9 Best Tenor Ukuleles Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Tenor Ukulele Review – Top Rated Models in 2021 with Buying Guide

 

Our guide will help you find the best tenor ukulele out there. We even have some suggestions for you, if you don’t have enough time to read everything. After examining the market, we found that the Kala MK-T tenor ukulele is the one that you should pay attention to. It is made of solid wood and thus it has a strong construction and a great tone. The strings used offer a warm and pleasant sound and the instrument comes with everything you need to start playing immediately. You won’t always be able to find it for sale, and if that’s the case, try the Cordoba 15TM ukulele.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

9 Best Tenor Ukuleles (Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Tenor ukuleles have become very popular because of how easy to play they are. And with increased popularity comes more diversity on the market. That is why we thought it’s important for you to have a basic knowledge of what are some of the products that do a good job as a tenor ukulele, and here they are.

 

 

1. Kala MK-T Makala Tenor Ukulele Bundle with Gig Bag

 

Made of mahogany, this model carries the qualities that the Kala brand should provide. The design is an attractive one and, being made of solid wood, the ukulele should offer a robust and clear sound for years to come.

In terms of stringing, the company has made a good choice for this model. It uses the Aquila Nylgut strings for optimum sound. They are versatile and offer the right amount of volume.

Beginners will be pleased to hear that this ukulele comes with a tuner that’s easy to use as it provides a feedback through the means of an arrow that points you in the right direction.

The fingerboard has the benefit of being made of strong walnut wood. This gives it the resistance needed for intensive practicing routines. You also get a gig bag with this uke, as well as an instructional DVD on how to play it, a strap and a polishing cloth to keep it in good shape.

 

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2. Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele, Natural

 

As a quality tenor uke, this one is a good choice for adult beginners. A typical Cordoba style, this uke looks great, the details are elegant, and you can see the craftsmanship put into it. The fretboard, measuring 17 inches, is well-suited for those with bigger hands and is made of strong rosewood.

Besides that, the model consists entirely of plywood mahogany, with a satin finish. This ukulele doesn’t come with all the accessories that others do, but, if you invest in it, the full price is directed into the quality of the instrument itself.

And that can be seen a good thing, as you can purchase all the others separately once you need them. This may surprise you, but this model is completely handmade and that means that enough attention has been given to the needed details.

 

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3. Donner Tenor Ukulele DUT-3 26 inch Spruce Body Sun Pattern

 

If you’re the type of player that likes the instruments being made of solid wood, you should know that this model is made of mahogany, so it fits your criteria. This wood gives it a nice tonality and a rich sound.

The strings are also of good quality and the company made the extra effort to include an additional set in the package, just in case some of them don’t last that much. The spruce top gives a special look to the uke, but also provides it with a good tone. For a comfortable playing feel, the bridge and fingerboard are made of quality rosewood.

You will also notice the nice finishing on the uke neck. And at the end of it, the chromed tuners offer a neat touch. The package also includes a strap, a case that seems sturdy and has a great design, and a clip-on ukulele tuner.

 

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4. Martin T1K Koa Tenor Ukulele Natural

 

Experienced ukulele players will know that Martin can be recognized as a brand capable of making quality tenor ukuleles, and this model is no exception. What makes it different from others of its kind is the fact that it’s made entirely out of Hawaiian Koa wood. Of course, that gives it a special feel and helps it resemble original ukes.

Thus, in terms of construction, it’s a great model. And that means it’s also sturdy and capable of offering rich sounds that you will fall in love with. The volume that it can provide is also impressive.

The tuners don’t particularly shine in their quality, but they aren’t bad either. They do their job as expected. To make sure that the instrument lasts a good while, the manufacturers made the neck out of hardwood and added a Morado fingerboard on top of that.

 

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5. Kala KA-T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele Bundle with Gig Bag

 

Those that want to start playing the ukulele will benefit the most from this package. It offers not only the instrument itself but everything you need to start practicing. You will have an instructional DVD, an accurate tuner, the gig bag needed to carry everything with you and a polishing cloth to keep the uke in good shape.

