8 Best Tenor Ukuleles of 2020

As already mentioned in one of our previous articles, an ukulele is the most trending instrument on the internet today! Everybody seems to own one or know how to play one. Well, it is rather one of the easiest instruments to learn, and is highly portable, which makes it your best travel buddy as well!

Ukuleles were first introduced in Hawaii and now they are famous all over the world, because of their various benefits. They belong to the lute family and are extremely convenient to use. They feature 4 nylon strings, which makes it an instrument that is very similar to a guitar.

They are mainly 4 types of ukuleles available in the market, depending on their sizes. The largest one is the baritone ukulele, which is 29 inches in length. Tenor ukuleles are the ones that are a bit smaller than the baritone ones, and have a length of 26 inches. The other two smaller types are the soprano and concert ukuleles. Tenor ukuleles may be just slightly smaller than the baritone ones, but are much easier to carry.

If you are aiming at buying a tenor ukulele, then this article might help you. We have listed and reviewed the 8 Best Tenor Ukuleles of 2020 for you, along with a Buyer’s Guide at the end, that would ensure you that the tenor ukulele that you have selected for yourself is the absolute best one! So, read ahead and get yourself familiar with this wonderful instrument!

Kala KA-15 Satin Mahogany Tenor

Kala is undoubtedly the most trusted and the most high quality brand for ukuleles and their tenor ukulele is one of the most reliable products. It is a high quality product and is reasonably priced, which is the reason why it is liked so much.

It is made with mahogany wood, which is the most commonly used wood for ukuleles, thus, giving it a durable life. It also has a satin finish which gives it a new-like glow at all times. The fingerboard is made of walnut wood, which is another reliable material. This tenor ukulele is suitable for players of all age groups and all expertise levels, whether a beginner or a professional.

It is an extremely durable ukulele that comes with 18 frets and a scale length of 16.968 inches. It features four Aquila Super Nylgut Strings along with GraphTech NuBone Nut and Saddle.

Features

1. Trusted brand.
2. Reliable product.
3. High quality.
4. Reasonable price.
5. Top, neck, sides, and back is made of mahogany wood.
6. Durable.
7. Satin finish.
8. Walnut fingerboard.
9. Suitable for beginners, intermediates and professionals.
10. 18 frets.
11. Scale length: 16.968 inches.
12. Body Length: 11.812 inches.
13. 4 Aquila Super Nylgut Strings.
14. GraphTech NuBone Nut and Saddle.

Overall Ratings- 4.4/5 stars.

Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele

Fender is a very well known brand that has been manufacturing guitars since many decades. This tenor ukulele by them is a high quality instrument too, just like their guitars!

This is not a very cheap ukulele, thus assuring the quality of the product. Its top, back and sides are Koa. It produces an extremely resonated sound, since it is not interrupted by any kind of lamination. The Koa material is responsible for producing clean and bright tones and also ensures that this ukulele is behind others in its looks!

This tenor ukulele resembles a telecaster guitar and has a 4-in-Line Tele Headstock. It also features a no-tie bridge, which allows the user to change strings within no time! It comes with a bow nut and saddle that provides the user with high intonation.

Features

1. Renowned brand.
2. High quality.
3. Expensive.
4. Top, back and sides made of Koa.
5. Resonated sound.
6. Clean and bright tones.
7. Attractive.
8. Resembles telecaster guitar.
9. 4-in-Line Tele Headstock.
10. No-tie bridge.
11. Easy and fast changing of strings.
12. Bow nut and saddle.
13. High intonation.
14. Closed back tuning machines.
15. Gloss finish.
16. Abalone top binding.
17. Matching abalone rosette.
18. High sustain.
19. Balanced projection.

Overall Ratings- 4.1/5 stars.

Donner Solid Electro-acoustic Ukulele Electric Tenor Ukulele

Donner is another extremely trusted brand that has been producing musical instruments and musical devices since many years now. This tenor ukulele by Donner is a professional level instrument, that is made with best quality mahogany wood.

The body and neck of this ukulele is made of mahogany which results in a bright and clear sound. It also features a beveled arm rest. The fingerboard and bridge is made of rosewood, which is another highly reliable material, and is responsible for giving a comfortable and easy-to-play instrument. It features chrome plated tuners, that are exactly similar to guitar tuners and ensure that your ukulele is always in tune.

This ukulele features 18 frets and also has fret position markings at 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th fret. This product includes accessories like a bag for storing and carrying your ukulele, a strap to provide you with comfortable playing, and strings that are made of carbon nylon.

