Lanikai: ukuleles for every level

Lanikai: ukuleles for every level since 2001

The ukulele is one of the most affordable and joyful instruments around. Small dimensions, bright tone, instant playability: it wins over beginners and seasoned musicians alike. And if one brand has established itself as an absolute reference in this world, it's Lanikai. Exclusively dedicated to ukuleles since its creation in 2001, the Hawaiian brand offers a range spanning accessible entry-level models to premium solid-wood instruments. At Green Musicians, we offer more than 55 Lanikai products, all sourced through our short supply chain, direct from the brand.

In this complete guide, we introduce you to Lanikai's history, its different ukulele ranges, our advice for choosing the right size and wood, as well as the benefits of the Green Musicians short supply chain for getting a Lanikai instrument at the best price.

The story of Lanikai: the Hawaiian spirit at the service of the ukulele

Lanikai was founded in 2001 with a clear goal: to make the ukulele accessible to all musicians, from beginner to professional. The name "Lanikai" means "heavenly sea" in Hawaiian, a direct tribute to the instrument's origins. The ukulele, born in Hawaii at the end of the 19th century from Portuguese instruments (the braguinha and the rajão), became the sonic symbol of the archipelago. Lanikai fully embraces this tradition by designing instruments that respect the Hawaiian heritage while integrating modern luthier techniques.

Based in the United States, the brand quickly conquered the international market thanks to a unique positioning: offering quality ukuleles at controlled prices. Unlike some builders that stick to entry-level models, Lanikai covers the entire spectrum, from laminate models for beginners to solid-wood instruments (ziricote, koa, mango) aimed at demanding players. This versatility has made Lanikai a favourite brand among both music schools and professional ukulele players.

Today, Lanikai is distributed worldwide and keeps innovating, notably with series like the ZR range in ziricote, the QM models in flamed maple, or the ukulele basses. Each instrument is designed with special care given to the soundboard, neck and tuning machines, to guarantee intonation, playing comfort and sound projection.

The Lanikai ukulele ranges

The Lanikai catalogue is built around several distinct series, each matching a type of wood, a level of finish and a budget. Here is a detailed overview of the ranges available at Green Musicians.

The ZR series: ziricote, an exceptional wood

The ZR series is one of Lanikai's most accomplished ranges. It showcases ziricote, a hard wood of Mexican origin renowned for its spectacular figuring and exceptional density. Ziricote delivers a warm tone, rich in harmonics, with a crisp attack and excellent projection. Visually, the marbled grain of ziricote gives each instrument a unique character.

In this series you'll find the Ukulele Concert Lanikai ZR-C, a concert model with a cutaway and a preamp, perfect for musicians who want to amplify their instrument. The Ukulele Concert Lanikai ZR-CEC also features a cutaway with a superior electronic system.

The ACS series: solid acacia, warmth and projection

The ACS series features a ukulele with a solid acacia top, a wood widely used in lutherie for its acoustic properties close to Hawaiian koa. Acacia produces a warm, balanced sound, with round lows and crystalline highs. It's a top choice for musicians looking for a responsive, expressive instrument.

This series comes in several sizes. The Ukulele Soprano Lanikai ACST-S offers the most compact traditional format. The Ukulele Concert Lanikai ACST-C adds a bit of body for more volume. The Ukulele Tenor Lanikai ACST-T offers the size most prized by soloists. The Ukulele Baryton Lanikai ASCT-B extends the range toward the low end for a more guitar-like sound.

For those who want to amplify their playing, electro-acoustic versions are available: the Ukulele Concert Lanikai ACST-CEC with cutaway, the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai ACST-CET, the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai ACST-6CET (6 strings) and the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai ACST-8CET (8 strings for a stereophonic sound). The Ukulele Guitarlele Lanikai ACST-CEG is a fascinating hybrid: a ukulele tuned like a guitar, ideal for guitarists who want to explore the world of the ukulele without relearning chord shapes.

The FB series: sapelli, unbeatable value for money

The FB series uses sapelli, an African wood related to mahogany. Dense and resonant, sapelli offers a warm, direct tone with excellent sustain. This series targets musicians looking for a quality instrument at a controlled price, without compromising on craftsmanship.

The Ukulele Concert Lanikai FB-CETC and the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai FB-CETT are the two flagship models of this range, both fitted with a preamp and a cutaway.