Due to the solid wood construction, made of mahogany, this Kala tenor ukulele feels solidly built and has a nice-looking finish. The wood used gives the uke a specific feeling and a sound full of warmth. The Aquila Nylgut strings used are some of the greatest that you can find and they deliver the tone needed and the volume you would want.

The material of choice for the frets is a silver-nickel blend and they have been made like this to ensure a long-lasting playing life for the uke.

 

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6. Kala KA-KTG Tenor Hawaiian Ukulele Koa Gloss

 

If you’re looking for those Hawaiian tones, this is a good ukulele for you. The body is entirely made of Hawaiian Koa wood. Taking that into account, you know that it comes with a solid build. And the quality tone is one to last for years. Unfortunately, the wood is laminated and not solid.

The volume is one of the best features of this uke, as it’s loud enough to be heard by everybody in the room. D’Addario strings ensure a good volume and they’ don’t offer much resistance, meaning that they’re easy to play.

The tuners offer a special feel and they are finished in a gold color, which adds to the beautiful details of the uke. In terms of looks, it’s a charming model, if you like glossy finishes, however, it tends to get smudged too easily. If you’re a beginner you should know that the frets are a bit hard to play on.

 

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7. Cordoba 20TM Tenor Ukulele guitarVault Package with Bag

 

Those that like figure 8 models will be pleased when seeing this uke live. It offers great looks accentuated by a print of abalone details. To make it even more beautiful, the builders have constructed it using mahogany wood.

Being made of solid wood, it’s sure that this Cordoba tenor ukulele will offer the quality sound that you would expect. The sound is warm and rich and it’s way better than the one offered by those models that sound like toys. Although not a particularly loud ukulele, this one is capable of delivering the right amount of sound needed.

The tuners are important when it comes to stringed instruments, and uke players can rest assured that these tuners are well balanced and they can keep the instrument tuned for a long while. The strings might not seem to be good enough but that is only because they need a little more time to be broken in well.

 

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8. Montecito Tenor Ukulele Natural

 

Fender is one of the most recognizable brands when it comes to instruments and its ukuleles are good quality too. On this model, you can see a piece of design used in Telecaster guitars, and that is the headstock. If you’re a purist uke lover you might not want that, but it’s a great thing for those looking for something else.

The square-box tuners are the ones that make the instrument keep a consistent sound. They’re tough enough and keep the ukulele in tune a good while. In terms of design, the uke also has its parts made of Koa and the top part is the most luxurious looking.

As a sign of high-quality build, the ukulele sounds nice from the first touches and the strings have a nice “ding” to them. Fortunately, the instrument doesn’t have a spot where, if you start picking, it sounds like a toy model.

 

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9. Oscar Schmidt OU2TE-A-U 4 String Tenor Ukulele

 

Although made of plywood, this Oscar Schmidt tenor ukulele is still capable of delivering quality sounds. The mahogany used in making it greatly helps with that. The tenor ukulele strings used here are Aquila and that represents quality in the domain. The satin finish helps give this instrument a good look.

In terms of sound, the highs are sparkling and accurate, while the lows feel warm. This is an instrument that does best in the hands of a beginner. The ukulele is handcrafted and the attention that the crafters have put into it can be observed.

The bridge is solid rosewood so you won’t have to worry that it cracks or gets marks on it and the tuners are chromed, giving an additional touch of flair to the overall look.

What’s really interesting about the model is the fact that it is an electric tenor ukulele and it thus offers a built-in equalizer. You can thus plug it in a tube amp and enjoy the result.

 

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Yearly Guide & Report

 

Historically, ukuleles have started with the soprano model. These are the smallest models and they are now ideal for kids. However, tenor ukuleles have later appeared and they are now known for having a deeper and more resonant sound. Their large fingerboard can accommodate bigger fingers easier. Check out what we think makes a good tenor ukulele.