Features

1. Trusted brand.
2. Professional level.
3. High quality.
4. Body and neck is made of mahogany.
5. Bright and clear sound.
6. Beveled arm rest.
7. Fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood.
8. Easy to play.
9. Comfortable playing is provided.
10. Chrome plated tuners.
11. Guitar style tuners.
12. Stays in tune.
13. Has 18 frets.
14. Fret position markings at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th fret.
15. Includes ukulele bag, strap and strings.

Overall Ratings- 4.2/5 stars.

Luna Honu Mahogany Tenor Ukulele Bundle

This is an ukulele bundle, as the name suggest, by Luna Guitars. It is moderately priced and is also highly rated on Amazon.

This tenor ukulele has a top, body and neck made of mahogany, hence its quality is assured. It is also an attractive piece, and the wood looks quite rich. The fretboard and bridge is made from rosewood, which ensure that the player is provided with easy playability. It also has a satin finish on top, which gives it a glossy look overall, making it one of the most attractive tenor ukuleles on this list.

This ukulele features a Hawaiian Turtle Design. Since it is a bundle, it comes with all the required accessories that would allow the user to start playing this instrument right away! It comes with a gig bag, which keeps your ukulele safe from any kind of damages while travelling and allows you to store it easily. It also includes a clip-on tuner so that your instrument is always in tune.

It has a cleaning cloth which is for cleaning purposes, since it is very important to keep your ukulele clean. Another accessory carried by it is an instructional DVD by Austin Bazaar, which provides learners and beginners with various tips and tricks for playing an ukulele.

Features

1. Comes in a bundle of accessories.
2. Reasonable price, keeping in mind all the accessories that are provided.
3. Top, body and neck made of mahogany.
4. Attractive.
5. Fretboard and bridge made of rosewood.
6. Durable.
7. Easy playability.
8. Satin finish.
9. Glossy look.
10. Hawaiian Turtle Design.
11. Gig bag included for protection of instrument.
12. Easy storage.
13. Clip-on turner.
14. Stays in tune.
15. Cleaning cloth included.
16. Comes with an instructional DVD.

Overall Ratings- 4.6/5 stars.

Cordoba 20TM Tenor Ukulele

Cordoba is one of the many popular brands for ukuleles. This tenor ukulele by them is again a package, which means it comes with various accessories as well. It comes with a gig bag for protection and easy storage purposes, along with providing high portability. It also includes a clip-on tuner, so that your ukulele never goes out of tune.

This is an acoustic ukulele, which provides the user with sounds that are exactly similar to an acoustic guitar. The top, back and sides of this ukulele use mahogany wood, like all other well-built ones. Fingerboard and bridge are constructed with rosewood.It features a wood pattern rosette, which looks totally natural, thus providing this tenor ukulele a traditional kind of look.

It features Aquila Nylgut Tenor strings. It also has a satin finish, which makes it look even more attractive. This product is suitable for beginners and students, and even for enthusiasts who love playing the ukulele for fun. This is a reliable brand, that protects your purchase with a 30-Day Return Policy.

Features

1. Popular brand.
2. Comes with a package of accessories.
3. Includes a gig bag.
4. Easy storage.
5. High portability.
6. Clip-on tuners.
7. Stays in tune.
8. Acoustic ukulele.
9. Mahogany top, back, sides.
10. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
11. Wood pattern rosette.
12. Natural looking.
13. Aquila Nylgut Tenor strings.
14. Suitable for players of all levels.
15. Satin finish.
16. Reliable.
17. 30-Day Return Policy

Overall Ratings- 4.8/5 stars.

Oscar Schmidt OU28T Tenor 8 String Ukulele

This is an 8 string tenor ukulele by Oscar Schmidt, which is a brand that has been in this market since many years. This is an easy to learn ukulele, hence, is best for beginners.

The top, sides and back of this ukulele too are made of mahogany wood, and is a long-lasting product. This instrument is able to provide the user with warm lows and sparkling highs. It has 8 strings that offer two unison tuning and two octaves. Basically, this tenor ukulele resembles a 12 string guitar and produces sound exactly like on too.

This ukulele produces a sound that is full and offers high volume. It has the signature Aloha present on the headstock. It features Pearl dot fret inlays and has a satin finish, which gives it an attractive look along with high durability. The strings are Aquila strings, and the tuners are chrome covered. It also features a NuBone nut and saddle.

The product comes with accessories like a gig bag for protection and portability purposes, and a polishing cloth for keeping your ukulele spotless clean!

