Picking the best concert ukulele to fit your playing style and tone can be a challenge. There are several great affordable concert ukes that are made of exotic woods and have plenty of features to choose from, so where are you supposed to start?
First, before we compare each uke, we should talk a little about concert ukes in general. The concert ukulele size is the next size up from a soprano. Thus, it’s the second smallest ukulele with a scale length of around 15 inches. This is great for people with smaller hands or kids. It also uses the exact same tuning as the soprano and tenor, so it’s easy to switch between them!
Now that you know what a concert uke is, let’s check out some of the top-rated concert ukuleles and their features, so you can find the right one for you.
Compare the Top Concert Ukuleles in 2020
Contents
- 1 Compare the Top Concert Ukuleles in 2020
- 2 What We Recommend and Why
Here’s a list of the best concert ukes that have excellent tone and will take your playing to the next level.
- Lanikai QMBLCEC
- Luna Dolphin Quilted Maple
- Fender Mino’Aka Concert Uke
- Flea Concert Ukulele
- Ibanez Open Pore 4-String Concert Ukulele
- Cordoba Protégé Concert Uke
- Luna Tattoo Concert Ukulele
- Epiphone Electric Concert Ukulele
Lanikai QMBLCEC
Specs, features, and benefits
Specialized in crafting instruments for musicians seeking for a reliable and playable one with a good look, Lanikai designed this acoustic-electric ukulele. Packed with a plethora of convenient features such as NuBone nut and saddle, a Fishman Kula preamp system and many more, it gives you the possibility to explore the sound to the tiniest tone.
Its sound is so mellow, regardless of being plugged or unplugged. Manufactured with a comfortable neck profile, it is more than a suitable instrument that fits perfectly to all types of players. The unique design and fantastic coloration make this one an instrument that leaves the impression, both from the visual and the audio aspect.
Pros and Highlights
- A multitude of features- Some of them like open back Grover 97 tuners, built-in digital Chromatic tuner, and many others, for more complex sound.
- Inventive design- With Gloss finish and Quilt Maple top, it has more than attractive look.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Shallow sound- Players that are used to different types of sound produced by other ukuleles find this slightly odd. But, this is a matter of personal preference.
Bottom line
The unique combination of features this instrument has made it absolutely suitable both for professionals as well as newbies. Its attractive design and soft yet memorable sound will spark the creativity and fuel the passion each musician has. If you are looking for an instrument that sounds and looks great, this could be the right choice. It gives plenty of possibilities to explore the sound.
Luna Dolphin Quilted Maple
Specs, features, and benefits
Has it ever come to your mind that even an instrument can have its own life story? This one is living proof, as dolphins around the soundhole are nothing else but symbols of free spirits. Swimming dolphins are representing the soul that was reborn after death, which gives this one a sense of profoundness.
The innovative design and astonishing coloration make this one a memorable instrument. Made of maple, with an onboard preamp, this uke has a mahogany neck. Its size is 23 inch, and the fretboard is made of walnut. This selection of tonewoods ensures a warm and natural sound, which is actually imperative for all instruments.
Pros and Highlights
- Ingenious visual aspect- Such vivid coloration, with abalone dolphin inlay, makes this one an instrument you don’t get to see everywhere.
- Great performance- We point this out as it maintains the quality in delivered sound, regardless of being plugged into an amp or not.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Strings far above the fretboard- As some players noticed it, this makes strumming and forming the chords a bit challenging.
Bottom line
If you are looking for an instrument with a passionate background story, you have found it. This reflected in its ingenious design, and the sound as well, as it’s made of the finest tonewoods that can be found in nature. It has an excellent balance between nice sound and great appearance. Women find it particularly appealing, as it’s not a demanding one to play.
Fender Mino’Aka Concert Uke
Specs, features, and benefits
This mahogany uke with rosewood fingerboard and bridge is all about nature. Its sound is so pleasant that you will have a content smile on your face whenever playing it, and that’s exactly what its name means in Hawaiian-smile.
