Are you feeling ambitious or adventurous? You might be a good candidate for the 8-string ukulele.
Although they might not be immediately obvious, Hawaiian culture will often find them at kanikapila or ukulele jam sessions. The 8-string ukulele is becoming more popular than the 4-string.
There are many options, so I have compiled this list of the top 8-string ukuleles available today to help you make a choice that is right for you.
5 Top 8-String Ukuleles Review
You want the 8-string ukulele that is right for you. Understanding the features and attributes that make a particular model a good choice is key to making that decision. This guide was created to help you understand the features and aspects of a particular ukulele.
1. Oscar Schmidt OU28TE Tenor 8-String Ukulele
Product Specs:
- Shape: Tenor
- Body/Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Bridge: Walnut
- Finish: Satin
Oscar Schmidt’s 8-string tenor ukulele is both reliable and high quality. It is also significantly more affordable than many other models. This 8-string ukulele will be a hit with beginners. It’s also very affordable.
The OU28TE is the most affordable instrument I have reviewed, and it maintains the right combination of quality and features. This is a great option for people who don’t want to buy a high-end 8-string ukulele, but still want to experience the style.
Laminate mahogany is a low-cost option that has minimal decorative elements. This model is also more affordable than other models. Although it is not as expensive in appearance, its sound quality and playability are still very impressive.
Oscar Schmidt’s build is slightly oversized, which means that the wood used to make it is thicker than necessary. This causes some muffled sound. But this is not the case when the device is plugged in.
The tone is slightly less powerful than 8-string ukuleles. The volume is still superior to a 4-string ukulele, but the tone is brighter and more sweet than a 4-string ukulele. There are subtle variations in the timbre as well.
The OU28TE includes a pickup and UKULELE 2000 preamp. The OU28T is slightly less expensive but has the same build.
Even if you like acoustic instruments I believe that the electric version is the better choice in the long-term, because it offers greater flexibility.
The OU28TE has a loud, round sound with minimal feedback and sounds just like a regular acoustic ukulele. The volume and dial controls are so sensitive that it won’t be difficult to find the right level.
This 8-string ukulele is a great choice for budget-minded people. However, don’t let its price deter you. It’s very playable, has a rich, full sound and is well made.
Pros:
- Plugged in, it sounds great
- Affordable
Cons:
- Plain design
2. KALA Gloss Mahogany KA-8E Tenor Ukulele
Product Specs:
- Shape: Tenor
- Body/Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard/Bridge: Walnut
- Finish: Gloss
While the Kala KA-8E costs less than other Kala models, it still produces a great sound. The KA-8E is a wonderful model if you are looking for a traditional, classic-looking ukulele with a solid sound,
The KA-8E model in question is lower-end, but that’s only because they have more bells and whistles. The KA-8E 8-string ukulele is a great basic model. It places a premium upon the tone and not its appearance.
If you are looking for flashy designs, this isn’t the instrument for you. If sound is your main priority, this instrument will be a good choice.
The KA-8E, like many models on this list uses laminate mahogany as its neck and body. The KA-8 has a louder and more pronounced sound than the KA-8, which is a common result.
Although it doesn’t quite match the quality of an acacia-ukulele, it is close. The ukulele’s strong body makes it ideal for travel and years of use.
This would be a great option if you are a frequent traveler. You can leave your more expensive and delicate ukulele at the house.
Although the dials aren’t very sensitive, they allow you to easily navigate between bass and treble tones. You will be able to use the KA-8E in gigs that require you to be plugged into. You will also be able to save some time and money by fitting the KA-8E with a shadow active pick-up yourself.
Depending on your preference, the KA-8E produces a great sound and won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Solid and durable
- Louder than other laminated ukuleles
Cons:
- Plain design
3. Luna High Tide Series 8-String
Product Specs:
- Shape: Tenor
- Top: Koa
- Body/Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard/Bridge: Walnut
- Finish: Satin
- Abalone wave fret markers
- Aquila Strings
The Luna High Tide Series 8-String Ukulele is visually striking and produces high quality sound both as an electric and acoustic ukulele. This ukulele is a great choice if you are looking for something that looks good and is reliable.
Luna is a top-rated brand for ukuleles, with signature builds and appearances. The fretboard features beautiful wave decorations and a full-moon design at the top. This gives the fretboard a feeling of the ocean and attracts anyone who is looking for an original design.
The body of the ukulele is made from mahogany, and it has a strong build. They’ve had issues with other Luna models using too thick wood, which prevents sound from resonating smooth.
Luna’s 8-string ukulele has a unique thickness that creates a rich and warm tone.
Although the resonance isn’t as powerful or strong as other options it is still a well-balanced volume that everyone can appreciate.
This ukulele is a good choice for players who prefer to play higher notes on their fretboard.
Luna’s pickup system is excellent for this model. The only drawbacks are the loud turnup and weaker signal. The pickup is smooth and produces a natural sound, from the bass to the treble.
Because of their sensitive nature, the outfitted volume, bass, and treble sliders allow for great control over the tone. The pickup is a great complement to the ukulele and produces a bright, round sound.
This 8-string ukulele is by far the best on the market. Although it’s not for beginners, it’s beautiful, well-made, holds its tone and produces a lovely tone at a good volume.
Pros:
- Useful cutaway
- Look and design signature
- Beautiful warm tone
Cons:
- A little more serious than the other options
4. Lanikai MA-8T
Product Specs:
- Shape: Tenor
- Body/Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard/Bridge: Walnut
- Nut/Saddle: Bone
- Finish: Satin
The Lanikai MA-8T ukulele is a traditional model that does all the right things. This 8-string ukulele is ideal for those who are looking for a versatile ukulele with great sound and versatility.
