The Ukulele or Ukelele is a four-stringed musical instrument. It is a member of the lute family and also related to a Portuguese stringed instrument called a “Portuguese machete” (a small guitar-like instrument). The tone and volume of a Ukulele depends on its size and construction.
The Ukulele is played by using both palms with one hand over the instruments fretboard and the other one used to strum the strings (in a down strung and up-strung motion).
What are the Best Professional Ukuleles?
2) Kala Ka-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
- Polynesian-style shark teeth rosette and satin finish
- Mahogany top, walnut fingerboard and bridge
- Portable and convenient to carry
1) Lohanu Ukulele
- Sapele laminate wood with a matte finish
- An arched back with a wider interior
- Intense, deep and rich musical tones
- Easy storage
3) Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
- Silver tuners with pearl buttons
- Premium Aquila strings
- Sleek satin finish
- Portable and easy to carry
There are four common sizes of Ukuleles including the soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
Components of a Ukulele:
There are many different components of this musical instrument, some of which include:
• The Body:
The body is divided into top, back & side parts and are typically made out of tonewood such as mahogany, cedar, maple, koa, spruce etc.
• The soundhole:
The sound hole is an opening at the top of the body which releases the different stringed vibrations and sounds.
• Bridge:
The bridge is attached on the body's top and holds a saddle which is used to keep all the instruments strings in place across the fretboard.
• Tuners:
The tuners also known as tuning pegs, keys and machine heads hold the strings. The tuners are used to tune the Ukulele.
• Neck:
The neck is made of solid wood which supports the fretboard and connects the Ukulele's head to its body.
• Strings :
Strings are the elements you strum or pick to produce sounds.
7 Best Professional Ukulele Reviews
There are certain factors you need to note during your search for a Ukulele that will deliver in terms of unique sound, design and overall use.
In this guide, we will review and present you with different professional Ukuleles, their features and every other important detail you need to know about this stringed instrument.
1) Lohanu Ukulele
Appearance: The Lohanu LU-C is a concert size Ukulele. It features Sapele laminate wood with a matte finish, that requires little or less maintenance and is scratch-free. In addition, there are white bindings all around the body & neck.
This Ukulele has an arched back with a wider interior which allows for extensive distribution of sound to middle resulting in an intense, deep and rich musical tones.
Use: There are two strap pins below the bridge, to make playing much easier.
Sizes: The Lohanu LU-C is available in soprano (21 Inches), concert (24 Inches) and tenor (26 Inches) sizes.
Tuners: This Ukulele has shiny tuning pegs for easy tuning.
Weight: The has a weight of 1.3 pounds and also has a product dimension of 24.4 x 8.3 x 2.8 inches.
Additional accessories: Other than the two-strap pins below the Ukuleles bridge, it also comes along with a superb leather pick and hanger for easy storage.
2) Kala Ka-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
Appearance: The KA-15S is a Soprano Ukulele from Kala - one of the world's leading Ukulele brands.
An inscribed Polynesian-style shark teeth rosette and satin finish which gives it a vibrant tone, are among it's striking and unique features.
It also features a mahogany top, walnut fingerboard and bridge.
Use: The KA-15S is easy to use irrespective of your proficiency level- be it a beginner, intermediate or professional player.
Tuning: The KA-15S has a high-quality tuning peg, for easy tuning to GCEA.
Types: The KA-15 Series have been broadened to include Soprano Black (KA-15S-BLK), Soprano Long Neck (KA-15SLNG) and Soprano Spruce Top (KA-15S-S).
Size: The KA-15 Series is also available in Concert and Tenor sizes.
Portability: The Kala KA-15S is light making it portable and convenient to carry with you.
Weight: The Kala KA-15S has a weight of 1 pound and also has a product dimension of 21.1 x 7 x 2.4 inches.
3) Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
Appearance: The Cordoba 15TM is a tenor Ukulele entirely made by hand. It is an upgrade of Cordoba's top-selling 15CM.
The 15TM body (consisting of the top, neck, back and sides) are constructed using Mahogany for an ample rich sound.
Among the noticeable features of the Cordoba, 15TM include silver tuners with pearl buttons, premium Aquila strings and a sleek satin finish.
Use: The Cordoba 15TM is easy to use for both beginners and amateur Ukulele musicians.
