When it comes to ukuleles, the concert size is a popular choice for players of all levels. It offers a smooth and enjoyable playing experience, with a spacious fingerboard and easy transitions that make it a breeze to play.
But it’s important to be aware of the potential for counterfeit concert ukuleles on the market. Low-quality replicas can be deceiving, especially for novice players who may not be able to tell the difference at first glance.
That’s why it’s essential to purchase a concert ukulele from a reputable manufacturer, like Kala or Lanikai, who are known for their high-quality instruments. With the right concert ukulele in your hands, you’ll be able to take your playing to the next level and enjoy the unique sound and feel of this versatile instrument.
Top 6 Best Concert Ukuleles
If you’re in the market for a concert ukulele, you’ve come to the right place. With its longer scale and deeper body, a concert ukulele can offer a rich, full sound that’s perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
One important factor to consider when shopping for a concert ukulele is the quality of the tonewood used in its construction. The best concert ukuleles are typically made with solid wood, such as mahogany or koa, which can produce a warm and resonant tone.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing 6 concert ukuleles tested by us, taking into account factors such as sound quality, construction, and overall value. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we’re confident that you’ll find a concert ukulele on this list that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. So, let’s dive in and find your perfect uke!
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kala KA-C Satin | 4.7 |
| Luna Tattoo Mahogany | 4.7 |
| Lanikai LU-21C | 4.3 |
| Fender Zuma | 4.5 |
| Kala Makala MK-C | 4.6 |
| Oscar Schmidt OU5 | 4.7 |
1. Kala KA-C Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele
When we tried the Kala KA-C concert ukulele, we were blown away by the quality of its sound. As soon as we strummed the strings, we could hear the vibrant and happy tone that Kala is known for. But what really stood out to us was how the sound remained consistent even when playing high notes. This is due to the instrument’s mahogany construction, which keeps the sound balanced.
The Aquila nylon strings on the bridge also played a significant role in the sound quality. They produced a rich and warm tone that we loved.
The fingerboard, made of laurel, also made playing the ukulele a breeze. It created the perfect amount of tension for us to practice bending and vibrato techniques.
We also appreciated the geared tuning machines, which ensured that the strings stayed perfectly in tune. We never had to worry about adjusting them during our playing sessions.
Overall, the Kala KA-C concert ukulele is a top-of-the-line instrument that truly lives up to its reputation. We would recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality concert ukulele.
Features
- Mahogany body
- It has 4 Aquila nylon strings
- Weighs 1.25 lbs
- Laurel fingerboard
- Completely covered geared tunings
- Chrome die-cast tuner
- NuBone saddle and nut
Pros
- Durable tuning machines
- Produces neutral tone
- Dense fingerboard
Cons
- String height causes inaccurate intonation
2. Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Ukulele
When we got our hands on the Luna Tattoo concert ukulele, we were impressed by its stunning design. The mahogany construction gave it a classic look that was further enhanced by the shark teeth insets on the fingerboard. It was also great to see that the walnut bridge and geared tuning machines were designed to be durable and stable.
We were excited to hear how this ukulele sounded, and we were not disappointed. The bronze-plated nylon strings produced a beautiful mid-range sound that was perfect for the concert size.
The mahogany body added depth and richness to the overall sound, making it a pleasure to play.
We also appreciated how user-friendly the walnut fingerboard was. It was easy to play and navigate, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players alike. And, to top it off, the Luna Tattoo concert ukulele comes with a gig bag, making it easy to transport and protect.
This instrument is for anyone looking for a high-quality concert ukulele with a unique design and beautiful sound.
Features
- Bronze-plated nylon strings
- Mahogany body
- Easy-to-use Walnut bridge
- Shark teeth inlays
- Hawaiian Satin finish
Pros
- Playable fingerboard
- Durable
- Soothing sound & warm tone
- It comes with a gig bag
Cons
- Tuners can’t endure the stock strings
3. Lanikai LU-21C Concert Ukulele
The ukulele’s rosewood body looks stunning and gives off a warm and rich sound. As someone who is relatively new to playing ukuleles, I found it very easy to play, thanks to its comfortable fingerboard and 22 frets.
One of the best things about this ukulele is its classic and straightforward design. It’s not overly decorated or flashy, but it still looks beautiful and elegant. It’s clear that the makers of the Lanikai LU21-C prioritize function over form, and it pays off in the sound quality.
I appreciate that this instrument has undergone thorough testing and approval from the ukulele community in Hawaii, where the ukulele has its roots. It shows that the makers are committed to producing instruments that are not only affordable but also of excellent quality.
