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Cheap Ukuleles and why should you consider them
Generally, budget ukuleles are as good as their high-end counterparts. Of course, there’s a fine line between them which can be seen through quality and sound performance, but, in essence, cheap ukes can be pretty good. If you know where to look, that is.
Actually, the main purpose of this article is to speed up the process of finding a good budget uke. We’ve compiled a list of top 5 models in 2017, along with their main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
The brands you’re looking for are Hamano, Hola!, Makanu, Sawtooth, and Kmise, so let’s see what they can offer you.
Hamano U-30BK Colorful Soprano Ukulele
Let’s open up our review of the best low price ukulele models with Hamano’s U-30BK Soprano Ukulele. Namely, Hamano is the best ukulele brand in terms of affordability and quality.
They offer superb ukulele instruments, and Hamano’s U-30BK Soprano Ukulele is, perhaps, their best model.
Excelling in aesthetics with a beautiful outward appearance
The first notable feature of Hamano’s U-30BK Soprano Ukulele is the beautiful outward appearance. Now, this magnificent Ukulele features a strong, durable maple body & neck.
Additionally, the design also features a beautiful high-gloss finish, allowing for hard, long-lasting construction.
Further on this point, the Hamano’s U-30BK Soprano Ukulele comes in a manifold of colors. Apart from the regular black, there are blue, brown, green, light blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow colors.
Exquisite performance at a low price
As for the performance, you can rest assured that Hamano’s U-30BK Soprano Ukulele emits a beautiful sound. Namely, this Soprano Concert Ukulele features a set of extraordinary Aquila Nylgut strings which were handmade in Italy.
Furthermore, the Guitar-like tuners allow for superb tuning capabilities. Namely, this feature will make sure that your Hamano’s U-30BK Soprano Ukulele stays in tune, even after hours of playing.
Comes with everything you need to get started right away
Even though this is a cheap Ukulele, it offers a great experience and quality at a low price. Namely, you’ll get a “Learn to Play” chart of chords, as well as a gig bag. The Chord Chart will help immediate beginners while the gig bag allows for easy carry and storage.
The good and bad about Hamano U-30BK Soprano Ukulele
Pros:
- Available in different color variations;
- Decently durable due to quality materials;
- Comes with a set of complimentary features, including a gig bag and Chord Chart;
- Great sound due to Nylgut strings;
Cons:
- This brand is good for immediate beginners, but that’s pretty much it;
Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele, Color Series
Next on our list of the best low price ukulele is Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele. Now, this Ukulele features a high level of playability, but that’s not all.
Namely, this marvelous Uke comes outfitted with a set of quality features, including Maple top & back, and rosewood fingerboard & bridge.
Furthermore, there are twelve silver frets that make playing it even easier. Needless to say, the Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele is great for beginners and intermediate Uke players.
Great Ukulele from a great Uke brand
Now, “Hola! Music” is a great brand, and there are various reasons why we’ve picked this particular model as one of our best choices. Simply put, the Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele is a budget, low cost ukulele that is both beautiful and valuable.
Comes in a variety of colors
This Ukulele comes in seven vivid color variations. You can choose between black, green, orange, blue, red, brown, and purple. Each color variation is unique and beautiful, and it’s virtually impossible to take a bad pick.
The ravishing maple neck and top are accompanied with the rosewood fingerboard – a perfect combination of quality and durability.
Superb price/value ratio
Now, the last thing we should discuss is the price. Namely, Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele belongs to the “affordable” price point category. It’s considered as cheap, even among low cost ukuleles.
This is not the only advantage you could benefit from, though. The performance of Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele is exquisite, the features it comes supplied with are great, and it’s pretty versatile overall.
The good and bad about Hola! HM-21 Soprano Ukulele
Pros:
- Available in seven different color variations;
- Well-balanced performance;
- Plenty of versatility;
- Quality sound due to silver nylon strings;
Cons:
- A bit flimsy when compared to similar models;
Makanu Cutaway Concert Mahogany Ukulele
Here we’re looking at one of the best low cost Soprano ukuleles on the market. Makanu Cutaway Concert Mahogany Ukulele is a traditional beginner’s uke that boasts high affordability and playability.
Now, most uke lovers will be thrilled to hear that this particular model also comes with a complimentary gig bag.
