Should I Get a Concert or Soprano Ukulele?
Which is better? Soprano vs Concert Ukulele.
In the realm of ukuleles, size impacts playability and tone. The soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles represent the main sizes. These variants cater to different skill levels, offering unique sounds and playing experiences.
The soprano ukulele often considered the standard due to its traditional Hawaiian roots, presents a distinct contrast in size and sound compared to its concert counterpart.
Two of the most common versions of the ukulele are soprano and concert size. Each one provides different advantages for beginner players. The smaller soprano is great for small hands, while the concert offers more variety in notes. Either size, you should get a ukulele!
Which is better Soprano or Concert Ukulele for Beginners?
For those coming to the instrument for the first time, all ukuleles may look exactly the same. Each size has different features that will appeal to players for different reasons. The sound, tone, and how the instrument fits in the hands will all affect your choice.
Let me explain the main differences between the sizes to help you decide whether to get a soprano or a concert ukulele.
Ukulele Size | What is the Difference Between a Soprano and a Concert Ukulele?
Soprano Ukulele
The soprano ukulele is widely considered to be the standard size. It is the smallest version, and it makes the bright, pingy sound that people generally associate with the stringed instrument.
The standard tuning for a soprano is GCEA. This is sometimes referred to as “island tuning” because of the instrument’s roots in Hawaii.
The smaller size and unique lower second C string give this ukulele its bright and unique sound. The instrument looks much like a tiny guitar. But, the sound is brighter because of the different tuning and smaller size.
Concert Ukulele
The concert ukulele is the next size up. It’s bigger than the soprano. It has both a larger body and a longer neck.
With more length on the neck, the concert size has more frets and can play more notes. There are 12-15 frets on a soprano, while the concert has 15-20 frets. While the concert can play both notes, it is still tuned in the GCAE island tuning.
If you know that you will want to have a fuller sound with more options for lower notes, a concert size might be a better fit for your first uke. Players who are transitioning from guitar might find a larger size more comfortable, as well.
What is the Best Ukulele for Beginners: Soprano or Concert?
The smaller neck on the soprano instrument makes it an ideal starter for younger players with smaller hands. If you are considering buying for a child or young adult, then the soprano ukulele is a great place to start.
Females, who tend to have smaller hands than males, may also find the smaller size of the soprano appealing. The ease of getting started on the smaller neck can be motivating to new players. Many newbies can pick up the instrument and begin playing a song in just one day.
For learners, the choice between concert and soprano ukuleles hinges on playability and comfort. The concert’s larger size and longer neck provide more room on the fingerboard, making it easier to play and learn on, especially for those with larger hands.
If cost is a factor in your decision, soprano ukuleles are more readily available at lower price points.
If put side by side, the Concert Ukulele is larger than a Soprano Ukulele
The Concert Uke, larger than the Soprano, offers a richer sound and more room for complex chords due to additional frets, bridging the gap between the Soprano and Tenor sizes.
While the traditional Soprano measures around 21 inches long, the Concert spans roughly 23 inches, providing a deeper tone and a bigger body.
Sizes vary slightly between manufacturers. The Kala ukes shown are 21 inches and 24 inches, respectively.
Despite the Soprano’s popularity, the Concert Ukulele’s versatility and superior sound characteristics position it as an attractive alternative for musicians.
How Does the Scale Length Influence Playability?
Players with larger hands often prefer the concert ukulele in the soprano vs concert ukulele debate, finding that its slightly broader fretboard is more accommodating. This is because the concert ukulele’s longer scale allows for more comfortable finger placement, especially for intricate chords or players with larger fingers.
Scale length, the distance between the nut and saddle, significantly influences a uke’s playability. The Soprano ukulele’s shorter scale makes them ideal for rapid chord changes; however, their smaller fret spacing might be challenging for some players.
Exploring Tonal Differences: Pitch and Resonance
Apart from the size, the other difference between concert and soprano to consider is the sound. The pitch and resonance between these ukuleles differ notably. Sopranos have a higher pitch, synonymous with the ‘classic’ ukulele sound. They have a crispness and buoyancy that many associate with traditional Hawaiian music.
Concert ukes, given their larger body size, produce a fuller sound with more resonance, a characteristic that contributes to their growing popularity.
Making the Choice: What Should You Consider?
The ukulele is a fantastic instrument for beginners, no matter the size. Consider what you would like to get out of your ukulele, like your hand size, the sound, and the price point.
The debate between choosing a soprano vs concert ukulele often comes down to a player’s preference in sound and playability, but regardless of the instrument size you choose, rest assured you’ll thoroughly enjoy learning to play this delightful instrument!
Key Points to Remember | Soprano vs Concert Ukulele
Soprano Ukuleles
- They are the smallest of the ukulele family, providing a classic sound.
- Offer compactness, a smaller body, and are ideal for travel and convenience.
- Have a shorter scale length, which affects playability, especially for individuals with bigger hands.
- Produce a bright, cheerful tone that is synonymous with traditional ukulele music.
- Ideal for younger players
Concert Ukuleles
- Are larger, offering more room on the fretboard for comfortable play.
- Produce a fuller, more resonant sound suitable for various music styles.
- Are versatile, catering to both beginners and experienced players due to their size and sound dynamics.
- Provide better projection for performance scenarios.
F.A.Q
What is better soprano or concert ukulele?
The choice between soprano vs concert ukulele depends on personal preference and playing style.
The soprano ukulele is smaller and produces a brighter, traditional ukulele sound. The concert ukulele is slightly larger, offering a fuller tone and more frets for playing. Consider your hand size and the sound you prefer when deciding between the two.
Which type of ukulele is best for beginners?
For beginners, it is usually recommended to start with a soprano ukulele. It is a popular choice due to its affordability and compact size, making it easier to learn the fretboard, basic chords, and songs.
Is a concert ukulele the best for beginners?
Yes, a concert ukulele is a great choice for beginners. The concert ukulele is sometimes preferred due to its slightly larger size and fuller sound.
Is the Soprano ukulele for adults?
Yes, the soprano ukulele is suitable for adults.
While they are the smallest type of ukulele and have a reputation for being suitable for children due to their size, many adults enjoy playing the soprano for its classic, bright ukulele sound.
However, individuals with larger hands may find it less comfortable to play, and in such cases, they might prefer concert or tenor ukuleles, which offer more space between the frets.
