Harley Benton’s annual DIY Kit Challenge is officially underway, with an open invite to anyone to build their own Harley Benton guitar and place it at the judge’s mercy. Those judges – a panel of experts – will run the rule over your build, with the top three guitars all receiving Thomann vouchers.

We say guitars but the competition is also includes Harley Benton’s DIY bass guitar and ukulele kits. Simply grab one of the super-cheap kits, make a musical instrument out of it and customise it, then upload a video of it to Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and tag it #HBDiyKitChallenge so the judges can find it.

Paul Reed Smith started making his guitars at high school. Patrick James Eggle was a teenager working in a guitar store when he started applying his flair for woodwork to making guitars. Maybe the next star of luthiery will emerge out of this.

Truth be told, a lot of the hard work is done here. You will need some basic crafting skills, some tools, and the manual. No need to program the CNC machine. Those fingerboards come pre-installed with inlays and frets. Much of the heavy lifting will be done, which leaves more time for customisation – which is what the judges are looking for.

Entrants will be graded on originality, “overall visual impression”, the quality and craft of your build, and features.

Who knows what that could involve but maybe the electronics wizards out there could go the extra mile and hot-wire the pickups so there’s an out-of-phase voicing or… Well, that square electric guitar kit that Harley Benton makes could be the perfect blank canvas for an all-new guitar shape. It’s basically a rengas chopping board routed for a pair of humbuckers.

The competition is open now and closes on Monday 16 June at 11:59pm CET. As our friendly Harley Benton YouTube host reminds us, you can really go crazy with the builds. Anything goes, just so long as the instrument is playable. After all, we are not monsters.

If you’re thinking of building an electric guitar you have a ton of options. There are Strat-style kits, Flying V-style kits, single-cuts, left-handed options, offset guitars, doublecuts, T-styles and ES-alike semi-hollow kits, all of which have everything you need in the box and are priced from $82 bucks.

See Harley Benton for more details, head over to Thomann to find yourself a DIY kit, and see below for some inspiration.

A carpenter in the UK who had four fingers severed when his glove was pulled into a table saw has fulfilled his vow to play ukulele again and perform for the NHS hospital staff who helped him.

Mike Aherne, 71, of Taunton in Somerset visited Southmead Hospital, Bristol on 3 July with the Ukulele Orchestra of North Curry he's part of. It marked a remarkable comeback as a musician after learning to play again with the three fingers (Mike lost his little finger) hospital staff were able to save following his horrific 2019 injury.

“I was at work as normal working on the table saw I had used umpteen times with all the safeguards in place, when it caught my glove,” Mike, a married grandfather of 50 years, told the North Bristol NHS Trust. 

“I knew it was bad and was taken to Southmead Hospital by ambulance and when I saw the Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Rob Warr, he felt they could put my fingers back as the cut was so clean, and my colleagues had immediately looked after the fingers for me.”

Eleven hours of surgery followed and eight months of physiotherapy as Mike began the process of recovery. 

“I awoke from the operation at about 4am in the morning and told staff I would get back to playing the ukulele and that I would also play in the Atrium of Southmead Hospital,” said Mike said, who is now retired as a joiner and carpenter following his injury.

He kept his word. It took a year to play again and return to the ukulele orchestra he'd joined just a year before his accident.  

“Thanks to the surgery and the physiotherapy from the staff at Southmead Hospital, I’ve been able to play the ukulele again with the orchestra and it was fantastic to finally be able to play in the Atrium of Southmead Hospital as part of the musical programme for the 75th birthday of the NHS," Mike said. "I was able to see some of the physiotherapy team too, who came to see me play, which was lovely."

Well done to Mike and the wonderful NHS staff. You can check out some of his performance at the hospital with the orchestra above, courtesy of the NHS. Read more at the North Bristol NHS Trust.  

• Best beginner ukuleles 2023: Top entry-level ukuleles for kids and adults

Guitar Center and Southwest Airlines recently teamed up for a most bonkers drive to teach passengers beginner ukulele during a flight from Long Beach to Honolulu.

Passengers onboard the flight on Friday 16 September had barely the time to slip into their flight socks and to the embrace of a gin and tonic, when instructors from Guitar Center boarded the flight and presented them with a Mitchell MU40 Soprano acoustic ukulele, a carry case to keep the travel-friendly strummer safe, and a lesson in how to play such uke standards as Hello Aloha, How are you? 

This ia useful skill for anyone planning to watch the sunset at Kāneʻohe Bay with a Mai Tai in hand. But is this the way forward for music education? It is enough to send send nervous flyers over the edge, particularly those allergic to the trebly plunk of the ukulele. 

Still, the ukulele is safer and more convenient in the cabin than a dreadnought acoustic guitar. If one thing watching Airplane has taught us, is that dreadnoughts and safe flying do not mix, no matter how wholesome the performance.

The Guitar Centre x Southwest Airlines ukulele lesson was delivered by Alexandra Windsor, educational affairs specialist for Guitar Center Lessons, and Ryan Miyashiro and Ryan Imata, both “best-in-class” Guitar Center instructors at the company’s Pearl City store – on 1000 Kamehameha Highway if you have the good fortune to be out that way. Teaching people to play at cruising altitude was a new one on Windsor.

“I’ve taught students through Guitar Center Lessons since 2014, but never in an airplane,” Windsor said. “It was inspiring to see how quickly passengers of all ages picked up the ukulele – many with no musical background. The ukulele is the perfect instrument for beginners, and it shows just how fun and easy learning something new can be.” 

Southwest Airlines and Guitar Center have also partnered for the Ukuleles Take Flight sweepstakes, with first price to win round trip air travel on Southwest for two people, with a pair of Mitchell ukuleles to jam on – in the air or from the comfort of the couch. See Southwest to enter [US only, conditions apply].

When Fender introduced their much-loved California Coast Series ukuleles in 2018, they did so with a good helping of the classic Cali style that made the firm such a success story in the golden era of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Fusing timeless Telecaster and Stratocaster design with the age-old tradition of ukulele building, Fender’s California Coast Series is renowned for playability, portability and value for money.

This summer, several fresh designs have been introduced to the line, including new tenor models, exotic wood options and colourful finishes.

Here, we take a look at what's new in the range...

Avalon Tenor Ukulele

Effectively the larger-bodied counterpart of Fender’s popular Venice Soprano uke, the Avalon Tenor Ukulele arrives in a choice of six colours, including 2-Color Sunburst, Daphne Blue, Black, Natural, Surf Green and Cherry (see above).

The Avalon Tenor Ukulele provides a deeper tonal register than a concert or soprano instrument, though its portable size still allows for easy handling and transportation.

Constructed using basswood, the Avalon model sports a slim C-profile neck for enhanced playability and features a no-tie bridge for simplified string changes.

Zuma Exotic Concert Ukulele

The Zuma Exotic Concert Ukulele comes in a choice of two exotic woods with open-pore satin finishes, namely Bocote and Spalted Maple.

Striking in appearance and with a sweet, sonorous tone, the 16-fret neck Zuma Exotic sits somewhere between the larger tenor and smaller soprano instruments.

