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Amplifying the plucky sound of your ukulele has never been easier. But not all amps are designed for ukes.
If you connect your ukulele to an amp designed exclusively for bass or electric guitars, you might find that the sound is lackluster. Choosing amps built for acoustic instruments is a far better choice.
Without further ado, let’s explore the best ukulele amplifiers.
Fender Acoustic 100 – Best Overall
If you’re eager to take your ukulele playing to new heights, the Fender Acoustic 100 (compare price Sweetwater, Amazon, Guitar Center) could become your new best friend. It’s the best choice for most ukulele players due to its exceptional power, sound quality, and hi-tech features.
The Fender Acoustic 100 features an attractive wooden cabinet and a wide, slightly wraparound speaker that provides a grip area for convenient carrying. But these aesthetic qualities can’t compete with the amp’s technical aspects.
The dial panel is neat and minimalistic, with both channels split cleanly along a single row. The FX Select dial makes selecting your preferred effects a cinch, and effects are divided based on channel.
So, you can add an echo effect to your ukulele but sing with a vibrato effect without using separate amps. And with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB input, and a footswitch input, you can use this amp to stream music from your smartphone, record onto a computer, and utilize effect pedals.
In short, there’s almost nothing that this ukulele amplifier can’t do.
Fender has been a trusted name within the music industry for the better half of the last century, and its amplifiers have helped countless musicians improve the sound quality of their instruments.
After you’ve experienced the joys of playing over the Fender Acoustic 100, you’ll understand why this brand is so beloved by musicians worldwide.
Output Wattage: 100 watts
Number of Channels: Two
Weight: 18lbs
Power Source: External
Mesa Boogie Rosette 300 – Premium Option
Professionally skilled players deserve an equally professional-quality amp, and there’s virtually no better option than the Mesa Boogie Rosette 300 (compare price Sweetwater, Guitar Center).
This acoustic amplifier is chock-full of desirable features, checking virtually every box in terms of quality and capability.
For starters, the Mesa Boogie Rosette produces an astounding level of sound quality and power, with an output wattage of 300 watts. Most professional-grade acoustic amps used for live performances have an output wattage of about 100 watts!
When you also consider the two-channel capabilities, the included effect dials, and the multi-channel outputs (which pair with PA systems and recording studio equipment), it’s clear that this amp is one of the best options for experienced players and massive live shows.
Output Wattage: 300 watts
Number of Channels: Two
Weight: 30lbs
Power Source: External
Blackstar FLY 3 Acoustic – Best Budget Option
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy the benefits of a ukulele amplifier. The Blackstar FLY 3 Acoustic (compare price Sweetwater, Amazon) is an affordable and portable option for beginners and musicians who enjoy playing in unconventional locations.
Despite its small size (only about 2lbs), this portable amp features dials to control bass, treble, and echo effects. It also has a headphone jack input and a line-in, so you can use it to play quietly or stream music from a portable device.
Additionally, this amp has an internal battery, so you can charge it and play it while far away from power sources. This feature makes it a great choice for camping and outdoor play sessions.
Unfortunately, this amp’s budget-friendly price does come with a catch—decreased sound quality.
With an output wattage of only 10 watts and a thin plastic cabinet, this amp’s sound can’t compete with pricier models. However, if spending the least amount possible is your top priority, the Blackstar FLY 3 Acoustic could be a smart buy.
Output Wattage: 10 watts
Number of Channels: One
Weight: 2lbs
Power Source: Internal
Positive Grid Spark
Are you looking to record professional-quality audio tracks with your ukulele amp? If so, the Positive Grid Spark (compare price Sweetwater, Amazon) could be the best choice.
It’s one of the most lightweight uke amps available, weighing only a single pound, and it features a carrying strap that extends the body of the cabinet. You can wear this amp like a bag or purse, so it’s a fantastic option for those who need a portable amp that’s easy to carry.
Considering its size, it offers an impressive amount of power (40 watts) and effect dials. The only potential drawbacks are that it requires an external power source and only offers a single channel.
Output Wattage: 40 watts
Number of Channels: One
Weight: 1lb
Power Source: External
Fishman Loudbox Artist BT
The Fishman Loudbox Artist BT (compare price Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best mid-range multi-channel ukulele amps, though it’s not the most portable option.
This chunky amp features two distinct channels, each with its own equalizer, volume, and effect dials. As such, it’s an ideal choice for singer-songwriters who enjoy playing the ukulele.