Great durability and high quality construction
Generally, cheap ukuleles aren’t too durable, but that’s not the case with Makanu Cutaway Concert Mahogany Ukulele. It features a fingerboard made of rosewood, the back and sides were made of premium quality rosewood, making it sturdy.
Additionally, the inner construction features superb bone nut & saddles.
The classic European design is what makes Makanu Cutaway Concert Mahogany Ukulele so beautiful. The build materials allow for superior resonance, outstanding performance, and a beautiful sound.
Furthermore, the chrome silver tuning gears were adjusted prior to shipping, allowing for easy as soon as you get your uke.
Complimentary features are always welcome
A brand is good if their products are good, but Makanu kicked this tradition up a notch. Namely, they’ve added the complimentary gig bag as a bonus feature. Going to gigs and practice sessions will be easier for beginners, as they won’t have to go through extra trouble.
The good and bad about Makanu Cutaway Concert Mahogany Ukulele
Pros:
- High quality Soprano Ukulele;
- Durable rosewood materials;
- Complimentary gig bag;
- Pre-tuned;
Cons:
- Comes in only one color;
Kmise Solid Spruce 23 Inch Concert Ukulele
“Kmise” is the name of the brand that is “responsible” for this premium quality ukulele. Namely, this brand manufactures all kinds of musical instruments and gear, and this happens to be one of their best models.
Beautiful, elegant, and unique
You will easily recognize the quality of Kmise Solid Spruce Ukulele by simply looking at it. Namely, the beautiful outward appearance and features are something to behold.
We can safely say that this ukulele is one of the best cheap uke models on the market. It boasts a ravishing outlook and a high level of versatility.
Durable materials
Even though Kmise Solid Spruce Ukulele is cheap, it comes outfitted with highly durable materials. Namely, the sound bard was made of solid spruce, hence the name. The sound hole looks exquisite, and it’s accompanied with a beautiful, laser-engraved pattern.
The good and bad about Solid Spruce Concert Soprano Ukulele
Pros:
- Terrific sound emission;
- Highly durable ukulele;
- Beautiful and elegant outward appearance;
- Superb features;
Cons:
- Even though Kmise Solid Spruce Ukulele is unique, the exquisite outlook might not be to everyone’s liking;
Sawtooth ST-UKE-MS-KIT-2 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
The last model in our low price ukulele reviews is Sawtooth’s ST-UKE-MS-KIT-2 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele. Basically, this is one of the best Concert ukuleles you can find for the buck.
It’s supplied with a set of cutting-edge features, and its performance can be characterized as unique and terrific.
A ravishing outlook
In essence, Sawtooth’s ST-UKE-MS-KIT-2 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele is among the most beautiful ukuleles we’ve come across. It features a mahogany top, back, neck, and side.
The marvelous Rosette pattern was etched into the construction with a laser, providing this uke with a ravishing outlook.
Additionally, the Sawtooth’s ST-UKE-MS-KIT-2 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele features a natural Satin finish. The bridge and fingerboard were made of rosewood, complemented with 15 frets.
A set of quality features
Sawtooth’s ST-UKE-MS-KIT-2 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele is outfitted with top-shelf tuning gears. This uke comes pre-strung with four italian Aquila strings, allowing for superior playability.
Furthermore, you’ll get a padded gig bag, a metal folding stand, a tuner, and the “Quick Start” guide.
Even though this is a high quality concert ukulele, it’s also ideal for immediate beginners. With great sound capabilities, a set of remarkable features, and a beautiful outward appearance, we can easily say that this is the best uke for the cash.
The good and bad about Sawtooth ST-UKE-MS-KIT-2 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
Pros:
- Comes with a lot of complimentary features;
- Beautiful laser engraved Rosette pattern;
- Natural finish;
- Durable construction;
- Superb sound capabilities;
Cons:
- No major flaws whatsoever;
Conclusion
In essence, finding a good budget Uke wouldn’t be too hard if the market wasn’t so big. There are numerous brands that offer great ukuleles at low prices, but picking the right one is everything but easy.
Anyhow, this is the reason why we’ve compiled the list of top 5 low cost ukuleles, so all you have to do is kick back, relax, and enjoy your browsing.