In addition to this uke’s nato neck and walnut fingerboard, ornamentation includes a stylish abalone rosette along with a bound top, back and fingerboard.

Rincon Tenor Ukulele

Appearing in Aged Cognac Burst with an open-pore satin finish, the Rincon Tenor Ukulele is characterised by a strong tone with distinctive looks to match.

Constructed using ovangkol – a tropical hardwood increasingly used in the guitar building industry – this tenor-sized uke delivers exceptional resonance and full-bodied chime.

Fitted with Fender-designed electronics, the Rincon Tenor Ukulele comes readily equipped for the stage.

Montecito Tenor Ukulele

Arriving in a Shaded Edge Burst gloss finish, this quintessential Fender design features the unmistakable Strat-style headstock.

Described by Fender as having a “mellow" tone, the Montecito Tenor Ukulele is constructed entirely of acacia, enhancing natural warmth and projection.

Sporting abalone top purfling and a matching abalone rosette, the Montecito has subtle touch of class, with cream-coloured binding framing the instrument’s curvaceous profile.

Visit Fender for more information.

Harley Benton has expanded its range of affordable ukuleles with the Rocker Uke Red Satin and the UkeBass OPNT. 

The Rocker Uke Red Satin has a boxy T-style shape, onboard electronics, with binding a classy touch that really ties the uke together, while the solid-bodied UkeBass OPNT looks every inch the scaled-down contemporary bass guitar, and has an active piezo system.

Priced £73, the Rocker Uke Red Satin could scarcely be easier on the average player’s fiscal reserves but there is a lot going on for the money. Yes, the binding gives it a premium vibe and the matching painted headstock is tip-top, but this all-okoume uke has a Graph Tech nut and an HB pickup and preamps system with a 2-band EQ. 

Rounding out the spec we have a set of black die-cast tuners and a purpleheart fingerboard and bridge. It is is the sort of instrument to keep the fingers moving when on the move this summer.

The UkeBass OPNT, meanwhile, has a solid American swamp ash body, a three-ply maple and okoume neck, and a rosewood fingerboard with 24 medium-jumbo frets. Its 20.86” scale makes it a very attractive proposition for young bass guitar players whose hands are not quite ready for a full-sized instrument, or as a travel option.

The active piezo system has controls for volume, treble and bass, with a ABS nut and die-cast tuners completing the spec. It might be compact, but Harley Benton promises a serious instrument with “traditional bass sounding vibes.”

The Rocker Uke Red Satin and UkeBass OPNT are both available now exclusively through Thomann. As mentioned above, the Rocker Uke is £73, while the UkeBass OPNT is priced £147. 

See Harley Benton for more details.

Harley Benton has launched a new solid mahogany soprano-sized ukulele to join its deluxe Kahuna range of instruments. 

The new uke features a solid mahogany top with binding, along with the laminate mahogany body and neck. While a satin open pore finish enhances the feel.

A mahogany neck, purpleheart fingerboard and bridge. 

The Kahuna DLX Solid Wood Soprano is available now as a standalone instrument or as a special beginner’s pack with gig bag, picks, Harley Benton clip-on tuner and a chord chart. You'll get all those extra for just £3 / €4 more! 

For more info and to buy, head to Thomann. 

Over recent years, the ukulele's popularity has skyrocketed. Gone are the days of novelty and toy instruments - now we find an instrument that is popping up in schools, households and festival stages all over the world. If, like the rest of us, you could do with a little Hawaiian getaway, then this deal could be the next best thing - with 50% off every single ukulele in the Ukutune collection until December 1st.

The ukulele has been a beginner mainstay for years due to its small size, but over recent years we've seen the uke become a popular choice for experienced musicians too. Whether you need to add that missing something to a recording, or just fancy learning something different, the uke could be the perfect instrument for you. Ukuleles come in a few different sizes, from soprano to baritone, so we’d recommend taking a look at our best ukuleles or best beginner ukuleles guides to help you find the right one.

These deals run until December 1st, with one already completely sold out, so don't miss out.

• Ukutune UKE1 Solid Spruce Concert Ukulele: Was $149, now $74
• Ukutune UKS1 Sapele Soprano Ukulele: Was $49, now $24
• Ukutune UKM2 Mahogany Concert Ukulele: Was $59, now $29
• Ukutune UKM1 Solid Mahogany Ukulele: Was $169, now $84 
• Ukutune UKA1 Ash Tenor Ukulele Matte Blue: Was $69, now $34
• Ukutune UKA1 Ash Tenor Ukulele Matte Green: Was $69, now $34
• Ukutune UKD90 Flamed Koa Tenor Ukulele: Was $399, now $199 

Kala KA-C Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele review: What is it?

The Kala KA-C is an affordable concert-sized ukulele that may just be the perfect choice for beginners with more sense than money. 

If you're on the lookout for a beginner ukulele you'll quickly discover that the sub-$/£100 market is more crowded than the Washington Monument on the 4th of July. Sadly, despite the abundance of bargain-basement ukes, unearthing a quality instrument that sounds good and stays in tune can be harder than finding a taxi in a rainstorm too. There's an awful lot of rubbish out there.

Fortunately, among all the generic, no-name brands there are a few manufacturers with a good reputation for building playable ukes, Kala being one of them. Admittedly, about 2,500 miles of ocean separates Waikiki beach from Kala's Californian HQ but the brand does its very best to channel the spirit of Hawaii in its vast range of ukuleles.

Ukuleles come in a few different shapes and sizes, the most common being – in order of ascending size – soprano, concert and tenor. Arguably, the tiny soprano ukuleles sound the most authentic, with their trebly highs and comparative lack of bass. They're wonderful for strumming and will really cut through any mix or uke ensemble. However, their cramped fretboards, a consequence of the short scale length and narrower nut, means that they're not so wonderful for fingerstyle.

For most players, a concert style uke, like the Kala KA-C, is a much more versatile instrument that's easier for average-size hands to play. The KA-C is 24 inches in length and just over 8 inches in width at the lower bout, making it a decent handful to pick up but still small enough to take pretty much anywhere with you. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret (sopranos typically join at the 12th fret) and the fretboard extends onto the soundboard for a further four frets.

Scale length is just under 15 inches, which is about an inch longer than Kala's KA15S hog soprano model, enabling some much-needed space to be teased out between the frets.

The KA-C is almost entirely mahogany laminate, complemented by a rosewood fretboard and bridge. An attractive cream binding around the body adds a little punch and personality to an otherwise restrained look.

Kala KA-C Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele review: Performance & verdict

Any genre of music is fair game for a ukulele, from disco standards to death metal, but it's reasonable to speculate that most players use these instruments to bring a little sunshine to a performance. It's four short strings of exuberant cheerfulness stretched across an adorable little body, the musical equivalent of an eight-week-old puppy.

The KA-C certainly looks the part with its natty cream binding and cool satin finish. Beyond the binding and tiny dot markers there's absolutely nothing else in the way of decoration but, frankly, it doesn't need it. Its reddish brown and cream livery looks both smart and fun in equal measure.