Features

1. Easy to learn.
2. Best for beginners.
3. 8 strings.
4. Two unison tuning.
5. Two octaves.
6. Mahogany top, sides, back.
7. Long lasting.
8. Warms lows and sparkling highs.
9. Resembles a 12 string guitar.
10. Gives a full sound.
11. Offers a high volume.
12. Signature Aloha on headstock.
13. NuBone nut and saddle.
14. Pearl dot fret inlays.
15. Satin finish.
16. Attractive.
17. Aquila strings.
18. Chrome covered tuners.
19. Includes a gig bag for high portability and protection of the instrument.
20. Polishing cloth included for keeping the instrument clean.

Overall Ratings- 5.0/5 stars.

Enya EUT-M6 EQ Cutaway Acoustic Electric Tenor Ukulele

This is a slightly costlier tenor ukulele by ENYA, but if you check the quality and durability of this product, then the extra amount won’t bother you. It is a a mahogany made instrument, that has a solid top, thus ensuring its longevity.

It features a high gloss finish and is safe from any kind of wear and tear, along with being corrosion-proof. The sound produced by this ukulele is melodious and is also very crisp. It has pearl shell inlays and gives a full bodied sound. It gives stability and avoids stroke.

It provides a stable tuning, as a result of 1:18 gold agate die-cast, and also stays in tune for a longer period of time as compared to other tenor ukuleles of this range. It ensures high intonation and also has pickup pre-installed in it which makes it the best for solo playing. Overall, it is suitable for beginners as well as professionals, and is also enjoyed by hobbyists.

Features

1. Costlier.
2. High quality.
3. Highly durable.
4. Mahogany made.
5. Solid top.
6. High gloss finish.
7. Corrosion-proof.
8. Produces a melodious and crisp sound.
9. Pearl shell inlays.
10. Full-bodied sound.
11. Gives stability.
12. Avoids stroke.
13. Stable tuning.
14. Stays in tune for a long period of time.
15. 1:18 gold agate die-cast.
16. High intonation.
17. Pre-installed pickup.
18. Best for solo performances.
19. Can be used by beginners, professionals and hobbyists.
20. Includes padded gig bag, adjusting handle, A1U pickup.

Overall Ratings- 4.6/5 stars.

Makala Tenor Mahogany Ukulele by Kala

We just couldn’t help reviewing 2 Kala products, since it is such an amazing brand for ukuleles! This is the Makala series by Kala, which is the best tenor ukulele for starting your musical journey with.

It comes at an affordable price and is designed traditionally. The tones produced by this ukulele is soft, full bodied and balanced. It features a Walnut fingerboard and bridge, and a mahogany neck. This product is manufactured with the same amount of care and quality check as any other Kala product.

It features brass frets and has Aquila Super Nylgut strings which come from Italy. These ukuleles are played by many professionals, and are also highly recommended. The sound is deeper than a soprano or concert ukulele, hence is the best for students.

Features

1. Trusted and renowned brand.
2. Best entry-level instrument.
3. Affordable price.
4. Vintage and traditional design.
5. Soft, full bodied and balanced tones produced.
6. Walnut fingerboard and bridge.
7. Mahogany neck.
8. Manufactured with care.
9. Brass frets.
10. Aquila Super Nylgut strings.
11. Used and recommended by professionals.
12. Deeper and fuller sound than other types of ukuleles.

Overall Ratings- 4.3/5 stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buyer’s Guide

Selecting between the 4 ukulele sizes is a task in itself. But, we assume that you have selected a tenor ukulele after reading this article and hence, we would like to help you out a bit more!

When buying a tenor ukulele, first ensure that the product is from a known and trusted brand. The brands mentioned in the above reviews are ones that you can completely trust.

Go for tenor ukuleles that have high playability, because who wouldn’t want that, right! For getting an improved tone, go for ukuleles that use high quality and durable woods for their construction. The most commonly used wood is mahogany which indeed is a very trusted material and ensures that your ukulele stays fine for years.

Also, make sure that your ukulele has a solid top and back.

You can also select an ukulele that comes with added accessories, like a gig bag or a clip-on tuner. The presence of these accessories may increase the price of the instrument, but these are a few accessories that you would need anyway. So, instead of buying them later as an extra expense, you can simply buy one that comes with these added benefits.

Summary

An ukulele is definitely the most fun instrument to play and is extremely easy to learn as well. It can be considered as the best option for you if you do not have any experience of playing instruments but would like to have one.

Select your favorite tenor ukulele from the above reviews and make sure to check the points mentioned in the Buyer’s Guide.

Thanks for reading this article! Please leave your comments below.

Don’t forget to check out our article on the 7 Best Wireless Guitar Systems of 2020.