Shape

The guitar, or figure 8 model, is the most common one that you can find in a tenor ukulele for sale. These ukuleles are so similar to guitars that inexperienced people don’t really know how to make the difference. The upper body of this figure is somewhat smaller than the lower part. More recent designs offer a cut into the body to allow for an easier access to the frets of the upper part. Check our other article on ukulele for beginners and advanced players if you want to see other good guitar-style models.

Pineapple is another shape that ukuleles can take. It is a Hawaiian innovation and given the rounded backside, the association is clear. The elements of design that make such a ukulele what it is, give it a special feel of authenticity.

If you search long enough, you might find a boat paddle-shaped ukulele. This is the least commonly used but it gives a distinct feeling to those that play it.

 

Plywood or solid wood

In general, if you are looking for a high-profile ukulele, one that can be used by professionals, you will find that most models are made using solid wood. A cheap tenor ukulele is usually one made of laminates and covered with visually attracting veneers. There are cases where a mix of solid wood and laminates are used.

If you want to build an affordable ukulele, you can make the body of plywood, while the top is made of solid tonewood such as cedar or spruce. This is somewhat of a middle option in terms of tone and quality.

Although they don’t have the sound quality of solid wood models, laminated models are, surprisingly, stronger and their material is less prone to being split or damaged. However, tenor ukulele reviews agree that, if you want an instrument to age well, you should take into consideration that ukuleles made of solid wood obtain a better, mellower sound, as time passes.

 

Types of tonewood

If you decide to get a solid-wood model, you should know that each kind of tonewood used has its influences on the ukulele and its sound. Probably one of the most common types of wood is the Koa. Its origins are in Hawaii and it is still used worldwide due to its beautiful patterns, the colors that it comes in and the balanced tone that it can offer.

Mahogany is another wood of choice. If you enjoy playing more instruments, you might know that this is a type of wood commonly used in other stringed instruments too. It has the capability of providing a darker and warmer tone to the ukulele. Because it’s quite sturdy, it’s often used in the ukulele necks.

Many manufacturers that produce guitars and ukuleles use the same wood for both of them, and most often the wood of choice is spruce. The dense grain of this wood offers a “zing” sound and bright tones with a lot of volumes.

There are many types of wood that producers use. Amongst these, you can also find cedar, redwood, rosewood or maple. Although they each have specific properties, the ukuleles that are made from them are more influenced by their creator’s capabilities than their material.

Amplifying

If your purpose is to play in live performances, you will surely need an electric ukulele model. You can also use such a ukulele to your advantage if you want to record yourself playing. Rather than having to set up a microphone to do all that, you just plug a ¼-inch output that leads to some monitor speakers and then you get jamming.

You can also send the signal to a speaker system or a recorder, as you wish. But if you have just started playing the instrument, you won’t need all of that. A simple ukulele is enough for practicing and learning.

If you’re interested in learning to play similar instruments, we also have a guide on how to choose a mandolin for beginners. And you can take it one step further and see what we have to say about getting the perfect banjo for beginners.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about tenor ukuleles

Q: How to tune a tenor ukulele?

The most common tuning for the tenor ukulele is GCEA, or the C tuning, as it’s called. However, unlike the tuning in soprano models, the G note in this one can be an octave lower. So when tuning, start from the 4th string, the one that should provide the G note. Play it on the piano and then make the string sound like the piano.

You should then press the 5th fret of the G string and tune the next string down to the same sound. The result should be a C. Next, press the 4th fret on the C string and you get an E, which should be the sound of the next string. Finally, on the E string, press the 5th fret and you get the A note needed for the last string.

Q: How big is a tenor ukulele?

The tenor is the most popular size lately and it usually measures 26 inches. This size makes it stray a bit away from the classic uke sound and thus a ukulele like this can sound like a guitar. The length of the scale of such a ukulele is almost 17 inches and that offers an extended bass range.

You can still get the classic ukulele sounds but you also have the possibility to reach some lower notes. That is why this type of ukulele is seen as a great choice for duets or trios, where you need the extra diversity.

 

Q: Are tenor ukuleles tuned differently?