The Lanikai MA-8T is a fantastic balance of quality and features for a very affordable price. A slotted headstock is one of the features you would find on higher-end models. It looks great on this MA-8T.
They give the Lanikai a timeless, classic look and sound when combined with a single-ply ABS fingerboard, bone nuts, saddle and a wide neck profile.
It’s made of mahogany and has a loud, but pleasant tone. It’s not the most flashy looking ukulele but it offers the best of both worlds.
You might be surprised to know that this model has strap buttons. Many ukulele players do not choose a strap but the Lanikai does. It is especially helpful when performing.
The Lanikai MA-8T 8-string ukulele is an excellent choice if you are looking for a classic, traditional-looking ukulele with an authentic sound.
Pros:
- A classic appearance
- Solid, consistent tone
- Strap buttons included
Cons:
- Volume is not the loudest
5. KALA KA-ASAC-T8 SOLID ACACIA
Product Specs:
- Shape: Tenor
- Body: Acacia
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard/Bridge: Walnut
- Finish: Satin
The 8-string ukulele is another winner in terms of sound quality and design. This ukulele will give you a true, rich, and resonant acoustic tone.
Kala KA–ASAC–T8 Solid Acacia Eight-String Ukulele made of acacia wood, which is well-known for its incredible sound. The ukulele has a pure acoustic sound because of this choice.
The Kala KA–ASAC-T8 8-String Ukulele is the loudest of all the 8-string ukuleles. It can be used for jams or live gigs. You can be sure that the solid acacia wood will only get better over time.
This ukulele does not have built-in electronics. You can either use an external pickup or install your own.
However, I do not believe it is necessary. This is simply because of how great the acoustic quality of this system is. A microphone can be used to amp up the volume.
It is well-made for sound and has a unique look that looks just like the Luna model. The beautiful fretboard is embellished by vine inlays and the edges are adorned with white piping.
It is made from acacia, which has beautiful natural grains that offer visual texture and color variations as it changes from light brown to dark brown.
This ukulele is an 8-string ukulele with the most amazing acoustic sound.
Pros:
- Great decorative design
- Solid wood
- Produces a resonant acoustic tone
- As we age, our sounds improve.
Cons:
- Laminate ukuleles require more care
- No pickup
Conclusion
This is it. This list of 8-string ukuleles is a great starting point for finding the perfect one for you.
Although it’s a significant step up from the traditional ukuleles, if you take the time to learn the 8-string ukulele properly, your musical repertoire and the sounds it makes will be even more impressive.
FAQ for 8-String Ukulele
What is an 8-string ukulele?
An 8-string ukulele is a type of ukulele with eight strings instead of four. The 8-string ukulele is also known as a tenor uke, or baritone uke. It is primarily used in Hawaiian music and can be tuned to play in either G4 (standard) or C4 (concert).
Who invented the 8-string ukulele?
The 8-string ukulele was invented by an American musician in the 1920s. It was designed to have a deeper sound than the standard four-string ukulele.
What are the advantages of an 8-string ukulele?
An 8-string ukulele offers the same four strings as a standard ukulele, but with an additional four strings. This gives the instrument a deeper tone and fuller sound. The additional strings are often tuned in octaves, meaning that they are double the pitch of the lower string.
What are the disadvantages of an 8-string ukulele?
A disadvantage of an 8-string ukulele is that it can be difficult to play.
Another disadvantage is that it can be hard to find sheet music for an 8-string ukulele.
The more strings on a ukulele, the more difficult it is to play. This is because there are more strings and they are closer together, which makes it harder to reach chords on the fretboard.
It can also be hard to find sheet music for an 8-string ukulele because not many people use them, so there are fewer songs available in tab or chord format.
What is the most common tuning for an 8-string ukulele?
These are typically tuned in the same way as a regular four-string uke, with an octave on the G string and a fifth on the E string. Also the 8-string ukulele can be tuned to GCEA.
How does the 8-string ukulele differ from a traditional 4-string ukulele?
The 8-string ukulele is a variation on the traditional 4-string ukulele that was invented in the late 19th century. The 8-string uke has a longer neck, which means that it can be tuned in various ways, but it is most commonly tuned to GCEA. This tuning gives it a richer sound than the traditional 4-string instrument.
The strings on an 8-string uke are closer together than those on a four string instrument because there are more of them. This means that they are easier to press down and therefore easier for children to play with their smaller hands. The spacing also makes it easier for adults to play chords because they don’t have to stretch their fingers as far apart as they would on a four string instrument.
How much does an 8-string ukulele cost?
An 8-string ukulele is a type of instrument that has eight strings. It is often used in traditional Hawaiian music. The cost of an 8-string ukulele can vary depending on the manufacturer, style, and size.
The most expensive 8-string ukuleles are made by Kala, which can cost up to $1.000 USD. On the other hand, the cheapest 8-string ukuleles can be found at Amazon or Walmart for around $50 USD.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to an 8-string ukulele, you may want to consider buying a 4 or 6 stringed instrument instead.
How long does it take to learn how to play an 8-string ukulele?
It takes about an hour to learn the basics of how to play an 8-string ukulele. This includes tuning, positioning, and selecting the right chords. The trickiest part is learning how to position your fingers for different chords. All you need is a little patience and dedication, and you will be playing in no time.