, perfect for performance situations. Here, we show you a selection of the best concert ukuleles to give you a headstart when you want to buy one.

Best Concert Ukulele (Quick Summary)

10 Best Concert Ukuleles in 2023

1. Hricane Professional Concert Ukulele

Just one look at this Hricane ukulele tells you that it means business. Made from acacia wood with a glossy finish, it is designed to give great performances every time.

Acacia wood produces a deep, rich tone, and the arched back allows you to sustain notes for longer. The fretboard is made of walnut wood, and the strings are nylon. This concert ukulele is suitable for all levels and is equally good for beginners, professionals, and anyone.

The package includes a comprehensive setup, including the following:

• A gig bag
• Strap
• Spare strings
• A Pickup
• A digital tuner
• Cleaning cloth
• Accessories bag.

All that in the same place means you don’t need to buy anything extra to start playing your beautiful new instrument!

Things We Liked:

• It has everything you could need to enjoy many years of ukulele playing
• It comes with a 30-day guarantee (Amazon’s Policy)
• Unique, sophisticated design with a varied grain pattern

Things We Didn’t Like:

• There isn’t an intuitive way of changing the strings
• There are no strap buttons, so there is a hole for the strap to hook onto instead; some players may not use this system.

2. Luna Tattoo Concert Ukulele

The first thing you will notice about this concert ukulele is the elaborate tattoo design on the front. This will have your audience transfixed whenever you play. It incorporates traditional Hawaiian tattoo themes, giving it an authentic look that may help you achieve the perfect sound.

The body is made from mahogany, known for being one of the best woods to use in ukulele construction. This gives it unmatched resonance and lets you hear all the notes.

Rather than nylon or other plastic, the strings are made from bronze. These strings give maximum volume and more than a touch of classic elegance.

Things We Like:

• The detailed design looks beautiful and utilizes Hawaiian symbols and shapes to represent land features
• Sharks’ teeth fret markers add another stylized aspect to the overall look
• String buzz is minimized, so you don’t have to put up with twangy sounds that come across as an amateur

Things We Didn’t Like:

• It comes with minimal accessories in general
• You may have to wait a few weeks for the tuning to hold

3. Enya Carbon Fiber Concert Ukulele 23”

This sophisticated carbon fiber model has everything you need to start playing the concert ukulele. The package includes the following items:

• A solid carry case
• Neck strap
• Capo
• Online lessons that you can access whenever you want.

The carbon fiber body is an unusual choice for a ukulele but makes it lightweight, durable, and waterproof. It results in a brighter sound than traditional wooden ukuleles, and the shape and position of the sound hole further enhance the resonance.

This also gives it a unique look, with the matt black paint finish and shallow depth of 1.8 inches. You will turn heads everywhere with this eye-catching design.

Things We Liked:

• Durable body made from carbon fiber composite polycarbonate – sturdier and more water-resistant than wood
• Striking appearance with uniquely-shaped sound hole and matt black paint
• It comes with everything you need to learn to play, including a set of spare strings
• Even playing tone with plenty of resonance

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Not compatible with metallic or wound strings
• Black frets can be difficult to see on the black neck

4. Donner Concert Ukulele Professional

Sometimes, musical instruments in unusual colors can look tacky, but this concert ukulele is certainly an exception. Its cool blue-green hue is almost hypnotic, transporting you to faraway places as you listen. The hand-polished finish completes the design, achieving an ideal gradient between light and dark.

The wood is mahogany, an excellent base material for any ukulele. Along with the carbon nylon strings, this gives a bright, rounded tone that sings out sweetly with every note.

One of the most notable features is the 18:1 gear ratio tuning. The tuning pegs are plated with chrome and allow for precise adjustment of the strings. You don’t have to worry about them slipping while playing with this feature.

