To begin with, having a size that fits you, makes playing more comfortable and makes it easy to stick to your new hobby.
Another aspect to consider is each ukulele size has its unique sonic qualities. The timbre of smaller ukuleles is brighter, whereas the timbre of larger ukuleles has more low end and different tuning. As a result, your sound preferences also play a role in your ukulele selection.
The tone of the sopranino ukulele is particularly bright.
This ukulele is the tiniest and lightest of all the ukuleles. It features 12 frets, which are closer together than the frets on the soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles. As a result, it's great for children and younger musicians.
The standard tuning for sopranino ukuleles is: A D F# B
The soprano ukulele produces a traditional ukulele sound. Its bright tone is immediately associated with Hawaii and white sandy beaches.
Among the ukuleles, this one is the second smallest size. It also features 12 frets, which are closer together than the frets on the concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles. This makes it ideal for young and inexperienced musicians and players with small hands.
The standard tuning for soprano ukuleles is: G C E A
Following the soprano ukulele in size is the concert ukulele.
It features the classic ukulele sound, but it is more voluminous than the soprano ukulele due to its larger body. It has 18 frets, which are slightly wider apart than those of a soprano ukulele. It's ideal for musicians who require a bit more space when fretting chords.
The standard tuning for concert ukuleles is: G C E A
This size is slightly larger and heavier than the concert size.
This results in a rich and full tone that has more low end than the concert ukulele. The tenor ukulele's neck is both longer and wider, resulting in a wider spacing between the 18 frets. It sounds great in the high registers, making it ideal for players who enjoy playing large intervals.
This ukulele is quite popular among advanced players. However, the tenor ukulele can also be a good choice for beginners with larger hands.
The standard tuning for tenor ukuleles is: G C E A
The baritone ukulele is the next size up after the tenor ukulele.
With its powerful and bassy tone, it no longer sounds like a ukulele, but rather like an acoustic guitar. Plucking the strings is also enjoyable, thanks to a bigger neck and wider fret spacing between the 18 frets than the concert and tenor Ukuleles. Beginners, advanced players, and professionals can all benefit from it, especially those with big hands. Last but not least, the baritone ukulele is often used as a substitute for a guitar.
Its tuning is identical to that of an acoustic guitar's upper four strings: D G B E
We've got a great range of ukuleles at the Hereford Music Shop
Here are a few examples, our range is always changing so visit us to see what's new
Click the link for the brand you're interested in.
To compliment our wide range of ukuleles we've got an equally comprehensive range of ukulele straps.
Here's just a few of the straps we keep in stock
Visit us to see the full range.