Ukulele is a very popular string instrument that is often linked to Hawaiian music. Its construction and basic shape have many similarities with the standard guitars as it belongs to their family. This is a very simple, easy to learn and an appealing instrument that people love to learn and play because of its mesmerizing sound and easy playability.
The standard one comprises of four strings. However, some also come in 8 strings with 2 string-courses. Unlike other musical instruments, learning this one is very easy and less time consuming. There are no such complicated rules and the structural design is very simple that makes the whole learning process easier for the players. Those who want to play this beautiful and elegant instrument should have the basic knowledge about its structure and basic types.
This post is dedicated to the intermediate Ukulele players. If you are one of those, you are going to find some highly valuable information here.
What are the Best Ukulele Brands for Intermediate?
2) Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
- Reputable Brand
- Hand-Made
- Great for All
- Good Look
1) Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu
- Great for All
- Highly Rated
- Popular Choice
- Rosewood
- Aquila Strings
3) Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
- Affordable
- Highly Rated
- Rosewood
- Comfortable Playing
The newbies usually start off as a hobby without much knowledge about the construction, types and other important features. However, if you have passed the initial phase and now you are an advanced learner, you should be a bit more serious and choose an appropriate type for yourself. For that, you should first have knowledge of anatomy and basic structural design.
Structure
Usually, the Ukulele comes in the body shape of digit 8 (like guitars). Some other shapes also exist but most of them are 8-shaped. The other shapes include pineapple shaped body, cigar box, and triangular shaped body.
The body is usually made of high-quality wood that has amazing acoustic characteristics. Some are made with Koa wood of the acacia tree, while some are made with Mahogany. Some cheaper versions are made of laminate and plywood. The type of wood used determines the tonal quality.
The body comprises a sound hole near the neck and on the other end of the neck, a headstock is attached. Besides the sound hole, the bridge is placed whose function is to keep the four strings in their place. The tuners are also added to adjust the tightness of the strings by which you can get the desired pitch.
There are several famous brands in the industry that manufacture great quality Ukulele and you may find it hard to decide which is more suitable for you. Don’t you worry; we have got your back.
6 Best Intermediate Ukulele Reviews and the Best Ukulele Brands for Intermediate
We have picked the 6 best-selling and most popular models of different brands that are specially made for the intermediate level of musicians. Have a look at their distinctive features and decide which one you need.
1) Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu
This concert size ukulele is exquisite in design, commendable in quality, efficient in performance, very affordable in price and gives stunning sound quality. Additionally, it comes with numerous accessories all for free. Thus, for those, who have some budget constraints but don’t want to compromise on quality, this is the best choice. The appealing outlook of this beautiful instrument makes it more desirable.
The materials used to make this ukulele include Mahogany, Sapele, and handmade Deluxe Bindings. It generates great sound and allows the players to give a praiseworthy performance. This ukulele is built to provide more comfort to the players and has easy to use features.
Playing higher frets is not a problem with this one and it does not cause any tuning issues during the play. Moreover, this ukulele includes an arched back and gives a very warm, clear and bright sound.
Two strap buttons are also installed which you can easily play and change the chords. The accessories that are provided for free includes a top-quality Tuner, battery, a sturdy padded bag, a brown polyester strap, 2 picks, a pick holder and additional set of Aquila strings.
2) Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
Cordoba is a renowned name that offers musical instruments of excellent quality, elegant appearance, and efficient playability. It presents a beautiful combination of traditional craftsmanship and latest technology. Among its several other instruments, the 15 TM ukulele is a perfect one for the intermediate musicians and is based on the structural design of their top-selling 15CM model.
This attractive handmade instrument has atop, back, and sides of mahogany that delivers a richer and warmer tone. Other features include a satin finish that adds to its appealing outlook, silver tuners with pearl buttons, and widely used and preferred Aquila strings that make the play easy and delivers an astonishing performance.
The fingerboard binding set, ivoroid body, and rosette in abalone-style are some of its distinctive features and you don’t usually find such functional capabilities and aesthetic appeal at this price range.
It includes a balanced tone, fantastic dynamic range, and numerous complex overtones. The tonewood used enhances the level of performance and both the beginners and intermediate players would love to try hands on this one. This ukulele is a smart choice that offers strong, comfortable play and striking outlook.
3) Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
Kala is the name of quality. It specializes in providing top-notch ukuleles, original U Bass, and some other instruments at an economical price. The intermediate level musicians will find some really suitable instruments here. The one under discussion is truly wonderful in terms of quality and affordability.
Its body and neck are made of high-class tone wood mahogany that gives praiseworthy sound. Mahogany is light in weight and hard enough to give a great sound. The same wood is used in many other instruments as well.