With this exact choice of tonewoods, this instrument has a soft and sweet tone extremely pleasant to listen. The thing that comes as a first association upon seeing and hearing this instrument is- nature, as it’s as modest as it can be. Yet, to make it look a bit distinctive, the manufacturers adorned it with gold screen logo and satin finish, giving it a slight touch of elegance.
Pros and Highlights
- Soft sound- This is due to a combination of tonewoods used while manufacturing.
- Great features- Vintage looking chrome tuners, acrylic abalone rosette are just some of those, implemented for even better sound.
- Modest design- Though of seemingly simple and common design, it’s actually the greatest virtue of this instrument, as the audience focuses on sound primarily.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Disbalance between quality and price- Some consumers had certain issues with the instrument, complaining of its cheaper look and wood of poor quality as well as malfunctioning strings.
Bottom line
Being among the most prominent names in the industry, Fender certainly knows how to make a quality instrument, that’s for sure. Equipped with numerous features for enhanced and richer sound and of simple and universal design, this makes a nice choice both for newbies and experienced players.
Flea Concert Ukulele
Specs, features, and benefits
Crafted by The Magic Fluke Company, this genuine concert uke is quite simple to play on. What particularly adds value to this segment are non-metal frets. Made of molded body and polycarbonate fingerboard makes this one a durable and precise instrument. Birch soundboard has natural finish and neck is manufactured of hard maple.
This ukulele comes with a bag which makes carrying around significantly easier. The package comes with some interesting surprise goodies- note chart, laminated cord, and an electronic tuner. When purchasing this very one, you actually help by donating Flea ukes to children hospital Music Therapy.
Pros and Highlights
- Flat bottom- You can accommodate the instrument wherever you want to.
- Reliable intonation-Stays in tune for a longer time.
- Comes with several practical gifts- The most noteworthy one is a padded gig bag so you can take it wherever you want.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Not made of solid wood- This leads to a very slight change in sound, but what comes as a positive aspect of this one is that instrument is less susceptible to weather conditions and humidity.
Bottom line
If you are looking for a uke of uncommon shape, this is the one. The most interesting fact about this instrument is that it looks so ordinary yet unusual at the same time. It’s strong sound, as a result of the exact choice of materials, makes it perfect uke for the concert, along with useful gifts included. In addition to this, by buying this one you participate in a donation.
Ibanez Open Pore 4-String Concert Ukulele
Specs, features, and benefits
If you want to have quite an ordinary uke but of high-quality performance, this is the one. Made of the flamed mahogany body, with nylon strings, it has a warm yet strong sound. The neck doesn’t feel lacquered too much, which makes the instrument look more natural.
It comes with an onboard tuner, for faster tuning. With simplicity as the main characters both in design and features, this one is a nice choice for those looking for a uke which gives great sound but looks ordinary.
Pros and Highlights
- Original shape- It’s particularly appealing for those who have already played or simply like the looks of Ibanez guitars.
- Onboard equalizer tuner- This makes tuning very convenient and quick.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Lack of features- The instrument performs more than fine, however, if you are among those who like to explore the sound thoroughly, this one will seem a bit too ordinary or limited.
Bottom line
Ibanez has always been among the most reputable names in the music industry, with a great selection of guitars at first place. Their offer an excellent selection of ukuleles, including the electronic ones. The line-up includes both concert-size and soprano ukes, which means all profiles of players will easily find a suitable one. The rich and textured sound is a trademark of all the instruments from this manufacturer. With a modest design, they put more accent on sound. With all this in your mind, you can rest sure that the choice is right.
Cordoba Protégé Concert Uke
Specs, features, and benefits
Those among you who have just started exploring the amazing world of ukes will find this one an excellent choice for beginners. Made to aspire the musicians, this comfortable ukulele is easy to play. Being a cooperative instrument will definitely motivate those who are struggling with all typical obstacles at the beginning.