From the outside everything appears tickety-boo. There are no gaps, glue marks or imperfections to be found from headstock to button strap, it's all very neat and tidy. However, inside, the workmanship is less assured. Construction is simple with, for example, no kerfed linings, but unfortunately it is easy to spot signs of glue and the odd splinter of wood.

Perhaps we're being overly picky at this price point, but in a perfect world these Chinese-made ukes would look as clean on the inside as they do on the outside.

The multi-piece neck has clearly been built to a budget but it's very comfortable in the hand, with the satin finish providing a fast surface for spirited playing. The matt rosewood fretboard is just as rapid, yielding ample opportunity for dexterous players to fully explore its limits with fast runs right up to the 14th fret and beyond. Talking of which, all the frets on our sample were level, with no sharp ends to provide nasty mid-lick surprises. Intonation was also good out of the box, with only the first string (A) just slightly high at the 12th fret.

Inexpensive ukuleles tend to slip out of tune faster than Florence Foster Jenkins on a bad night because their mediocre machine heads just can't handle the string tension. However, the KA-C's sealed tuners worked a treat, after we allowed the new strings to settle in they proved remarkably stable.

Scruffy interior aside, this level of attention to detail is a welcome Kala trait. Where lesser brands will have almost certainly specced cheapo generic finishing kits, Kala has furnished the KA-C with decent tuners, a Graphtech Nubone XB nut and Aquila strings. These basic components make a real difference to both playability and sound.

There's an unexpected complexity to the KA-C's tone, a gratifying richness that's lacking in many budget ukes. Certainly, the concert size helps. The KA-C's bigger body provides better bass response, fuller mids and more projection than its soprano siblings, yet the authentic ukulele character we all know and love (or tolerate!) is still there in abundance. Kala has done a great job with the build and spec too – it's built a thing to play, not just a plaything.

Yes, we admit we have a soft spot for concert ukuleles. The larger body size sounds like a uke only better, the longer neck with its subtly wider spaced frets is easier to play and the beefy projection is better suited to performance but never so loud it will overpower even the smallest bedroom. The Kala KA-C is a poster boy (or girl or non-binary, your choice) for the inexpensive concert uke – excellent value, well specced and awesome sounding. A budget concert for the budget conscious.

Kala KA-C Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele review: Hands-on demos

Ukulele Hub 

Austin Bazaar 

MyDukkan

Kala KA-C Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele review: Specifications

• Size: Concert
• Top, back and sides: Mahogany 
• Finish: Satin 
• Fretboard: Rosewood 
• Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut  
• Scale Length: 14.8125 inches 
• Number of Frets: 18
• Contact: Kala 

Martin T1K Ukulele review: What is it?

The T1K is Martin's mid-range, solid Koa tenor ukulele. Didn't know Martin makes ukes? Well, although for most of us the Martin brand name conjures up images of iconic, fine-quality, steel-strung acoustic guitars like the D28, it’s actually been making ukuleles for more than 100 years. So popular were its early models that by 1926, just over a decade since bringing its first uke to market, it had sold almost twice as many ukuleles as its entire production of guitars since 1833. Back then it couldn't make enough of them.

Ever since, ukulele production numbers have waxed and waned more times than the twin moons of Mars, but the past decade has been good for Martin ukes. For the first time in years, Martin has about a dozen ukuleles in its range, starting with the $299 laminate OXK and topping out in style with the magnificent, blingtastic $4,499 5K.

The Mexican made T1K sits towards the lower end of Martin's portfolio but make no mistake, this is a mid-range uke in both price and performance. 

First off, the T in its name is Martin's way of letting us know that this is a tenor ukulele. Tenors are quite a bit larger than soprano ukes (the most common variety) and a touch bigger than concert models. The increased length, deeper body and wider bout promises more volume, more mid-range, increased bass and a longer neck to comfortably play fingerstyle on. Counter-intuitively, despite the tenor moniker, tuning remains exactly the same for all three variants, so none of the three are higher or lower pitched, they just feel and sound different.

Martin has always labelled its ukes from 0 to 5, with 0 being the entry-level model and 5 boasting the finest woods and accoutrements. The T1K may be a 1, with its relatively modest price and unassuming looks but it's also built from koa (hence the K), so it's hardly a plain Jane. 

The top, back and sides are all solid koa, the bridge and fingerboard are sipo, which is an African hardwood with similar qualities to mahogany, and the neck is an undefined 'select hardwood'. The non-scalloped bracing is Sitka spruce.

In common with many of its ukuleles, Martin has specced attractive nickel open-gear machine heads with cute faux-ivory button knobs, which give the T1K a suitably retro feel. It also ships with a smart TKL padded gigbag.

Martin T1K Ukulele review: Performance & verdict

As we've already hinted, the T1K looks fantastic. This may be a lower-grade uke in Martin's eyes, but for the rest of us it's very striking, even if the aesthetic is rather minimalistic. 

There's nothing in the way of bling here. The rosette is a simple, white multi-stripe affair, and the fingerboard markers are minute dots of white plastic. There's no binding, either on the fretboard or the body. Purfling? Abalone inlays? Chance would be a fine thing.

What rescues the T1K from looking blander than unseasoned tofu is, of course, the koa. Admittedly, some examples of koa can be pale, straight-grained and somewhat uninteresting, but on our sample Martin has cleverly sourced some richly-coloured lumber with plenty of interest. Our top is a deep, cinnamon brown; beautifully figured in some places with curly detail in others. The sides are also gorgeously figured, and the back is similarly ornate. This is one handsome uke.

The 'select hardwood' neck and sipo fingerboard are less remarkable in appearance, simply because it's hard to compete with a decent piece of koa. Still, Martin has used some quality, straight-grained timber here too, with no knots or blemishes and zero sign of filler.

The entire instrument is finished in a very finely applied satin lacquer that's so thin you can feel the grain beneath your fingertips as you run them across the soundboard. It's attractive, tactile, but more importantly it liberates the body to vibrate and resonate freely for better projection and tone.

Our T1K is flawlessly built, with no sign of gaps, glue or sharp fret ends. It's an absolute pleasure to handle. Out of the box, guitarists used to an acoustic steel string may find the action a little high, but this is a nylon stringed instrument, so its par for the course. Consequently, there's zero fret buzz and it's very playable, even if it takes a few minutes to get used to. Out of the box, intonation at the 12th fret was faultless.

Some years ago, Martin settled on a comparatively narrow 1 11/32 inch nut width for its tenor ukuleles, with competitors' models typically a millimetre or two wider. Some players, regardless of hand and finger size, are acutely sensitive to neck sizes and string spacing while others are comfortable noodling away on anything with four strings and a captive audience. We didn't find it particularly cramped, but your mileage may vary.

What we did re-discover is that a tenor ukulele is a blast to play. The larger body size and 17 inch scale length makes the T1K a versatile instrument, and it's not often we say that about a ukulele. 