In addition, the Lanikai LU21-C comes with all the essential accessories, including a gig bag, making it perfect for beginners who are just starting.
Features
- Die-cast tuners
- Nato top, sides, and back
- Rosewood fretboard
- White binding on the sides, top, and back
- 18 frets
Pros
- Impressive design
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor-quality factory strings
4. Fender Zuma Concert Uke
Let me tell you about my experience with the Fender Venice Soprano ukulele. As soon as I picked up the instrument, I was struck by the sleek and classic design. The telecaster-style headstock and cream binding on the back, top, and fingerboard really give this ukulele a unique look.
But what about the sound quality? I was pleasantly surprised by the deep, rich tone produced by the veneered Sapele top, back, and sides. The 16-fret rosewood fingerboard and Nato neck are easy to play and provide great resonance.
The ukulele comes with several accessories, including a gig bag and attachable chromatic tuner, making it a great value for the price. Plus, the no-tie bridge makes changing the strings a breeze. The Fender Venice Soprano ukulele is a fantastic choice for both beginners and more experienced players.
Features
- Nato neck
- Veneered Sapele top, back, and sides
- Satin polish
- Rosewood fretboard
- 16 frets
- Acrylic bone bridge
- Cream binding on the top, back, and sides
- Telecast-style headstock
Pros
- Amazing tone
- Re-stringing is easy
- Easy to play
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Inconsistent factory setup quality
5. Kala Makala MK-C Mahogany Concert Ukulele
If you’re looking for an excellent starter ukulele that comes with all the necessary accessories, the Kala Makala MK-C concert ukulele might be your best choice. As someone who has played this uke for a while, I can say that it produces a fantastic sound that just melts your heart.
One of the things I love most about the Kala Makala MK-C is the mahogany construction, which offers a warm, rich tone. The walnut fretboard is also a nice touch and provides a smooth surface that makes playing comfortable. The satin polish on the body highlights the sophisticated wood pattern, making it look elegant.
The package comes with an attachable tuner, which is a big plus for beginners. Tuning your instrument is crucial, and having a tuner ensures that all your strings are in tune and every note sounds as it should.
However, I should note that the quality of the case is not the best, but I’ve seen very few complaints about it. Overall, the Kala Makala MK-C concert ukulele is an excellent choice for those who are just starting to learn how to play.
Features
- It has four nylon strings
- Weighs 1.55 lbs
- Mahogany build
- Walnut fretboard
- Satin finish
Pros
- It comes with many accessories
- Cheap
- Classic design
Cons
- Poor quality case
6. Oscar Schmidt OU5 Koa Concert Ukulele
This beautiful instrument is made with veneered Hawaiian Koa on the back, sides, and top, with cream binding and a glossy finish that really brings out the stunning grain of the wood. I particularly love the abalone bridge and purfling, which give it an extra touch of elegance.
The neck is made of Nyatoh, a sturdy hardwood that ensures durability, and the fingerboard is made of rosewood. The Grover tuning devices are of high quality and function flawlessly, holding the tuning once the strings settle.
The rosewood rosette and ABS saddle contribute to the instrument’s stability and help keep it in tune.
When playing the OU5, I was immediately struck by its deep, warm, and balanced sound, with a clear and crisp tone that is expected from a ukulele with a Koa body. The instrument is well-made and feels comfortable in the hands, making it a joy to play.
Features
- Koa sides, back, and top
- Abalone rosette
- Cream binding
- Nyatoh neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- ABS saddle
Pros
- It comes with a wadded gig bag & polishing cloth
- Excellent craftsmanship and impressive design
Cons
- The sound is not very deep for a Koa-bodied ukulele.
Frequently Asked Questions
The typical tuning for the concert ukuleles is GCEA, also called the “reentrant C,” since the G string’s tuning is an octave higher than usual. However, this is not the only tuning you can try. The other alternatives include Hawaiian slack key (GCEG), Pipa (ADEA), open G (GBDG), and Viola (CGDA).
They are about 10% bigger than soprano ukes. However, concert ukuleles are warmer and louder in tone, and they are effortless to learn if you have huge hands. Besides, the concert’s large neck lets it reach higher notes than the sopranos.
Our Top Pick
If you want to enhance your playing skills and generate exceptional sound, there is no better option than the Kala KA-C Mahogany Concert Uke. It seems our top pick because it has Aquila Nylgut strings that produce quality sound, chrome die-cast tuners, durable mahogany build, and an exclusive NuBone saddle and nut.
