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10 Best Tenor Ukuleles 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Donner Tenor Ukulele Mahogany Professional 26 inch Ukelele Starter Bundle Kit with Free Online Lesson Gig Bag Strap Nylon String Tuner Picks Cloth DUT-1 Ukalalee Set

The Donner Tenor Ukulele is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced players looking for a quality instrument. Its mahogany body contributes to a warm and rich sound, making it fun to play. The smooth rosewood fingerboard adds to the comfort while playing, allowing for a pleasant experience. One of the standout features is the included starter bundle, which comes with everything you need to get started: a gig bag, tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and even online lessons. This bundle is particularly great for beginners who may need additional resources to learn quickly.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,199
Neck and Fingerboard
Strings
Tuning Pegs

Most important from
10139 reviews

Neck and Fingerboard
The instrument is well-made and fun to play, providing a pleasant experience with its smooth rosewood fingerboard.
Strings
Despite initial frequent tuning needed for the nylon strings, the ukulele stays in tune well after a couple of days of playing.
Tuning Pegs
The chrome-plated tuners are a great feature, helping to keep the instrument in tune for consistent playability.
#2
9.4 score

Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Tenor Starter Kit, Satin Mahogany – Includes online lessons, tuner app, and booklet (KALA-LTP-T)

The Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Tenor Starter Kit is an excellent choice for beginners looking to dive into the world of music. Known for its strong reputation, Kala ukuleles are commonly used in schools, making them a trusted choice for new players. This kit includes a quality tenor ukulele crafted from mahogany, which is known for its warm and rich sound. The included Aquila strings enhance playability, while the open gear tuners help ensure the instrument stays in tune, making it user-friendly for novices.

Rating
9.4
Body Material
Neck and Fingerboard
Tuning Pegs

Most important from
4533 reviews

Body Material
The mahogany used is of excellent quality, providing a rich and warm sound.
Neck and Fingerboard
Fretwork on the ukulele is exemplary, comparable to much higher-priced instruments.
Tuning Pegs
Despite the basic tuners, the ukulele stays in tune well after initial adjustments.
#3
9.2 score

Kala KA-15T Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

The Kala KA-15T Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele Bundle is a well-rounded choice for both beginners and intermediate players. The body, top, back, sides, and neck are made from mahogany, which is known for its warm and rich sound. The satin finish adds a smooth touch and an elegant look. The walnut fingerboard provides a nice contrast and a comfortable surface for fretting. Equipped with Aquila Super Nylgut strings, this ukulele offers a bright, clear tone and good playability. The GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle contribute to the sound quality and sustain.

Rating
9.2
Body Material
Neck and Fingerboard
Strings

Most important from
1433 reviews

Body Material
Build quality is robust, and the instrument offers great tone from low to high ends.
Neck and Fingerboard
Intonation is slightly off at the 12th fret but not noticeable to the ear.
Strings
Strings take a couple of days to fully stretch, but once they do, they hold tune very well.
Tuning Pegs
The tuner is surprisingly accurate and has a handy auto-off feature to save battery.
Finish
Feels like a real instrument, not a toy; the look, feel, and finish are top-notch.

Top 10 Best Tenor Ukuleles 2025 in the United States

Kala KA-15T Satin Mahogany Tenor Ukulele Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

Body Material: Mahogany
Neck and Fingerboard: Mahogany neck, Walnut fingerboard
Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut
Tuning Pegs: GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle
Size and Weight: 28 x 4 x 11 inches, 2.29 lbs
Finish: Satin Finish

Cordoba 15TM Tenor Ukulele

Body Material: Mahogany
Neck and Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
Strings: Nylon
Tuning Pegs: Cordoba Silver, Pearl Button
Size and Weight: 26x9.25x4 inches, 16 ounces
Finish: Satin

Cordoba, 4-String Ukulele, Right, Natural, Tenor (99-761-0250)

Body Material: Acacia
Neck and Fingerboard: Mahogany neck, Pau Ferro fingerboard
Strings: Aquila Nylgut Tenor strings
Tuning Pegs: Standard
Size and Weight: 26 x 8.5 x 3.5 inches
Finish: Natural satin finish

Kala, 4-String Ukulele, Right, Natural, Tenor (KA-Unity-T_W/Bag)

Body Material: Mahogany
Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut
Size and Weight: 25 x 11 x 2.5 inches
Finish: Satin
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Buying Guide for the Best Tenor Ukuleles

Choosing the right tenor ukulele can be a delightful experience if you know what to look for. Tenor ukuleles are larger than soprano and concert ukuleles, offering a deeper, richer sound and more room on the fretboard, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced players. To find the best tenor ukulele for you, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your needs and preferences.
Body MaterialThe body material of a tenor ukulele significantly affects its sound quality and durability. Common materials include mahogany, koa, and spruce. Mahogany offers a warm, balanced tone and is quite durable, making it a good choice for beginners. Koa, a traditional Hawaiian wood, provides a bright, rich sound and is often preferred by more experienced players. Spruce is known for its bright, clear tone and is often used in higher-end models. Consider what kind of sound you prefer and how much you plan to play when choosing the body material.
Neck and FingerboardThe neck and fingerboard of a tenor ukulele affect playability and comfort. Common materials for the neck include mahogany and maple, while fingerboards are often made from rosewood or ebony. A smooth, well-crafted neck and fingerboard make it easier to play chords and melodies. If you have larger hands or plan to play more complex pieces, look for a ukulele with a wider neck and fingerboard for added comfort.
StringsThe type of strings on a tenor ukulele can influence its sound and playability. Nylon strings are the most common and provide a warm, mellow tone. Fluorocarbon strings offer a brighter, clearer sound and are more durable. Some players prefer wound strings for a richer, more resonant tone. Consider the type of music you want to play and your personal preference for string feel and sound when choosing strings.
Tuning PegsTuning pegs, or tuners, are crucial for keeping your tenor ukulele in tune. There are two main types: friction tuners and geared tuners. Friction tuners are traditional and lightweight but can be harder to adjust accurately. Geared tuners are more precise and easier to use, making them a better choice for beginners or those who want more stable tuning. Think about how often you will need to tune your ukulele and your comfort level with tuning when selecting tuning pegs.
Size and WeightWhile all tenor ukuleles are generally the same size, there can be slight variations in body depth and weight. A lighter ukulele is easier to hold and play for extended periods, which can be important for younger players or those with smaller frames. However, a heavier ukulele might offer a more robust sound. Consider your physical comfort and how you plan to use the ukulele when evaluating size and weight.
FinishThe finish of a tenor ukulele not only affects its appearance but also its sound. Common finishes include satin and gloss. A satin finish provides a more natural look and feel, allowing the wood to resonate more freely, which can enhance the sound. A gloss finish offers a shiny, polished look and can protect the wood better but might slightly dampen the sound. Choose a finish based on your aesthetic preference and how you want your ukulele to sound.

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