You generally associate a ukulele to a smaller guitar version, (you’re wrong) a ukulele is a completely different instrument and a baritone ukulele is the biggest among all the types. If you want a Ukulele with a little more character and dynamism then the baritone it is definitely for you. Or else try the tenor ukulele, the smallest and the best ukulele for juniors and travelers.
Since the 1940’s when the baritone was invented, there have been many popular and high-quality introductions in the market. A baritone ukulele is bigger than its counterparts at a scale length of 19 inches and an overall length of 29. It is similar to that of a guitar but with a different tuning system.
Coming to the sound, even though it does not sound like a ukulele, the materials used in its construction play a major part, i.e. mahogany will give out a low warm sound while maple will give out a clear bright sound. They will also be a lot louder with a rich tone, which is perfect for that jazz sound.
For making your research a little easier, I have compiled a list of the best baritone ukulele that you can buy.
10 BEST BARITONE UKULELE REVIEW
1) MAKALA - BEST SOUNDING BARITONE UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
Are you looking for the best baritone ukulele? The Makala is one of the best entry-level models in the market by Kala. Kala is known for its affordable yet high-quality instruments that don’t compromise on their sound.
This vintage-looking ukulele has that full-bodied, mellow, and soft retro tone that you often hear in old songs. On the hardware front, it has a mahogany body, walnut fingerboard, brass frets, and Italian Aquila nyglut strings.
The best part of the sound is that it replicates the deep resonance of an acoustic guitar although being a bit smaller and easier to play. At the end of the day, you can never go wrong with a Kala ukulele which is also a celebrity favourite.
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2) CORDOBA 20BM - BEST BEGINNER BARITONE UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
Cordoba is known for its well-crafted ukuleles that are handmade to precision and the 20 BM model is one such great example. Sitting at the top of the best baritone ukulele list, this handcrafted uke has a solid ovangkol body with a sleek rosewood fingerboard and mahogany neck for comfort.
Ovangkol is best known for its superior resonance and mid-tone. Visually speaking, it is an appealing instrument with the dark grain look of abalone rosette and the classic matte finish.
On the hardware front, it has been built in such a way that it delivers the pitch perfectly. It comes with an inbuilt Cordoba tuner and high-quality Aquila Nyglut baritone strings which is perfect for fingerpicking.
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3) KMISE - BEST CHEAP BARITONE UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
This delightful little baritone ukulele is simple but with great sound, at a great value. It has a mahogany body for that warm sound and a smooth rosewood fretboard for easy transitions and no scratches. The bone and nut saddle is made to be extra durable so that they can transfer vibrations easily and the sound is resonant enough with more sustain.
To maintain tonal quality and clarity, Italian Aquila strings are used that are not only easy to tune but are soft to play, press with no fret buzz what so ever. This best baritone ukulele is one of those models that does not get as much attention as it should, even though it is one of the top contenders in the market of baritone ukuleles.
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4) CARAMEL - BEST BARITONE UKULELE FOR HOME RECORDING
PRODUCT DETAILS
This affordable model looks like a high-end piece which is something unexpected from a beginner instrument. It features an attractive zebra wood body with a walnut fretboard, buffalo bone nut with a high powered, built-in tuner. Its other features include an adjustable truss rod, 3 band EQ with bass, treble and middle controls and an LCD display with a battery indicator.
Coming to the sound, it features a dark high projection sound that is clear and pleasing to hear. In the market of best baritone ukulele, this one ticks all the boxes and is the perfect entry-level instrument that will not disappoint.
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5) HILO - BEST UPRIGHT BARITONE UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
Good tone, soft frets, working frets and you have got yourself a perfect deal for less than $65 which is shocking price for the best baritone ukulele. This is in no means a toy and resonates with the sound similar to that of the guitar. Speaking of hardware, it has a unique grain pattern all over and has a sturdy mahogany body with a sleek finish.
The highlight of this best baritone ukulele is that it comes with real frets on a comfortable fingerboard made of softwood which is perfect for novice players. At the end of the day, this uke is one of the highest-rated and cheapest mahogany uke that sounds high end but is simple and well within the price range.
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6) LUNA - BEST BARITONE UKULELE FOR KIDS
PRODUCT DETAILS
You will be proud to own this attractive Luna baritone ukulele with its vintage red sating finish made of solid mahogany with a walnut fretboard and bridge. It also features open tuners that maintain the tonal quality and clarity with high sustain.
