Ukuleles come in different sizes, and the concert ukulele is a bit bigger than the soprano while keeping the same timeless look. This variation highlights the distinct types of ukuleles, with many being unaware that there are three additional types besides the soprano.
Much like other musical instruments, the classic soprano ukulele evolved over time. In the 1920s, the concert ukulele emerged. They adjusted its size, impacting its sound. Experienced players often call the concert type the Goldilocks ukulele—just right in size.
Key Takeaways
- Size Difference: Concert ukuleles are slightly bigger than soprano ukuleles, providing more room on the fretboard. They measure about 23 inches long.
- Sound and Tone: Produces a brighter, fuller sound compared to the soprano. Often called the “Goldilocks” ukulele for its balanced size and tone.
- Scale Length: The 15-inch scale length of concert ukuleles means higher string tension and wider fret gaps, which is beneficial for players with larger hands.
- Frets and Playability: More frets (15-20) than soprano ukuleles, allowing for higher notes and more comfortable handling for those with bigger hands.
- Wood Types: Made from solid or laminated wood. Koa wood offers a classic sound, while mahogany, spruce, and cedar provide various tonal qualities.
Basic Features of a Concert Ukulele
Size Difference
A few extra inches might not matter for other instruments, but in playing the ukulele, the added space on the fretboard greatly improves comfort. Concert ukuleles are slightly longer, with a wider neck and a bit more weight compared to traditional soprano ukuleles.
If you can’t see the difference, remember the concert ukulele is 23 inches long, the soprano is 21 inches, and the tenor is 26 inches. The concert ukulele sits between the soprano and tenor, making it a great middle ground if you’re unsure what to pick.
Sound and Tone
Concert ukuleles, also called super soprano ukuleles, offer a brighter sound than traditional soprano models. They produce fuller and richer tones, justifying their name. Don’t assume they’re only for concerts; it’s a manufacturer’s way to differentiate from soprano ukuleles.
The larger the ukulele, the more volume it generates. Although a concert ukulele is smaller and produces a less vibrant sound than a tenor, its sparkly tone keeps it popular. Keep in mind, the type of wood affects sound quality. A solid high-graded wood concert ukulele will sound better than a tenor made of cheap wood laminate.
Scale Length Effect
The concert ukulele usually has a 15″ scale. This is the distance between the saddle and the nut. It covers the entire length of the strings from the top of the neck to the end of the bridge.
In ukuleles, a longer scale length means higher string tension for the same pitch. Your fingers will notice the tighter strings compared to a shorter scale length. Additionally, longer scale lengths create wider gaps between frets, which is ideal for those with bigger hands.
Length of the Concert Uke Fretboard
Longer scale lengths mean more frets. The concert ukulele, also known as super soprano, reaches higher notes than the traditional soprano ukulele. This is due to the extra frets. A regular soprano uke has 12 to 15 frets, while a concert uke has 15 to 20. More frets allow more notes to be played, and a longer neck makes handling easier.
Types of Wood Used
Ukulele makers usually use either solid or laminated wood. Entry-level ukuleles are often made from laminated wood since they’re more affordable and easier to replace if damaged. Solid wood, however, is sturdier and offers a richer sound due to its natural vibration but requires extra care because it’s sensitive to temperature changes.
You can easily tell them apart by looking at the ukulele’s soundhole. If you notice thin layers of wood glued together, it’s laminated.
Ukuleles are typically made from five types of wood: Rosewood, Ovangkol, Mahogany, Spruce, and Koa. For a classic Hawaiian ukulele sound, choose Koa wood for its sweet, mellow tone. If you want a bright sound, Rosewood is a recognized choice worldwide. Ovangkol offers a sound similar to Rosewood.
Mahogany offers a medium to heavy sound with a warm balance. Cedarwood is ideal for those who want a warm, controlled volume with darker tones, especially finger stylists. Spruce wood is similar to Cedar but provides a crisper sound and is great for continuous strumming.
Special Concert Ukuleles
1) Resonator Uke
Many musical instruments have hybrids developed from traditional ones. The resonator ukulele, also called the Dobro ukulele, features an aluminum cone instead of a wooden soundboard. Note that “Dobro” is a trademark of Gibson Guitar Corp.
John Dopyera developed this hybrid ukulele to boost its sound. It typically uses nylon, fluorocarbon, and nylgut strings like a regular ukulele. However, some makers crafted resonator ukes for steel strings specifically.
2) Banjolele
One of the most popular hybrids is the Luna Banjolele. It’s half ukulele and half banjo. First seen in 1917, it gained popularity in the 1920s to ’30s. The tuning, scale length, and playing style come from the ukulele, while the construction and unique sound are from the banjo. Like the resonator, it evolved to meet musicians’ needs for easy playability of a uke with the loud sound of a banjo.
A typical Luna Banjolele 8” has a mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, 15.5” concert scale, 12-piece bracket, and 1-9/16” nut. It’s tuned like a concert ukulele.
FAQ on Concert Ukulele
Is Concert Ukulele good for beginners?
The longer scale length of the concert ukulele benefits those with bigger hands. Beginners often struggle with the tight gaps between frets on a soprano ukulele. Although a shorter scale isn’t necessarily bad, it really depends on personal preference.
Overall, the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to play. Its soft nylon strings are easy on the fingers unlike guitar strings. Your wrist won’t feel as much tension, making it easier to reach notes without stretching too much. The ukulele’s four strings make chords and scales simpler to play.
The concert ukulele’s larger size offers more finger space, making it easier and more comfortable to play. This is especially helpful for beginners.
Is it Easy to Tune a Concert Uke?
Tuning a ukulele’s strings depends on its size. Concert, soprano, and tenor ukuleles use the standard GCEA pitch. Baritone ukuleles use DGBE pitch.
Tuning a concert ukulele is easy. Start by loosening the strings. Experienced players often do it by ear, but accuracy varies. Many musicians use a chromatic tuner. Simply clip it on the instrument, press a string, and follow the LED screen’s guidance. Tuner apps are another option but should be used in a quiet room to avoid background noise interference.