Do you have larger hands and can't seem to get the right tenor ukulele? The tenor comes with a broader fretboard that will fit larger hands and make it simpler for beginners. But for short handers and kids, try the soprano ukulele that is perfect for small hands. Moreover, the tenor ukulele is considered as the best ukulele to perform with, but in the end, the tenor ukulele has its distinct tone.
Fender, Oscar Schmidt, martin also make tenors ukulele while Kala or Luna are usually the first considerations for most. Most ukuleles on our list are all affordable options that will not break your bank but we have also included few that come with a beginner bundle of online classes, straps, etc. It finally comes down to what fits the bill. Hopefully, my list of best tenor ukulele will nudge you in the right direction:
10 Best tenor ukulele review
1) Lohanu (LU-T) - BEST TENOR UKULELE BUNDLE FOR BEGINNERS
PRODUCT DETAILS
The entire mission of Lohanu as a brand is to make learning so simple that you understand the instrument within a short number of days. To ensure this they make ukes that are not only easy to play but also comfortable to feel with the perfect cut out for a no-slip grip.
On the hardware front, you get an arched back for a more full-bodied sound that has enough sustain coupled with Aquila strings perfect for picking and strumming.
Perfect for beginners due to its wider frets, it looks good as well. It has full white binding all over veneered Sapele wood and sturdy tuning gears that help retain the tune longer. In this bundle, you get a digital tuner, strap buttons, shoulder strap, extra strings, leather pick, and a padded gig bag. Overall this is a best tenor ukulele.
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2) Donner - best budget Tenor Ukulele
PRODUCT DETAILS
A Donner ukulele was a given on this list, wasn't it? Donner is an expert in creating traditional ukuleles that look right out of a movie. This particular model is made of mahogany for that bright rich tone coupled with a rosewood fretboard for maximum comfort and smooth playability. It also features ABS rosette and veneered inlays with the donner logo.
The tuners this comes with are sturdy and have complete tonal accuracy and the strings project a sweet and mellow tone. This model is versatile enough for beginners and the seasoned due to its high-quality hardware and sound. Every tenor ukulele is handmade carefully with special care given to all the components so when you are lounging on the beach or a campfire or just your living room, all you have to worry about is inspiring others with the music.
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3) Hricane - best Professional TENOR Ukulele
PRODUCT DETAILS
This Hricane tenor ukulele is traditionally made with Sapele body and four advanced carbon nylon strings. With 18 brass frets with fret position marks at 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets on neck and top of the fingerboard. This best tenor ukulele combines the elegant Sapele wood for the smooth and polished body.
An acoustic instrument body fashioned from Sapele exhibits a pleasingly warmer and more resonant tone than laminate wood. The lightweight & well-built features create warm and pitch-perfect Hawaiian harmonies.
This best tenor ukulele comes with a one year warranty, and it is the best budget ukulele for beginners.
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4) Cordoba 15TM - best handcraft Tenor Ukulele
PRODUCT DETAILS
One of Cordoba’s highest-rated best selling models to date and with good reason, the 15TM is handcrafted to perfection using only choice hardware including a resonant Mahogany body for that rich sound and a satin finish for optimum projection.
Apart from its sound, it is a good looking uke with its abalone rosette, sleek shape, pearl button tuners, and complete ivoroid binding that makes it look high end.
The simple playability comes from its comfortable cut out and the soft Aquila strings that are easy to play and soft for strumming and picking. For reference, this is slightly larger than the concert uke so it is a best tenor ukulele for both beginners and professionals.
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5) Hola! - best TENOR UKULELE for concerts
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Think of palm trees, sandy shores as the warm sun hit you, that’s how Hola music wants you to feel every time you pick up their ukuleles. This particular tenor ukulele with its solid mahogany body makes for an excellent tonewood coupled with a smooth walnut fingerboard which is also often used for guitars.
This best tenor ukulele has a body that comes with armrest and does not slip easily. The authenticity of sound is maintained with high-quality Aquila strings, ox bone nut and saddle, a classical guitar headstock, and sturdy bound frets to maintain long term accuracy. In this extremely useful bundle, you get attached strap pins, a comfortable shoulder strap, picks, and a good quality gig bag.