The scale length is 13.625 inches and it has total 12 frets. Rosewood is used to make the fretboard and this ukulele offers a very pleasing outlook. It has a satin finish that makes it more elegant and presents a refined look with a simple yet decent rosette.
The KA-15S ukulele falls under The Soprano type and delivers good sound. It is an appropriate choice for the intermediate players who are looking for a reasonable ukulele to practice their skills.
4) Concert Ukulele Bundle, Deluxe Series by Hola! Music (Model HM-124MG+)
This beautiful instrument has a nato neck, body made with good-quality Mahogany that is popular wood for its amazing sound qualities and offers an appealing outlook. The very famous and widely used Rosewood is used to make the fingerboard, it is the same wood that is used in guitar construction and many other instruments. The total length of the instrument is 24 inches.
Other features include aesthetic engraved rosette, traditional ABS binding, and fret bid. The fret binding adds to the pleasurable experience, enhances the performance level and makes this ukulele a smart choice.
The neatly filed and smartly designed frets serve as a great protective measure for the fingers during the play. In this model, ox bone is used to make nut and saddle. Being in direct contact with the strings, they greatly enhance the sound and tonal quality and increase the performance efficiency to a great extent. The compensated saddle added aids in fine-tuning the intonation and provides a great playing experience.
The installation of premium Italian Aquila strings makes this instrument more desirable at these strings help in producing a more delightful and pleasing sound. This concert Ukulele has a thin lacquer layer that retains the natural wood’s sound characteristics and delivers a richer and warmer tone.
5) Cordoba 20CM Concert Ukulele
The Cordoba 20CM is beautifully structured, a hand-built instrument that has flawless craftsmanship and delivers a fantastic playing experience. This premium quality Ukulele has a Mahogany top, back and sides that contribute to its strong sound and commendable tonal quality with more robust and warmer tone. The mahogany neck smoothly transfers the vibrations to the body that results in a very rich and deep sound.
It features wood herringbone inlay, chrome tuners and pearl buttons that add more to its aesthetic appeal and excellent performance. The longer scale length makes the playability more convenient and players can comfortably play captivating tunes with it. Thus, it is more suitable for the guitar players and for those who have larger fingers as the lengthy scale provides more space for playing the chords.
Adjusting the tunes is very easy on this Ukulele. The tuning gear works very smoothly and you can easily tighten the strings to generate the tunes as per your requirements.
It comes with a satin finish that gives it a decent look. Some other features include Aquila nylgut strings, Rosewood Bridge, composite saddle, and 19 frets. The ukulele enthusiasts will have a wonderful time with this elegant looking instrument.
6) ADM Ukulele Concert 23 Inch Hawaiian Koa Intermediate Professional
All Days Music is a popular name that deals in manufacturing and supplying flawless quality and incredibly designed music instruments. Having several overseas companies and a strong supply chain, it successfully delivers professional standard instruments and also offers impressive lines of Ukuleles for different levels of musicians.
The one under consideration is an excellent instrument that is exclusively designed for the intermediate players. It is made with extensive attention to detail and is carefully checked by the technicians to ensure seamless performance and effortless playability.
This brown colored ukulele is 23 inches long and has a body made of top-quality Hawaiian Koa. The neck also compromises Hawaiian Koa and the use of this out-class wood gives a very rich and mesmerizing tone to the instrument. Both the fingerboard and bridge are made up of Rosewood that is usually used in most of the good-quality string instruments and other musical instruments.
It comes complete with several complementary products including the polish cloth, picks, padded bag, tuner, and strap. The Aquila strings are used that are very smooth and soft to touch and delivers a very sweet and clear sound.
Choosing the Best Ukulele Brands for Intermediate
Each of these is best in its own way. The one suitable for you depends on your personal choice, preference, and budget.
2) Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele
- Reputable Brand
- Hand-Made
- Great for All
- Good Look
1) Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu
- Great for All
- Highly Rated
- Popular Choice
- Rosewood
- Aquila Strings
3) Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
- Affordable
- Highly Rated
- Rosewood
- Comfortable Playing
All these are made of good quality material and are durable in nature. You should choose the one that suits your style more. Being intermediate, you might not be able to handle well the larger sized ukuleles that belong to the baritone.
The other categories including soprano, concert, and tenor are all appropriate for you. You can go for any of these sizes. Remember, comfort is the most important element required for a great play. The one that you can handle easily is best for you. Therefore, you should always be careful while choosing the size.
Soprano is the smallest size that is the traditional and most popular one and people usually prefer this one because it is easy to handle. But if you can handle the concert size and the bigger one, you can also go for that.