Unless you're incredibly agile, tiny soprano ukuleles with their diddy fretboards are limited to early position rhythmic strumming and little else, but this Martin just cries out for melodic musical adventures to be explored further along its neck, all 20 frets of it. Admittedly, real estate gets a little bijou after the neck joins the body at the 14th fret but before that it's great fun playing fingerstyle arpeggios, scales, runs and riffs with gusto.

To ram the point home, this is a ukulele you can actually play rather than just strum. If strumming is your thing then knock yourself out, you can do that too.

So, what does it sound like? If you're used to the plinky, staccato tones of a cheap soprano uke then the T1K is going to be a revelation. Strum an open C chord (fret the first string at the third fret) and hear those open strings ring out. The first thing you'll notice is the volume, this thing is loud. The second thing is the sustain. Small, cheap ukes have a sharp attack and then nothing, they're pretty gutless. The T1K will ring and ring, which is usually a good thing unless you're specifically looking for an uke with a short decay to fit with other instruments in an ensemble.

This is a very sweet sounding, beautifully balanced instrument. There's a clarity in the trebles, but also a fatness. The midrange is punchy, pronounced and the bass full, mellow but far from flabby. Overtones are present, pleasant but well-controlled. In short, it nails the ukulele sound we're all so familiar with, but then keeps on giving.

OK, so a big part of its tone is a characteristic of its larger size – any tenor uke should sound louder and rounder than a soprano. But, in this case, Martin must take some credit for building a light, resonant ukulele from first-rate tonewoods that sounds just lovely. In fact koa, which can initially be a bit bright, should warm up after a few years, rewarding players with better tone every time they grab their T1Ks and play.

It's hard not to recommend the T1K to newbies and experienced players alike. For a beginner uke, there's no getting away from the fact that it's four times the price of many entry-level instruments. However, it's easily four times better value than some plinky-plonky plastic toy that'll probably be discarded after a few weeks. This one's a keeper.

For experienced players who are considering spending a lot more, stop for a minute and ponder what the extra cash is buying you. Better tone or better bling? If you need intricate rosettes, mother-of-pearl inlays and a luthier's signature in your life then the T1K isn't for you. If you're after great tone in a subtle looking package that doesn't require you to hawk a kidney on eBay then hello, meet your new best friend, the T1K.

Martin T1K Ukulele review: Hands on demos

GotAUkulele 

Peter Forrest

Ukulele 

Martin T1K Ukulele review: Specifications

• Size: Tenor
• Top, back and sides: Koa
• Neck: Select hardwood
• Fretboard: Sipo
• Finish: Hand-rubbed satin lacquer
• Scale length: 17 inches
• Total number of frets: 20
• Tuning machines: Nickel Open Gear
• Case included: Soft Gig Bag
• Contact: Martin 

Kala KA-15S ukulele review: What is it?

Kala's KA-15S is an affordable soprano ukulele aimed squarely at players, and would-be players, looking to buy a musical instrument, not a toy. 

Kala is a trusted brand among uke players, well-regarded for its vast range of ukuleles. It hasn't got much in the way of heritage – it was founded less than 20 years ago in California, not Hawaii – but it is very much focused on the manufacture of ukuleles and little else.

Its core business is solid quality, entry-level to mid-level ukes in the price region of $50 to $500, with a few USA-made models topping out at around the $1,000 mark. It's a silly analogy but nevertheless useful: if you want the Ferrari of ukuleles go to Hawaiian brands KoAloha, Kamaka and Kanile'a but if you just need a Ford then stick with Kala.

Kala's KA-15S mahogany series is unashamedly made up of beginner ukuleles, with the soprano model being the least expensive of the lot. Here, we're looking at the plain hog version but it's also available in black, with a spruce top or with fancier laser etched decoration.

If you're new to the pleasures of mastering the ukulele, the first thing to note is the KA-15S' diminutive size. Soprano ukes are tiny, this one is just 21 inches in length and seven inches wide at the lower bout. On the plus side this makes them ultra-cute, lightweight, easy to hold and highly portable. The soprano size is also the original, and some would argue the best. The small soundbox is largely responsible for the ukulele's familiar plinky-plingy, trebly tone that erupted out of Hawaii in the 1880s to become a characteristic sound of jazz, folk, vaudeville, country and even rock the world over.

The KA-15S is almost entirely mahogany, with just the fretboard and bridge made from laurel. The scale length is a very short but typical 13.625 inches, and the neck meets the body at the twelfth fret with the fretboard ending soon after with a flourish in a stylised chevron. It's no bling party, but the KA-15S does look cool with its vintage-style open tuners with plastic pearloid buttons, and laser-etched sunshine rosette. It's fairly light too at just 13.4oz (380g).

Kala KA-15S ukulele review: Performance & Vedict

This ukulele may claim Hawaii as its spiritual home, but it was conceived in California and born in China. No doubt the Far East manufacture helps to explain the low price but there's little sign of penny pinching. The KA-15S may be an entry-level uke but it’s a Kala, and it shows. 

Where, ordinarily, on an instrument of this price you may expect to find a plastic nut, here the kind guys and girls at Kala's Californian HQ have specified a Graph Tech Nubone XB nut. Similarly, instead of generic no-name strings Kala proudly asserts that the KA-15S is strung with Aquila Super Nylgut. 

This shows that the team at Kala actually cares what it sounds like. The Nubone XB nut is an interesting choice because Graph Tech claims it helps to increase volume and low-end bass harmonics, qualities that soprano ukes tend to struggle with.

The mahogany body is, of course, laminate. Peer inside the soundhole and there's no kerfed lining, but sadly there are signs of adhesive and a few rough, splintered edges. This may be par for the course for an instrument at this price level, but it strikes us as unfortunate.

On the outside, there are no such signs of scruffiness. The top, back and sides have been treated to a fine coat of uniformly applied satin lacquer, and there are no gaps or traces of wayward glue. The laurel fretboard is smooth and fast, and the fret ends are well-tamed with no nasty ends waiting to inflict a soft tissue wound.

Intonation on soprano ukes is notoriously troublesome due to the very short scale length but the KA-15S performs well in this respect. At the twelfth fret only the C string registered slightly sharp, with the other three strings pretty much spot on. Frankly, you're less likely to be playing down the dusty end on a soprano anyway, so a slight aberration is no big deal. 

Those vintage-style tuners kept our little KA-15S in tune too, even if they were a little stiff and uneven in operation. We didn't notice any slippage whatsoever.

The action on our sample was also comfortably low for a nylon strung instrument, with no fret buzz. It's worth mentioning that the fret spacing on sopranos is quite tight, another peculiarity of the short scale length, so if you have big hands you may want to look at the larger concert or tenor models instead.

How does it sound? For a start, this little uke has much more bass than expected, and volume too. It really does sound quite loud and full, so perhaps that Nubone XB nut and those quality Aquila strings really are working their magic. Sustain is also enduring, even the fretted notes decay relatively slowly for such a small instrument.

If it lacks anything, it's character. The KA-15S sounds unmistakably like a ukulele but its voice is rather one-dimensional, lacking both the clarity and depth of much more expensive instruments. But hey, let's not be too critical. For the money this soprano ukulele sounds very pleasing indeed.

