A Baritone That Feels Right at Home for Guitar Players
If you've ever picked up a guitar and thought, "I want something smaller and a little more laid-back," the Córdoba U1B Protégé might be exactly what you're looking for. Baritone ukuleles are tuned D-G-B-E — the same as the top four strings on a guitar — so chord shapes you already know translate directly. No new tuning system to memorize, no steep learning curve. Just pick it up and start playing.
The U1B is Córdoba's baritone take on their popular U1 ukulele, built with an all-mahogany body that gives it a warm, even tone across the frequency range. The light satin finish keeps things comfortable under your arm and in your hand, while the abalone-style rosette adds a clean, classic detail that doesn't look cheap at this price.
Whether you're a guitarist curious about the ukulele world or a uke player who wants a fuller, deeper voice, the U1B is a friendly, well-made entry point that doesn't ask you to spend a lot to get started.
All-Mahogany Construction
The U1B is built with mahogany for the top, back, and sides — a tonewood known for producing a warm, balanced sound with a smooth midrange character. It's the kind of tone that works naturally for strumming, fingerpicking, or just noodling around at home.
The neck is also mahogany, shaped into a comfortable "C" profile that sits naturally in the hand. Combined with a 20.1" scale length, there's enough room between frets for comfortable chord fretting without feeling cramped — a real plus for players with larger hands who sometimes find standard soprano or concert ukuleles a little tight.
Pau Ferro Fingerboard and 18 Frets
The pau ferro fingerboard and bridge bring a smooth playing surface with good density and a clean feel under the fingers. At 18 frets, the U1B gives you plenty of range up the neck without the body getting in the way too early — frets join the body at the 14th fret, keeping access fairly open.
The composite nut and saddle help keep intonation consistent, and the instrument ships strung with premium Italian Aquila Nylgut strings, which are a step up from the generic strings that often come on entry-level instruments. They hold the D-G-B-E tuning well and have a bright, responsive feel right out of the box.
Satin Finish and Classic Styling
The light satin polyurethane finish gives the U1B a clean, natural look without the mirror-shine of a high-gloss coat. Satin finishes tend to feel more comfortable to play — less sticky in warm weather, easier to shift your arm position on the body. The abalone-style rosette around the soundhole keeps the aesthetic simple and timeless.
Satin nickel tuners with cream buttons round out the classic look and keep the instrument looking cohesive from headstock to body. The overall presentation is understated in a good way — this is a uke that looks like it means business without trying too hard.
Product Features:
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Size: Baritone, tuned D-G-B-E (same as the top four strings on a guitar)
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Top, Back & Sides: Mahogany — warm, balanced tone with smooth midrange
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Neck: Mahogany, "C"-shaped profile for comfortable playability
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Fingerboard & Bridge: Pau Ferro — smooth and dense playing surface
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Scale Length: 20.1"
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Frets: 18 frets, joining the body at the 14th fret
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Nut & Saddle: Composite
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Finish: Satin polyurethane — comfortable in the hand, classic natural look
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Rosette: Abalone-style
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Strings: Italian Aquila Nylgut (premium factory strings)
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Electronics: None (acoustic)
Brand: Córdoba
Model: Protégé U1B
SKU: U1B BARITONE UKE
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
