Not all ukuleles are made equal. In fact, there is a huge amount of difference between many models. They come in many shapes, sizes, and types; soprano, concert and tenor to name a few.
But what do these differences mean? This is what we help you learn in this article. By knowing this, you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision on which ukulele is right for you.
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What Exactly Does Ukulele “Size” Mean?
When looking into what ukulele is the right one for you, it is crucial to understand what the word “size” actually means concerning this instrument. For these stringed instruments, size refers to the actual length and width and refers to the tone that the ukulele makes.
However, when speaking about a ukulele, don’t confuse “size” and “type.” Type refers to the style of the instrument, so do not mix the two terms to ensure you are making the most informed decision possible.
While the sound your ukulele emits might seem trivial in your end decision, the physical size should not be. Therefore, one of the main things to consider when determining the right ukulele is the size of the user’s hands.
If you have tiny baby hands, a smaller ukulele might be just your size, but if you have big mitts for hands, that option probably won’t be the fit for you. Bigger hands need a bigger ukulele, and adversely, smaller hands will be a better fit for the smaller size of the instrument.
The good news for prospective ukulele players is that if purchased for a child who will undoubtedly grow over the years, a soprano is an instrument that they can grow with them. Furthermore, the notes on soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles are the same, so the only needed modification is fingering, not learning a new instrument altogether.
The fingering of the notes is the same for all four sizes. If you decide this is an instrument you fancy, you can get more. You’ll stand with the many players who graduate from the beginning-amateur stage then move on to collect ukuleles that range in size.
While there are technically more than four sizes of ukuleles available, four are considered the most common, especially for beginners. Those sizes are:
- Soprano
- Concert
- Tenor
- Baritone is also popular, but less for beginners.
The smaller the size, the lighter and softer the sound made by the ukulele. The larger the size, the deeper and richer the sound made by the ukulele.
Three Important Terms to Know
We have already familiarized ourselves with the names of the different ukulele sizes. However, we need to know three more key terms before we venture into researching the right ukulele for you. Those terms are:
- The fretboard or fingerboard is found on the top of the neck of the ukulele. This is the area where your fingers hold the strings to play the desired notes.
- Frets are the tiny, thin metal strips found on the neck of the ukulele.
- Scale Length refers to the distance between frets.
Soprano Ukuleles Are the Most Common
This ukulele is the most common, and it is also the one that we generally think of when we think of this instrument associated with Hawaii. Sopranos have a light, sweet sound, and their tone is soft and almost-airy. While there is no universal size, most sopranos are about 21” in length.
In terms of frets, a soprano typically has around 12-15. There is some variation based on the manufacturer and range of the instrument, but you can expect to play most beginner songs regardless of the lower fret count.
While you might think that this is the option suggested for beginners by most experts, you would be incorrect. In fact, uke players with larger than average hands often find they have difficulty with soprano ukuleles.
You might be wondering why the soprano remains the most popular size of ukulele if it doesn’t offer the most optimal “playing field” for musicians. Amateur players and dabblers probably choose the soprano because they are the most publicized ukulele, as they are most closely associated with luaus.
Additionally, sopranos make the “most popular” list because they are less expensive than the larger options. BeginnerUkuleles.com reports they tend to sell at a price point that is 10-25% less than the larger sizes. Especially if you are just trying a ukulele “on for size,” the soprano would be a more prominent option than a concert or tenor. Their cost can range from $50 to $500.
Concert Ukuleles Have a Broader Octave Range
The next size up from the small soprano is the compact concert. Coming in about 2” longer than its little sister, the concert is approximately 23” long. Being a bit bigger, this ukulele makes a tone that is more full-bodied than the soprano, but it doesn’t sound “bassey.” Also, due to the increase in size, the concert ukulele is expected to be slightly louder than a soprano.
As far as frets, a concert ukulele contains 15 – 20. More frets mean more of an octave range.
Many experts encourage beginners to start out playing this size ukulele. But, again, physical size is the reason. Because the fretboard is more extended, inexperienced fingers have more room to move and learn the mechanics behind hitting the right notes.
Tenor Ukuleles Are Used by Professionals
The largest uke to land the list is the tenor. Turning up a tremendous 3” taller than the others, tenor ukuleles are preferred by most experts as the one beginners need to get their hands on for learning how to play. The reason behind this expert opinion is that this ukulele gives new users the most fretboard room, allowing beginners to be able to bang away in a bigger space.
At around 25” in length, the tenor has plenty of room to become home to over 20 frets. This extra room also allows for additional octaves. Also, as a direct result of its larger size, tenor ukuleles have the richest, bass-iest and loudest sound of the two sizes discussed above.
This is the size option that most professional ukulele players play. The reason is because of the deep, rich sound that resonates from this instrument.
Because of its size, tenor ukuleles are, as a general rule, more expensive than the other two types mentioned. Even some of the lower-end models are more expensive than the mid-range sopranos.
Baritone Ukuleles are Most Like Guitar
The final popular type is the baritone ukulele. It’s bigger than the other sizes, and often has a much deeper tone.
We won’t cover it as much in this article, but you can see more about baritone ukuleles here.