Tenor Ukuleles are known for having the best size and acoustic properties. If you compare Tenor Uke with Concert and Soprano Ukes, there will be more coverage to the frequencies. The Tenor Ukes mostly sounds like an acoustic guitar in which low frequencies come into notice more.
This is why many musicians prefer Tenor Ukulele for the thicker sound and solo performance and also because they have long necks which allow the user to play more frets. The size of the Tenor Ukulele is about 26 inches long which in comparison with Soprano or Concert Ukes which are 21-23 inches long.
The size makes it quite easier to play and it affects the playability due to the easier grabbing feature. Some models of best tenor ukes may or may not be longer than 26 scale length but this is considered the standard size.
Let’s see about the five best tenor ukulele they have to offer in 2020.
Best 5 Tenor Ukuleles
Kala KA-ZCT-T
There is much more than the exotic appearance of the Kala KA-ZCT-T, this is the best type of Tenor Ukulele at many musical platforms which editors personally picked. The instrument utilized the Ziricote wood which is the name of the tree found mostly in Central America.
The superb look and mesmerizing design came from the same wood and its acoustic feels are outstanding. The high-quality instrument portrays classy gloss finish and for maximum durability, they made the neck using high-quality mahogany.
Kala KA-ZCT-T has rosewood fingerboard which provides comfort to the fingers while playing. The perfect sound behind the instrument is because of the premium-quality material that produces perfect sound. The rich and warm tones using the regular headstock with tuning gears that hold the tone for maximum sustainability.
Martin 1T IZ Tenor Ukulele Natural
Martin 1T IZ Tenor Ukulele Natural is a tribute to the Legend Musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. The materials used in this Tenor Ukulele is out of the marks. The top, back, and sides are made from quilted mahogany which delivers the detailed and warmer tones. The body is dry and light which gives you a mid-range feel with overall sustain.
The body is larger than the normal ukuleles, hence provide the improved playability. When you come at the neck, it is made of mahogany with the same color as body finish. Martin 1T IZ Tenor Ukulele Natural fingerboard is crafted using the Indian rosewood which encourages the enhancement of deep lows and smooth mid-range tones.
The rosewood headstock sports a hibiscus flower with an “IZ” moniker sing of a musical legend. On the fretboard, there are mother-of-pearl dot inlays with 20 frets which provides easiness while working your fingers out smoothly.
The nut and saddle in this Tenor Uke is made from black tusq. This will ensure the string stability and intonation while playing complex music.
Donner DUT-3
Those uke lovers who want the best tenor under the best price range, Donner DUT-3 is the one with a low money tag.
Donner DUT-3 is available in 3 different sizes, the model with the 26-inch size is by far considered the best one for perfect tenor sound. You may find this tenor ukulele not so much good sound wise but this is the best thing you could get under such a tight budget. The quality material has been used to make Donner DUT-3 which may not last for a lifetime but still, you can spend years of practicing on it.
Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele
If you are looking for the best tenor ukulele with a rock n roll touch, Fender Montecito is the one with the features you want. The tenor uke was introduced in 2018 and inspired by the California home of many celebrities, having said this Fender made sure the customers get the high quality and appealing style tenor ukulele.
The top of the Ukulele is made of Solid Koa while the back and sides are worked with laminated Koa. This combination delivers the richest and mellow tones with loudness you wouldn’t believe coming out from this small uke.
The hardware of Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele is certainly impressive, there is a new no-tie bridge which allows user to change strings quickly with the simple method. This also guarantees easy playability and sensual outcomes.
Ibanez UEWT5E
This is the best tenor ukulele under $200, Japanese company Ibanez has dropped many guitars in the market and their latest approach is to design the best ukulele under the best price. The Ibanez UEWT5E model features a Cutaway Tenor Style EW body, the body is made of flamed mahogany.
Ibanez instruments are normally easier to play because of their primary focus being customer satisfaction while they are holding their instrument. The special C-shaped mahogany neck is what gives it another plus point, with rosewood fretboard having 19 frets.
It’s a china made Tenor Ukulele, but despite this, the instrument delivers a durable feel and warm tones under perfect price range. For an inexpensive model like Ibanez UEWT5E, a full mahogany body is much more than asked. The acoustic sounds are rich with melody and projections that go quite well.
Plugged in through the incorporated output jack, this ukulele sounds very fine while the sound isn’t exactly jaw-dropping, it is balanced and articulate, with the two-band EQ providing great versatility.
Best Tenor Ukulele Buying Guide
What Is Tenor Ukulele and What Makes A Perfect Tenor Ukulele?
Tenor Ukuleles are just like a normal Uke but they have much scale length than the normal ones i.e. 26”. The instrument can fit 17-19 frets which in some cases have more than this. Every Ukulele including Tenor, Soprano, and Concert are tuned to G-C-E-A.
Normal Ukulele has 4 strings according to the standard, but you can also see some models with 6 strings. The ukuleles with six strings are all tuned with G-C-E-A with additional 2-octave strings paired with the C and A strings.
About Tenor Ukulele Sound- What Does It Like?
Normally, a typical 4-stringed ukulele sounds very bright and warm than many Concert ukuleles. The bigger size of Tenor Ukuleles is responsible for the bigger sound with a better projection which is somehow like the performance by a mid-range acoustic guitar.
It also depends on the wood quality which makes the body of the uke. Either you choose the laminated or solid body which conveys different ones. When you compare all mahogany-made tenor uke, it has a much warmer sound than those built from maple or other woods.
Tenor Ukulele Advantages
Overall, Tenor Ukuleles are most easier-to-play ukes with better sound.
Tenor Ukuleles offer a combination of deep, warm and resounding volume which is superior in quality than small-sized ukuleles. It is always to remember that with Tenor Ukulele, you will lose the tinkly and crispy touch of a uke which is mostly found in typical ukes such as Soprano or Concert ukes.
Tenor Ukes have excellent playability and the credit goes to the longer scale length and wider neck which is easy to grab. Concert and Soprano ukes may be a step for beginners but those with a large band who wants to move ukuleles from guitars, the easy pilotable experience of playing a tenor uke is a must. Tenor ukuleles are also ideal for finger-pickers who need more space between the strings.
It is also important to note that Tenor ukuleles are more expensive than Soprano or Concert ukes. The difference of $100 is always there when you buy a tenor ukes and it’s cheaper than Baritone Ukuleles.
Tenor Ukuleles Alternatives
If you want to achieve the same sound effects and easy playability, choosing a concert ukulele with length around 23” could be closest to tenor uke in size and sound. It will also look after the much brighter sound that you are looking for.
Now, those individuals who want to expense even deeper and louder sound, buying the best Baritone Ukuleles can get you the full package. Beware of the baritone ukes as they are not intended for the beginner users. You can search online for different options given by experts around the world who have mastered the Ukes and their perfect section.
Conclusion
Buying the best Ukulele does not include the pros and cons, but the first part is your own preferred sound and how easy you can play it. As you have already learned from this article, Tenor Ukuleles are easier to play which is why they are suggested for the beginners, since players with bigger hands find more space on the fretboard.
For buying the best Tenor Ukulele in 2020, we have given 5 best tenor ukes which tend to be more user-friendly in terms of performance, sound, and price. You can listen to their audio samples online and their buying method is directly linked with Amazon.com so do not waste your time on other platforms.
May you find the best Tenor, Señor!