Although it may look professional, this is a perfect uke for both the seasoned and the novice and can be played comfortably. On the hardware end, it has a flat top binding with a c neck shape and pearl triangle inlay along the fretboard. The high-quality open-gear Italian Aquila strings are easy to press and retains its tone.
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7) KALA KA-BG - BEST BARITONE UKULELE FOR THE MONEY
PRODUCT DETAILS
Kala is one of the most widely used ukuleles around the world so there should be no surprise that there are more models on this list. Kala makes some of the best in the market and the highly-rated KA BG is no surprise.
Although it does not come under the budget models, it is still a worthwhile investment piece that looks elegant and simple but packs a punch when it comes to the sound.
It consists of the standard Kala hardware that offers a full-bodied and rich sound due to the mahogany and the spruce top helps with the resonance and projection of sound.
The built-in die-cast tuners ensure that your instrument stays in tune for a longer period of time and the rosewood fingerboards ensure smoother chord transitions.
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8) ALVAREZ RU22TCE REGENT SERIES - BARITONE SEMI-ACOUSTIC UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
One of the highest-rated baritones ukes on this list for its thoughtful construction and attention to detail working towards creating that perfect sound. Simply put, if you are searching for an extremely responsive, high volume uke that offers good tonal control and clarity with a decent projection then Alvarez is one of them.
Each aspect used to build this best baritone ukulele contributes to the sound whether it is the fan style bracing that enhances response or the slotted tech wood bridge that enhances projection making it easier and quicker to change the strings or the premium tuners to keep the device in tune for a longer period of time.
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9) OSCAR SCHMIDT OU52-A-U 4-STRING BARITONE UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
Oscar Schmidt has been a remarkable addition to my list due to their price points. Their goal is to provide high-end ukuleles at an affordable price point that is accessible to players of all levels. The common misconception remains that one cannot expect much at this price but Oscar Schmidt has a cult following for good reason.
Speaking of the hardware, the OU52 has a sleek laminated body and a good smooth finish that is comfortable to hold. Coming to the sound, it has a rich and lively full-bodied sound that will surprise you.
So go ahead and get hold of this baritone uke which will resonate all the lows and all the highs without breaking the bank.
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10) DIAMOND HEAD DU-200B - DELUXE MAHOGANY BARITONE UKULELE
PRODUCT DETAILS
Are you looking for the best baritone ukulele that you can easily travel with that is also the perfect beginner model? Then look no further. This Diamond head uke was built for the road and also comes with a padded gig bag.
It has a specific distinctive features such as the shape that improves the fullness of the sound, mahogany body that looks classic and gives it the rich tonal quality and gold plated tuners that ensure that your uke stays in tune for longer and provides the right intonation you are looking for.
The soprano shape helps better resonance and projection of the sound and increases tonal quality and the removable bridge system allows you full control over the vibrations.
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FAQ
1. Why should you get a baritone ukulele?
For those who really want to do solo in fingerpicking style, will definitely need a large sized ukulele to easily reach higher notes. And for those who have larger hands and finger, the baritone ukulele might be the best choice for you.
2. Dose baritone ukulele sounds similar to soprano or concert ukulele?
In general the baritone ukuleles has much deeper tone when compared to soprano or concert ukuleles, because of its size. To be more precise, it sounds like nylon stringed guitar, and that's why many guitarists prefer baritone ukulele.
3. Is baritone ukulele a good choice?
In terms of playability, it is easy to play and is a very good choice for the beginners. Its larger size will be the best for those with larger hands. Whether it is a good or bad choice, that depends on the person who uses it.
Beginners will start out on a soprano because you can usually find a decently playable one for a low price. If you have small hands and fingers but want a slightly fuller sound, you can’t go wrong with a concert-sized ukulele.
CONCLUSION
Before you invest in a best baritone ukulele, you need to understand that due to their tuning system that is a whole lot different from the traditional concert or soprano. If you are a beginner, you will find it hard to learn via chord books or music sheets because the traditional uke has different tuning.
From my baritone ukulele list, you would have gotten a gist of what is offered in a market and which ones are perfect for beginners. In conclusion, watch loads of YouTube videos and try out different ukes physically to choose the perfect model for you.
My best baritone ukulele chart of ten options is popular with a few high ends and a few affordable ones so you will understand the exact benchmark of what a good model should sound like.
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.