New to ukes? On a limited budget? After a fun instrument that can take a knock or two on family camping trips? The KA-15S is a keeper at a throw-away price.

UkeStuff

MusicManOfSteel

Austin Bazaar

Specifications 

• Size: Soprano
• Top, back and sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Finish: Satin 
• Fingerboard: Laurel
• Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut
• Scale Length: 13.625 inches
• Number of Frets: 12
• Contact: Kala 

Laka has rolled out the Rainbow Series soprano ukuleles. With finish options that would brighten any day, and an approachable spec, they are ideal for beginners of all ages.

The ukulele makes an ideal first instrument for any young player, especially those who might want to play the guitar at some point. Its compact dimensions make it more manageable, with its nylon strings kinder on small hands than a steel-strung cheap acoustic guitar.  

These colourful Laka ukes are no different. They look very player-friendly. They have lightweight, resonant basswood bodies, with basswood necks and fingerboards topped with 12 frets. Large dot inlays mark the 5th, 7th and 10th frets, making them easy to navigate, and each has an ABS nut (the same plastic used to make LEGO bricks) and open-gear tuners.

Recent years have seen a spike in demand for the ukulele, with the likes of Fender releasing signature ukuleles for the likes of Billie Eilish and Dhani Harrison. But not only do ukes make a great introduction to stringed instruments, they are super portable, too. You can take them anywhere.

Laka's Rainbow Series is offered in violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red and natural finishes, and each uke comes with its own gig-bag and a presentation box that makes it easy to wrap for birthday presents. Best of all, at £29.99, they're very affordable too. The only question is what colour to get. You can check them all out at JHS, who is handling distribution.

Place yourself in astronaut Chris Sembroksi's moon boots for a second. You have to pack before being launched into space. You've got your freeze-dried ice cream, a spare set of underwear, a toothbrush. What else do you need?

Well, in Sembroksi's case, he is taking a custom-made Martin ukulele. Sure, one could argue that in space it is a luxury but if you are going to take a stringed instrument, the uke is a practical, compact choice. This one in particular is made from sustainable sinker mahogany, and it even has the Inspiration4 mission logo inlaid on the fingerboard. 

Better still, the soprano ukulele will later be signed by the crew and auctioned off for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with the mission hoping to raise $200 million.

Sembroksi's ukulele is totally unique, with its detailed inlay work carried out by Martin's master craftsman Brent Williams. And according to Martin, it joins a number of its instruments that have made the journey to far-flung frontiers and, indeed, the final frontier.  

Admiral Richard Byrd took a Martin ukulele along with him on his 1926 mission to the North Pole – bet he enjoyed playing that with frosty fingers. While a Martin Backpacker travel guitar became the first six-string in space when astronaut Pierre Thout took one on the the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1994.

In space, no one can hear you scream, but they can hear you strum. And while we have no evidence of Sembroksi's chops on video, we'd like to think he has spent some of his training hours adapting Joe Satriani's Surfing With The Alien for uke – just in case.

The Inspiration4 mission lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A on 15 September, and the three-day voyage is the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit. It is commanded by Jared Isaacman, who when not skippering space craft is the 38-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments. You can read more about it here.

Fender has unveiled the Dhani Harrison signature ukulele. It is the first collaboration between Fender and the multi-instrumentalist/composer, and complete with an onboard pickup and preamp it offers a stage-ready proposition for uke players.

Tenor-sized with a three-quarter body depth, and available in a choice of Blue Sapphire and Turquoise stain finishes, Harrison's signature uke has a solid ovangkol top with laminated ovangkol on the back and sides. These tonewood choices should give it a warmer, rounded tone, 

It is not every day you see a ukulele with a pickup and preamp system but that's all part of the plan, with the Fender electronics system designed to make work gangbusters for live performances and find its place in a mix. The preamp is mounted on the instrument's shoulder and has controls for tone and volume, plus an onboard tuner.

Each of the finish options has its own distinctive inlays on the walnut fingerboards, with custom engravings on the rear of each uke. On the headstock – which pleasingly matches the top's finish – you'll find some sealed nickel tuners. Elsewhere, there is a walnut bridge and bone nut, a scale length of 17", and a 35mm nut width that's ideal for kids.

Harrison says he hopes the ukulele will bring joy to those who play it, particularly children learning their first stringed instrument. After all, from the uke, it's just a hop and a skip to the guitar.

“We wanted to make it accessible,” said Harrison. “It’s the best thing for kids to learn when they’re learning rhythm and chord structure, because they’ve got little hands. I always found it hard playing big guitars when I was a kid, so I played a lot of ukuleles.“

Priced £229 / $279, the Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele is out now. See Fender for more details.

With Mother's Day on the horizon, it's now time to start thinking about what to get the most important woman in your life. If you're anything like us, then the thought of picking out a gift brings on a mild panic attack - I mean, what do you buy the person who has everything? Well, Ukutune may just have you covered with a mega 40% off selected ukuleles. 

You don't have to be musical to appreciate the ukulele - in fact, that's what makes it so appealing to many. This simple instrument is easy to pick up, easy to tune, and sure to make people smile. Even the most musically challenged can get a note out of this fun-sized instrument - you can literally play a C chord with one finger! 

Below we take a closer look at each of the ukes on offers and what makes them so great. 

• New to the uke? Check out our guide to the best beginner ukuleles
• Make sure your uke is sounding sweet with the best ukulele strings 

We often talk about how Fender is constantly finding new ways to encourage people to pick up an instrument. They know a thing or two about keeping the guitar world interesting, exciting and fun - something which is abundantly clear in their revolutionary online learning platform, Fender Play. Whether you’re a beginner or beyond, Fender Play enables you to learn guitar, bass or ukulele from the comfort of your home, and right now they’re offering a completely free 2 week trial.

Fender Play is our number one choice when it comes to the best online guitar lessons. It’s straightforward and easy to use and the lesson content is second to none. This makes Fender Play perfect for anyone either looking to pick up an instrument for the first time, or to take their skills to the next level. With an extensive back-catalogue of tracks to play along to, and lessons of all lengths and difficulty levels, you’ll find something that’s right for you. 

• Read our full 4.5 star Fender Play review

You’ll get a 2 week free trial when you choose an monthly or annual plan at the sign up stage, after which it will cost you just $/£9.98 per month, or $/£89.99 per year.

As we all know, bad habits are easy to pick up and difficult to get rid of. Issues with technique can cause health issues and literally end careers, so it's important to know that you’re only getting the best advice. This is where Fender’s team of instructors comes in. With hundreds of years of professional experience between them, you can be sure that what you’re learning will put you in good stead for years to come. 

For those that prefer to play four strings instead of six, Fender hasn’t forgotten about you. With over 70 song-based bass guitar and ukulele lessons already on the platform, as well as masses of backing tracks to play along to, your confidence and musicianship will go through the roof - just in time for when you can jam with your mates again! 

Beginner guitarist? Check out our gear guides 

• Take a look at the best beginner electric guitars
• Become a star with the best guitars for beginners
• Unplug and relax with the best acoustic guitars for beginners

The UK-12 might sound like an age classification rating on a film but it's actually one of Harley Benton's new superb value soprano ukuleles.

