10 Best Baritone Ukuleles

If you’ve never hear the sound of a baritone ukulele, you’re in for a treat. Warmer, mellower, and deeper than other ukulele types, the music has a relaxing quality that almost everyone finds appealing.

If you currently play the ukulele and are considering a baritone uke for your collection, you should note that most models have different tuning. You can keep your same fingering by purchasing different strings, i.e. G C E A. Aquila and a few other manufacturers offer these, and you can either re-string the instrument yourself or have a music shop handle the task on your behalf.

Quick Look at Our Top Pick:

Editor’s Choice
Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele
Our Top choice is the Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele. This Uke arrives with Aquila strings, ready-to-play, and requires very little tuning.
FEATURES
  • Beautiful voice
  • Great action
  • Gig Bag Included
  • Made by a reputable company
  • Affordable
  • Good value for money

Top 10 Best Rated Baritone Ukuleles: Reviews

If you’re a guitar player and you want to learn ukulele, then you’ll like the way that baritone ukuleles are strung – the tuning is the same as the top four strings on your guitar (D G B E), and you’ll be able to transition easily while playing the “easy” island way!

Banjo players can easily add baritone ukulele to their instrument lineups, too; by tuning the first string to a “D,” you can use open G fingering as you would on a banjo.

It’s worth noting that almost all baritone ukuleles come with nylon strings – something that you might not be used to if you normally play another instrument.

These strings take time to stretch, especially at first. You’ll notice that your ukulele needs to be tuned frequently, but with time and patience, your strings will stretch and you’ll be able to play for long periods of time between tuning.

Baritone ukuleles are gaining popularity, but the selection is lower than what you’ll find with soprano, concert, and even tenor ukuleles. We searched relentlessly to bring you this set of reviews, reading questions, answers, and comments from hundreds of Amazon’s verified buyers to save you the time and effort of doing so yourself.

1. Kala KA-B Mahogany Baritone Ukulele

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Warm, rich mahogany wood construction gives the Kala KA-B baritone ukulele an appearance that appeals to those who enjoy traditional-looking ukuleles. Its rosewood fingerboard and bridge are in keeping with classic uke styling, and its 18 silver nickel frets make it easy to achieve sweet, crisp intonation.

This ukulele features a satin finish that shows off the mahogany’s dark grains perfectly, and white binding adds a touch of contrast. Geared tuners add even more quality to this surprisingly affordable baritone ukulele.

Pros

  • Nice, medium-level choice in terms of materials and sound quality
  • Works well for most styles of music

Cons

  • Some players mentioned that the fret ends felt a bit sharp; the problem was remedied with fine sandpaper.

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Very impressed with the feel and construction of this instrument.
  • The action is comfortable and the tone is good.
  • Pretty phenomenal sustain for a laminate instrument!

Who should buy this ukulele?

If value is a primary consideration, then you’re likely to appreciate the Kala KA-B mahogany baritone ukulele. It’s not the cheapest uke out there, nor does it sound like it.
This is an instrument that a beginner can grow his or her skills with, and it makes a good ukulele for more serious players who don’t want to risk ruining expensive ukuleles while enjoying beach time, camping, and other casual outdoor activities.

 

2. Kala MK-B Baritone Ukulele

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Comfortable and lightweight to play, the Kala MK-B baritone ukulele offers rich, mellow tones and plenty of sustain. This beautiful instrument is made of agathis, a dark-colored wood that shares mahogany’s tonal qualities.

Its rosewood fingerboard and bridge offer a touch of subtle contrast, and you’ll find 18 brass frets on the fingerboard for excellent pitch control. A satin finish shows off the wood’s natural beauty, and geared tuners ensure that strings stay in tune longer once you’ve finished breaking them in.

Pros

  • Geared tuners
  • Unique agathis wood construction

Cons

  • Case is not included

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Better than the price implies.
  • Sounds just as good as more expensive Kala baritone ukuleles.
  • Great sound! The resounding hum is nice and clear.
  • An easy instrument for guitar players to pick up and enjoy.
  • Lightweight and comfortable to play.

Who should buy this ukulele?

The Kala MK-B baritone ukulele is very easy to play, with low action and a mellow tone that makes listening a pleasure. It is an excellent choice for guitar players who want to transition to the ukulele.
Also, its price makes it ideal for moderately experienced players who want to step up from a cheap ukulele as well as for beginners who don’t want to make a large investment.

