TechGearLab

Advanced ukulele players are likely to be impressed with the Ibanez UEW5S. All-mahogany top, sides, and back make up its body construction, and it comes with sleek Aquila NYLBLACK strings. Ibanez's soprano ukulele mimics the original Ibanez EW Series acoustic guitar's distinctive single cutaway shape. It's simple to access the higher frets on the neck with the cutaway C shape, allowing you to shake things up with a funky solo when you're feeling the groove. The ukulele puts out a bright and even tone with a soothing sound at the top end, and we were impressed with the way this uke stands out when playing in a group, emitting a lively sound. The design includes a rosewood fretboard and bridge, open chrome tuners, and a gorgeous abalone rosette. Even the average guitar player will greatly appreciate the playability and the low action. 
This kit isn't the most suited to beginners or those looking to buy their first instrument. Many other kits we tested came with a lot of great accessories that this solo instrument doesn't. The Ibanez UEW5S is geared towards intermediate players looking to expand their collection with a higher quality instrument. It is a favorite among the solo performance models in our line-up for its exceptional build, tone, and playability. 

Advanced ukulele players are likely to be impressed with the Ibanez UEW5S. All-mahogany top, sides, and back make up its body construction, and it comes with sleek Aquila NYLBLACK strings. Ibanez's soprano ukulele mimics the original Ibanez EW Series acoustic guitar's distinctive single cutaway shape. It's simple to access the higher frets on the neck with the cutaway C shape, allowing you to shake things up with a funky solo when you're feeling the groove. The ukulele puts out a bright and even tone with a soothing sound at the top end, and we were impressed with the way this uke stands out when playing in a group, emitting a lively sound. The design includes a rosewood fretboard and bridge, open chrome tuners, and a gorgeous abalone rosette. Even the average guitar player will greatly appreciate the playability and the low action. 
This kit isn't the most suited to beginners or those looking to buy their first instrument. Many other kits we tested came with a lot of great accessories that this solo instrument doesn't. The Ibanez UEW5S is geared toward intermediate players looking to expand their collection with a higher-quality instrument. It is a favorite among the solo performance models in our line-up for its exceptional build, tone, and playability. 

Best for Most

amazon.com

expert-review

Best Ukulele of 2022

Wirecutter

The concert-size Donner DUC-1 plays well, sounds good, and costs little—and it also comes with a case, strap, and tuner.

The Donner DUC-1 is a quality, well-rounded instrument, especially at its price point. It is a winning combination of price, quality build, splendid sound, and excellent included accessories that ranked it our favorite price-to-performance model. It's constructed of a combination of mahogany and rosewood, which harmonize to provide a rich and resonating sound. Of the kits we tested, some of the "bundles" are a combination of a few cheap items along with the main extra to catch the buyer's attention. Not the case here; the tuner worked almost as well as the industry standard that we tested against for quality control. The strap offers a bohemian-inspired pattern and works really well; it can even be adjusted to fit a smaller child, making a great first kit for beginners. The carrying case is also well-constructed and has a large front pocket for all the included extras. 
Our main gripe is that it took longer than most for the strings to settle and hold a tune. This is super common for new strings of any kind, but we felt that higher quality strings &#40;like the Aquila nylon of some of the other high-scorers in our test fleet&#41; might not have taken as long to settle, so we recommend replacing the strings on this instrument with better ones. And though the sound this uke produces is pretty great, it's not the best in class. It's more than satisfactory for more beginners, though. If you're seeking a starting instrument at an affordable price with both a quality build and sound, look no further. 

The Donner DUC-1 Concert is a quality, well-rounded instrument, especially at its price point. It is a winning combination of price, quality build, splendid sound, and excellent included accessories that ranked it our favorite price-to-performance model. It's constructed of a combination of mahogany and rosewood, which harmonize to provide a rich and resonating sound. Of the kits we tested, some of the "bundles" are a combination of a few cheap items along with the main extra to catch the buyer's attention. Not the case here; the tuner worked almost as well as the industry standard that we tested against for quality control. The strap offers a bohemian-inspired pattern and works really well; it can even be adjusted to fit a smaller child, making a great first kit for beginners. The carrying case is also well-constructed and has a large front pocket for all the included extras. 
Our main gripe is that it took longer than most for the strings to settle and hold a tune. This is super common for new strings of any kind, but we felt that higher quality strings &#40;like the Aquila nylon of some of the other high-scorers in our test fleet&#41; might not have taken as long to settle, so we recommend replacing the strings on this instrument with better ones. And though the sound this uke produces is pretty great, it's not the best in class. It's more than satisfactory for more beginners, though. If you're seeking a starting instrument at an affordable price with both a quality build and sound, look no further. 

walmart

The Enya Nova U Concert scored top marks for build quality and playability. Composed of polycarbonate with an entanglement of carbon fiber mixed throughout, the simple yet highly effective design of this model impresses with an attractive, vibrant sound and a durable body and neck able to withstand the elements. This durability also makes it great for travel. The Enya's unique soundhole design made for a chime-y tone with a pleasant and vibrant sound when strummed. Its sound clarity and resonance are awesome; even while playing high up the neck, it maintains its crisp high notes without losing volume. Its soft satin finish was comfortable on skin and easy to clean. Although not completely waterproof &#40;due to the metal tuners&#41;, the polycarbonate construction provides extra durability. It was able to withstand temperature fluctuations while holding its tune far better than any other model we tested, and its non-wood construction makes it much more likely to handle getting banged around a bit during travel.
This wouldn't be as highly recommended as a beginner kit, mainly because the frets and neck are all black, and there are no dot markers on the side. This makes it hard to see your finger placement while changing chords, and instruments without fret markers are typically better suited for more experienced musicians. Furthermore, if you are seeking top-notch tonality, there are better options. However, for a tough, durable uke that includes some great accessories at an affordable price, this is our recommendation. 

The Enya Nova U Concert Kit scored top marks for build quality and playability. Composed of polycarbonate with an entanglement of carbon fiber mixed throughout, the simple yet highly effective design of this model impresses with an attractive, vibrant sound and a durable body and neck able to withstand the elements. This durability also makes it great for travel. The Enya's unique soundhole design made for a chime-y tone with a pleasant and vibrant sound when strummed. Its sound clarity and resonance are awesome; even while playing high up the neck, it maintains its crisp high notes without losing volume. Its soft satin finish was comfortable on skin and easy to clean. Although not completely waterproof &#40;due to the metal tuners&#41;, the polycarbonate construction provides extra durability. It was able to withstand temperature fluctuations while holding its tune far better than any other model we tested, and its non-wood construction makes it much more likely to handle getting banged around a bit during travel.
This wouldn't be as highly recommended as a beginner kit, mainly because the frets and neck are all black, and there are no dot markers on the side. This makes it hard to see your finger placement while changing chords, and instruments without fret markers are typically better suited for more experienced musicians. Furthermore, if you are seeking top-notch tonality, there are better options. However, for a tough, durable uke that includes some great accessories at an affordable price, this is our recommendation. 

shopify

The Luna Vintage Spruce Soprano has a powerful sound, a kid-friendly size, cool styling, and an appealing price.

target

powerreviews

The RU22C concert uke has a big, full, satisfying sound, plays easily, and comes in a just-right size that’s comfortable for kids and adults.

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