Ukuleles: Top 10 Best Electric Ukuleles
[ad_1]
Ukuleles have been around for a long time, are appear to be gaining in popularity. Loads of newbies are finding the ease and joy of ukes make them great starter instruments. And now, there are some who are looking to give their uke a bit more projection.
The electric ukulele is just the ticket for giving your sound more pop and punch. But, with so many available, which is the right one for you?
Well, you can keep your cool, because we have the Best Electric Ukuleles on the market today. So catch a wave with us as we take a look at what makes each of them sway…
Table of contents [Show]
-
1
Top 10 Best Electric Ukuleles For The Money 2020 Reviews
- 1. 1 1 Hadean Acoustic Electric Bass Ukulele UKB-23
- 1. 2 2 Cordoba 15CM-E Acoustic Electric Concert Ukulele
- 1. 3 3 Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Acoustic/Electric Ukulele with Preamp & Gig Bag
- 1. 4 4 Epiphone Les Paul Acoustic/Electric Ukulele Outfit Heritage, Cherry Burst
- 1. 5 5 Electric Concert Ukulele With Amp | 23″ Acoustic-Electric Ukulele Beginner Kit
- 1. 6 6 AKLOT 43211-32227 Electric Acoustic
- 1. 7 7 EleUke Ukulele (22SPEMH)
- 1. 8 8 Vorson FSUK-1 S-Style Electric Ukulele with Gig Bag
- 1. 9 9 Electric Acoustic Ukulele Solid Spruce 23 Inch Concert Ukelele Uke Hawaii Guitar
- 1. 10 10 Oscar Schmidt 4 String Acoustic Guitar, Right (OU5LCE-R-U)
- 2 Best Electric Ukuleles Buyers Guide
- 3 So What Are The Best Electric Ukuleles?
Top 10 Best Electric Ukuleles For The Money 2020 Reviews
1
Hadean Acoustic Electric Bass Ukulele UKB-23
This is a portable best bass Ukulele designed to play like a standard electric bass guitar. That is to say, the tuning of the strings from low to high is E A D G.
High-quality materials…
This ukulele is incredibly well-crafted. It features a solid mahogany body. This delivers rich warmth and offers plenty of sustain.
Furthermore, not only are the top, back, and sides made from mahogany, the neck is as well. The result is a distinctive tone and sound, unlike normal ukes. The neck includes an adjustable truss rod that further enhances intonation and stability.
On top of the mahogany neck is a rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood is a common wood choice for fingerboards. The reason for this is because it is bright but works to accentuate the body and neck tonewoods. Also, rosewood is good at resisting corrosion from moisture and sweat.
Recreate the tone and of gut strings…
In addition, this uke comes pre-stringed with Aquila Nylgut strings. Nylgut is a synthetic gut or intestine. For most of history, instrument strings were made from animal guts. Nylgut seeks to recreate the tone and sound of gut strings without any of the associated nastiness.
These strings are thicker than average ukulele strings. Therefore, this uke has frets designed for heavier gauge strings.
The UKB-23 features a preamp and built-in tuner. The preamp includes a 3-band EQ. There are control knobs for Low, Mid, and High frequencies. Along with the onboard preamp, this uke is slightly larger than the standard size for ukuleles. Due to the thicker strings, a larger body is required to maintain the right amount of tension.
However, the larger size contributes to greater sustain and projection as well. It helps to give this bass uke a very warm and full sound, with plenty of natural resonance and body.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body and neck.
- Standard bass guitar tuning.
- Excellent sustain and projection.
- 3-band EQ.
- Built-in tuner.
- Includes Aquila Nylgut strings.
Cons
- Not ideal for ukulele beginners.
- Appearance and sound are more like a guitar than a ukulele.
2
Cordoba 15CM-E Acoustic Electric Concert Ukulele
A handmade ukulele, that is born for the stage. This concert size ukulele is a great travel companion but also an excellent performance ukulele.