 

3. Alvarez RU22B Regent Series Ukulele, Natural/Satin

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Offering some of the same features found in Alvarez’s professional line of instruments, the Alvarez RU22B Regent Series Ukulele is specifically designed for students. Crafted of mahogany for an attractive appearance, it features a natural satin finish and contrasting rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Its tuners are chrome with closed backs, and it is fitted with a real bone nut and saddle.

Pros

  • Plays and sounds better than some other baritone ukuleles in the same price range.
  • Internal construction adds strength; this ukulele is reinforced with straight bracing rather than X bracing.

Cons

  • Fretboard and bridge are perfectly flat, which can be a stumbling block for players who are accustomed to instruments with higher, crowned fretboards and bridges.

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Nice ukulele! Ideal for beginners and low intermediate players.
  • The color isn’t my favorite, but the sound is great – I didn’t expect to get such a big sound in this price range.
  • Well-built for a sub-$100 instrument.

Who should buy this ukulele?

While the Alvarez RU22B baritone ukulele is designed with students in mind, it’s a fantastic practice or travel ukulele for those who have more experience. Players like its warm, appealing tone, and are pleased with its ability to hold tuning once the strings have been broken in.

 

4. Oscar Schmidt OU52 Baritone Ukulele

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With a solid spruce top and a richly colored rosewood back, the Oscar Schmidt OU52 baritone ukulele features beautiful abalone shell accents around the soundhole and adjacent to the white body binding. A rosewood bridge and fingerboard provide additional contrast, making for exceptional visual appeal. The sound is a touch lighter and brighter than that of most baritone ukuleles.

Pros

  • Solid construction with plenty of details
  • Company has an excellent reputation and more than 125 years of instrument-building experience

Cons

  • Fret marks are plastic, not abalone shell

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Beautiful wood, superior acoustics.

Who should buy this ukulele?

If you’re a new to moderately experienced ukulele player, you may find that the Oscar Schmidt OU53S is exactly what you’re looking for. Its quality materials, beautiful sound, and playability make it popular with people like you.
Experts tend to feel some disappointment; when compared with expensive, high-end instruments, its sound is a bit brighter with less individual presence. Some reviewers note that replacing the existing strings with higher-end ones like Aquila’s Lava Baritone strings transforms the sound by making it fuller and richer.

 

5. Kmise Mahogany Baritone Ukulele MI0639-KUS

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A basic, traditional-looking baritone ukulele, this model from Kmise features a laminated mahogany top, back, and sides. There’s plenty of visual contrast, thanks to the abalone inlay soundhole rosette, white ABS binding, and rosewood neck & fingerboard. The matte natural finish contributes a soft, pleasing glow, and 18 frets assure fantastic intonation. This baritone ukulele arrives pre-strung with Aquila strings.

Pros

  • High-quality closed machine tuners
  • Real bone nut and saddle

Cons

  • Some customers complained of manufacturing mistakes requiring repair

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • This is a fine instrument at a reasonable price.
  • Wood and baritone scale give this uke a very sweet sound, and it’s louder than I’d expected.
  • Highly recommended for anyone who is serious about finger style playing.
  • Great for a beginning instrument, although it might do at any level for fun.
  • Well-pleased – What a bargain!

Who should buy this ukulele?

As the Kmise mahogany baritone ukulele is among the least expensive models available, it’s ideal for a beginner who isn’t interested in spending a lot of money just to get started.
Mid-range players who are ready to expand their horizons might like this instrument too, and anyone who wants a fun but inexpensive uke to take along on outdoor adventures will probably find this baritone ukulele well-suited to fun, non-professional playing situations.

 

6. Kohala KP-B Kanikapila Baritone Ukulele

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The Kohala KP-B Kanikapila Baritone is a classic-looking ukulele, thanks to its mahogany construction, white body binding, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It has chrome-plated diecast tuning machines, and it offers a sweet sound that listeners will appreciate. This fantastic baritone ukulele comes with a custom Kohala gig bag, an instruction booklet for beginners, and a handy clip-on electronic tuner.

Pros

  • Priced to appeal to first-time players, but well-built nevertheless
  • Built well enough to allow for the addition of metal strings if preferred

Cons

  • Arrives with mid-tier strings that wear out very quickly when you play regularly; very easy to fix by changing the strings to a better brand like Aquila.

