guide to buying your first ukulele

By Spardha Learnings | September 29, 2024

1. Types of Ukulele

a. Soprano Ukulele

b. Concert Ukulele

c. Tenor Ukulele

d. Baritone Ukulele

2. Which Ukulele is right for you?

3. Links for a few Ukulele options for the beginner

If you want to start learning the ukulele, but confused which ukulele to buy, keep reading to get all your answers.

This fun and versatile instrument is a joy to play and with so much choice on the market, there's something for everyone. In this guide, we will take you through the factors to consider when choosing a ukulele, from size and style to materials. Here you will find a brief description of each type of ukulele and this blog can be helpful for everyone - beginner, intermediate, and advanced players to select their perfect ukulele.

1. Types of Ukulele

a. Soprano Ukulele

The soprano ukulele is the smallest and most famous among ukuleles. It is often used in traditional Hawaiian music and has a scale length of around 53 cm ( 13 inches). This is the smallest ukulele and is known for its compact and portable design. Frets are metal bars that run perpendicular to the neck of the ukulele. They help to divide the strings and allow the player to produce different notes and chords. The maximum length is about 13 inches (33 cm). This is the distance between the nut (the small hole at the top of the neck through which the strings pass) and the saddle (the small hole at the bottom of the bridge that holds the strings in place). The long length of the ukulele plays an important role in its overall sound and performance. The short length of the soprano ukulele gives it a bright tone that is perfect for Hawaiian music and more.

b. Concert Ukulele

The concert ukulele is slightly larger than the soprano ukulele, has a fuller sound, and is about 15 inches long. The dimensions are approximately 23 inches (58 cm). This gives it a slightly deeper sound than the soprano ukulele. As a result, the strings are slightly higher and the ukulele has a better, fuller sound. This makes them easy to play. Nevertheless, they are small and light compared to many other stringed instruments. This makes them a good choice for anyone looking for an instrument that is portable and easy to play.

c. Tenor Ukulele

It has a deep, rich sound, is popular in jazz and other genres, and is often played by professionals. The ukulele is larger than the concert ukulele and is about 26 inches (66 cm) long from the top of the head to the bottom of the body. As a result, its sound is deeper and louder than that of the soprano and concert ukulele. This gives the player increasingly more possibilities to play notes and chords. Both soprano and concert ukuleles are long. A longer scale length puts more tension on the strings, giving the ukulele a deeper and louder sound. The tenor ukulele is a good choice for high notes. It is often favored by professionals and individuals who want to explore more playing skills, as the length of the frets and more makes it easier to play more notes and chords.

d. Baritone Ukulele

The baritone ukulele is the largest of the ukuleles, measuring about 19 inches in length. Its deep, warm sound is popular in all genres. Its maximum length is about 30 inches (76 cm) from the top of the head to the bottom of the body. This allows it to sound deeper than other ukulele sizes. This gives the player more variety when playing notes and chords. This ukulele is a good choice for players. It is often favored by professionals and people who want to explore higher playing skills, as the long scale length and many frets make it easy to play many notes and chords.

2. Which Ukulele is right for you?

Different ukulele sizes are optimal for different players and genres.

The soprano ukulele, for example, is ideal for beginners and players looking for a better-sounding, multi-tonal ukulele.

The concert or tenor ukulele is a good choice for musicians who want a warmer sound and better tone and can play difficult chords and melodies.

The baritone ukulele is ideal for players who want a deep, full sound and can explore higher playing abilities.

Size does play a role. For example, taller players or average adults may prefer a larger ukulele, while shorter players and kids may prefer a smaller ukulele. If you want to play a particular genre or style of music, certain ukulele sizes may be better suited to that style. For example, if you want to play jazz or classical music, a tenor or baritone ukulele would be a better choice. It all depends on your personal preference. You may like the sound or find one bigger than the other. It's a good idea to try out a few different sizes before you buy, visit a music store, or borrow a friend's ukulele to find the size that suits you best.

A traditional ukulele is usually made of wood and has a warm and full sound. However, wooden ukuleles can be expensive and require more maintenance than ukuleles made from laminate or synthetic materials. Look for a ukulele with a good body and fingerboard construction and make sure the strings and stringing are in good condition. You can check whether the coating has any defects or whether the wood is cracked or warped. If possible, try a few different ukulele in your price range to compare sound and quality.