The choice of effects is also comparatively impressive. This amplifier includes:
- Two reverb effects
- Two chorus effects
- Echo
- Delay
- Flanger
Like the Fender Acoustic 100, the Fishman Loudbox Artist BT also has built-in Bluetooth capabilities. You can use this feature to stream backing tracks over the amp, allowing you to play along with your favorite tracks without struggling to balance sound levels.
You can also record tracks with the help of this amp, as it features an XLR DI output that easily connects to PA systems and DI boxes.
Output Wattage: 120 watts
Number of Channels: Two
Weight: 25.5lbs
Power Source: External
Fender Acoustasonic 15
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the Fender Acoustic 100, you’ll want to check out the Fender Acoustasonic 15 (compare price Sweetwater, Amazon).
Though this amp has a comparatively low output wattage of only 15 watts, it’s a capable single-channel option perfectly suited to at-home practice and play. It’s also a great choice for players who intend to tote their amp to new locations, as it features a top-side handle for easy carrying.
And when you’re not using this amp to play ukulele, you can use it to amplify your singing thanks to the microphone input.
So, though it might be a single-channel amp, the Fender Acoustasonic is a solid multipurpose option that could be the ideal budget-friendly alternative to pricier Fender amps.
Output Wattage: 15 watts
Number of Channels: One
Weight: 13lbs
Power Source: External
What To Look For in a Ukulele Amplifier
Understanding what to look for in a ukulele amp can make your shopping experience far more efficient. But if you’ve never purchased or used a uke amplifier, you might not know which features and qualities to focus on.
So, let’s break down the most crucial aspects to look for when searching for the best ukulele amplifiers. That way, you can shop confidently and select an amp that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Sound Quality
Naturally, sound quality is the first thing you’ll want to consider when selecting a ukulele amplifier. After all, the amp you use can significantly impact the quality of your uke’s sound!
However, judging sound quality based on features and product images alone is virtually impossible. For that reason, it’s an excellent idea to make an in-person visit to a local music store to try out amps.
Just don’t forget to bring your ukulele along for the ride!
Most music stores, especially major chains like Guitar Center, are often more than happy to help you test acoustic amps before making a purchase.
But if you’d prefer to do your shopping online (or you don’t live near any reputable music stores), you can use an amp’s output wattage as an indicator of its sound quality and power.
Output Wattage
While browsing ukulele amplifiers, you’ll likely notice that most have a listed output wattage. This specification indicates the amount of power flowing through the amp and blasting out of the speakers.
Essentially, amps with low output wattage (50 watts or less) won’t be able to reach the same sound volume as those with high output wattage (100 watts or more).
So, if you’d like to play for a large crowd in a vast outdoor area, like a local park, you’ll likely want to choose an amp with a high output wattage. The opposite is true for those who prefer to play at home.
Thinking about where you’d like to play the ukulele is one of the most crucial aspects of choosing an amp that meets your needs. After all, many amps are heavy and lack carrying straps, making them challenging to transport.
Portability
The average person can lift and carry items weighing up to 50lbs, and most acoustic amps weigh less than 50lbs. But amps typically sit on the ground, and some lack nifty carrying handles.
As such, bending down and lifting a hefty amp can be challenging. Carrying one around while walking to a venue or outdoor spot can be even harder on your back, shoulders, and arms.
Those who enjoy spontaneous bouts of ukulele playing, but would prefer to play over an amp, should consider investing in a lightweight model that’s exceptionally portable. Doing so is a great way to ensure your on-the-go ukulele sessions are less stressful.
Some portable options weigh less than 10lbs and feature helpful carrying straps or handles. Many of these easy-to-carry ukulele amps also contain internal batteries, so you don’t need to be near a power source to use them.
Power Source
Traditional acoustic amplifiers are plug-in models that connect to wall outlets. But several modern, portable versions feature rechargeable internal batteries.
Generally, external power (plug-in) amplifiers are the better long-term choice. Because these don’t contain an internal battery, you never need to worry about charging them. Additionally, a lack of internal batteries could help them enjoy a longer product lifespan.
That said, internal power (battery-powered) amps might be better for on-the-go practice. You can use these uke amps to produce high-quality sound while away from power sources, making them ideal for camping or outdoor jam sessions.
Headphone Compatibility
Playing ukulele with an amplifier can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re eager to perform in front of friends, family members, or fans. But making your ukulele much louder can pose a problem, especially if you live in an apartment or have roommates.
That’s why selecting an amp with a headphone input is an excellent idea!
Acoustic ukulele amps with headphone inputs allow you to practice and jam out on your uke without making a ton of noise. That said, unless you’re playing a purely electric uke, you’ll still make the same amount of noise as you would while playing without an amp.
