There are many differences among ukuleles. Some of those differences are small and some are quite noticeable. Even among the same style of ukulele, there are slight differences such as material, construction, neck length, body size, and neck width and circumference. Yet, there are definable characteristics for each style that puts an instrument squarely into a category.
A soprano ukulele is the smallest of the ukulele family. The concert ukulele is the next size up, and the tenor ukulele is yet bigger than the concert. These three types of ukuleles are mostly distinguished by size – both of the overall length and the body. However, all three styles are tuned at exactly the same pitch and played exactly the same way. So, how is a concert ukulele different? In this article, we will see what a concert ukulele is and how it is different from the other two related styles of ukuleles.
Differences From Ukulele to Ukulele
Size is the Primary Difference from Ukulele to Ukulele
The main difference among the three common styles of ukuleles (soprano, concert and tenor) is the overall size of the instrument. A soprano ukulele is the smallest, ranging around 21 inches in total length. A concert ukulele is usually around 23 inches in length and a tenor ukulele is usually around 25 to 26 inches. However, each specific instrument can vary by exact length and can come close to the range of the next size.
Size Dramatically Impacts Tone Production
The biggest difference is in the size of the body and the resulting tone production. A soprano ukulele’s body is the smallest body, which produces a higher, shrill tone. Most people associate the sound of the ukulele with the soprano instrument. It sounds brighter and cuts through the accompanying instruments to help it stand out. This was the choice of instrument before sound systems were ubiquitous at performance venues.
A concert ukulele has a warmer tone with the same note range. The middle range stands out more than on a soprano and the tone allows for more intricate chord voicings and playing. Think of the soprano ukulele as more of a strumming instrument to accompany singing and other players, while the concert is a bit more versatile and is now often played as a solo instrument. (See Jake Shimabakuru as a reference).
The tenor ukulele is even warmer than the concert. More warmth is not necessarily good or bad – the desired tone for your chosen instrument will depend on your personal preferences. However, I find the tenor ukulele to sound more like a small guitar and less like a ukulele. The concert ukulele is a good mix of the “ukulele sound” with more depth and warmth.
With bigger size comes bigger sound – mostly due to the higher tension strings you are able to put on the instrument. Higher tension strings have more dynamic range than lower tension. You can still play quietly on higher tension but the sound projects further. Higher tension leads to more volume, which makes a concert ukulele a great choice for performing and more professional endeavors (Hence the term “concert” in the name!)
As noted before, the tone helps set the stage for more intricate music, and so does the higher tension of the strings. More tension allows for a wider dynamic range and lets the player control the volume of different strings more easily – this is especially good for chord melody style playing as the notes on each string are more easily distinguished.
The Concert Ukulele Has its Own, Unique Tone
While the soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles are all tuned and played the exact same way, we have seen how they each produce a different tonal quality and sound. The soprano ukulele is usually what is thought of as producing the “ukulele sound” and is popular among performance groups and as a learning instrument for smaller hands.
Its brighter tone makes it a great strumming instrument to accompany singing or other melody instruments. The tenor ukulele produces the warmest tone of the three styles, and can be a great instrument for blending in a group setting or playing more intricate styles like fingerpicking. However, the tone of the tenor is a bit removed from the standard “ukulele sound” and may sound closer to a guitar. The concert ukulele is a good range and tone to still sound like a ukulele but also open up the sound for more intricate playing.
Whatever your chosen instrument is, you will want to consider the setting for your playing and the style and sound you want that fits your playing style. There is no right or wrong choice, just the right or wrong choice for you. Experiment as much as you can and play the different styles to get a sense of the differences for yourself. If you can’t decide which will work best for you, then buy all three!!
Justin Martinez