Best Koa Wood Ukuleles for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best Koa wood ukuleles for every need

Published: March 22nd, 2024

Last Updated: March 29th, 2024

🎶Koa wood ukuleles are a delight, both visually and sonically. They capture the essence of Hawaiian music traditions with their rich tones and beautiful aesthetics. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned player, our research has identified top-notch Koa wood ukuleles to fit your needs.

If you're looking to begin your musical journey or upgrade to something more advanced, our roundup has rock-solid options to elevate your playing experience.

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Overall Best: Luna High-Tide Koa Ukulele

Luna High Tide Koa Concert Acoustic/Electric Ukulele with Preamp, Satin Natural

The Luna High-Tide Koa Ukulele stands out as our overall best choice due to its exceptional build quality and stunning aesthetics. Crafted from premium Hawaiian Koa wood, this ukulele offers a bright and resonant tone perfect for both amateur enthusiasts and professional musicians. The abalone ring around the soundhole and detailed craftsmanship add to its visual appeal, making it not just an instrument but a piece of art. It also features built-in electronics, ideal for live performances and studio recordings. The cutaway body design ensures easy access to higher frets, enhancing playability. While it might lack some accessories, the Luna High-Tide Koa Ukulele delivers a complete and well-rounded sound experience.

View TLDR Review: LUNA High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele

The Luna High Tide Koa Concert Acoustic/Electric Ukulele receives a high score for its stunning aesthetics and rich, warm sound quality, praised by both professionals and customers alike. However, some users noted issues with packaging and minor finish imperfections; additionally, concerns about the tuning pegs and intonation were raised. Overall, its excellent sound and build quality make it a great value at its price point.

8.76

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$299.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the LUNA High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are common issues with the Luna High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele?

So, the Luna High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele is a pretty neat instrument with its beautiful Koa wood giving it both a great look and sound, according to how the manufacturer describes it. But one thing that keeps popping up in our research is some confusion over whether the Koa wood is solid or laminate. It seems like it might be laminate, which isn't unusual for ukes at this price. Just so you know, laminate doesn’t necessarily mean it's a bad instrument or that it sounds worse. From what we've found, most folks are really happy with the sound, saying it's warm and full, just what you'd expect from Koa wood. Whether you're playing it unplugged or hooked up to an amp, people describe the sound as "truly great," digging that natural Koa vibe. Our research also highlights that the ukulele works well for different playing styles, from strumming to picking, thanks to the Koa wood's warm tones. Plus, it's got a good-looking design with a Koa finish and abalone inlays that a lot of players find "stunning." That being said, there are a couple of issues that some people have noticed. There's sometimes a slight buzz with the pickup, or the action might be set a bit high. You might be able to tweak the sound and performance a bit by using good strings, like the ones from [Worth](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWorth%2Bukulele%2Bstrings%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which some suggest can help. Overall, if you’re looking for a good-looking ukulele that can do both acoustic and electric duties, this one gives you solid value. The onboard preamp makes it easy to amplify when you need to. Just a heads-up: if having solid Koa is a big deal for you, check the specifics with the manufacturer or a trusted retailer, since it seems to vary. Despite these details, the design and sound have gotten lots of praise from both players and professional reviews, so it seems to meet the expectations well.

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Is the Luna High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele made of solid koa wood?

Hey! You're right to be curious about whether the Luna High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele is made of solid koa wood. According to the manufacturer's description, it has a koa top, which is great for a warm and resonant sound. But it doesn't specifically say if the entire ukulele is made from solid koa. From what we've gathered, a lot of ukuleles, including this one, use laminated koa. This usually means koa is used as a veneer layered over other woods. It's a popular choice since laminated koa can help prevent issues like cracking and warping in different climates. The sound is still lovely, though, with a rich and bright tone. Our research shows that people really like how this uke sounds; it's got a nice, full tone that’s both warm and bright. Some might prefer solid koa for its unique sound quality, but this model still delivers impressive acoustics, and users are often pleased with how it sounds. Plus, that koa grain looks fantastic! Another thing to note is that the Luna High Tide Koa has an acoustic-electric design with a built-in preamp. This makes it easy to amplify the sound when you're playing live, which is super handy for performances without losing that natural sound. So, while it’s not entirely solid koa, the Luna High Tide ukulele brings together sound quality and versatility pretty well. If you want to take a closer look, you can check it out [here](https://www.amazon.com/Luna-Concert-Acoustic-Electric-Ukulele/dp/B002SSUR4G).

