8 Best Baritone Ukuleles – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Baritone Ukuleles – Guide & Comparison

 

If you have been looking for the best baritone ukulele and you haven’t found it yet, this quick guide is here to help you with that. For those that have little to no time on their hands, we have a few suggestions as well. Our team took the time to carefully analyze the quality of some of the sought-after models on the market, and after intense research, we found that the Kmise 30 inch Baritone Ukulele is a model that you should really take into consideration. It is a ukulele with a very smooth fretboard, which makes it easier and more pleasant to play. The uke comes with a truss rod that will let you adjust the height of the strings so they don’t buzz. It also comes with premium quality nylon strings. If you can’t find it, try to search for the Caramel CB103 30 Inch Electric Ukulele.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

8 Best Baritone Ukulele (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

We had to go through many baritone ukulele reviews to create our top 5 picks, but the work was worth it. We also saw what experts had to say about these models, and after intense analysis, we managed to find some instruments on which you can play all the diverse baritone ukulele songs.

 

1. Kmise 30 inch Baritone Ukulele

 

If you’re looking for an instrument that catches the eye, part of a popular mahogany series, this ukulele comes with great looks. This can be seen when paying more attention to its mahogany sides, top, and back, which are made to look great. You will find that this ukulele has a stable tuning, as it comes with a quality set of 18:1 tuners, so no matter what you do to it, the instrument will stay in tune.

The excellent quality of this ukulele will help you have a quality playing experience, and you will enjoy using it. A quality baritone instrument like this also needs some good strings, and fortunately, that is true for this ukulele. It comes with premium nylon and metallic strings that are further proof of the quality of this instrument, and they offer a sound that can be described as lush and warm.

This uke from Kmise also comes with an adjustable truss rod, and that means the ukulele player is able to adjust the action of the instrument according to his or her needs. Most ukes don’t come with that, so this makes this instrument even better. It’s also bigger and easier to play.

 

Pros

This model comes with a smooth fretboard that will make the playing experience a more comfortable one.

A lower action means that you will be able to press the strings with less effort, and they won’t buzz as much as they normally do.

The adjustable truss rod is a feature that doesn’t often come in ukuleles like this, and that is what sets this model apart from others. It offers the player the possibility to change the distance between the strings and the fretboard.

Those players that struggle with small ukuleles will be pleased with the size of this one, as it can be easier to play for them.

You won’t be disappointed by the quality of the strings either, as they are made from premium nylon and metallic materials.

 

Cons

The tuners aren’t the best and that means you will constantly have to adjust its baritone ukulele tuning.

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2. Caramel CB103 30 Inch Electric Ukulele 

 

This instrument looks like it doesn’t do that much, but once you use it, its quality will come as a surprise. When discussing its build, it is a simple baritone ukulele that is made of Zebrawood that is carefully polished. It is a good instrument to get if you have some previous experience with playing the guitar, or if you have bigger hands.

Impressive looks are not all that this instrument offers. You will also be impressed with its tone and the volume that it can produce. The fingerboard is made of walnut, which makes it very playable, and the fact that it’s well-polished adds to that. The bridge is also made of walnut and it has a buffalo bone saddle.

Being larger than usual, this instrument is a sturdy one. The truss rod will let you adjust the height of the action and that will help with making the instrument more comfortable to play. The strings are quality Aquila ones, while the tuners are closed geared, and they should work well. There is nothing special about them but they are intuitive to operate.

This is an instrument for beginners and it offers the comfort a starter player needs to get the music out of it.

 

Pros

It is a smooth uke to play, thanks to the well-made neck and the fact that it fits so well in one’s hands.

Let’s not forget that this uke is an electro-acoustic one and that will let you plug it into an amp to increase its volume.

Speaking of volume, this uke delivers it even without being amplified, and it does it while sustaining a great tone.

This is an instrument that is not only large but also sturdy as it is made of quality Zebrawood.