Things We Liked:

• The unusual color scheme makes this ukulele stand out from the crowd
• 18:1 gear tuning ratio helps you achieve excellent intonation
• It comes with all you need to start playing, including a comprehensive set of online lessons

Things We Didn’t Like:

• The ends of the string wires may be sharp, so you need to be careful they don’t catch

5. Kmise Concert Ukulele Kit

This ukulele represents the lower end of the price range, but it is no slouch. The body is mahogany, with nylon strings and a pure copper tuning gear. The copper gear is rust-resistant. So your ukulele will have a long lifespan for many years of happy playing.

These have been properly manicured, unlike other ukuleles where the fret ends get overlooked. This leaves them smooth and unlikely to cause unintentional injuries.

This uke is easy to play. The sanded frets let you press down on the strings as hard as possible. The strings are also soft to the touch. The 18:1 ratio tuning system keeps the right amount of tension in them. Good tension means you won’t need to retune them frequently.

Things We Liked

• Affordable ukulele for most players that is suitable for any level
• Sanded frets and soft strings prevent discomfort in your playing hand so that you can play your uke for extended periods
• It comes with both a physical tuition booklet and free online lessons

Things We Didn’t Like

• Minimal accessories are included
• The high string tension may cause the wood joints to warp

6. Enya Nova U Carbon Fiber Concert Ukulele 23”

This Enya Nova is the one for you if you like the sound of a ukulele but prefer a more rock-and-roll appearance. It’s light, strong, and has a sound that can compete with any traditional uke because it is made from cutting-edge, innovative carbon fiber rather than traditional wood.

Enya is based in China and is known for quality, affordability, listening to its customers, and improving their products. It comes with a travel uke and gig bag, a strap, a capo, and backup fluorocarbon strings.

After looking at this ukulele, one can assume it would be challenging to tune it due to the Enya logo on the front. However, it won’t be difficult, as the sound hole is present but is situated on the body’s side.

I love its satin finish and gold tuners on black. And another good part is that these tuners kept their tune and likely needed to adjust the tuners every half-hour or so, as opposed to every few minutes, like some cheap ukes from China.

On a side note, don’t choose the black color if you don’t like to see fingerprints on your uke. Instead, go for other colors.

What We Like

• Carbon fiber composite polycarbonate body for sturdiness
• Sturdier and more water-resistant than wood
• Exceptional appearance with distinctively shaped sound holes

What We Don’t Like

• On a black neck, black frets are sometimes difficult to see.
• It does not include a tuner.

 7. Kala KA-PWC

The Kala KA-PWC is a concert ukulele with a perfect blend of craftsmanship and a price under $200. It is ideal for those who have a mid-range budget. The lighter brown color and the dark brown grains of the Kala KA-PWC’s satin finish create a lovely contrast. 

The wood grain is attractive and distinctive. Additionally, the wood has a good balance of treble and a hint of bass to make it sound good. 

It looks seamless because the fretboard is also made of walnut. The walnut can shine in all its splendor thanks to the striking satin finish.

Moreover, the Kala KA-PWC is ideal for anyone beginning their ukulele journey because it has many accessories. You will get a case, a tuner, and a polishing cloth with it. You will also get a DVD with instructions to learn how to maintain your ukulele and even practice some key chords.

What We Like

• It looks and sounds high-end
• Excellent concert ukulele in the middle of the price range
• It comes with a bunch of accessories

What We Don’t Like

• The NuBone nut might be too high for the strings

8. Strong Wind SWM-G10 

The SWM-G10 is an affordable concert ukulele that offers excellent quality and sound for the price. It’s undoubtedly among the best options for the most affordable concert ukulele.

This ukulele’s sound has the finest warmth and resonation because it is made of premium mahogany. Its clear notes and brighter tone are a result of its lower density. The instrument’s fretboard and bridge are both made of synthetic wood. The fretboard and bridge provide a full, bright, warm sound with excellent resonance. And the frets are easy for any player to handle because they are nicely spaced apart.

Its long-lasting and robust nylon Aquila strings can withstand intense concerts while producing high-quality sound. Additionally, its Aquila strings provide a soft and smooth touch. You can easily tune this ukulele with large, open-gear tune pegs.