A tenor ukulele tuning can be the same as one for the concert ukulele, in a GCEA format. Most often players prefer to drop the G string one octave lower because that suits the instrument better in certain situations, due to the mellower sound. This requires adjusting your style of play, though.

Some people, mainly in Canada, prefer tuning this type of ukulele in a different way, the D6 tuning, which means ADF#B. This tuning was once very popular, and if you get your hand on some old music sheet, you can encounter it. You can check our guide on how to read ukulele tabs once you have tuned your instrument.

 

Q: How to hold a tenor ukulele?

If you’re right-handed, you should hold the instrument’s body with your right hand and press it up against your chest. Hold the body of the instrument with your right arm and keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle.

However, because the tenor model is a bit larger, you can’t always do that so you might have to drop it a bit lower. After you have positioned it, place the thumb of your left hand on the back of its neck, and use the other fingers to wrap around it. Make sure to keep your elbow of your left arm away from your body and you’re ready to play.

 

Q: What’s the difference between a tenor and soprano ukulele?

In terms of tuning, the soprano and the tenor variants are fortunately the same. However, you can get different tunings on the tenor ukulele. And that is mainly because the tenor ukulele is significantly larger than the small soprano. The difference is 26 inches to 21 to be more precise.

The sound is also a different one. Because the tenor is bigger, it provides a deeper sound, with more complex bass tones and a mellow feeling. It also tends to sound fuller and it can provide more sound volume. A tenor is also easier to be played by adults because the spaces between the frets are large enough.

Q: Is a tenor ukulele good for a beginner?

There are several reasons why a tenor ukulele would be a good choice for a beginner. First of all, these ukes are really popular and that means that, once you have one, you will have the resources needed to start learning. Videos on the internet or music sheets are available in great numbers if you want to learn to play this instrument.

Furthermore, the fact that it slightly resembles the guitar gives the guitarists the opportunity to transition some of their skills and that makes it a good starter ukulele. Also, the fact that there is enough distance between the frets means that adults will have an easy time hitting the right chords.

 

Q: What does a tenor ukulele sound like?

The advantage of a tenor ukulele is that it provides a fuller and warmer sound. Of course, that is not liked by everyone, especially the purists that love the original, stringy feel of the soprano uke. The tenor model also offers more versatility.

You can tune it in a standard way and play the songs that a soprano can play. But you can also drop down an octave and play some other songs. If the instrument is made of solid wood, the tone is a much more pronounced one and you will feel more bass, resonance, and volume in your instrument.

 

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Tenor Ukulele Case + Reviews

 

There are plenty of things you need to know about protecting your musical instrument the right way. Whether you need a case for storing your tenor ukulele when not in use, or you want a case that you can take with you when traveling, you should know that some features should not be overlooked. In this buying guide, we will show you what you should focus on when you compare the various models available.

The materials used for the case

When you purchase a case for your tenor ukulele, you must make sure that the model you pick is sturdy enough to protect the musical instrument inside. You will find that there are plenty of discussions on the internet about tenor ukulele and case options available, and one aspect that is quite often mentioned is the material used.

Wood and plywood are often used to provide a hard shell for the exterior. They are good picks because they don’t allow bumps and dents to occur and damage the integrity of your instrument. However, wood can be particularly heavy, and plywood may not be as sturdy.

If the total weight of the case is an issue for you, you can opt for an ABS molded model, or one made of hard polyfoam. Such options are still sturdy, and they can protect well your investment. Make sure that, on the inside, the model has a plush lining, whether made of velvet or other materials, so that your instrument doesn’t suffer any scratches.

You may even find a cheap tenor ukulele case that offers all the advantages of a good quality model, but without asking for the premium price. Make sure that you shop around a little, and you compare the various models offered so that you find the best deal for the price.

 

Carrying options

Another thing that you should inspect when you go shopping for a tenor ukulele case is the carrying options present. Most models come with a carrying handle, so check to see if the handle provides a comfortable grip. Seeing how you might end up carrying your instrument around like this for a while, you don’t want a handle that doesn’t provide the necessary comfort.