The fact that the ukulele has a truss rod means that you will be able to adjust the distance between the strings and the fretboard and the curvature of the neck.

Its strings are high-quality Aquila and they will produce the sound you want from them.

 

Cons

The action is a bit too high, and that means you will be having a harder time making the strings sound perfect.

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3. Caramel CB104 Acoustic Electric Ukulele 

 

A similar model to the CB103 acoustic electric baritone ukulele, this model from Caramel will be a great instrument for any beginner. It comes with many of the same characteristics, however, the body is made of matte Zebrawood. The baritone size of the ukulele will make it easier to play by those with large hands, beginners, or people that have played the guitar before.

The fretboard and the bridge are made of walnut, and this will ensure playability and a comfortable feel for the player’s fingers. These pieces of hardware are completed by the saddle and nut made of buffalo bone. The ukulele has 18 frets and that allows for a wide musical range to play in.

Its closed geared tuners are nothing spectacular but they can certainly hold the tuning. A great aspect of this model is the truss rod that sits inside the neck, allowing the player to straighten the neck if that is required.

This is a ukulele that also comes with electric capabilities, so if you are looking to play it on a stage, you can plug it in an amplifier and start delighting your fans. It has a 3 band EQ, which means that you can control the bass, treble and middle frequencies.

 

Pros

It is a baritone ukulele that is best used by beginners thanks to how easy it is to play and the quality sound it can produce.

Made of walnut, the fretboard, and the bridge will make this instrument one that is so easy to play and comfortable.

Its 18 frets are enough to let you play in many registers and thus have a wide variety of songs at your disposal.

The truss rod will let you adjust the neck, bending it forward or backward if you feel it is a bit bent.

Its electric components are not to be let aside, taking into account that you can plug this ukulele into an amplifier and play it in front of a crowd that can hear its great tone.

 

Cons

For an instrument this big, it would have been nice to also have some strap pegs so that you can support it with a strap around your neck.

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4. Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele Bundle 

 

Being a good ukulele for nearly any kind of player, this model from Kala is a good instrument for players that want to add a baritone to their collection, or for those switching from the guitar. Although you might find more elaborately designed models out there, this simple instrument still is attractive in its own way.

It has a standard baritone body with no cutaway and a length of 30 inches. Its body is made of mahogany laminate entirely and is finished in sating. The fretboard is made of walnut, which is a material that feels softer on a player’s fingers, and that’s what makes it more suitable for beginners.

The 18 frets are pretty standard, but they give you the freedom to play nearly anything you want. Suited for bigger hands, it is a comfortable instrument to play. The action is low and this makes it feel sleek and comfortable when used. You can play it right out of the box.

Featuring a set of chromed and sealed die-cast tuners, this ukulele will hold its tune quite well. The strings of choice for this ukulele are a set of Aquila Super Nylgut, and they are known for being great on any uke.

 

Pros

Constructed of laminate mahogany, it is a strong instrument that has a simple design and that ensures durability over time.

It has a fretboard made of walnut. This makes it an instrument that is comfortable to play, as the wood doesn’t feel hard on the fingers.

It is one of those instruments that feel really well when hold, and better when played, especially if you’re a person with bigger hands.

The sealed die-cast tuners are chromed and they can do a great job at keeping the instrument in tune.

Coming with a set of Aquila Super Nylgut strings, this ukulele proves that it is a high-quality one, capable of delivering a great sound.

There are also many accessories that the ukulele comes with, including a tuner and a protective gig bag.

 

Cons

The strings buzz too much, which is unfortunate for such a good-quality instrument.

This is solely an acoustic instrument, and it has no electronics onboard.

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5. Caramel Ebony Wood Electric Ukelele Kit 

 

Just in case you’re searching for an instrument that can provide a great look, this one is for you, as it has a beautiful body constructed of Ebonywood. The wood has nice grain patterns that can be seen through the paint. The mahogany neck will provide a powerful sustain and a pleasant feel when playing the instrument.