They're made with ash, allowing the grain to show through the vivid satin finish selection that includes blue, red, purple, yellow and green options. There's a natural finish too. 

The UK-12's neck is basswood with a roseacer fretboard and bridge and a gigbag is included to encourage you to take the it wherever you go.

The best news of all is the price – just £18.80 / €26.50. More info at Thomann. 

The ukulele has made something of a comeback in the last decade. It’s quite common to see them on festival stages worldwide and hear them in the Top 40, but we’re seeing them in the hands of everyone from kids to budding guitarists these days too. If you’re yet to summon a bit of that Hawaiian sun into your lounge, then this Ukutune deal is one worth taking a look at, offering up to 40% off ukuleles, including this stunning UKA1 Ash Tenor Uke.

Usually an instrument aimed at beginners due to it’s convenient size and simple chord shapes, the ukulele has more recently become a popular choice for musicians the world over. If you want to recreate some of your favourite songs, or just try something new, then a uke could be the instrument for you. They come in a few different sizes, from soprano to baritone, so it might be worth having a look at our best ukuleles guide to help you find the most suitable one for you.

Right now you can make big savings on a Ukutune uke. We’ve singled out the best deals below.

Harley Benton has unveiled two ukuleles with solid-spruce tops decorated in Hawaiian tattoo-style finishes, each custom designed for the collection.

The Hawaii Concert Spruce Tattoo and Hawaii Soprano Spruce Tattoo ukuleles have laminated mahogany on the back and sides, satin-finish okoume necks and rosewood garnishing a heady tonewood cocktail on the the fretboards and bridges.

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

The handsome little four-strings have dot markers on the fretboard, with the longer-scale Concert model having 17 frets, the Soprano 15. Both measure 38mm at the nut, and are naturally compact and lightweight.

Bone nuts and saddles complete what is a very grown-up spec for a fun little instrument, which retails at a fun little price, too. Harley Benton have priced the Soprano model at £59.70 / $80, the Concert at £67 / $90.

See Harley Benton for more details.

Cyber Monday music deals: If you're looking to start playing ukulele or buy a uke as a gift, we've got great news – there's some great Cyber Monday bargains to be had below.  

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

Best Cyber Monday music deals around the web

• Sweetwater | Up to 80% off in their epic sale
• Guitar Center | 15% off qualifying gear with code BLACKFRIDAY15
• Musician’s Friend | Up to 15% off qualifying gear with the code CYBER
• Sam Ash | Up to 15% off with the code TRACK15 in the Black Friday Now sale
• Reverb | Cyber Week sale - Save up to 76%
• Pro Audio Star | Save up to 20% with the code CM20
• Zzounds | Shop time-limited Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals
• Amazon | Explore all their latest Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals on EVERYTHING!
• Waves | Save a massive 60% off all plugins and bundles
• Native Instruments | Save 50% in the Cyber Season Sale
• Plugin Boutique | Black Friday/Cyber Monday offers from £3.95/$5
• IK Multimedia | Shop all Happy Holideals, up to 50% off
• Loopmasters | Shop all the latest offers  

The ukulele has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last few years with musicians of all ages. Not only are they compact and easy to learn, but they have a brilliantly unique tone that you can’t get from anything else. That’s why this Guitar Center Black Friday deal, offering the Mitchell MU40 Soprano Ukulele for just $29.99, down from $44.99, is such a steal.

Ukes are best suited to younger players due to their small size and lightweight construction, but whether you want to learn a stringed instrument for the first time, or just want to try and summon a bit of that Hawaiian sun into your living room, there’s a ukulele for you. They come in many different body sizes, from soprano through to baritone, but the soprano, being the smallest, is a brilliant starting point. 

If you think you’re after something a bit bigger or just something a bit different, take a look at our best ukuleles buyer’s guide - it should help you find your perfect uke this Black Friday. 

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

The MU40 has a bound lindenwood body and neck, and a walnut fretboard which together create a warm, full tone, something you’d usually have to pay more to achieve. However, you still get plenty of punch and brightness, as you’d expect from a soprano uke. 

The neck has a satin finish, meaning you won’t have to battle with any sticky lacquer while practicing or gigging, and the slim profile means that every chord shape is easy to get to. The lindenwood bridge and vintage-style tuners work together to make sure that tuning problems are a thing of the past, and are exceptionally well built for such a low price. 

This ukulele from Mitchell even comes with an instructional booklet to help you get playing straight from the box. All you need to do is tune up, and you’re away.

• Explore more of the best Black Friday music deals 
• And the best Black Friday guitar deals 

Best Black Friday deals around the web

• Sweetwater | Up to 70% off in their epic Black Friday sale
• Guitar Center | 15% off qualifying gear with code BLACKFRIDAY15
• Musician’s Friend | Up to 15% off qualifying gear with the code BLACKFRIDAY
• Sam Ash | Up to 15% off with the code BF15 in the Black Friday Now sale
• Reverb | Save up to 60% on thousands of pieces of gear all week long
• Pro Audio Star | Save up to 20% on new gear with the code BF20
• Zzounds | Shop time-limited Black Friday deals
• Amazon | Explore all their latest Black Friday deals on EVERYTHING!
• Waves | Shop the early bird plugin sale - up to 91% off
• Native Instruments | Save 50% in the Cyber Season Sale
• Plugin Boutique | Black Friday offers from £3.95/$5
• IK Multimedia | Shop all Happy Holideals, up to 50% off
• Loopmasters | Shop all the latest offers

Throughout the last few years, we’ve seen the ukulele make a bit of a comeback. Bands like Twenty One Pilots and singers like Billie Eilish (who recently launched a signature uke with Fender) and Bruno Mars are helping to bring the ukulele to the fore, and sounding great while doing so. That’s why we were pleased to see this early-Black Friday deal pop up from Ukutune, offering up to 50% off ukuleles, including this stunning 26” Ash Tenor Ukulele. 

Ukes are compact, easy to learn and can sound fantastic - and bring a little bit of that sorely missed Hawaiian sun to our living rooms. They are best suited for younger players due to their small size and lightweight construction, but whether you want to recreate your favourite songs, add another string to your bow or even just try something new, the uke is something that anyone of any age can play. Ukuleles come in a few different sizes - from soprano to baritone - so take a peek at our best ukuleles buyer’s guide to help you find the best uke for you this Black Friday.

This is just one of many Black Friday music deals we’re looking forward to in the lead up to November 27th. You’d better have a wish list ready! 

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

More early-Black Friday sales online right now

• Sweetwater | Save up to 60% off music gear in their early-Black Friday sale
• Guitar Center | Snap up time-limited weekly holiday deals
• Musician’s Friend | Up to 15% off qualifying gear with the code JOY
• Sam Ash | Explore the latest additions to the Black Friday Preshow
• Pro Audio Star | Save up to 15% off select items with the code NOV15
• Zzounds | Shop the latest early-Black Friday deals
• Amazon | Explore all their latest Black Friday deals on EVERYTHING!
• IK Multimedia | Up to 50% off software with their Happy Holideals
• Waves | Up to 91% off plugins with their Black Friday Early Bird deals

Harley Benton\s range of guitar kits have proved popular with players who love a project to make their own, and the Thomann brand has now expanded the range to include a Concert ukulele DIY kit.