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Not a bad uke! It’s good and loud, and it stays in tune.
  • Really pleased with the sound and quality of the instrument.
  • Great first instrument, plus case & tuner make for an unbeatable bargain.
  • Wonderful! It sounds good and is easy to play.
  • Larger size makes this a louder instrument, and adds to playability.

Who should buy this ukulele?

Whether you’re a guitarist who wants to explore the ukulele, a brand-new player with larger hands, or a seasoned expert who wants to try something new, you’re likely to appreciate this ukulele.
It is priced very competitively, and it comes with some appealing extras that add to its overall value.

 

7. Luna UKE BASS TAT Uke Baritone Etched Tattoo with Preamp

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Suitable for playing acoustically or electrically, the Luna UKE BASS TAT baritone ukulele comes with a preamp, so you can take your act onstage when you’re ready. Played without amplification, this ukulele offers plenty of sound thanks to flat wound strings.

This model features a mahogany body and a spruce top, which is embellished with a traditional Hawaiian tattoo design for added visual interest. Black hardware, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and stylized “shark tooth” fret markers give this baritone uke plenty of personality.

Pros

  • Loaded with stylish details
  • Suitable for acoustic or electric play

Cons

  • Strings are high-tension and require high action, which some players find uncomfortable

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • I’m delighted with the Luna Uke Bass! It’s so light and easy to play.
  • The flat-wound strings are easy on your fingers and stay tuned right from the start.
  • The electronics work well, and as an acoustic, it’s great for practice by itself.
  • I’d do it again! Nice instrument and great price compared to what else is on the market.
  • Sound is rich and beautiful, you can play with bass or baritone strings to achieve different effects.

Who should buy this ukulele?

The Luna Uke Baritone Etched Tattoo uke is ultra-versatile, with features that are sure to appeal to mid-level players as well as those with more experience.
Do note that the strings are different than what you might be accustomed to. Some players love them, while others find that they’re happier with different strings. If you’re looking for a ukulele to play onstage, either as an acoustic or electric, this one is likely to satisfy.

 

8. Cordoba 22BM Baritone Ukulele

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Beautiful styling and rich sound make the Cordoba 22BM Baritone Ukulele a popular choice. With a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, it offers a traditional look; a rosette of herringbone-patterned wood surrounds the sound hole, and a matching patterned wood accent adorns the bridge. Both the bridge and the fingerboard are made with dark rosewood, providing attractive visual contrast. This ukulele boasts a natural satin finish that shows off the mahogany’s grain beautifully, and it arrives pre-strung with Aquila Nylgut Baritone Strings (DGBE).

Pros

  • 19 frets for great pitch control
  • Classic baritone ukulele sound

Cons

  • Glossy finish makes this ukulele a bit slippery to hold without a neck strap

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Great value, especially for a ukulele with a solid top. Sounds better than laminate.
  • Ideal for novices or those who need a good baritone practice uke.
  • Inexpensive, but not cheaply made!
  • If you play classical guitar, you’ll probably like this baritone ukulele.
  • Sounds great on its own and when played in a group with other instruments.

Who should buy this ukulele?

While the Cordoba 20BM baritone ukulele isn’t the nicest or most expensive choice available, it gets mainly good reviews, even from professionals who plan to play it on stage.
It costs a bit more than some other options, so it may not be best for someone who has budget as a primary concern; however, if you’re looking for a great instrument that you can enjoy for a long time, this one is well worth a look.

 

9. Oscar Schmidt OU57 Spalted Mango Baritone Ukulele

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Abalone shell details and a spalted mango top, sides, and back give the Oscar Schmidt OU57 baritone ukulele a beautiful appearance. Its rosewood fretboard and bridge complement the overall design, and a gloss finish brings out the mango wood’s unique striations. This ukulele is fitted with deluxe Grover chrome tuning machines and ebonite buttons for outstanding performance once strings have settled in. Oscar Schmidt’s spalted mango ukuleles come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Versatile instrument sound-wise; strumming produces rich ukulele tones, and finger-picking provides a sound that’s similar to classical guitar.
  • Good action, very easy to play.

Cons

  • Synthetic bone nut rather than real bone; players occasionally report sharp edges that need sanding.