It is also a versatile instrument for a variety of hand sizes, and it should be a decent choice for beginners and professional players too. It comes with a starter ukulele kit including every accessory that you might need. The Aquia strings on it do a good job, and you also get an extra set of strings.

You will benefit from a gig back where you can keep all the accessories, but you also get different picks, a capo, a cleaning cloth, a strap, an EQ cable, instructions on how to use everything, and others.

It is also an electro-acoustic ukulele that has a 3-band EQ where you can control the mids, lows, and highs when the instrument is plugged in. The electric part also comes with a tuner and an LCD color display. Let’s not forget about the truss rod inside the neck.

 

Pros

There aren’t many other baritone ukuleles that look as good as this one. From the Ebonywood body to the grain that you can see on it, and the shape of the body, everything is pleasant.

The instrument comes with a mahogany neck that will help you get more sustain out of the sounds you create.

It is part of a starter kit that offers you many essential accessories, and others too. You can play it at its full potential right from the start.

Being a ukulele that comes with electric possibilities, you can play it on a stage in front of people and it will sound great thanks to the 3 band EQ it has.

It also comes with a tuner in it, so no matter where you play it, you can have it pitched just right.

 

Cons

The tuning pegs are sometimes flawed and you might find yourself in the situation that you need to change them.

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6. Kala Makala Baritone Mahogany Ukulele MK-B

 

The Makala Classic Line developed by Kala represents a great choice of products for all entry-level ukulele enthusiasts. The brand focuses on quality at an affordable price, which means you won’t have to spend a fortune if you just picked up playing this instrument and you don’t want to invest too much in your hobby in the beginning. 

This baritone ukulele is shaped after the mahogany instruments made over 100 years ago, maintaining the traditional and vintage look while emitting a soft and warm sound. The full-bodied and balanced tone ages beautifully and will only sound better in time. 

All models from the Makala Series use the same high construction standards so you can rest assured your product is sturdy and won’t break easily. The walnut fingerboard and bridge is combined with a mahogany neck and brass frets, while the strings are made by the company Aquila in Italy. 

 

Pros

The product is shaped after the classic ukuleles from over one century ago, maintaining a beautiful vintage touch.

The instrument is made of quality mahogany and walnut to deliver a soft, warm, and balanced tone that will only sound better as your ukulele ages. The sound is similar to the one of an acoustic guitar. 

The high-quality strings are made by the company Aquila in Italy and represent a wonderful choice for both beginners and people who have played the ukuleles before. 

It uses tuning for the highest 4 guitar strings – D, G, B, and E, which means it represents an easy transition for guitarists. 

 

Cons

Although the overall quality of the product is decent and the wood sounds nice, the ukulele emits some vibrations while you’re playing it. 

It doesn’t come with a protective case so you’ll have to purchase one yourself to keep the instrument away from stains, spills, drops, dust, debris, minor scratches, and wear. 

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7. Caramel CB402 All Solid Mahogany Baritone Ukulele

 

Using the tuning for the highest 4 guitar strings – D, G, B, and E, this ukulele resembles an acoustic guitar which makes it an easy transition for guitar players. 

The product features an all-solid mahogany body designed to deliver a warm and soft sound while the fretboard and bridge are made of walnut wood. It measures approximately 30 inches in length which makes it a full-size instrument, suitable for grownups. 

Unlike similar models on the market, the new Caramel CB402 can easily turn from an acoustic ukulele to an electric one, complete with a chromatic tuner with LCD color display so you’ll always stay in tune and perfectly play your instrument. 

This product is affordable and represents a great choice for beginners and, if you choose the set complete with accessories, you’ll also receive a hard case for convenient transportation and protection, a full set of instructions, an additional set of strings, and other accessories to easily turn the acoustic instrument into an electric one. 