Crafted from one of the most popular tonewoods, it has a warm sound. With a mother-of-pearl rosette and satin finish, its natural beauty is additionally accentuated. The overall appearance is modest and elegant. The instrument comes with a gig bag and being a lightweight itself, make it easy to carry wherever you want.
Pros and Highlights
- Gig bag included- The case ensures good support and ease of transport.
- Good choice of materials- Top, back and sides made of mahogany, while fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- No onboard tuner- Those who are used to fast tuning, which is possible with built-in tuners, find this to be a slight flaw.
Bottom line
Manufactured in a company which keeps on redefining the acoustic guitars and ukes, you can be sure that this one will bring you more than you expected. They have always strived to keep the organic beauty, but without sacrificing authenticity. Good selection of tonewood and the natural look are the biggest virtues of this ukulele. The instrument itself is very cooperative, which will be a great boost for those who have just started learning to play.
Luna Tattoo Concert Ukulele
Specs, features, and benefits
Putting plenty of efforts to craft the instruments which have the power to engage all aspects of a human being has been the company’s philosophy. For them, an instrument is much more than just a combination of wood and metal. With such a unique philosophy, all of their instruments are indeed special.
The tattooed symbols represent the natural world of the island. Taking the finest tonewood of all for top, body, and neck, and walnut for fretboard and bridge adds more to the authenticity and the natural aspect of this uke. To give the final touch to overall fantastic design, there’s a satin finish.
Pros and Highlights
- Body ornamentation- The Hawaiian tattoo adds more to the uniqueness of the instrument.
- Comes with a carry case- You can take the instrument wherever you want to.
- The best tonewood- Mahogany is among the most quality ones for crafting ukes.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Lack of onboard tuner- Some players find this an extremely comfy feature, but the lack of it certainly doesn’t spoil its great sound. Open gear tuners work just fine.
Bottom line
Having in mind that manufacturers put special attention on crafting an instrument with souls, you can be sure it reflects in every uke they make. With a nice selection of materials (walnut and mahogany), quite creative and memorable design, you will have an instrument that stands out. Those who prefer a fundamental bass tone will find its sound very satisfying.
Epiphone Electric Concert Ukulele
Specs, features, and benefits
Inspired by the early days when they crafted the very first modern acoustic instruments, this uke is one of those back to basics items. The company has been among leaders in manufacturing professional instruments, which adds value not only to their guitars but to their ukuleles as well.
With solid hardware and a recognizable Les Paul Shape, this uke is designed of the best tonewood- mahogany. It’s equipped with a piezo film pickup placed under the saddle. The instrument comes with a gig case, which means you can take the instrument with you wherever you are up to, without worrying that it could damage.
Pros and Highlights
- Fantastic hardware- This includes 1:4 ratio tuners and a saddle made of rosewood.
- Interesting design- Those who are into Les Paul guitars will find it irresistible.
- Comes with a gig bag- Travelling with the instrument won’t be a trouble with this practical gift.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Thin sound- Consumers noticed this as a result of a cool looking body. This led to losing the warm sound, typical for ukes.
Bottom line
This is more than a fine choice for avid lovers of Les Paul guitars, as it looks like a miniature version of it. Made of the finest tonewood and great hardware, it is a fine choice for beginners. with a gig bag included this one will be your best friend wherever you plant to go and want to have the instrument by your side.
What We Recommend and Why
With so many unique instruments here, each one with numerous qualities and highlights, picking the best one is not an easy task at all. You will agree it all boils down to personal preferences, as each player has his/her own vision of a sound. This goes in particular for some of the “flaws” we listed, as several of them are not even the true disadvantages at all.
However, if we are to pick one that stands out, then it would be the first one- Lanikai QMBLCEC. Though the price may be a bit higher, you get a lot in return. There are many features which give you plenty of options to explore the sound completely. In addition to this, it has quite a refreshing design and vibrant color.