It is a good idea to have a shoulder strap, too. This way, you can keep your hands free, and you may also experience more comfort. Some even allow you to carry your case backpack-style, and many users say that they prefer to have such options available, for their convenience.

Extra compartments

Many of the tenor ukulele case reviews you can read online will draw attention over a particular issue, and that is the presence of extra pockets and compartments on the case you intend to buy.

Some have only one on the inside, where you can keep picks or a tuner. However, the size of the respective compartment matters, especially if you want to fit there a set of strings. An exterior pocket may also help, for more storage space.

 

 

Highly Recommended Choices – Reviews & Comparison

 

 

While looking for a good tenor ukulele case, you have probably noticed how many options are out there. That, in itself, can cause a problem, as you’ll have troubles what to purchase. We put together a list of popular products that have so far proven their use and quality to many customers.

 

 

Stagg GCX-UKT Tweed Deluxe

 

One of the important differences between the various models on the market is that some are made with a hard shell, while others are made with foam.

If you need a tenor ukulele hard case, the Stagg GCX-UKT Tweed Deluxe is definitely an option to consider, if not the most suitable model out there. This hard shell case is both practical and beautiful looking, so it will be a pleasure to go everywhere with it.

On the inside, the model has a black plush interior that will protect your ukulele from dents, should you decide to place the case in the luggage compartment of a means of transportation. The hard shell will protect the instrument on the outside, while the plush padding will protect it on the inside.

No matter how you look at this case, you must admit it is a gorgeous model. The tweed covering is of high quality, and it gives off that luxury feel many musicians are after.

 

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Gator GW-JM UKE-TEN Journeyman

 

The Journeyman is a tenor ukulele hardshell case that will make a long-lasting impression on you from the first look. The traditional craftsmanship gives the wood case a vintage look, and, of course, the manufacturer could not stop at that. Furthermore, the case is equipped with antique brass hardware, and, on the inside, the royal blue velvet will surely make you fall in love with it.

The pebble weave exterior made from burlap with espresso trim is another element of design that will impress you. However, not only these aspects will convince you that this is an excellent case for your instrument.

On the inside, you will find an accessory compartment that can come in handy, should you decide to carry a tuner or any other small extra with you. However, you must be aware that the compartment may not be enough for stuffing a set of ukulele strings in there.

 

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Kala Tenor Ukulele

 

Should you decide that a hard shell option is not what you want to go for, the Kala Tenor Ukulele is a model you might want to consider. Made with hard foam, this case is lightweight, compared to those made of wood, but, regarding protection, it does a decent job, nonetheless.

You will like that the model has a large storage compartment so that you can accommodate your tenor ukulele, no matter its size. Since there can be complaints from customers, sometimes, regarding a snug fit, it is a good thing that the manufacturer of this model thought about providing the extra space.

Musicians can carry this case in their hand or as a backpack, for maximum convenience. Besides the main compartment, the model also has several smaller compartments that you can use for storing your accessories. This way, you can keep everything in the same place, without a problem.

 

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Knox Gear Ukulele Padded

 

When you go shopping for a case for your ukulele, there are several aspects you need to consider. The most important one is how safely your instrument will be stored. This model from Knox Gear provides the user with a waterproof interior, and a sturdy exterior so that any damage can be averted during transportation and storage.

It looks like the manufacturer thought about everything when putting together this model. You will get a carrying handle and a carrying strap for the case so that you can carry it around in the most convenient manner possible.

What you will further appreciate is the extra compartment made for keeping a tuner, extra strings, or any other accessories you might want to have with you.

Unlike models made from fiberglass or vinyl, this one is made of fabric, so it is lightweight and easy to carry around, especially since it comes with a handle and a shoulder strap.

 

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Gator GWE-UKE-TEN

 

When you’re searching for a case for your tenor ukulele, a good idea would be to opt for a case that is precisely made to accommodate such a musical instrument.

Made from plywood and covered with Telex PVC for overall sturdy construction, the case will last for years, so it represents a significant investment.

