A passionate team of musicians dedicated to helping you find your perfect ukulele
Best Ukulele Australia was born from a simple frustration that many Australian musicians share: finding reliable, honest information about ukuleles in our local market. When our founder, James Mitchell, first decided to learn the ukulele in 2019, he spent weeks scouring the internet for guidance. What he found was overwhelming—generic product listings, unhelpful reviews clearly written by people who had never held a ukulele, and recommendations that didn't account for Australian availability, pricing, or climate conditions.
That experience sparked an idea. James, along with fellow ukulele enthusiasts Sarah Chen and Michael Torres, decided to create the resource they wished had existed when they started their own musical journeys. Together, they founded Best Ukulele Australia with a clear mission: to provide genuine, expert-level guidance that helps Australians make informed decisions about their ukulele purchases and playing development.
What sets us apart is our hands-on approach. Every ukulele we recommend has been physically tested by at least one member of our team. We evaluate instruments based on real-world criteria that matter to players: how comfortable is the neck for extended practice sessions? Does the action stay consistent in Australian humidity levels? How does it sound when strummed at a beach bonfire versus in a quiet living room? These are the questions we answer because they're the questions we've asked ourselves.
Beyond product recommendations, we're committed to education. We believe that the right knowledge can transform a frustrating learning experience into an enjoyable one. Our guides cover everything from proper fretting technique and strumming patterns to understanding the tonal differences between koa and mahogany woods. We write in plain language, avoiding the jargon that can make music education feel exclusionary, while still providing the depth of information that serious players appreciate.
Today, Best Ukulele Australia serves thousands of readers each month, from complete beginners wondering whether to buy a soprano or concert size, to intermediate players looking to upgrade to a solid-wood instrument, to professionals seeking premium Hawaiian koa tenors. We're proud to be part of Australia's growing ukulele community, and we're committed to continuing our mission of honest, helpful guidance for years to come.
Founder & Lead Reviewer
James has been playing ukulele for over six years and has tested more than 100 different models. His background in audio engineering brings a technical perspective to our sound quality assessments. When not writing reviews, you'll find him leading ukulele workshops at community centres across Sydney.
Content Director & Educator
Sarah is a music educator with 12 years of teaching experience. She specialises in creating accessible learning content for beginners and writes our skill-building guides. Her patient, encouraging teaching style has helped hundreds of students develop their ukulele skills.
Technical Specialist
Michael brings expertise in instrument construction and repair, having trained as a luthier in Melbourne. He evaluates build quality, wood selection, and hardware components for our reviews. His technical articles help players understand what makes a quality instrument.
Honesty First: We never recommend a product we wouldn't use ourselves. If a ukulele has shortcomings, we'll tell you—even if it means fewer sales. Your trust is more valuable than any commission.
Australian Focus: We understand the unique challenges of buying instruments in Australia, from shipping costs to humidity considerations. Our recommendations always account for local factors.
Education Over Sales: We believe an informed customer is a happy customer. That's why we invest heavily in educational content that helps you become a better player, not just a buyer.
Community Connection: We're active members of Australia's ukulele community. We attend festivals, participate in jam sessions, and stay connected with players across the country to understand what you really need.