The QM series: flamed maple, elegance and brilliance

The QM (Quilted Maple) series highlights flamed maple, a wood whose three-dimensional figuring creates a striking visual effect. Maple produces a bright, clear and detailed tone, particularly prized for fingerstyle and studio recording. Lanikai offers this series in several colours: black, blue, natural, purple and red.

Available models include the Ukulele Concert Lanikai Erable QM-BKCEC (black), the Ukulele Concert Lanikai Erable QM-BLCEC (blue), the Ukulele Concert Lanikai Erable QM-NACEC (natural), the Ukulele Concert Lanikai Erable QM-PUCEC (purple), the Ukulele Concert Lanikai Erable QM-RDCEC (red), as well as the Guitarlele Lanikai Erable QM-BKCECG and the Guitarlele Lanikai Erable QM-RDCEG.

The MRS series: rosewood, warmth and depth

The MRS series uses rosewood, an emblematic lutherie wood known for its warmth, harmonic richness and depth in the lows. Rosewood gives ukuleles a full, generous tone, ideal for accompanying vocals.

This range includes the Ukulele Concert Lanikai MRS-CEC and the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai MRS-CET, both fitted with a cutaway and a preamp.

The AWT/EWT series: solid exotic woods

The AWT and EWT series represent Lanikai's top of the range, with carefully selected solid wood tops. These instruments offer superior resonance, extended sustain and a harmonic complexity that improves over time. A solid-wood ukulele "opens up" with years of playing, developing an increasingly rich voice.

The Ukulele Tenor Lanikai AWT2 and the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai EWT1 are exceptional models for advanced and professional ukulele players.

The SMBB series: bamboo, eco-friendly and original

Lanikai innovates with the SMBB series, which uses laminated bamboo. This eco-friendly material offers exceptional rigidity for a reduced weight, producing a clear, punchy and decidedly modern sound. It's an ideal choice for musicians concerned about the environmental impact of their instrument.

The Ukulele Concert Lanikai SMBB-CX and the Ukulele Tenor Lanikai SMBB-TX are available in this range.

The SPST series: vintage style

The SPST series offers vintage-look ukuleles, with a sapelli top and a satin finish reminiscent of instruments from the 1930s-1950s. The Ukulele Concert Lanikai SPST-C wins over players with its retro aesthetic and warm, rustic tone.

Buying guide: choosing the right ukulele size

The ukulele comes in four main sizes. Each one offers a different tone and playing comfort. Here are our tips for choosing the size that suits you.

The soprano ukulele: Hawaiian tradition

The soprano is the smallest and most traditional size. Tuned in G-C (GCEA), it produces the bright, plucky sound immediately associated with Hawaii. Its small body limits projection but offers incomparable charm. It's the ideal choice for beginners, children and musicians looking for the authentic ukulele sound. The soprano slips easily into a bag, perfect for travelling.

The concert ukulele: the perfect compromise

The concert is slightly bigger than the soprano, with a longer neck and a wider body. The sound is fuller, richer, with better projection. Playing comfort is superior thanks to more generous fret spacing. It's the recommended choice for most musicians: compact enough to stay portable, big enough to deliver real sound quality. Lanikai offers most of its ranges in concert size.

The tenor ukulele: the soloists' choice

The tenor is the most popular size among serious ukulele players. Its wider body produces a warm, full, projected sound, with more present lows. The neck offers optimal comfort for advanced techniques (fingerpicking, solo, elaborate accompaniment). Most professionals play tenor size. Lanikai offers an exceptional choice of tenor models, from entry level to premium solid wood.

The baritone ukulele: the bridge to guitar

The baritone is the largest of the ukuleles. Tuned in D-G (DGBE), like the first four strings of a guitar, it produces a deep, warm sound, close to a classical guitar. It's the perfect choice for guitarists who want to discover the ukulele without relearning chord shapes. The baritone excels at accompanying vocals and fingerstyle playing.

The guitarlele: the ukulele-guitar hybrid

Lanikai also offers the guitarlele, a hybrid instrument that combines the size of a tenor ukulele with the tuning of a guitar (ADGCEA, a fourth above standard guitar). It's the ideal compromise for guitarists who want a compact travel instrument without giving up their playing habits. Lanikai offers the guitarlele in the ACS series and the QM series (flamed maple).