In addition, this Strong Wind product has an attractive design around the soundhole for a distinctive and appealing appearance. The pattern, reminiscent of Celtic patterns, adds a distinctive look while being subtle to your playing.

What We Like

• Very affordable
• Well finished bridge 
• Comes with a gig bag

What We Don’t Like

• Not as high-quality as ukuleles with a higher price tag

9. Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany 23 Inch

The manufacturers paid close attention to the details of this concert ukulele. It would be icing on the cake if they included Aquila strings rather than the fluorocarbon ones.

Given its price, this ukulele’s tone quality, playability, and craftsmanship exceed expectations. The clean lines, tight construction, excellent fit, and finish of this musical instrument completely won me over. 

The rosewood fretboard and mahogany body of the Donner DUC-1 go well together. These lovely woods demonstrate both craftsmanship and music quality. Its perfect satin finish highlights the woods’ grain.

The manufacturer has thoughtfully added extras like a carrying bag, carbon nylon string, strap, and digital clip-on tuner. Its mahogany body and neck produce a richer, brighter sound, and its rosewood fingerboard and bridge make playing it more enjoyable.

You can always keep this instrument in tune with the help of the included chrome-plated guitar-style tuners. This concert ukulele has no sharp edges, and it feels completely comfortable to hold your arms.

What We Like

• Great price and simple design
• Loud and full tone
• Tight construction with excellent fit and finish
• Very comfortable to hold
• Comes with decent accessories

What We Don’t Like

• It comes with a mediocre carrying bag
• Has unbound fretboard
• Professionals may find the sound a bit too thin

10. Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE

The Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE is a high-end concert ukulele built from mango wood, unlike mahogany or walnut wood used to make other traditional ukuleles. This results in a unique color and wood pattern. Mango wood is lighter in color compared to other woods but is strong enough to produce beautiful music.

The fretboard of Ortega Guitars RUMG-CE is made of maple wood. As a result, the combination of mango and maple wood creates a stunning satin finish, black-and-white design.

It has a luxurious appearance thanks to the gold fret buttons with a black accent. The ukulele’s beautiful and appealing cutaway pattern on the side adds to its beauty and appeal.

It has a built-in tuner that guarantees accurate tuning and unmatched sound quality. Although this is one of the most expensive ukes on this list, it only comes with a gig bag and nothing else. But it is still worth the investment because the ukulele’s superior quality makes up for it.

This stunning and eye-catching instrument is ideal for collectors and advanced players.

What We Like

• Mango wood-built body
• Gold fret buttons with a black accent
• Built-in tuner
• Offer precise tuning
• Superior sound quality
• Pleasing pattern
• Guitar-style tuners

What We Don’t Like

• It comes with a gig bag as the only accessory
• pricier than alternative models

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing Your Concert Ukulele

There are many factors to consider when deciding which concert ukulele to buy. These instruments can differ wildly in price, construction, and other characteristics. We’ll review some of these variables below and explain why they are so important.

What is the Best Ukelele Material?

Ukuleles can be made from various materials, but the most common are wood and laminate. Cheaper ukuleles are sometimes made of plastic, but these aren’t recommended for a decent sound; they are usually only used by inexperienced players trying the instrument for the first time.

Mahogany is considered one of the best woods to use for making ukuleles. It produces an even tone that sounds ‘woody’ and warm.

Concert ukulele players often need to record their music in studios. A mahogany instrument is ideal since you don’t have to contend with overtones. This results in clear, crisp music where you can hear every note.

Rosewood is also popular because it has a high level of resonance. Different varieties of rosewood include Indian and Brazilian rosewood. The latter is more expensive since it is harder to come by (but all types are beautiful and valuable). The wood is strong in sturdiness, and its long duration can sustain notes.

Laminate ukuleles comprise several layers of wood on top of each other. Traditional ukuleles are made from a single wooden layer. Laminate ukuleles are cheaper and more robust, making them great for young children and other novices. Their sound isn’t as full or resonant as solid wood ukuleles, but they can be just as pleasing visually.