The Cordoba 15CM-E top, back, and sides are crafted from mahogany. As far as tonewoods go, mahogany delivers warmth, sustain, and richness. However, it does deliver a nice crisp, clean sound when playing. Nothing muddy about it at all. With a lovely Edge Burst Satin finish and ivroid binding, it looks very nice.
The neck is also made from mahogany. It features a rosewood fretboard with 18 frets and the same ivroid binding as the body. The bridge is also made of rosewood. However, the saddle and the nut are made of plastic, which is not as sturdy as bone or urea.
The tuners are stable and do a good job of holding the strings in tune. They are silver with pearl buttons.
This uke features a preamp pickup designed by Cordoba. It has soundhole controls. As a result, it can sometimes be a little tricky adjusting any levels while playing on stage. The pickup does a good job overall. It delivers balanced amplification and enhanced stage presence.
This ukulele is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players. It is not expensive, yet it can rival the sound quality of some of the more high-end ukes.
Pros
- Mahogany body and neck.
- Rosewood fretboard.
- Clear, crisp sounds.
- Pickup is powerful and responsive.
- Affordable.
- Great for beginners.
Cons
- Plastic nut and saddle.
- No truss rod.
3
Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Acoustic/Electric Ukulele with Preamp & Gig Bag
A ukulele with a very authentic look. Designed with traditional Hawaiian-style tattoos as ornamentation, this little uke looks and sounds like one of a kind.
As a concert-sized ukulele, it delivers a clear and resonant sound with detailed tones. The body and neck are made from pure mahogany. The tone of mahogany is warm and full, yet it delivers clear and crisp tones with a good deal of sustain. The neck is also made from mahogany
Furthermore, the concert-style body features a single cutaway. While not very common on standard ukes, the cutaway allows for easy access to the higher frets.
In a kind of contrast to the body, the bridge and fretboard are made of walnut. Walnut offers a brighter and more biting tone. The result is a greater overall tonal balance. Each note rings clear and true with body and brilliance.
The real kicker with this uke is the Hawaiian body tattoos-inspired decorations. Laid over a Natural Satin finish, these black geometric designs invoke images of the natural world. Including, waves, birds, the sun, fish, sharks, and stones.
In addition to the “body tattoos,” there are Pearloid inlays on the fretboard. They are designed to resemble shark teeth.
Hardware and electronics…
The tuners on this uke are open-gear tuners. They do keep the string in tunes, yet they can easily get dirty and sticky. The nut is made from graphite as is the saddle.
The onboard preamp and piezo pickup are made by Luna Guitars. It features graphic slide controls for volume, presence, and bass. This pickup does an excellent job of capturing the natural tones and harmonics of the uke.
This ukulele brings a lasting impression due to its appearance. However, it is also a very balanced sounding uke that is sturdy and lightweight. It is a great option for beginners and professionals alike. Could all these features make it the Best Electric Ukuleles in this review? You’ll find out soon…
Pros
- Hawaiian body tattoo decorations.
- Mahogany body and neck.
- Walnut fretboard and bridge.
- Piezo pickup with slide controls.
- Excellent tone balance and clarity.
- Sturdy and lightweight.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Graphite nut and saddle.
- The action is too high for beginners.
4
Epiphone Les Paul Acoustic/Electric Ukulele Outfit Heritage, Cherry Burst
A ukulele that has been designed with the look of a Les Paul electric guitar. Some might say “it’s about time” Epiphone made a Les Paul styled uke. Indeed this one does not disappoint.
Classic Les Paul appearance…
This little uke does look an awful lot like a Les Paul. It has the vintage sunburst finish on the top, the black back, sides, and neck, and even a cream pickguard. Not to mention the cream binding around the body. As far as looks go, it is a good homage to the Les Paul style.
The top is a flame maple veneer. However, it is a laminate top and not a solid piece of maple. The back and sides are made from mahogany laminate. While not as sonically detailed as solid mahogany, it still delivers a good warm and thick tone.
