Fender is famous for guitars, but these days, the company’s ukuleles are making quite a stir as well. Fender first introduced its ukuleles in 2009, immediately hitting some bumps along the way as so many manufacturers do.
After ironing out the wrinkles, Fender created a solid lineup of reliable ukuleles in the most popular styles, partnering with the likes of Train, Ukulele Ray, and Billy Corgan.
These instruments are functional and attractive, and of course, they all feature the classic Fender headstock style. Let’s take a closer look.
| Where Fender Ukuleles are Made | Indonesia |
| Fender Ukulele Price Range | $59 – $250 |
| Types of Ukuleles Fender Offers | Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone, Acoustic-Electric |
| Recommended Skill Level | Best for beginners and intermediate players; fun options for experts who are looking for a solid travel uke or something to play occasionally |
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Best Rated Fender Ukuleles Reviewed
Fender ukuleles are like nothing else. Sweet, pure sound is the company’s hallmark, and thanks to unique features, these instruments offer exquisite looks and an incredible feel in hand.
Finding the top Fender Ukuleles was quite a task. Personal preference plays a huge role here, so don’t be alarmed if your favorite model isn’t mentioned.
In the end, we opted to choose the best Fender ukuleles from the brand’s low-mid-range options. As with the rest of our ukulele reviews, these are highly subjective rather than strictly empirical. Our favorites might not be the same as yours, and that’s OK!
Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele
Fender fans, rejoice! The Fender Montecito tenor ukulele is sure to please, from its shapely telecaster-style headstock complete with vintage-style tuners to its genuine bone nut and saddle. This incredible uke will make you look twice, not just because it’s so pretty, but because of its solid koa top, koa wood back, and koa sides.
Did we say koa? Yes! The no-tie bridge is a nice touch, and the abalone binding and rosette lends an added bit of island distinction.
Aquila strings are included, but you’ll want to upgrade to a better bag if this is your choice.
This ukulele is easy on the eyes, but how does it sound? The genuine bone and saddle make for excellent intonation but that’s just the beginning.
Expect applause, because it offers ample sustain, plenty or richness and warmth, and enough projection to please audiences at your favorite acoustic venue. All things considered, this is probably the best tenor ukulele we’ve seen lately, particularly at this price point.
Fender Seaside Soprano Ukulele
The Ranch Soprano Ukulele is a great find! This fantastic little instrument has an arched back for longer sustain and a warmer, culler tone. It sounds amazingly sweet and resonant, thanks to solid Sapele wood construction. Aquila strings are included, and chrome diecast tuning pegs are easy to operate. The frets have been well-manicured so this instrument feels amazing as soon as you pick it up and start to play.
This fantastic ukulele comes with a one year warranty and a one month money back guarantee. It includes a lined fabric gig bag, a digital clip-on tuner, and a hook in strap, plus a spare set of Aquila strings. The Ranch soprano ukulele measures 1.5 inches at the nut, so there’s more room for larger hands.
Overall, this is one of the best soprano ukuleles in its price range. While it’s by no means a professional uke, it’s gets high marks from experienced players as well as newer ones.
Fender Rincon-Ovangkol Tenor Ukulele
We’re huge fans of Fender not just because they offer a solid warranty on their instruments and accessories, but also because they offer good quality and pretty amazing prices. the Fender Rincon-Ovangkol Tenor Ukulele is one of the most popular tenor ukes on the market right now, and for good reason. This ukulele is simple but beautiful, with a sapele / mahogany top, sides, back, and neck, plus a rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
The sound is incredible, warm and smooth. It’s not quite the same as a high-end uke, but amazing nevertheless. Aquila strings are part of the package, along with a strap, a basic gig bag, a tuner, and a few other nice extras.
It’s worth noting here that Fender had some quality control issues in the past but the warranty inspires quite a bit of confidence in the company’s willingness to stand behind its products. The most recent reviews are mostly glowing, and the price is definitely right.
How much do Fender Ukuleles Cost?
You can find an entry-level Fender ukulele for a little more than $50, and perhaps for a touch less if it happens to be on sale. Most Fender ukuleles are priced between $59 – $250, satisfying most recreational players with a blend of quality and affordability.
Overall, are Fender Ukuleles a good choice?
Absolutely! With something for every budget under the sun, Fender ukuleles are generally well-built using quality components and solid, reliable craftsmanship.
The sound is typically crisp and clear, with plenty of sunny, island-inspired tonality, and the options are almost dizzying, there’s so much to choose from. We hope you enjoyed our choices and we wish you all the best as you decide on your next ukulele. Aloha!
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Fender Ukuleles
Sound
The sweet, rich sound of the tenor ukulele makes it unique, and it’s one reason so many people decide that this is a must-have instrument. When choosing a ukulele, be sure that you love the way it sounds to your ears! You can find clips of all the most popular tenor ukes being played online, and many manufacturers provide demo videos.
Action / Setup
A ukulele’s setup matters more than you might expect. If the strings are set too low (i.e. low action) then you’re probably going to encounter some buzzing even though you won’t have to expend much effort to press the strings. If the action is set too high, you’ll find yourself wondering why the instrument is so hard to play. Good news: It’s possible to adjust the action, either on your own or with the help of a luthier (highly recommended if you’re new to ukuleles.)
Bottom line? If you’re at all worried about the setup or the action, take your uke to a guitar shop and have them take a look at it. Most of the time, fixes are fast and easy.
Playability
What is playability? Just like it sounds, it’s the level of comfort you experience when playing the instrument. A playable instrument lets you relax and enjoy the music, while an un-playable one is a real pain to deal with. As you check reviews, it’s a good idea to see what people have to say about their overall experience with the instrument in question. If there are a lot of complaints about sharp frets, rough finishes, etc., then it’s probably best to move on to the next option on your shortlist.
Terry
Terry is a San Diego based ukulelist, guitarist, and songwriter. Through his 25 years he has worked with some of finest musicians on the planet.Terry is the creator of Uke Like The Pros and Rock Like The Pros, online instructional sites aimed at helping people become better ukulele and guitar players.