Easy transportation makes this model a good option for anyone. The handle is comfortable, and it is placed in such a manner that it balances the weight of the instrument. On the inside, the case has a plush lining that ensures that your instrument remains well protected all the time.

You will also like that the interior is roomy and that you also get some compartments that will accommodate all your accessories. At the same time, the case is lightweight so that you don’t encounter the usual issues with the added weight of a case.

 

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Cordoba Tenor Ukulele Polyfoam 

 

This Cordoba tenor ukulele case is a good idea if you want a model that is lightweight, yet durable. As it is made from polyfoam, it doesn’t add a burden when you have to carry your musical instrument around with great ease. Furthermore, you will get a shoulder strap that will allow you to carry the case as a backpack.

The storage pouch is there for added convenience, and you will love the overall feel of the case. Keep in mind that this model is created to fit all the Cordoba tenor ukuleles, but it is not suitable for Guileles models. This way, you will ensure a perfect fit.

The same company offers a gig bag, but, if you don’t consider that an option, this case is a good idea to bear in mind. Users seem to be pleased with the overall construction and satisfaction this case offers.

 

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Gearlux Tenor Ukulele 

 

Another polyfoam case for your tenor ukulele that makes it to our list is this model from Gearlux. The inside is made of felt and provides excellent protection for your musical instrument as you move it around, be it for gigs or concerts.

You will certainly like the fact that the case has a shoulder strap and a carrying handle for easy transportation. No matter which way you prefer, it is good that you can choose, especially since some expensive models do not offer such a convenience.

One of the major selling points of this particular model is its affordable pricing, so, if you want a good quality case at a suitable cost, this one is a great recommendation.

On the exterior, you will find a pocket with a zipper that you can use for storing some much-needed accessories. The main compartment has a narrow, 4-inch width so that most models of tenor ukuleles can be accommodated.

 

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YMC Tenor Ukulele Hardshell

 

The way this case is compartmentalized is one of its winning points. Right under the neck of the ukulele, as you place the instrument inside, you will find an internal compartment where you can put the extras you want, such as a tuner, a strap, strings, or picks.

Having the convenience of organizing all your equipment so neatly is an excellent point in favor of this case. The case itself is made from wood, so it is very sturdy and provides a hard shell that will keep your musical instrument away from harm.

On the inside, the model has a plush lining. You will also love the hardware with silver finish, and the large handle that will allow you to move your ukulele around with ease.

Against any impact or scratches, this case proves to be quite useful. Users also appreciate the presence of an extra compartment on the inside, where you can keep all the accessories you need.

 

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Crossrock CRA400TUSL

 

The overall construction of this model is a guarantee that you will not have to worry about the safety of your instrument. On the outside, the model has an ABS molded casing, while on the inside, it is made from hard foam covered with plush lining.

Even if there may be mishaps during transportation, such as bumps or other types of impact, your ukulele will remain well protected.

Another thing that you will like about this model is that it comes with an accessory compartment and an extra pocket where you will be able to store all your extras. You might also like the fact that the case comes with a combination lock that will prevent theft.

You will receive a shoulder strap with your purchase so that you can carry your instrument with ease. Wearing it backpack style is also possible, which means that there is a lot of conveniences to consider.

 

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Lanikai UC2-T 

 

If you want a Lanikai tenor ukulele case, this particular model might convince you that it is the right type for you. It is designed to accommodate tenor ukuleles and offers all the expected conveniences and features of a good quality case for this type of musical instrument.

The interior lining is plush and very handy for protecting your tenor ukulele from damage. You will get a pocket on the outside, and one on the inside, both usable for storing extras that you might need when you’re traveling for gigs or concerts. The model has shoulder straps included, so, all in all, you will find the construction of this model to be quite convenient.

The material used for the case is polyfoam, so pretty sturdy. At the same time, you don’t have to worry that your case is too heavy, something that most hard shell models are guilty of.

 

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Bibliography:

1) Ukulele Sizes and What is Best For You

2) Types of ukulele

3) The Effect of Size on Sound

4) The Manufacturing Process