If you are looking for a fun instrument to play, you should try the ukulele.
However, before you shop for one, you must first prepare a budget.
How much does a ukulele cost?
The price of ukuleles will have a huge impact on your decision, especially if you have a tight budget.
We will outline the different price ranges under which this instrument falls.
We will also discuss other things you need to consider when choosing which ukulele to buy.
After reading, you should be able to find the best uke that fits your needs and your resources.
How Much Does a Ukulele Cost?
Ukuleles have been around since the late 19th century and are still wildly popular among music enthusiasts today.
They come in a wide range of prices and various shapes and sizes.
In other words, you can choose from plenty of options.
If you are in the market for the perfect ukulele, you have your work cut out for you.
Fortunately for you, we have done much of the legwork and outlined the current prices of a wide selection of ukuleles.
We have divided the list into five categories to make your decision-making process much easier.
Cheap Ukuleles
If you are looking for a beginner ukulele, a good way to start your search is by looking at a cheap ukulele.
You could easily find a cheap ukulele that goes for under $35, making them the most affordable option in the market.
However, note that they often use cheap materials like plastic or laminate woods.
They also come with cheap strings and poor construction.
As a result, you can’t expect much in terms of sound quality or durability.
However, buying a cheap instrument sometimes comes with advantages, especially for beginners.
You’re probably still testing the waters if you just began playing the instrument.
Getting a cheap ukulele will give you the chance to figure out what you really want before investing in more expensive models.
Sometimes, gunning for a cheap ukulele might mean you should look for a high-quality second-hand ukulele from a thrift shop.
Budget Pick Ukuleles
If buying a ukulele that uses cheap materials is out of the question, you should move on to budget ukuleles.
Budget pick ukes come with an affordable price tag that does not go beyond $50.
What sets them further apart from the previous category is that some are quite great, having decent sound.
They are often mass-produced, making the supply chain more cost-effective.
That is why manufacturers can offer a budget ukulele price range that is quite accessible.
However, some variations in the sound quality and durability are unavoidable.
Nevertheless, these inexpensive ukuleles are a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
Furthermore, they also make great gifts for friends or family who are exploring music as a hobby.
Entry-Level Ukuleles
Next on the list are beginner ukulele recommendations, which cost anywhere between $50 to $150.
These types of ukuleles offer a great balance between quality and price.
If you just started playing the uke and want to pursue it more seriously, you should consider trying a good quality beginner ukelele.
However, do not be surprised if you see intermediate and even advanced players using them too.
Some entry-level ukeleles are simple, but they are made with high-quality materials and solid craftsmanship.
If you look hard enough, you will even find inexpensive models with fancy inlays and electronics.
While they may not have the most amazing tone, they do offer a satisfying playing experience.
Mid-Tier Ukuleles
Mid-level ukuleles are a bit higher up the ladder in terms of price and quality.
You can buy them for anywhere between $150 and $500.
With such a wide price window, these mid-tier instruments can come in many forms and ukulele sizes.
There are beginner ukuleles with several cosmetic upgrades, giving them an improved appearance of a gorgeous instrument.
While these add-ons do not improve sound quality, they make the uke a great decorative piece at home.
Nonetheless, mid-tier ukes present the best combination of affordability and quality.
Some models have cutaway bodies, allowing you to play the higher frets and produce rich sound without breaking a sweat.
You could also find some brands made from solid wood, which sound much better than those using laminate materials like plywood.
The challenge when shopping around for a mid-tier uke is that you have plenty of options to sift through.
Nevertheless, if you do your homework, you should be able to get a high-quality model for a reasonable price.
High-Tier Ukuleles
At the top of the heap are high-end ukuleles.
The top ukulele brands provide a fuller sound, better design, and more intricate ornamentation.
Buying this high-quality ukulele could set you back more than $500.
The bigger the body size, the better the wood grade, and the finer the finish, the higher the price.
What To Look for When Buying a Ukulele
Now that we have discussed the cost of ukuleles, it’s time to look at other considerations.
We have mentioned some of them in passing, as these features directly impact the ukulele cost.
Nevertheless, it is important to discuss them separately to help you make the right decision.
Quality of Build
One of the first things you should look at is the instrument’s construction quality.
Note that ukuleles use a wide range of materials, from cheap laminate materials to different types of wood.
Solid wood ukuleles sound better than those made from common woods, which are better than those made of laminate materials.
Fit
Another thing that you need to keep in mind is the instrument’s shape.
Look for a body style that would make playing much easier and more comfortable for hours.
While most models adopt the traditional shape of the guitar, there are subtle differences as you move from one price range to another.
String Quality
String quality plays a major role in creating a rich, warm sound, so you should consider this when shopping for a uke.
Nevertheless, you can always buy a new set of high-quality fresh strings if you are not satisfied with the original set.
Wikihow has a guide on how to put new strings on your ukulele.
Design
An ornamental ukulele will make a great conversation piece.
It will come in handy when entertaining guests who share the same passion for music.
If you want a uke that will look good while on display, invest in a model with amazing design features.
Making the Right Choice
Whatever your taste or budget is, you will surely find a ukulele that suits you perfectly.
If you would like some guidance in learning how to play the ukulele, check out Uke Like the Pros Beginner Bootcamp for affordable lessons you can take from home on your own schedule.
Knowing what to look for when shopping around for this stringed instrument is key.
The ukulele cost is important, but not as important as what you need from the instrument.
Do the features of an instrument fit your budget?
However, you also need to consider other features, such as construction quality, fit, string quality, and overall design.