Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $427
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Martin S1 Ukelele". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Martin S1 Ukulele is a beautifully crafted soprano uke that brings the signature Martin quality to a compact, portable instrument. Made from solid genuine mahogany, this ukulele produces a warm, inviting sound that resonates with both beginners and seasoned players. The dovetail mahogany neck ensures durability and comfort, making it a joy to play for hours on end.
This ukulele features traditional cedar linings and an inlaid rosette, giving it a classic, elegant appearance. The sipo bridge and fingerboard add to the overall quality and playability, while the compensated white TUSQ saddle and nut ensure accurate intonation. Whether you're strumming at home, performing on stage, or jamming with friends, the Martin S1 Ukulele delivers rich, full tones that belie its small size.
With its hand-rubbed finish and nickel uke peg tuners, the Martin S1 is as visually appealing as it is acoustically pleasing. Plus, it comes with a padded gig bag, so you can take this little gem anywhere you go. When you see the Martin logo, you can trust that you're getting an instrument made with the utmost craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Key Features:
- Solid genuine mahogany body and neck
- Dovetail neck joint
- Traditional cedar linings
- Inlaid rosette
- Sipo bridge and fingerboard
- Compensated white TUSQ saddle and nut
- Nickel uke peg tuners
- Hand-rubbed finish
- Padded gig bag included
Product specs
| Size | Soprano |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Finish | Satin |
| Top Material | Solid Mahogany |
| Back & Sides Material | Solid Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Select Hardwood |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Plastic Dots |
| Number of Frets | 17 |
| Scale Length | 13.614" |
| Tuners | Grover Nickel with white buttons |
| Nut Material | White Tusq |
| Nut Width | 1.41" |
| Strings | Ukulele Clear Fluorocarbon, .0914, .025, .034, .022 |
| Case Included | Gig Bag |
| Overall Length | 21" |
| Body Depth | 2.31" |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele is made from solid mahogany, which provides a warm, rich tone with excellent resonance and sustain, making it ideal for traditional Hawaiian music and other genres.
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Is the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable size, easy playability, and high-quality construction, making it a great choice for those new to playing the ukulele.
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Does the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele come with a case?
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Yes, the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele includes a gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.
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How many frets does the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele have?
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The Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele features 17 frets, allowing for a range of notes suitable for various playing styles.
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What kind of strings are used on the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele?
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The Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele is strung with clear fluorocarbon strings, which offer a bright tone and are known for their durability and tuning stability.
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What is the scale length of the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele?
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The scale length of the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele is 13.614 inches, which is standard for soprano ukuleles, providing a compact and comfortable playing experience.
Videos
GotAUkulele
Got A Ukulele Reviews - Martin S1 Soprano
Got A Ukulele Reviews - Martin S1 Soprano
GotAUkulele
Martin S1 Ukulele Review
Simon Taylor
Martin S1 Uke Soprano ukulele Test
ukupon chris
Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele Demo ~ Hawaiian Ukulele Online
Ukulele PuaPua
Review- Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
Vic Schmeltz
Martin Ukuleles: S1 Uke
Martin Guitar
Ukulele Review: Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
UkeStuff
Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele AUDIO ONLY for Got A Ukulele
GotAUkulele
Demonstration: Martin S1 Sopran Ukulele (from ukesupply)
Jan Haasler
Martin Soprano S1 Uke
Music Quietvillage
Reviews
PROS
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Superior sensitivity and sound, comparable to higher-priced models
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Loud with excellent intonation out-of-the-box
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Comfortable for large hands and fingers
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Perfect action and playability without extra setup
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Solid Honduran Mahogany for rich, resonant sound
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Classic Martin "bark" with a distinctive upbeat sound
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Lightweight and well-balanced
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Grover friction pegs and Martin strings for consistent tuning
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High quality, solid construction
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Comes with a classy gig bag
CONS
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Plain appearance, lacking decorative elements
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Open-pore finish might not appeal to everyone
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Some minor fit and finish issues (e.g., small gap between fretboard and body)
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Friction tuners can be challenging compared to geared tuners
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Initial setup may require adjustments (e.g., action, saddle filing)
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Occasional quality control issues (e.g., string buzzing, bridge problems)
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin S1 Ukelele.
User experience
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Owners express that despite the initial high price, the Martin S1 delivers exceptional joy and satisfaction over time, becoming a favorite go-to ukulele.
Source -
Owners note that the Martin S1 is pricier than comparable ukuleles but often considered superior to the Kala concert in overall quality.
Source
Build quality
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The gold foil logo on the headstock is prone to wear, with reports of letters peeling or fading off over time.
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It's mentioned that the Martin S1 is part of Martin’s Mexican series, indicating a potential variance in craftsmanship compared to higher-end Martin sopranos.
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The OXK line is noted for its proprietary laminate process that offers stability in varying environments, differentiating it from cheaper laminate ukuleles.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Custom modifications include replacing the saddle with Ebony, adding black UPT tuners, and using Black Line strings for enhanced playability and aesthetics.
Source
Comparisons
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Some owners feel that the Martin S1, despite its higher cost, surpasses the sound quality of similarly priced solid mahogany models, such as those from Kala.
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The Martin S1 is noted for having more sustain but less volume compared to other ukuleles, such as the solid mahogany Kala SMHS.
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A user suggests considering a Koaloha Opio, noting it as a high-quality alternative with distinct differences from Kiwaya models.
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The Martin OXK is considered overpriced when compared to Pono or solid koa models, which are perceived to offer superior sound quality.
Source
Value and pricing
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While the Martin S1's price is higher than competitors, users find its tonal clarity and sustain justify the premium for the right buyer.
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The Martin S1 typically ranges from £300-£400; a significantly lower price might indicate a used instrument or a questionable deal.
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The "Life Is Good" graphic adds $50 to the price of the Martin OXK, despite the lack of significant structural differences from non-graphic models.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Some users find Martin's HPL ukuleles challenging to maintain, as deep scratches can lead to structural issues like rot.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Former Matchbox Twenty guitarist Adam Gaynor uses a Martin S1 Ukulele, as evidenced by his Instagram post where he introduces his new instrument, affectionately named "Lord Martin Ukie the IV": "I had a baby!!! Please meet 'Lord Martin Ukie the IV'. He doesn’t weigh much…and already is quite expressive. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. Sharing new music we created together soon!! Words cannot express how grateful I am to the @martinguitar family for being so kind and delivering such a wonderful new addition to my extremely odd family. : ) We BOTH…hope to make you all…very proud! ~Adam Gaynor".
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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