It joins the soprano ukulele kit, plus single-cut, double-cut, ST, JA and TE-style electric guitar sets and provides all the materials you need including pre-cut wood pieces, tuners and ukulele strings. 

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

You'll need some tools of your own and the pre-treated wood can be left as it is or given a custom paint job – the choice is yours. 

It's a great way to introduce someone or yourself to the world of DIY builds. And for just £18.90 / €20.40 / $20.65 it's very affordable too.

Check it out at Thomann

Fender has finally revealed its widely-rumoured Billie Eilish Ukulele, said to be a "nod to the superstar’s musical roots, while also reflecting her singular style".

“The great thing about this ukulele is that the one you see Billie playing onstage in front of 30,000 people is the exact same one you can buy in the store for under $300,” says Michael Schulz, Fender’s Head of Signature Artists.

Eilish spells out the instrument's appeal more directly: “The rules of ukulele are: If you know three chords, you can play any song. Ever.”

• The 9 best ukuleles 2020: top acoustic and electric ukuleles for all abilities


“The ukulele was the first instrument I learned,” says Eilish. “It’s where I started writing, and where I found new ways of writing that I had never tried before. It inspires a different kind of writing. 

"I hope my Fender Signature ukulele inspires people to start playing, and start writing; anyone can do it.”

It's a 15-inch scale-length concert uke, built in sapele, with an open-pore satin finish. The Nato neck and flat walnut fingerboard with 16 frets sports white dot inlays, while the chassis package is complete by sealed nickel tuners, a bone nut, nickel hardware and an abalone sound hole rosette.

Eilish learned to play uke at home, but this model, adorned with here "blohsh" symbol is stage-ready with a Fishman Kula Preamp with a three-band EQ and built-in tuner.

In recognition of Billie’s connection to the ukulele as her first instrument and the history of the ukulele in Hawaii, Eilish and Fender are making a gift to the Aloha Mele Fund, a newly-established fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation. The funding will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that are working to support coronavirus relief efforts for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaii. 

The Billie Eilish Ukulele is available now for $299/£239. For more details on the Billie Eilish Ukulele, head over to fender.com

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

For us, the strum of a ukulele transports us straight to a warm Hawaiian beach – it's the sound of summer (even when the weather sucks!). Not only do these small-bodied instruments sound great, but they’re relatively cheap to buy, portable and easy to learn for newcomers to stringed instruments.

• The 8 best ukuleles: acoustic and electric ukes for all ages
• Freshen up your uke with the best ukulele strings

Everyone from kids to seasoned musicians are picking them up as the ukulele boom continues. They're a great access point for brand new musicians looking to learn a stringed instrument, while they offer a new voice and creative outlet for established musicians. 

If you’re looking to pick up a new uke, right now Ukutune is offering almost 50% off the price of its UKM1 23" solid mahogany concert ukulele.  We've tried Ukutune's Concert Uke in solid spruce and it was beautifully built, sounded great and is easy to recommend anyone buying their first uke, or upgrading from a beginner model.

The UKM1 is currently listed with a $40 discount off the usual $199.98 price, but use the code 35OFFUKM1 at checkout (until 31 August) to enjoy an extra discount, bringing the price down to just $103.99.

The Ukutune UKM1 23” Concert ukulele features a long, smooth neck with a walnut fretboard and 19 well-spaced frets, designed with playing comfort in mind. If you're new to the uke, this will make chord and note playing much easier and quicker to learn, while the Aquila Nylgut strings are gentle on less experienced fingers.

The solid mahogany wood on the soundboard, back, sides and headstock helps deliver bold acoustic projection – ideal if you're playing to a crowd or with other musicians – and a warm, clear tone.

What's more, this ukue comes with a free carry bag, a spare set of strings and free shipping.

Hear it in action below.

Why would you need a guide to the best ukuleles we hear you ask? Well, whether you're looking for a cheap, easy-to-learn instrument to keep you entertained over the coming months, something to add to your busking or live music setup, or a portable instrument to take on future travels, the ukulele has been growing massively in popularity with guitarists, young and old, as well as being the go-to for people who want to learn a stringed instrument.

And there’s no denying that the sound of a ukulele is enough to transport you to the Hawaiian beaches from where the instrument originated. Right now that sounds like a pretty amazing prospect.

In the UK, the uke has made its way into schools for use by school bands – a far cry from the humble recorder lessons of yore. In Canada, we're told, the ukulele has been a staple of music classes for decades.

Other than getting your head around the high 'G' on the lowest string, ukuleles are pretty straightforward for guitar players to pick up, and they're tuned in fifths as well. You can even get a 'guitalele', a 6-string uke that's strung A-A like a baritone guitar.

What is the best ukulele to buy right now?

If money is no object, there's no reason not to splash out on the Martin T1K Tenor ukulele. Although there are pricier models out there, this represents the best sounding uke we've tried that's not rare, vintage, or a custom order. If the ukulele is your main instrument, then perhaps it’s worth spending more, but for most players, the benefits above this price will be marginal enough that you probably won't hear or feel them.

How to buy the best ukulele for you

When it comes to ukuleles, the main things to consider are the construction, the voicing or range, and the neck feel. It's also generally worth noting whether or not the uke is in re-entrant tuning. Electric ukes, and deeper voiced models like baritones are often strung with a low 'G', rather than the more common high 'G'.

Construction
In terms of construction, the woods used drastically alter the sound of the instrument. What appeals to your ear will be different from person to person, but as a rule of thumb, 'darker' woods work better on the higher soprano ukulele, while 'brighter' woods work better on tenor and baritone ukuleles.

Voicing
The voicing of ukes is radically different too. The most common is soprano, the highest. Then there's concert, followed by tenor and baritone. By the time you get down to baritones, the voicing is not dissimilar to a half-size guitar, especially if it's steel strung. 

Though there are many things that change the sound and feel of a ukulele, including body size, string type and whether or not it's in re-entrant tuning, voicing is the most important variable to consider when choosing the best ukulele for you.

These are the best ukuleles to buy right now

Whether it's stuffed on a friend's bookshelf or above the bar at a Hawaiian-themed club, if you've seen a uke somewhere, chances are it's a Mahalo. The basic models won't set the world on fire, but they're durable, hold their tuning okay, and sound fairly decent. 

If you have the additional cash, then you'll notice a big difference stepping up to the Fender and Kala models on this list, but if not, this is an excellent ukulele for beginners.

With a range of designs, from printed patterns on a traditional-shaped body, to 'flying V' ukes, and everything in between, there's probably a version of this uke to suit your personality.

If the pickup on the Grace VanderWaal isn't of interest, but the regular Zuma is well within your price bracket, then the Kala Mahogany could be worth the additional outlay.