The neck is also made from mahogany and features a D-Shape neck profile. Therefore it does have good quick action and easy playability. It is especially nice for beginners.
Additionally, the neck is bolted on rather than set-in. This is a big difference from other ukes, and it does allow you to change the neck easily should something happen.
The fretboard and bridge are made from rosewood. It is a pretty sturdy little uke overall. The nut and the saddle are both made of plastic, which is one way to keep costs down. However, there is some loss of tone and sustain because of the material.
While it is a Les Paul in terms of appearance, the similarities end there. There was no way to fit a humbucker in a ukulele. After all, why would you? Instead, this uke features a passive piezo pickup that simply amplifies the ukes natural volume and presence.
Furthermore, there are no control knobs for the pickup. It is just plug-and-play. The good news is that no batteries are required for the pickup. And even, the output jack resembles that of a Les Paul with a chrome mounting plate.
The tuners are open gear chrome tuners. They maintain good tension and intonation but do tend to get dirty quickly.
The main impression of this uke is one of style over substance. It looks great and has an Epiphone Les Paul Standard air to it. Yet, it is not anywhere near the sound and tone quality and distinction that a Les Paul electric guitar delivers.
Pros
- Les Paul appearance and style.
- Easy to play.
- A passive pickup.
- High-quality construction and build.
- Affordable.
Cons
- No onboard pickup controls.
- Thick laminate top.
- Passive pickup tends to be noisy.
5
Electric Concert Ukulele With Amp | 23″ Acoustic-Electric Ukulele Beginner Kit
The perfect starter kit for ukulele beginners. This package has everything you need to start your journey into the world of ukes.
Traditional concert ukulele…
The ukulele itself is slightly larger than standard soprano ukes. This uke measures 23-inches, which provides more room between the frets. As a result, it is easier for beginners to learn finger placement.
The neck, back, and sides are made of mahogany. The top is made of spruce. The combination of the two tonewoods delivers a nice clear, warm, and detailed tone. It also features white binding and a matte black finish.
The fretboard and bridge are made of rosewood. The tuners are chrome-plated closed tuners. It does have pretty good quality construction and a nice tone and sound for a value-priced uke.
Plug-in and play anywhere…
The pickup on this uke features a 3-band EQ, volume control, and a built-in tuner. The pickup provides a good amount of power. It requires batteries to operate, but the overall sound is highly detailed and dynamic.
Included in this starter pack is a portable mini-amplifier. The amp can be powered by a 9V battery or an AC adapter, both of which are included. It is not a very powerful amp, but it is a fun way to get accustomed to working with amplification.
In addition to the uke itself and the mini-amp, there are several extras thrown in. With this package, you get a padded gig bag, shoulder strap, three picks, and an extra set of nylon strings.
It’s basically everything you need to get started playing one of the best Electric Ukuleles.
Pros
- Mahogany body and a spruce top.
- Clear and bright sounding.
- 3-band EQ.
- Built-in tuner.
- Portable mini-amp.
- Batteries and adapter included.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Mini-amp distorts easily.
- Pickup can be noisy.
6
AKLOT 43211-32227 Electric Acoustic
A starter kit for ukulele beginners complete with online lessons. For uke beginners, this starter kit has everything you need to get you headed in the right direction.
This ukulele is a concert-sized ukulele. It is larger than standard ukes. Therefore, it is easier for beginners to learn on. It features a solid mahogany soundboard. Solid mahogany means this uke has a rich, warm tone with more sustain than laminate tops.
Furthermore, mahogany ages quite well. As a result, the sound and tone improve the more you play it. Likewise, it also means that this uke will last for a long time.
Another nice feature that helps beginners are the rounded edges. As opposed to the angled edges found on most ukes, the rounded edges provide for greater comfort. This helps beginners to play and practice for longer periods of time.
This uke has lower action that eliminates buzzing and makes it easier to learn finger positions. The frets themselves are made from a special wire that reduces scratches and enhances its smoothness.