Why buy a Lanikai ukulele through the short supply chain at Green Musicians

Green Musicians has chosen the short supply chain to offer brand-new quality instruments at unbeatable prices. Concretely, we buy directly from the brand, with no extra middlemen. This means:

• Reduced prices compared with traditional distribution channels, without compromising on product quality
• Reliable, regularly replenished stock: over 55 Lanikai references permanently available
• Brand-new products under warranty, with Green Musicians invoicing and after-sales service
• Fast delivery from our warehouse in mainland France
• Personal support from our team of passionate musicians

The short supply chain doesn't mean reduced quality: the Lanikai ukuleles we offer are strictly identical to those you'd find at a traditional retailer. The difference lies in the price, thanks to our optimised logistics model.

We also offer refurbished and second-hand instruments when Lanikai models are available in these categories, for even bigger savings on instruments in perfect playing condition.

FAQ: everything you need to know about Lanikai ukuleles

Which Lanikai ukulele size should beginners choose?

For a beginner, the concert ukulele is the most versatile choice. It offers a good balance between compact size, playing comfort and sound quality. The soprano is also suitable for beginners, especially children or small budgets, but its narrower neck can make playing less comfortable for adult hands. The tenor is an option if you're aiming for regular practice and a richer sound.

What's the difference between an acoustic and an electro-acoustic Lanikai ukulele?

Electro-acoustic models (references with "CE" in the name, like CEC, CET, CETC) come with a built-in preamp and a pickup (usually piezo under the bridge). They plug into an amp or PA system, letting you play on stage or rehearse with the band. Purely acoustic models are lighter and cheaper, perfect for home playing, fingerstyle or intimate vocal accompaniment.

What is a cutaway on a ukulele?

A cutaway is a notch in the instrument's body, at the level of the highest frets, which makes it easier to reach the high notes on the neck. It's particularly useful for soloists and advanced fingerstyle players. At Lanikai, most electro-acoustic models feature a cutaway.

Is the 8-string Lanikai ukulele suitable for beginners?

The 8-string ukulele (like the Lanikai ACST-8CET) doubles the strings in pairs (each GCEA doubled), producing a rich, full stereophonic sound. It's an exciting instrument but requires a bit of adjustment for fingering. We'd recommend it more for intermediate or advanced musicians who want to explore new sounds.

How good is the Lanikai guitarlele for a guitarist?

The Lanikai guitarlele is an excellent choice for a guitarist who wants a travel instrument or a ukulele without relearning chord shapes. Tuned like a guitar but a fourth higher (ADGCEA), it keeps all the chords and scales you already know. Its small size makes it perfect for travel, the couch or impromptu acoustic sessions.

How do I maintain my Lanikai ukulele?

A few simple habits are enough to preserve the quality of your Lanikai ukulele: store it in a gig bag or case when you're not playing, avoid extreme temperature and humidity variations (don't leave it in a car in full sun), wipe the strings with a dry cloth after each session to extend their lifespan, and slightly loosen the strings if you won't play for several weeks. For solid-wood models, using a humidifier in winter is recommended.

Expert advice: choosing your first Lanikai ukulele wisely

Beyond size, choosing a Lanikai ukulele comes down to several criteria. The wood type is decisive for the sound: sapelli (FB series) offers warmth and accessibility, acacia (ACS series) brings balance and expressiveness, ziricote (ZR series) delivers a rich, complex tone, flamed maple (QM series) shines with its clarity, and rosewood (MRS series) wins over with its depth.

Your playing level should guide your choice. A beginner will be perfectly happy with an FB or SPST series model, while an intermediate player will aim for the ACS series. Advanced and professional musicians will turn to the ZR, AWT/EWT or MRS series for their sonic richness and solid woods.

Electronics is another criterion: if you plan to play on stage or record, go for an electro-acoustic model with a preamp. If you only play for fun at home, an acoustic model will be more than enough and will save you money.

Finally, aesthetics also play a role. The QM series with its vivid colours (blue, purple, red) is perfect for musicians who want an instrument that stands out, while the ZR and AWT series appeal to lovers of natural wood grain.

Lanikai vs the competition

Lanikai isn't the only ukulele brand on the market, but it stands out through its exclusivity: it's a brand dedicated solely to ukuleles, unlike more generalist competitors. Ortega offers interesting ukuleles but its speciality remains nylon-string guitars. Stagg offers very affordable entry-level ukuleles, but without Lanikai's range depth. Crafter offers a few quality models but remains focused on acoustic guitars.

Lanikai thus positions itself as the ukulele specialist, with a range covering every budget, level and size. It's the go-to choice for anyone who wants a dedicated instrument, thought out and designed specifically for the world of the ukulele.