March 20, 2020
Ukulele sizes explained.
We get asked a lot about what the differences are between different ukulele sizes. Here's a quick crash course:
- There are 4 popular Ukulele Sizes
- Soprano & Concert are the most popular
- The Soprano ukulele is probably what most people picture when they think of the ukulele. It is the most common size & makes the classic, traditional ukulele sound. The soprano is the smallest & lightest uke size we offer.
- Concert is the next step up from the soprano in size. The concert’s scale is about an inch longer, the neck is a bit wider, and overall it’s a little heavier than the soprano. The extra length allows for more frets with wider spacing between them. Being a bit larger in size, the concert has a fuller sound and warmer tone with more mid-range than the soprano. The concert also projects better than the soprano, making the volume a bit louder. The standard ukulele tuning of G/C/E/A applies to the concert size.
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Tenor is the next step up from the concert in size. The scale for the tenor is about two inches longer, the neck is just a little wider, and overall it’s a little heavier than the concert. As with the Concert Size, the larger body of the Tenor Ukulele makes these instruments louder & "bassier" sounding than the smaller body styles. The standard ukulele tuning of G/C/E/A applies to the tenor size.
- Baritone is the next step up from the tenor in size. The baritone has the longest scale - about three inches longer than the tenor. The baritone has the deepest, fullest sound with the most low end, sounding similar to an acoustic guitar. The baritone’s similarities to guitar continue with the tuning - D/G/B/E - like the four highest strings on a guitar, making it the easiest transition for those already familiar with guitar.
- Honourable Mention: The Bass Ukulele or U-Bass is about the same size as the baritone ukulele but is actually strung with rubber strings and tuned way down low like a bass guitar. Faders also stocks these extremely cool instruments!