The Kala doesn't go in for bells and whistles; rather it's a solid instrument from a company with decent form. A very noticeable step up from the rung above entry-level ukuleles, the Kala is more than enough for most uke players to play at home, or go out and play with others and never feel short-changed.

The mahogany construction offers a darker tone, which complements its concert voicing, and a subtle body binding adds to the good looks.

Though we've selected the tenor variant here due to its rich, full range, Martin also makes a concert variation of this excellent ukulele design. There's no soprano version, but Martin does produce the S1, which has an all-mahogany construction perhaps better suited to the higher range of that instrument.

Well-known for their fantastic range of high-end acoustic guitars, it's no surprise that a Martin should be the top of the pile. While there are more expensive ukes from both Martin and other manufacturers around, for most people the T1K will be more than good enough, and should last a lifetime.

With a stylish finish like the Grace VanderWaal signature, the Fender Venice is a smashing option if you're looking for the plunk of a soprano uke, but don't mind paying a little more than the entry-level price bracket.

The surf green option brings to mind iconic Fender solid-body electric guitars and is likely to be a talking point even if it's just hanging on the wall. As for how it plays, it benefits from a slim 'C' neck to aid comfort, even if it's not quite in the same league as the Taylors and Martins of this world.

If you've always wanted a guitar but are unsure about the size of a three-quarters, or even half-sized axe, then a guitalele could be for you. Alternatively, if you're already a guitar player and you can't say goodbye to those two extra strings, then this could be a gateway to the uke.

Released by Yamaha a decade before the current uke boom, they're only just now becoming more widely available. Tuned to A, and without the re-entrant 'G', it really does sit perfectly half-way between guitar and uke, hence the name.

In terms of voicing, it's in the ballpark of a baritone, resulting in thick tones, with a better bass end than most ukes.

For an electro-acoustic uke that doesn't compromise on quality but is still relatively affordable, it's hard to do better than this signature beast. With a Fender headstock modeled on the Telecaster and a Fishman pickup, this uke not only sounds good unplugged, but can be run through a PA or amp for gigs.

It's voiced as a concert, so fingering will be a little easier than a Soprano - at least with our big fingers - and the sound is a little fuller in the bass, too.

Fender also make a variant without the pickup, but the addition of the Fishman elevates this from a decent ukulele to a perfect all-rounder. There's a good chance even a serious player would never need another uke.

Fender has expanded its ukulele offering with five new instruments, including the Venice, Seaside, Zuma, Rincon and Montecito ukes, collectively dubbed the California Coast Series.

The Venice (MSRP £50) is the entry-level model and includes a four-in-line Telecaster-style headstock and a slim, C-shaped neck. Elsewhere, the Rincon (MSRP £170) is built from ovangkol and comes with a Fishman Kula preamp, while the Montecito tenor tops the range at £210 MSRP, with a full koa body, solid-top construction and green abalone binding, plus a bone nut and saddle.

Browse the full range of models below.

Brian May Guitars has announced a concert model ukulele, designed by the Queen guitar legend himself.

With a body shape reflecting the double cutaway curves of May's iconic Red Special guitar, the antique cherry colour is also a nod to his famous instrument.

The Brian May Uke (usually £225 but currently with a special introductory price of £195 on the Brian May Guitars site) is constructed with sapele back and sides with a spruce top. It's also ready for the stage with an under-saddle piezo pickup and Fishman KULA preamp.

To order or find out more visit www.BrianMayGuitars.co.uk

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Don't forget that Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!

Steve Colver considers the guitar's little brother, the four string Ukulele…

For over a century the smallest member of the guitar family has been slowly growing. Often overshadowed by its bigger brother the acoustic guitar, this delicate instrument is beginning to gain the recognition it deserves. For decades it has spent time in the sidelines as a gimmick, an instrument used for comedy purposes. Until now...

The ukulele clearly hasn't been physically growing in size, it is as small as ever. The popularity of this tiny instrument has risen dramatically over the past few years. In 2007, the ukulele began to find its way into primary schools as a worthy replacement for those squealing recorders we were all forced to play at some point during our youth. It has also been adopted by commercial bands such as Beirut and Noah and the Whale as an alter-native or accompaniment to the acoustic guitar. George Harrison had been a notable endorsee of the ukulele for years (as has Joe Brown - see his Ukulele tutorial in the forthcoming GT176, April 2010), and the emergence of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has only strengthened the renaissance of the small stringed instrument.

The ukulele originated in Hawaii during the 19th century. It is classified as a picked lute, as it typically has four nylon strings. It also comes in four registers; soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Martin began to manufacture their own line of ukuleles in the early 1920s along with other American instrument manufacturers Regal and Harmony. The instrument was a success through the pre-war era as an icon of the Jazz Age. Popular because of the small size and relative price of the instrument; inexpensive compared to other tuned in-struments of the day.

The ukulele was mass produced between 1940 and 1960 by an American plastics manufacturer, which degraded the instruments build quality as nine million inexpensive ukuleles were turned out. From here the ukulele gradually lost popularity, joining the likes of the ka-zoo as a cheap novelty instrument in music shops around the world.

Today the instrument is at the heart of music education in primary schools and a staple instrument of the underground folk revival we are currently experiencing (labeled folk'n'roll by music journalists). Check out the diverse use of ukulele in these five YouTube clips...

Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole

A major influence in Hawaiian music, the late Iz's 1993 medley of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World has been featured in several films, TV programs, and adverts.

Beirut

An American band whose sound is heavily dependent on the ukulele, along with a selection of other bespoke instruments including the accordion, mandolin, and a range of brass. The band's sound is a crossover somewhere between Eastern European folk and Western pop.

Ukulele Jazz Medley

This clip shows excellent use of the ukulele as a solo instrument. If this interests you, check out the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain as they have a slightly comic approach to the ukulele.

Jake Shimbukuro Ukulele Shred

Right, time for some virtuosity! And it actually sounds more musical than you might anticipate...

Build Your Own Electric Uke!

Finally, a YouTube clip that shows a man building his own electric ukulele from scratch. That's right, the ukulele is also available in electric; perfect for those who can't be without distortion in their lives. Now where did I leave my sanding block!

Grab everything you need to get playing the ukulele in one handy package - Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from all good newsagents and online

• Freshen up your uke with the best ukulele strings
• Best beginner ukuleles: top entry-level ukes

The latest in the Play Guitar Now series, Learn To Play Ukulele, hits shops today.

Bursting with everything you need to get playing the world's hottest instrument, Learn To Play Ukulele includes a magazine packed with playing tips and tutorials and DVD with step by step lessons. You'll learn all the chords and shapes you'll need to get started on your journey to mastering the ukulele, and get the inside track on the techniques used by uke masters like Jason Mraz, George Harrison and Jack Johnson.

Features include:

• Rhythm & Lead - Learn strums, melodies and four great pieces.
• Fundamentals - The basics of the Ukulele to you started.
• Also included a DVD with step-by-step lessons to take you through your first steps!
• Plus much, much more!

Play Guitar Now: Ukulele is available now from WHSmiths and all good newsagents, or you can order a copy online. Now get strumming!