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How does the Luna High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele sound?

The Luna High Tide Koa Concert Ukulele has a really lovely sound. Its rich and warm tone comes from the beautiful koa wood it's made from, making it versatile for various musical styles. Our research suggests that its satin finish not only looks great but also enhances its acoustic properties. Something to note, though: it doesn't come with a strap button. While you can easily hold it without one since it's pretty lightweight, some folks think adding a strap button could make it easier to play, especially if you're moving around a lot. If that's something you'd like, adding a strap button is a simple fix a pro could do for you. The manufacturer talks up their craftsmanship, and based on what we've found, many people agree. It's got fantastic ratings for both its look and melodious sound, making it a solid choice if you’re playing in a small room or on stage. It's a good pick whether you're new to ukuleles or have played for a while and appreciate a blend of good looks and quality sound. So, if you're looking for a ukulele that balances beauty and top-notch sound, the Luna High Tide Koa Concert is worth checking out. The strap button situation is a minor thing and doesn't take away from what this ukulele offers. It's great for practice, performances, or just casual play.

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Runner-up: Caramel Concert Ukulele CC207-23 inch KOA Acacia Wood Ukulele

Our runner-up, the Caramel Concert Ukulele CC207, offers an excellent blend of tone and affordability. Made from Koa Acacia wood, this ukulele boasts beautiful grain patterns and delivers a warm, rich sound. It’s user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and experienced players alike. The durable build and elegant design make this ukulele a valuable investment for those seeking high performance without breaking the bank. According to our research, users consistently praise its sound quality and playability, making it a worthy contender in the Koa wood category.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$99.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Vangoa Concert Ukulele Beginner KOA 23 Inch Acacia Ukulele Kit

The Vangoa Concert Ukulele is our top budget pick, designed with beginners in mind. Despite its affordable price, this ukulele is crafted from Koa Acacia wood, offering a rich and pleasant tone reminiscent of more expensive models. It comes as a comprehensive starter kit, including a gig bag, tuner, strap, and extra strings, providing great value. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone new to playing the ukulele, ensuring you have all the essentials to start your musical journey right away.

View TLDR Review: Vangoa Dark Concert Ukulele 23"

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$59.99 at Amazon

Best for Mid-Range: Kala KA-KTG Tenor Hawaiian Ukulele

For those seeking a high-quality mid-range option, the Kala KA-KTG Tenor Hawaiian Ukulele stands out. Featuring a glossy finish and a top made from Hawaiian Koa wood, it produces a balanced, concentrated melody ideal for various musical styles. The mahogany neck and Pau Ferro fingerboard enhance comfort and playability, making it a joy to play for extended periods. Additionally, it includes GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted playing experience. Users have highlighted its beautiful sound and reliable build, making it a fantastic mid-range choice.

View TLDR Review: Kala KA-T Ukulele

The Kala KA-T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele receives a high overall score for its excellent sound quality, comfortable playability, and attractive aesthetics, as highlighted by numerous positive customer reviews. However, some concerns about construction quality and consistency have been noted, with a few users experiencing issues like intonation problems and neck alignment. Despite this, its solid performance at a reasonable price makes it a compelling choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

7.0

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$2.69 at Amazon

Best for Beginners: Caramel 26" Tenor Ukulele CT207 Beginner Kit

Caramel - 26" Tenor Striped Grain Acacia KOA Ukulele CT207 Gigbag Beginner Kit

Perfect for novices, the Caramel 26" Tenor Ukulele CT207 offers an easy-to-use design and an all-inclusive accessory kit. This ukulele features a beautifully finished Koa wood body, providing a rich and warm sound that beginners will appreciate. It comes with a gig bag, tuner, spare strings, and a strap, ensuring you have everything you need to get started. The larger tenor size is also beneficial for learning various techniques and developing your skills. According to our research, users commend its comprehensive kit and resonance, making it a top pick for those just starting their ukulele journey.

View TLDR Review: Caramel Tenor Ukulele CT207

The Caramel 26" Tenor Ukulele CT207 receives a high score for its beautiful craftsmanship and sound quality, praised by both professionals and customers. While some users noted minor tuning issues, the overall playability, included accessories, and aesthetic appeal make it a strong value for beginners and casual players alike, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start playing ukulele.

8.6

Overall

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$74.99 at Amazon

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