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Very nice! This ukulele looks fantastic, better than the stock photo shown; it has a mellow, almost classical guitar sound.
  • Folks in my uke group fell in love with it when they saw it.
  • Gorgeous inside and out, and it sounds amazing!
  • The grains in the wood make each of these beautiful mango ukuleles one-of-a-kind.
  • Playing this instrument has been a joy. The intonation is extremely good and action is as it should be, so much better than the typical mid-level uke!

Who should buy this ukulele?

The Oscar Schmidt OU57 spalted mango baritone ukulele is priced quite a bit higher than most others we’ve reviewed here, so it does represent a bit of an investment.
Serious beginners and mid-level players who are ready to step into a high-quality uke that costs less than professional models are sure to appreciate this fine instrument. It’s pretty enough to take on stage, and its sound is so sweet and mellow; your listeners will be impressed.

 

10. Caramel CB500 30-Inch All Rosewood Baritone Acoustic Electric Ukulele

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Made with dark rosewood laminate and adorned with a nature-inspired leaf motif, the Caramel CB500 baritone acoustic electric ukulele is trimmed with a pattered binding. It has a buffalo bone nut and saddle for appealing sound, and it includes a built-in a 3 band EQ tuner. The overall look is smooth, since the bridge and fingerboard are of rosewood that matches the body. 18 frets make for excellent intonation, and closed gear tuners add the perfect finishing touch.

Pros

  • Built-in tuner
  • Unique appearance with interesting details

Cons

  • Batteries are not included

Folks Who Purchased This Said:

  • Unplugged, this baritone uke has great depth and sustain. Plugged into the amp, and wow!
  • Looks and sounds amazing!
  • Overall fit and finish are quite nice.
  • This is a work of beauty, plays fantastically and the leaf/fish sound hold projects sound very well.
  • Pleasantly surprised at the quality / price ratio.

Who should buy this ukulele?

Thanks to its versatility and inexpensive price, this acoustic / electric baritone ukulele makes a good choice for anyone who is interested in giving the baritone uke a try. Most players enjoy this instrument, with positive remarks coming from beginners, mid-range reviewers, and those with more experience alike.

 

Considerations When Purchasing a Baritone Ukulele

Player’s Level of Experience

As with other types of ukuleles, baritone models come at a variety of price points, and with a variety of different features. Know that you’re likely to get what you pay for, and that it is pretty hard to find a cheap baritone ukulele that also sounds good. Those with little or no experience are likely to be satisfied with mid-range instruments, while those with plenty of musical know-how tend to prefer higher-quality instruments. Still not sure? The Kohala KP-B Kanikapila baritone uke gets great reviews from a wide variety of people and is likely to please.

Sound: Construction and Materials Matter

If great sound is a priority, then you’ll want to choose a baritone ukulele made with attention to detail. All of the ukuleles we’ve reviewed here meet this qualification, although some are superior to others. In general, the more you pay for your ukulele, the better the materials are likely to be. When you compare the more expensive Oscar Schmidt OU57 Spalted Mango with the ultra-affordable Kmise MI0639-KUS, you’ll notice that there’s a vast difference between the two. Most of the models we’ve reviewed fall somewhere in the middle.

Previous Experience with Other Instruments

If you’re already a ukulele player, you might be puzzled at the way the Baritone uke is tuned! Its D G B E setup can be changed however, so you don’t have to learn a whole new set of chords if you don’t want to. If you’ve got guitar experience, you’ll find that you can pick up a baritone ukulele and play it. Bottom line? This is a fun instrument that offers widespread appeal. Pick a baritone uke that meets your needs in terms of budget, appearance, and setup, and you’ll probably be very happy with your choice.

Price

You can get a decent baritone ukulele for about $100, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find one on sale for less. Expect to pay a little bit more for extras like acoustic / electric ability, premium finishes, exotic woods, and more. There are some very nice ukuleles in the $100 – $250 price range; many of these are suitable for taking onstage and are built well enough to provide you with many years of pleasurable playing.

Intended Use

Where will you play your ukulele? Are you going to take lessons, or are you planning to learn a few favorite songs and head to the beach with your friends? Are you beyond the learning phase and ready to play in front of an audience? Any nice ukulele will do for learning and lessons, and a cheaper model that sounds pretty good will help you keep your friends entertained. If you’re planning to play onstage, you may want to get an acoustic / electric model unless you’re sure that you’ll be playing small, intimate venues that don’t call for amplification.