In addition, this starter kit includes nine free online lessons. These can teach you everything from chords to fingerpicking. Also included is an instructional booklet. This gives you all the details on how to maintain and use the uke.
Accessories and hardware…
This uke features a bridge piezo pickup. It has a 3-band EQ for bass, mid, and treble. There are a volume control knob and a built-in tuner. The pickup is surprisingly detailed and clear. It also has enough power that does not distort when plugged in.
The tuners are 18:1 open copper gear tuners. They do a great job of holding the string taut and in tune.
The other accessories that come in this kit include two extra picks, cleaning cloth, strap, and extras set of strings.
A great ukulele for beginners, but just as suitable for more experienced players.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top.
- Rounded edges.
- Low action, smooth frets.
- Free online lessons.
- 3-band EQ and built-in tuner.
- Warm, rich, and detailed sound.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Uses 2032 button batteries.
7
EleUke Ukulele (22SPEMH)
This ukulele is bringing the modern digital world into the quaint sphere of electric ukes. With exclusive Bluetooth technology, the EleUke Peanut is unlike any other.
Wireless and versatile…
As mentioned, this ukulele features Bluetooth wireless connectivity. So you can easily connect this uke to your smartphone. You can use your mobile device as a karaoke machine and play along with your favorite songs. The Bluetooth connection has a range of 10m. Therefore you have plenty of room to roam and jam away.
For live performances, this uke comes with a standard output that can connect to an amplifier. To further enhance the live experience, there are two control knobs right on the uke. There is one for volume control and one for tone control.
When you need to practice in peace, this ukulele has you covered. There is a 3.5mm headphone output that works with most stereo headphones. Therefore you can practice in total silence no matter the time of day or night.
The piezo pickup is powered by a rechargeable battery. You can use a USB cable to charge the battery with your computer. Additionally, a fully charged battery delivers 10 hours of continuous use.
This uke has a unique body. It looks like a peanut, which is where it gets its name. It is quite small, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners. Also, it is quite thin so you can carry it in a suitcase or backpack.
The body is made from mahogany. The fretboard and the bridge are both made from rosewood. The result is a very nice warm and smooth tone.
Overall, this little uke is a great choice for beginners and travelers alike.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Headphones output.
- USB rechargeable battery.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Independent volume and tone controls.
- Affordable.
Cons
- No OUT Bluetooth connection.
- No soundhole.
8
Vorson FSUK-1 S-Style Electric Ukulele with Gig Bag
Are you interested in buying one of the best Electric Ukuleles that looks like an electric guitar? This uke has quite the appearance, not to mention it is quite powerful when amplified.
A miniature Stratocaster…
Well, not an actual Strat, but it sure does look like one. It has the same body shape as a Stratocaster with double cutaway and white pickguard on a satin black finish.
In addition to looking like a Strat, it boasts two single-coil pickups. That’s right, TWO! You have never heard a ukulele like this one. With two single-coil pickups, you can shape and hone a variety of tones and sounds.
It also means that you can plug into an amplifier and play this uke overdriven. Another benefit of the single-coil pickups is that they don’t need any batteries. Simply plug it in and have a mini rock session.
Furthermore, there is a 3-way pickup switch, plus volume and tone control knobs. These allow you to really dial in some intense and/or subtle tones. You can be big and bright or soft and mellow with just a few adjustments. In fact, you can even shred on this little uke if you are so inclined.
The bridge is a chrome-plated ashtray bridge. It is an over-the-saddle style bridge with four barrel-saddles and is incredibly sturdy, and offers great intonation and balance. It has the appearance of an older Fender Telecaster bridge.
In another stunning departure from standard ukes, this little guys features a solid-body. The body is made from kukui wood, which is also known as candlenut. It is very similar to walnut and is often used to make traditional ukes. The tone is bright and crisp with lots of good sustain.
The neck is made from kukui as well. It has a truss rod so you can adjust the intonation, yet also gives you better stability and strength. As a result, you can play harder on this little guy.
