Top Soprano Ukulele Brands: Strum Your Way to Stardom!

The soprano ukulele, known for its bright and cheerful sound, has captured the hearts of musicians worldwide. When it comes to selecting the best brands, quality craftsmanship and rich tone are key elements to consider. Brands like Kala, Martin, and Fender are renowned for producing superior instruments that cater to both beginners and seasoned players. Eager to find out which soprano ukulele could be the perfect fit for your musical journey? Explore our curated list of top brands below.

Illustration of soprano ukulele

Best brands of soprano ukulele in 2025

Kala

Kala is one of the most renowned and trusted brands in the ukulele market, particularly for its high-quality soprano ukuleles. Founded by Mike Upton, who previously worked at Lanikai, Kala has set a high standard in the industry since its inception 15 years ago. The Kala KA-15S soprano ukulele, for example, is highly popular and known for its excellent sound and craftsmanship, often priced around $60. Kala's influence has also helped improve the quality of ukuleles produced by other manufacturers, especially in China and Indonesia. The global ukulele market, which includes Kala's products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.81% from 2022 to 2027, reaching a market size of USD 8762.1 million by 2027.

Luna

Luna Guitars is renowned for producing high-quality ukuleles, including the soprano size, which is appreciated for its craftsmanship and sound quality. The Luna High-Tide Koa Concert Ukulele, while not a soprano, showcases the brand's attention to detail and use of exotic hardwoods, indicating their capability in producing excellent instruments across various sizes. Luna's instruments often feature unique designs, such as the abalone wave fret markers and the full moon sticker, enhancing both aesthetics and playability. With a focus on precision and comfort, Luna's ukuleles are equipped with features like onboard preamps and Grover open-style tuners, ensuring optimal performance. This commitment to quality has contributed to Luna's reputation as one of the best producers in the ukulele market.

Lanikai

Lanikai is renowned as one of the best producers of soprano ukuleles, offering instruments that combine dependability, playability, and style. Founded by Mike Upton, who initially worked with Hohner, Lanikai ukuleles are known for their high-quality sound and easy playability, making them perfect for aspiring musicians. The Lanikai LU Series, in particular, is designed to provide excellent sound at an entry-level price point. The global ukulele market, which includes Lanikai, is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.81% from 2022 to 2027, reaching USD 8762.1 million by 2027. Lanikai ukuleles are favored by many top performers and come with a limited warranty for repairs or replacements. For more information, visit Lanikai's website.

Cordoba

Cordoba is renowned as one of the best producers of soprano ukuleles, blending traditional Spanish guitar-making techniques with modern innovations. Founded in 1997 by Tim Miklaucic, Cordoba has established itself through meticulous craftsmanship and a wide range of models, including the popular 15CM Matiz Concert Ukulele. Their ukuleles are crafted from high-quality tonewoods such as mahogany, spruce, acacia, and koa, ensuring excellent tonal characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Cordoba's commitment to quality and playability makes their instruments suitable for both beginners and experienced players. With a strong focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, Cordoba continues to be a trusted name in the ukulele market. For more details, explore their offerings of Cordoba ukuleles.

Ohana

Ohana is renowned as one of the best producers of soprano ukuleles, offering high-quality instruments at affordable prices. Their ukuleles, made in China, are known for excellent fit and finish, with models like the SK-21 and SK-28 showcasing their attention to detail and vintage inspirations. Despite being priced under $200 for some solid mahogany models, Ohana ukuleles maintain good tone and intonation, making them a favorite among both novice and experienced players. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their prototype process, which involves close collaboration with factories and dealers to ensure minor changes are made based on feedback. With a strong presence since the mid 2000s, Ohana continues to be a significant player in the ukulele market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.84% by 2031. For a deeper insight into their production journey, visit this detailed examination of their production process.

Mahalo

Mahalo Ukuleles is renowned as one of the best producers of soprano ukuleles, standing as the No. 1 selling ukulele brand in many countries and arguably the world. Established in 1999 by Kikutani Music, Mahalo revolutionized the market by offering high-quality, playable instruments at an entry-level price point, transforming the perception of ukuleles from toys to genuine musical instruments. With thousands of music stores globally stocking Mahalo ukuleles, the brand has enabled millions to start their musical journeys. Mahalo's commitment to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship is evident in their exclusive focus on ukuleles and their use of sustainably harvested woods. The brand's Historic Series, in particular, showcases their prowess in combining traditional design with modern playability. For more information, visit the Mahalo Ukuleles website.

Martin

Martin is renowned as one of the premier producers of soprano ukuleles, with a history dating back to 1915 when they began crafting these instruments inspired by the original Hawaiian ukuleles of the 1880s. The brand's soprano models, such as the Style-0, Style-1, Style-2, Style-3, and Style-5, are distinguished by their high-quality materials, including mahogany and Hawaiian koa veneer, and meticulous craftsmanship. The reissue of the legendary Style-5K in 2006 marked a significant resurgence in Martin's ukulele production, highlighting the brand's commitment to quality and tradition. Martin ukuleles are favored for their rich tone and aesthetic appeal, making them a staple among ukulele enthusiasts. The brand's revival in the 2000s, partly driven by the popularity of ukulele prodigy Jake Shimabukuro, has further solidified its reputation in the market. For more details on their exquisite soprano models, visit their official ukulele page.

Kanile'a

Kanile'a is renowned for producing high-quality ukuleles, including their soprano models, which are highly praised for their excellent build quality, comfortable necks, and rich, rounded tones. The Islander series by Kanile'a, while made overseas, maintains a high standard of craftsmanship, comparable to mid-range Kalas and Ohanas, and is noted for its light weight, great resonance, and good volume and sustain. Kanile'a's commitment to quality is evident in their attention to detail, such as the use of walnut fingerboards and NuBone saddles and nuts. Their instruments are often recommended for both beginners and serious players due to their superior sound and playability. For those seeking a premium ukulele experience, Kanile'a's handmade instruments in Hawaii, particularly the 2024 Platinum model, represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship.

Kamaka

Kamaka is renowned as one of the best producers of soprano ukuleles, celebrating its 100th anniversary as a family-run business in Hawaii. Established in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka, the company has maintained its high standards, producing instruments entirely by hand in Hawaii. Kamaka's soprano ukuleles, such as the HF-1, are made from solid Hawaiian Koa and are highly sought after, with demand often exceeding supply, resulting in waiting lists of up to six to eight weeks. You can explore their collection further on the Terry Carter Music Store website.

Pono

Pono, a brand under the esteemed Ko'olau ukulele and guitar company, is renowned for producing some of the best soprano ukuleles available. Known for their high-quality materials, Pono instruments are made from the top 20% of the wood tested, ensuring exceptional tone and craftsmanship. These ukuleles are manufactured in Java, Indonesia, and set up in Ko'olau's Hawaiian factory, maintaining strict quality control. Pono ukuleles, such as the Pono MSD, stand out even among more expensive models, offering a bright, moderately loud, and classic ukulele sound. With prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, Pono offers a range of options without compromising on quality. To explore more about their offerings, check out the Pono TE-MD Electric Tenor Ukulele.