What is a Good Price for Concert Ukeleles?

The price of your concert ukulele is usually from $50 to $150. So you will be able to find options to suit all budgets.

You would indeed be able to find soprano ukuleles for less money. Still, the average price of concert ukuleles is among the most affordable in the ukulele family. They don’t take up as much raw material as larger ukuleles because of their relatively small size. Therefore, they are cheaper.

As with anything else, you get what you pay for. The cheapest concert ukuleles will generally be of lower quality. Those at the higher end of the price range are often marketed toward professional players.

If you are trying out the concert ukulele and don’t know if you will stick with it, purchasing a cheaper instrument is perfectly acceptable. The further you get in your practice, the more likely it will be that you’ll need to switch to a higher-end ukulele.

What Can I Play With My Concert Ukulele?

As we’ve mentioned, the ukulele is a pretty versatile instrument in what it can play. You may need to adjust some aspects of a piece before it translates well to a ukulele sound. This often entails playing around with it to see what works best.

We wouldn’t suggest trying to do any heavy metal, but you can explore pop, folk, indie, and even classical music with some arrangement. Concert ukuleles often form part of a ukulele orchestra, which is an ensemble made up completely of ukuleles of various sizes. While ukulele orchestras are not as common as other musical groups, they exist in some cities and large towns.

Why not start your own with some like-minded musicians? Alternatively, many players enjoy playing a concert ukulele as an accompaniment to their own singing – the sound of ukulele balances well with solo vocals.

How To Identify Good Craftsmanship in Your Ukelele

Even if you are completely new to concert ukuleles, it is good to familiarize yourself with what makes a high-quality ukulele. You can often spot problem areas if you know what to look for. It’s easier for you to avoid wasting money on a badly-made instrument.

Firstly, check if the wood is bound together well at the seams and around the bridge. If not, the finish on the edging may be rough and messy. Then, try the tuning pegs; they will be difficult to work with if they are too loose or tight.

Once you’ve done that, look at the sound hole in the center of the wood near the neck. The contours should be even with smooth edges. There are other ways to determine decent craftsmanship, but these are the main ones to consider.

Different Ukelele Sizes

Ukuleles come in various sizes, mainly a soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The soprano is the smallest, giving the highest pitch. However, you may occasionally see smaller varieties like piccolo or even soprano.

The concert ukulele is the next size up, roughly one inch longer than a soprano, and slightly wider and heavier. Tenor and baritone ukuleles are lower-pitched, but you can also get bass ukuleles that are lower still.

Conclusion – What is the Best Concert Ukelele?

As a reminder, our favorite was the Hricane Professional Concert Ukulele. However, you might find some of our other options more to your liking. Some are smaller, cheaper, or more inexpensive, so always choose based on your needs.

Keep your eyes on the blog for the best musical instruments and accessories. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Concert Ukulele Better Than A Soprano Ukulele?

It truly depends on what you are looking for in an instrument. It is usually better to stick with a soprano ukulele when playing casually.

On the other hand, concert ukuleles are a better choice for more serious players performing music regularly. A concert ukulele is only marginally less portable than a soprano ukulele. You shouldn’t find it a problem to carry around unless you are boarding an airplane.

How Should I Store My Concert Ukulele?

Whichever concert ukulele you buy, you must also get a gig bag to store it in. You can use this to house your concert ukulele in between uses. Your bag will also keep it safe when traveling. Ukuleles can get knocked around easily, even when you’re being careful. The delicate wood is prone to scratching.

Additionally, your bag will have a handle for convenient carrying. It may even be designed so you can carry it on your back.

You should know that any gig bag with your concert ukulele will probably be basic unless you specifically buy a high-quality ukulele. In these cases, it is worth spending more on an upgraded gig bag that can give your ukulele the best protection possible.

Good gig bags are well-padded and made of durable materials, whether hard or soft cases. The Knox Gear Ukulele Carrying Case and Cloudmusic Padded Ukulele Gig Bag are great options.