Uke Roundup: 7 Big, Boomy Baritone Ukuleles

0:06 Cordoba 24B
0:56 Kala KA-B
1:53 Kala KA-ABP8-CTG 8-String
2:51 Lanikai MA-B
3:49 Loprinzi AM-B
4:45 Ohama BK-7
5:46 Ortega Ruaca-BA Acacia

The baritone is typically tuned like the highest four strings of a guitar, D G B E, in a non-re-entrant format (meaning that the string pitches are ordered lowest to highest). With a smaller body and shorter scale-length than a guitar, it has a different voice than both the guitar and other members of the ukulele family. These features also give uke players new opportunities, like sitting in with guitar-playing friends, adding gravity to your uke ensemble’s sound, or opening some artistic doors for yourself as you play at home and explore this lower, huskier voice.

For all of these reasons, and more, we decided it was time for a baritone roundup. One thing that playing this diverse array of instruments showed the players who tried these out is that the quality of ukuleles available right now, at very affordable prices, was unthinkable just a few years ago. All of our test ukes had great tuners, impeccable construction, and very playable setups right from the start. In short, you can’t lose if you have one of the instruments in this group. Several of them, including some of the least expensive ukes here, also come with a gig bag—an important feature for anyone who might be toting one around.

A few things to keep in mind: The lower-priced instruments will be made from laminated woods, and as you go up in price, you will start to see more solid woods and perhaps more decoration, though that’s not a given, as our most expensive uke in this roundup is fairly austere. All have 14-fret necks and, oddly, only two have the double-dot inlay at the 12th-fret octave, which is a helpful visual landmark.

[Muttonchop_USA]

I bought a KALA KA-B a few months ago. It has a deep, mellow-yet-resonant tone. What a joy to play!

[laurinware]

the Lanikai has a beautiful 60's feel. love the sound.

[dezzi]

Timestamps
00:00 Cordoba 24B
00:56 Kala Ka-B
01:52 Kala Ka-ABP8-CTG 8 String Baritone
02:49 Lanikai Ma-B
03:48 Loprinzi Am-B
04:45 Ohana Bk-7
05:46 Ortega Ruaca-Ba Acacia

I Personally liked Ortega the best :)

[josequins]

Thank you for this great review vid. A lot of reviews only have one style of playing, but you included both fingerstyle and strumming which is awesome! Some ukuleles that might sound unimpressive when strummed come alive with fingerstyle playing, and vice versa, so it's essential to hear both when choosing an instrument.

[vickiphelps]

This was so helpful! I’ve been searching for a ukelele but I’m over an hour from any music store . And each one only carries one or two kinds. Hard to compare the sound of any particular instrument. This solves my problem. Thank you!

[ukulelebutterfly]

This was most beneficial. Great video! Thank you.
It's frustrating to purchase an instrument you can't see, touch and Feel! I'm totally trusting reviews, some experience and pure Gut! I own a few concerts, tenor and a soprano. I'm so ready for the Baritone. I just ordered a KALA KA-B.
I've read good reviews about the action. I own 2 KALA's now. They are very well made. I like them. So, I went with a brand I trust. They all sound so beautiful. The 8 string was most impressive.
I was intrigued by the Ortega. I almost purchased one. It's a brand forgotten. But, I played it safe and went with what I know. And I'm excited! I'm going to track my order!🦋

[Prajnana]

IMO, the Ohana and Ortega blew the others away. Both were articulate, balanced with good volume and refined tone.

[bhvidea]

great video. for me Kala has the best sound - full, round and jazzy

[stevebrighttheblackguitar]

I own 3 baritone ukes, my fav is the Kala 8string. Just love the sound. Very nice presentation. Thanks

[deeman]

He plays his baritone like a ukulele, very good

[fly]

I play a Kala baritone with a cedar top that IMHO sounds at least as good as (if not better than) these. I play some guitar but almost always end up going to the baritone uke. It's just pure fun to play.

[MichaelSmith-yyfw]

I’ve never heard an 8 string baritone ukulele before. By far the Kala 8 string was the most impressive. I own (and love) an Oscar Schmidt Spalted Mango Baritone Ukulele. I think it is model OU78T. I understand they make an 8 string version and it’s probably my next acquisition. Thank you for the video. You play beautifully. Mike

[musicalmoments]

I love my Kala but I’m thinking about new strings to raise the volume. I use worth browns low D and love it but could use more volume when leading a group?

[dritzbrid]

Is it too late to ask for the chord progressions used in this video?

[billward]

Been playing a Kamaka Baritone for about 40 years; see/hear no reason to change.

[dcorrette]

I like this one. the 8 string ukulele. sounds so pretty!!! says Judy Corrette

[wwleslie]

I believe that's the Ohana BK 70R (I have one)

[frogtime]

The Kala KA-B and the Lanikai MA-B seem nice.

[bkhoyo]

The sound of the lanikai is my favorite. Not too high like the ukulele, more like a guitar and not so strong own sound. More reserved, seems to give the song/spund the front row.

[jenthulhu]

I wish I could hear the differences you all seem to be hearing. I don't know if that comes with time and experience. I hope so. But for now, as long as I find one with decent action and frets I think I'll be in love. :)