But jamming out with your headphones attached to the amp is an excellent way to enjoy the improved sound quality. You’ll also be able to experiment with your amp’s equalizer dials and effects without driving the neighbors crazy.
Number of Channels
Amplifiers utilize channels to control instrument inputs. For example, a single-channel amp can add power and volume to a single instrument, whereas a dual-channel amp can amplify two instruments (or one instrument and one microphone).
If you’re learning to master the ukulele and aren’t eager to play any live shows, you might want to stick with a single-channel amplifier. These simplified amps are ideal for practice and private play sessions, and they are easy to use and master.
But a two-channel model might be the better option if you’d like to sing and play, especially for gigs. After all, you can plug your uke and microphone into a two-channel amplifier, reducing the number of amps you need to play a show.
Durability
If you plan to make your ukulele jam sessions an at-home-only experience, durability might not be the top quality to look for in an amplifier. After all, when you’re playing at home, there’s not much opportunity for your amp to get knocked around.
But if you’d like to play live shows or practice your ukulele while on the go, you’ll want to ensure you’re selecting a durable amp that can withstand travel. In this case, selecting a heavier amp with thick wooden or hard plastic sides is often best.
While these heftier models aren’t as easy to tote around, they’re far less likely to crack or break than smaller, plastic amps.
Price
Ukulele amplifier prices vary from as low as $50 to as high as $1,500. But, as with most products, the quality of an amplifier is generally tied to its price.
For example, the most affordable amplifiers tend to have minimal output wattage and only a single channel. These low-cost options also frequently suffer from lackluster sound quality. On the other hand, budget-friendly uke amps can also be exceptionally lightweight, making them easy to transport for on-the-go practice sessions.
Mid-range ukulele amps are an excellent middle ground for most players. These cost between $300 and $600 and can feature multiple channels, a greater range of built-in equalizer functions, and enough power to blast your ukulele playing throughout sizable rooms and auditoriums.
Of course, if you’re planning on playing a live show in front of a large crowd, you might want to opt for a professional-level amp. These generally cost upwards of $800 and exhibit the same qualities as mid-range models—but with plenty of impressive additions.
For example, a top-tier uke amp might feature reverb and chorus dials, a microphone input with a built-in condenser, and superior-quality speakers that can withstand high volumes without buzzing or blowing out.
Best Ukulele Amplifier Brands
Another aspect you’ll want to consider when shopping for the best ukulele amps is brand. After all, some brands are more reputable than others!
Familiarizing yourself with the best ukulele amplifier brands is the key to selecting a high-quality model. Some of the best brands to consider include:
- Fender
- Fishman
- Positive Grid
Let’s briefly discuss these brands and explain why they’re excellent go-to choices when searching for top-notch uke amps.
Fender
Without a doubt, Fender is the top contender when it comes to ukulele amplifiers. While Fender is often associated with high-quality guitars (acoustic and electric), their amps are just as impressive and diverse.
Founded in 1946, Fender is one of the most well-established musical instrument brands in the United States. Thanks to decades of experience and innovation, Fender produces stellar products that are unbeatable in terms of quality and durability.
You can even purchase Fender-brand ukuleles to pair with your acoustic amps!
Fishman
Fishman sells a variety of pickups and amplifiers, all of which can boost sound volume and quality of acoustic and electric instruments, including ukuleles. While this brand might not be as well-known as Fender or Yamaha, their decision to focus on sound amplification tech works in their favor.
This brand is beloved by guitarists and ukulele players of all skill levels, and it’s not challenging to understand why. Fishman amplifiers are competitively priced, especially considering their exceptional sound quality and performance.
Positive Grid
If you enjoy working with sound editing programs, there’s an excellent chance you’re familiar with Positive Grid.
This brand has released several music editing apps and desktop software packages, each of which can help you take your recording sessions to the next level and produce professional-quality tracks.
But Positive Grid also produces affordable, easy-to-use practice amplifiers. Though these amps are technically designed for guitars, they’re compatible with any stringed acoustic instrument, including ukuleles.
Though Positive Grid amps might not have the same level of professional sound quality as Fishman and Fender options, they’re a budget-friendly alternative ideal for garage jam sessions and private ukulele practice.
Top Ukulele Amplifiers, Final Thoughts
The best ukulele amplifiers are designed to transform acoustic tones into rich, amplified sounds.
Our top pick is the Fender Acoustic 100 (compare price Sweetwater, Amazon, Guitar Center). This uke amp is lightweight (it weighs less than 20lbs), offers two channels, and features Bluetooth connectivity for easy music streaming from your tablet or smartphone.
Still, the best ukulele amp for you depends on your budget and personal preferences.