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In this guide, we’re exploring some of the best baritone ukuleles on the market in 2024. This is the largest of the mainstream sizes of uke. They’re 29 inches long and have a bit more of a focus on the lower frequencies when compared to some of the other options on the market like concert or soprano ukuleles.
They’re tuned differently, making them an ideal transitional instrument for those who are playing the guitar already. Baritone ukes can also be great for those with larger hands who might struggle with some smaller ukuleles.
Here are the best baritone ukuleles 2024:
1. Kala KA-BE
The best baritone ukulele for most people
This model from Kala is an acoustic-electric model, so it includes the electrics you need for amplification. There are many acoustic-electric baritone ukulele options, as the bigger size makes it easier to install these electrics, but this model from the prolific Kala manufacturer is fine to be used as a purely acoustic model, too.
It has brilliant projection when being played in the acoustic ‘mode’ making it a good option for musicians who like to busk and perform. The tone is great, and this provides an excellent compromise between cost and quality. This wouldn’t be out of place in the hands of a professional musician, as it is a top-quality uke, but it also doesn’t cost a fortune.
The materials include a mahogany body and excellent, responsive walnut fingerboard. There are die-cast sealers and as well as electronics, a tuner and EQ are inbuilt.
Image credit: Kala
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It definitely has a Spanish/acoustic guitar vibe to it, but if you want something with good projection and a well-rounded tone then the Kala KA-BE could be a good solution for you.
2. Kala KA-SA-B
The best high-end choice under $500
Another model from Kala, as they are one of the most prolific manufacturers of ukuleles out there. The KA-SA-B has a beautiful build including the solid acacia wood. This has proved very popular with many different ukulele players who want something with a good projection but also a uke tone. This has the best of both worlds in that respect.
If you are looking for the best baritone ukulele under $500 then this could be well worth considering. It doesn’t look out of place among professional setups, either.
Like a lot of the models on the market it has mahogany involved in the design (neck) and it also has a responsive walnut fingerboard and beautiful rosewood binding.
Image credit: Kala
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If you are looking for a baritone ukulele that is more of a high-end option then it is definitely worth thinking about this model from Kala. The brand dominates in the world of ukuleles, and this is mainly due to their consistent brilliance.
3. Luna UKE VMB
The best value for money ukulele
Luna is another ukulele brand with a lot to like, and while this might not be the cheapest baritone ukulele, we’ve named it as the best in terms of value. You get an awful lot for your money, making this the best baritone ukulele under $200.
The Luna makes use of an all-mahogany construction, which provides a great level of projection to go with the brilliant ukulele tone. It also has a walnut bridge, which the brand claims helps with the tone due to the fact it enhances the vibration transfer of the sound.
The comfortable neck is another reason we’re so happy to recommend the Luna, it has a C-shaped neck, and this, combined with the fact it is a bigger ukulele, means that it is ideal for those with larger hands or who find some ukes uncomfortable.
Image credit: Luna Guitars
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This is a good option for beginners or those who are just one step up from beginner level. This affordable model is proof you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great baritone ukulele.
4. Kala MK-B
The best beginner baritone ukulele
This model could boast either the title of ‘best beginner baritone ukulele’ or ‘cheapest baritone ukulele worth buying’ – it’s both! As always, Kala has managed to create something that is budget-friendly but still does a really good job for beginners.
We’ve named it as the best baritone ukulele for beginners as the Kala support and community is so strong, with free access to lessons coming with their ukuleles.
It doesn’t have the handmade feel of some of the other options, but you still get an affordable yet quality uke, including a mahogany body for a solid yet loud tone.
Image credit: Kala
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This model is such a great place to start for adults and children. Often, it can be hard buying a new instrument as you don’t want to spend a fortune but you do want some level of quality. The Kala MK-B is the best baritone ukulele under $100 meaning you or your child can start learning with less pressure to carry on having spent a lot of money on the instrument.
5. Lanikai FM-CEB
The best acoustic-electric uke for soloing
Another acoustic-electric option, this time from the Lanikai brand. We wanted to include an option on the list that is great for people who love to solo, and play closer to the body of the ukulele, and the FM-CEB lets you get higher up the fretboard for some interesting melodies, due to the fact that it has a clever cutaway design similar to that you might see on acoustic guitars.
The FM-CEB acoustic-electric ukulele design includes a Fishman Kula preamp which does a super job of amplifying your ukulele tone. The sound you end up with may have a sort of acoustic guitar tone to it, but this is not necessarily a negative thing.
It has a comfortable playability too, the neck is designed to be thicker than most and allows you to enjoy playing chords or moving further up to jam with some melodies or complex solos. The Nubone nut and saddle help the vibrational response, and the maple body provides a bright tone.
Image credit: Lanikai
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It’s not the cheapest baritone ukulele, but remember you are getting a baritone ukulele with pickup included, so you can play this as an electric or as an acoustic instrument. It has a great look to it and suits those who want to play more intricate songs.
6. Luna UKE BBASS KOA
The best ‘Bari-Bass’ ukulele
This could be a product you had no idea you needed… until now! A Bari-Bass is effectively a baritone ukulele with thicker strings to produce a bass sound. It means that you can play the instrument as if it were a bass guitar. This sounds great when played alongside other ukulele players.
A Bari-Bass has its pros and cons. It’s not a solo instrument, so you will want to play it with others around, but this is a quirky yet quite brilliant product. Some baritone ukulele reviews need slightly different judging criteria, and this is definitely one of those.
It has a koa design, which is actually quite a traditional wood to use on a ukulele and it often gives a bright tone, but the larger design combined with the wound strings actually provide a deeper, bass tone. You can model the tone as it has an inbuilt EQ, as well as a tuner. The electronics are made by Fishman and the quality is generally extremely high. It even comes with a free gig bag.
Image credit: Luna Guitars
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You need to play this with your buddies to get the full effects of a Bari-Bass. It’s really not designed to play on the beach and have a singalong, but if you want the uke equivalent of a bass guitar then this is for you.
7. Luna UKE TRIBAL 6
The best 6-string baritone ukulele
Okay, so we’re willing to admit that things can start to get a bit confusing when it comes to ‘what’s a ukulele and what’s a guitar?’
The Luna introduces a six-string design, just like an acoustic guitar. It’s the body shape and size that prevent this from quite becoming a classical guitar. So, is it worth considering? Well, for a start, the tribal Hawaiian design is extremely cool, and this gives more portability than a guitar would due to being small and lightweight.
The mahogany build with a walnut fingerboard means the tone is rich and projects nicely, and also means that it’s pretty comfortable and responsive to play. Is this the very best baritone ukulele in the world? Arguably not, but it represents good value for money and looks very cool.
Having six strings could be a pro or a con, depending on how you look at things. However, there’s no denying the fact it can open up a world of new tones and chord shapes to play around with.
Image credit: Luna Guitars
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There’s no denying the fact that this is one of the more unusual models on the list, and if you are looking for a six-string uke then you probably already have a very clear design of what you are looking for. It’s a great alternative to an acoustic guitar, and it doesn’t break the bank.
Conclusion
Our baritone ukulele reviews show just how many different options there are on the market depending on what you are looking for. We’ve provided some of the most popular and highly-rated ukuleles including 4-string and 6-string options, and the interesting ‘Bari-Bass’ design. There is also the choice of whether you are looking for an acoustic model or you want something that has a pickup and inbuilt electronics.
A baritone ukulele can be a great solution for those who have slightly bigger hands, and they are great for people transitioning from playing the guitar, but be sure to consider all of the different variations and decide what will be best for you, as well as setting your budget before you take the plunge and buy one of the top baritone ukes.