Size: The Cordoba 15TM is also available in concert (15CM) and soprano (15SM) sizes.
Portability: The Cordoba 15TM is portable and easy to carry around.
Weight: The Cordoba 15TM has a weight of 1.15 pounds and also has a product dimension of 27.5 x 10.5 x 4 inches.
4) Hola Tenor Ukulele
Appearance: This professional tenor Ukulele features a solid Mahogany top back, sides and neck with a bevel at the edge to protect the lower end of the player's arm's when strumming.
Other notable features of this Ukulele include:
- A classical guitar headstock on which golden machine head and tuning pegs are mounted
- A built-in strap pin
- Neatly filed frets and fret binding to protect your fingers when playing.
- Use of premium Italian Aquila strings (for production of rich and high-quality sounds)
This impressive-looking 18 silver nickel frets ukulele is enhanced by its Nato neck, along with a walnut fingerboard and bridge.
Additional accessories: This Ukulele comes with its own padded gig bag, uke strap and picks for convenience and enjoyable playing experience.
Weight: The has a weight of 1.9 pounds and a product dimension of 28 x 9.9 x 3.9 inches.
5) Enya Concert Ukulele
Appearance: With a solid mahogany top, neck, back and sides, plus a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, the EUC-M6 is a beautiful concert ukulele. An additional feature which adds to its appearance is a shiny dark brown colour.
Durability: A Glossy finish is used on the entire instrument, which makes it more resistant to corrosion and deterioration.
Strings: The Enya EUC-M6 Ukulele is made with high-quality Enya strings that extend from its head, runs through its sturdy fretboard and fastened at the saddle to produce a clear, crisp and melodious sound.
Use: The Enya EUC-M6 has an easy to use Gold Agate Die-cast tuner that permits stable tuning. This way the Uke stays in tune for longer periods when you are playing.
Additional accessories: To make it more portable, the Enya Ukulele comes along with a padded gig bag and adjustable handles, making it easy to carry and also play wherever you go.
Weight: The Enya EUC-M6 has a weight of 4.92 pounds and also has a product dimension of 28.7 x 12.6 x 7.1 inches.
6) Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele - Natural
Appearance: This Zuma Concert Ukulele is from Fender, one of the recognizable makers of string instruments.
The Zuma concert ukulele is made of Sapele laminate wood, a black walnut pull-through bridge, plus binding around the body, top and fingerboard.
With 16 frets on the fingerboard joined at the 12th, the Zuma concert has a fender logo inscribed on its head, with a stunning abalone rosette and satin finish.
Tuners: Zuma concert Ukulele has four vintage style aligned tuners.
Use: Zuma concert Ukulele is designed for personal at home and professional use both in a studio. This Ukulele also has soft mild strings which are easy to Strum or pick.
Portability: Zuma concert Ukulele is light and easy to carry along with you.
Weight: Zuma concert Ukulele has a weight of two (2) pounds and also has a product dimension of 27 x 10 x 4 inches.
7) Snail Ukulele
Appearance: The snail ukulele has a mahogany laminate top, as well as mahogany laminate on its back and side, plus a rosewood bridge and fingerboard.
Use: The die-cast geared tuners of this uke provides stable tuning and prevents the strings from getting out of tune fast.
The snail ukulele is easy to use for first time players and anyone who loves playing the ukulele.
Additional accessories: This Ukulele comes with its own padded gig bag, uke strap and picks for convenience and enjoyable playing experience.
String: The snail Uke has carbon strings which are lightweight allowing for easy strumming and less friction on your fingers.
Weight: The snail Uke has a weight of 3.42 pounds and also has a product dimension of 25.5 x 9.6 x 4.1 inches.
Choosing the Best Professional Ukuleles
All the Ukuleles mentioned above are suitable for professional level players.
Each Ukulele has its own unique features and specifications that help to enhance its use in producing a rich beautiful tone.
The Ukuleles reviewed above have the capability to produce high-quality sounds professional level players seek and at the same time easy to use, particularly for individuals who have little or less experience using one of them.
Most of the Ukuleles are portable, thereby allowing you to carry your favourite instrument along with you.
If you find it difficult in making a choice between any of the Ukuleles above, you can narrow down your preferences based on its durability, sound, portability, or any other additional features.
Comparing and contrasting each one using these parameters that enhance its performance and function can give you a clear idea of what suits your needs best.