Are used ukuleles worth buying on Reverb? Yes — many are barely played, often still on factory strings, and priced well below new. The ukulele might be the most underestimated instrument in music. Four strings, a body the size of a small cat, and the ability to make almost anyone within earshot smile. It is also one of the fastest instruments to reach basic competence on, which makes it genuinely addictive for beginners.
People buy ukuleles with the best intentions and then life happens. Their abandoned New Year’s resolution is your opportunity.
Who This Guide Is For
- Beginners who want a real ukulele without full retail pricing
- Casual players adding a fun second instrument
- Anyone comparing soprano, concert, and tenor sizes
Who This Is Not For
- Collectors only hunting rare Hawaiian handmade instruments at any price
Soprano vs Concert vs Tenor
Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and most traditionally Hawaiian-sounding — usually the cheapest new and therefore the cheapest used.
Concert ukuleles are slightly larger, warmer, and more comfortable for most adult hands.
Tenor ukuleles are the largest common size, with more volume and a richer tone — the size many serious uke players keep long-term.
All three sizes appear consistently on Reverb at used prices well below retail.
Kala KA-Series Concert Ukulele (Used)
Best for: Most adult beginners who want comfortable fret spacing and reliable build quality
Kala dominates the used ukulele market for good reason — consistent instruments at fair used prices.
Best Brands to Hunt Used
Kala is the most traded ukulele brand on Reverb by a wide margin. Lanikai, Cordoba, and Ohana round out strong value options. For players ready to spend more, Kamaka and other Hawaiian-made instruments occasionally appear used still below new retail.
Lanikai Tenor Ukulele (Used)
Best for: Players who want more volume, fuller tone, and a size they are less likely to outgrow
Tenor is the size many people keep after trying soprano and wanting more instrument under the hands.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Neck straightness and playable action
- Bridge securely attached
- Cracks or open seams
- Tuning peg stability
- Whether a bag or case is included
A fresh set of strings is cheap and often transforms a neglected used uke immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used ukulele risky?
Low risk if the neck is straight and the bridge is solid.
Which size should adults buy first?
Concert for most adults; tenor if you want more volume and room.
Do I need an expensive ukulele to learn?
No. A solid used Kala concert is enough to learn properly.
Should I change the strings?
Yes on almost every used purchase.
Soprano or concert for a child?
Match hand size — soprano is fine for smaller hands; concert is often more comfortable as they grow.
Final Recommendation
Buy a clean used Kala concert or tenor, put on new strings, and play it. That path beats an impulse new purchase that sits in a closet.
For more used-gear guidance, see:
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