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6) Luna Tattoo Mahogany Tenor Ukulele with Gig Bag, Satin Natural
PRODUCT DETAILS
This best tenor ukulele will remind you of the tribal tattoos of Hawaii inspired by the Pacific islands. The traditional designs are veneered on top with shark teeth as fret markers. You will not miss the ocean with this uke. Keeping its hardware aside, the resonant clean sound will surprise you.
With its mahogany body, Walnut fretboard, and open-gear tuners, you have got yourself a winner. Lune is known for making comfortable instruments that are versatile enough for all learning levels and playing styles. Focused mainly on the natural world and its beauty, the symbols represent peace and endurance based on the turtle of Hawaii i.e. Honu.
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7) Kala KA-TG Gloss - best sounding Tenor Ukulele
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Looks good, sounds good, plays easily, and has a pickup system? Does it sound too good to be true? This glossy model from Kala will prove otherwise. It features a full-bodied mahogany body with a walnut fretboard that just increases the richness and helps to project with more clarity.
Apart from that, you get an archtop and the standard F-hole design that has that classic tone. Coming to its volume, although you get a decent amount, you can always amplify the volume with its onboard electronics for an organic plugged-in sound. At the end of the day, picking up a Kala will always be the right decision so what are you waiting for? Grab this best tenor ukulele.
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8) Fender Seaside Soprano Ukulele – Natural
PRODUCT DETAILS
Are you looking for the perfect travel uke? Then this beauty designed in sunny California will do the trick perfectly. This nifty little tenor ukulele can easily go from your living room to the stage to the beach or an island sounding perfect in every scenario. You can rest assured that Fender knows instruments and this seaside model in its comfortable shape, mahogany body with a satin finish for that classic Fender look.
It also features a no ties bridge to make changing strings simpler i.e. that involves no knotting. Finally, you get unlimited access to Fender play where you get in-depth lessons, a curriculum, chord sheets, songs based on genre eventually train you to play and sing simultaneously.
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9) Oscar Schmidt OU2T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
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Oscar Schmidt sounds good. Period. You will find thousands of positive reviews online. It has a beautiful mahogany body that gives out decent resonance with a smooth satin finish for the mellow tone and you can choose between an engineered wood or a rosewood fretboard with excellent craftsmanship for the price range that will surprise you.
The strings have good tenacity and are the perfect tool for beginners. You also get an ebony headstock and bridge known for its durability with complete Ivory binding and chrome tuners that give it a traditional look and feel. It also has low action so those who play guitar will find playing this ukulele a breeze.
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10) Martin T1K Koa Tenor Ukulele Natural
PRODUCT DETAILS
Martin has been one of the top names in the market since 1916 has made the worlds' premium tenor ukuleles specifically known for its volume and richness of the sound they produce. This particular model is built out of the Hawaiian Koa native to the island and a famous tonewood among the islanders.
The other parts of the body are made of satin lacquer coupled with a dovetail neck joint. You will understand the importance of why Martin has such a solid foothold when you play this uke. Additionally, it comes with a gig bag to make traveling with it easier.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there is a whole world of tenor ukuleles out there in the market and a wide variety that comes under the term tenor. You need to spend some time on the internet researching and educating yourself on the advantages of whether they will suit your specific needs.
You also need to focus on whether you want a workhorse or simply a tool to learn on, whether you want it t last you for years to come or a collector's item.
Now if you are a performer then you will need a pickup. In recent times, the popularity of a good tenor ukulele has shot up with many pop culture references. Tenor ukuleles are fun to play and instantly remind you of the island so why not choose the perfect one the first time around?
Hope my list of best tenor ukulele has helped you choose your ideal tenor ukulele.
Greetings, I am Scott Shetler, a Senior Instrument expert, and Guitarist. My hobby and passion are all about music, and I like to explore new gadgets and instruments available in the market. From my experience, I reviewed and showcase the best products on our site to ensure the worth of readers’ expectations and money.