The fretboard is made of maple, which is another shout-out to electric guitars. It delivers smooth action and great playability.
For the true ukulele enthusiasts with electric guitar roots, this little machine is an absolute gem. It has the chops to take your uke sound to a whole new level.
Pros
- Solid-body ukulele.
- Two single-coil pickups.
- No battery required.
- Looks like a Stratocaster.
- Easy to play and portable.
- Amazing tone and sound possibilities.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Cannot be played acoustically.
- Pickups tend to hum.
9
Electric Acoustic Ukulele Solid Spruce 23 Inch Concert Ukelele Uke Hawaii Guitar
A concert-sized ukulele with a solid spruce top. This uke delivers a great sound and is easy to play.
Solid top and quality construction…
The solid spruce top brings a great amount of warmth but is still bitey and bright. Furthermore, solid tops provide greater dynamics, resonance, and tone balance. It also ensures better strength, stability, and overall durability.
The back and sides are made from Sapele. As a tonewood, it is very similar to mahogany. It offers a well-balanced and warm tone. The Sapele body and spruce top combine to give you a bright, full, and detailed sound.
The fretboard is rosewood and features sanded frets to make it easier and smoother to play. The tuners are closed-back chrome tuners. They do a good job of holding the strings in tune. The nut and saddle are made of bone. Natural bone works to improve the clarity of tone and ensures excellent string tension and stability.
Plays like an electric…
This uke features a preamp and pickup with 3-band EQ. It also includes a built-in tuner. So you can shape your sound to your liking.
It uses a standard quarter-inch output jack. This means it can plug into any amplifier. The amp is powered by batteries which are included.
Pros
- Solid spruce top.
- Bone nut and saddle.
- 3-band EQ.
- Bright, balanced, and full sound.
- Seamless construction.
Cons
- Can distort easily.
- The tuner is not always the most accurate.
10
Oscar Schmidt 4 String Acoustic Guitar, Right (OU5LCE-R-U)
This is one of the Best Electric Ukuleles currently available and is made from select Hawaiian Koa. It has the sound, tone, and feel of a real handmade ukulele.
This uke features a solid Hawaiian Koa top, back, and sides. It is a tenor -sized uke and features a single cutaway. The body looks lovely in a natural satin finish and Abalone binding. The sound and tone offer superb resonance, clarity, and warmth.
The neck is made from Nato and has a spruce fretboard. There are 19 frets with binding along the neck. It is stable and easy to play.
This uke comes with a UK200 pickup system. It has a 3-band EQ and delivers a balanced and detailed sound.
A beautiful-looking uke that is great for more experienced players.
Pros
- Hawaiian Koa body.
- Abalone binding.
- Active 3-band EQ pickup.
- Excellent resonance and sustain.
Also see: Top 7 Best Ukuleles for Kids
Best Electric Ukuleles Buyers Guide
Now that we know about the best electric ukuleles, there are some other things to keep in mind.
Ukuleles, even the concert-sized ones are quite small. However, they do require more care than electric guitars. The reason for this is that they are thinner and more delicate. When purchasing an electric ukulele, you will need to get a padded gig bag, or even better a hard case.
Also, the kind of strings used make a huge difference in the tone and sound. It is advised to upgrade to premium strings to get the best overall sound. Low-quality nylon strings may make you think the uke itself is the source of the problem. Be sure to change the strings for higher quality ones to get a better sense of how your uke actually sounds.
So What Are The Best Electric Ukuleles?
All of the ukes we reviewed here are excellent options. Yet, we all know there is one which will offer more than the rest.
The best electric ukulele is the…
The solid mahogany body is the real clincher for this uke. It offers excellent tone and ages beautifully. It is very playable and is a great option for beginners and seasons players alike. And the pickup does a very good job of capturing the natural tone.
The appearance is fantastic. The traditional Hawaiian tattoo designs really make this a unique uke.
We hope you found this information helpful. Enjoy your new electric ukulele. We are certain you’ll find hours of endless fun strumming in the sun.
[ad_2]