 

Pros

The product represents an inexpensive choice for those who want to practice their ukulele skills and people who have just picked the instrument.

The body and the sides are both made of high-quality real mahogany wood that will resist tear and wear without changing its sound in time. 

Combined with the fretboard and bridge made of solid walnut wood, this ukulele will deliver a warm, deep sound, resembling an acoustic guitar. 

It can be purchased alone or with a full set of useful accessories, including a protective hard case that ensures easy transportation and keeps the instrument away from stains, spills, dust, dirt, debris, scratches, and rain that might affect the wooden body. 

 

Cons

The matte finish is almost non-existent which may cause your product to wear and break faster in time. We suggest applying a thin protective coat of your choice to keep the fretboard looking like new for a longer time.

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8. Oscar Schmidt OU52-A-U Baritone Ukulele

 

Featuring top, back, and sides made of high-quality mahogany wood, this instrument from Oscar Schmidt is a great choice for those who have just started taking ukulele classes and paying interest in this musical piece. 

The satin finish protects the instrument from scratches, stains, and potential damage caused by prolonged sun exposure or rain, keeping the ukulele looking and sounding like new for a longer time. The product is designed to deliver a warm, deep sound, similar to the one of an acoustic guitar.

It features a classic, slightly retro design and since it is smaller than a regular guitar and only has 4 strings as opposed to 6, it will be easy to learn. 

Both the fingerboard and the bridge are made of quality wood and, in combination with the strong construction of the instrument’s body, it will deliver a reliable ukulele, designed to last even when played in high humidity conditions. 

 

Pros

The item is made of quality real wood and features a protective satin finish that will keep it away from stains, scratches, and potential damage caused by external factors. 

The four-string design is easy to pick up even by those who are not familiar with string instruments, which makes this baritone ukulele the perfect instrument to start practicing your skills. 

It delivers a deep, soft sound that won’t be affected by time, which means you can count on the instrument to last you for years until you’re ready to swap it for a professional product.

The strings are also of high-quality but you can replace the current ones with a set of your liking if you’re a pickier player. 

 

Cons

Although Oscar Schmidt delivers great products for its price range, this baritone ukulele might come with loose tuning keys that cannot be tightened down. 

You may also hear a buzz coming from the keys vibrating on their posts. 

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

You don’t want to go out and buy the first ukulele you find, and that’s why you should pay close attention to some aspects when choosing the right model. First of all, make sure the materials used are good, and that they are put together well.

The wood matters

Ukuleles made for beginners are more often less expensive, and if you’re looking for a cheap baritone ukulele, chances are it is made of laminate. This is a piece of compressed thin wood planks, which is cheaper to make and use. Laminate ukuleles don’t sound as well as solid wood models.

You can still find a decent affordable baritone ukulele made of this material, and if you know you’re going to replace the instrument quickly, it’s a good start. However, if you’re going to be using the instrument for some years, you need to get a solid wood baritone ukulele. There are different wood types, each of them considered to offer certain tones.

Baritone ukes are most often made from mahogany. The OU52 Oscar Schmidt baritone ukulele, for example, is made of mahogany and it’s a decent choice. This material will give a good midrange and no harshness in the sound. Because this wood is heavy, the instrument will be heavier too. Spruce is different, as it gives a distinct sound, being loud and giving more power to sharp notes.

It will still feel like the sound is a warm one, although the high notes will be more pronounced. Koa is the wood that was initially used to produce ukuleles, although it isn’t that often found in baritone ukuleles. It is a beautiful-looking material, it offers a natural feel, and the tone it gives is a calm one. Instruments made of koa are rarer and thus pricier, but they do produce a pleasant sound.

 

How should a baritone feel?

A baritone uke will be capable of providing a rich and deep sound, compared to other ukuleles at least. This is a pleasant aspect for some players, especially those that like jazz. Furthermore, a baritone uke should be easier to play than other ukuleles. This is also why many guitarists move to a baritone uke when they first start with this instrument – because it’s similar.

Although great for those that move from a guitar to a ukulele, baritones aren’t great for people that want to play the classic, smaller ukulele. That is because the baritone has the strings set up like a guitar, not like a classic uke. This will make it difficult to learn the instrument from books made for ukuleles, videos or chord sheets.

You don’t get many choices when looking for a baritone uke, especially if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. Often you will find a baritone that has electro-acoustic capabilities. This makes these instruments great for performers that also want to put on a show on stage from time to time.

What matters in a baritone?

Apart from the feel that the instrument gives you, it’s always important that it also gives you the tone you would expect. With baritone ukuleles, their tone is deeper, almost like something between a ukulele and a guitar. But the volume matters too. A good model will have a lot of sound volume, while not compromising on the quality of that sound.

Depending on the materials used you also get a varied sound and more or less volume. The strings are also important, and you will find that most such ukuleles run Aquila strings, which is a good choice.

Also, we should not ignore the aesthetics of this instrument. If you want to play it regularly, you need to like how it looks, otherwise, you won’t be getting your hands on it. For that, the wood finishing is an important factor. Grainy patterns that can be seen through the paint are always good. There are some types of wood that look better than others, so don’t forget that.

Ultimately, it all depends on the build quality, and that is something that you can’t really judge based on something you see on the internet. It’s best if you can get your hands on the uke and see how it feels and sounds. A well-finished neck will make it easier for you to play the instrument, while a solid body will last for longer.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Is a baritone ukulele good for beginners?

Ukuleles are part of the same string-instrument family as violins and guitars but, unlike them, these four-stringers are easier to pick up, especially by beginners. That being said, you will find a series of products on the market, depending on your preferred size, type of body, budget, and other criteria. 

Those who recently showed interest in ukuleles should know that the baritone instrument is easier to maneuver around if you have large hands, which makes it a good choice for beginners. They may not be the most popular ukes, historically-speaking, but they have increased in popularity in the past few years. 

Baritone ukuleles deliver a thicker, fuller sound, allowing you to experience a bassy tone, as opposed to other similar instruments. The sound isn’t as low as you would get from a normal bass guitar but baritone ukes are similar in tone to the “Spanish” guitar. 

Given that it is the biggest instrument in the entire ukulele family, a baritone could qualify as a good fit for beginners. 

Q: Does a baritone ukulele sound like a guitar?

Just like we previously mentioned, the sound you will receive from playing a baritone ukulele is similar to the one of a four-string guitar. If it is made of the right type of solid wood (preferably mahogany) and ages well, it may deliver a sound close to the one of a bass guitar. 

However, ukuleles and guitars remain distant cousins in the string family as there are many differences between these two instruments. For beginners, it is always best to start learning to play the uke and then switch to a full-size guitar. 

On average, ukuleles are 30-50% smaller than most guitars so the size difference affects the volume, playability, and tone of each instrument. The tenor ukulele is the smallest in the uke family and may look like a toy by comparison to a full-size guitar. Baritones are the ones that resemble a guitar the most in terms of size and sound depth.

 

Q: What is a baritone ukulele?

As we have mentioned already, ukuleles are part of the string-instrument family, together with violins, guitars, basses, and other instruments. Although most ukuleles have 4 strings and most guitars come in a six-string configuration, you may find other models and configurations on the market such as the 12-string guitar and the 8-string uke. 

Ukuleles are smaller in size by comparison to acoustic guitars which means they are better for practice, especially for children, people with small hands, and newbies. 

A baritone ukulele is the biggest in the uke family and is usually made of quality wood. Its strings are made of nylon or similar flexible synthetic materials and have a lower tension, which means they will deliver a softer, warmer tone, similar to the ones of a bass guitar. 

Factors like body size, producer, and tonewoods affect the quality and intensity of the sound delivered by a baritone ukulele.