Ukuleles sopranos, concerts, tenors, baritones: how to choose your ukulele?

The sound of the ukulele is a true delight for the soul and the senses. It instantly transports you to the sunny shores of Papeete and Tahiti in French Polynesia . But choosing the right instrument is crucial. Soprano ukulele, concert ukulele, tenor, or baritone— which should you choose? How do you know which ukulele is right for you? What's the best choice for a beginner, and which instrument is best for an experienced musician? How much should you spend on your instrument? These are all questions you're probably asking yourself.

In this article, Upa Upa Tahiti presents the different types of ukuleles to help you make your choice. We also explain the differences between a ukulele and a guitar , and between a ukulele and a banjo . Finally, we offer an overview of the different types of wood used to make ukuleles. Let's go!

What you need to know to choose the right ukulele

Before discussing the different ukuleles in more detail, here is some information to know to help you choose the right instrument . Indeed, certain factors must be considered when selecting your ukulele.

• In the first place, it is necessary choose your ukulele according to his level. If you are a beginner, an entry-level instrument is sufficient. On the other hand, if you are an experienced ukulele player, a fine wood instrument will probably be more appropriate. For children or adult beginners, opt for a soprano ukulele is a good idea. Indeed, it is easy to hold in hand thanks to its small size. A concert ukulele can also be suitable for learning the instrument. In addition, it is ideal for people with large hands. Musicians with experience can turn to the tenor or baritone.

• Before making your choice, we recommend that you compare the models carefully. You can if you want to use a comparison of ukuleles on line. In particular, check that it is indeed a solid wood ukulele. Why ? It's simple, instruments made of solid wood produce better quality sound. They are also more resistant, which should not exempt you from taking care of them. Indeed, a ukulele like any other instrument, it talks. 

• If you plan to do ukulele gigs or recordings, opt for an electro-acoustic ukulele that includes a built-in pickup system.

• Don't be afraid to ask the store clerk or someone from customer service before deciding on a model. Choose a ukulele with a good quality / price ratio, and yes, it is possible! Even better, go for a homemade ukulele. If you buy your ukulele online, listen to the sound of the instrument before confirming the purchase. Normally, a good ukulele sales site offers to listen to a recording of the instruments. 

Discover all the traditional Tahitian ukuleles made in Upa Upa Tahiti :)

All ukulele sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, baritone

Whether in terms of tuning , length , or number of frets , soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles have their differences . For example, the soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles are tuned to the same scale, while the baritone has its own tuning system. Furthermore, the soprano is the smallest ukulele in size, and the baritone is the largest. Finally, although a ukulele typically has a 12-fret fingerboard, some models have 14. Let's take a look!

Soprano Ukulele

This is the smallest of the ukuleles, averaging 53 cm in length. It's particularly suitable for beginners, but also for anyone who appreciates the original ukulele sound. There are many soprano models available , crafted from various woods. Each has its own style! So everyone can find the one that resonates with them. Soprano ukuleles are tuned to the GCEA scale , which uses the notes G, C, E, and A.

To give you an idea, here's a soprano ukulele model to check out now :)

The range of GCEA agreements, good to know:

The G represents the 4th string of the ukulele at the top level. It corresponds to the sol note. The C represents the 3rd string, or the note do. The E is the 2nd string. It corresponds to the mid note. Finally, the A represents the 1st string, therefore at the lower level. Its note is A.

concert ukulele

Slightly larger than the soprano ukulele, the concert ukulele measures on average 58 cm. It is well-suited to beginners, but also to people with large hands or who simply enjoy the sound of this instrument. Here too, there is a wide variety of concert ukulele models to choose from.

To tune a concert ukulele , you use the GCEA scale (like the soprano ukulele). The sound is deeper and fuller than with the soprano ukulele.

Concert ukulele models to discover: the Concert Raivavae with its solid mahogany neck, and the Concert Motukawanui with a design inspired by Maori motifs.

Tenor Ukulele

In terms of size , the tenor ukulele is a step above the concert ukulele. It measures 66 cm on average. It is best suited for those who already have a good grasp of the ukulele. For those looking for a high-quality, handcrafted instrument, the Upa Upa Tahiti tenor ukulele models are ideal. As for tuning, these are also based on the GCEA scale.

Discover the Hiva Oa tenor model without further delay!

Baritone Ukulele

Smaller than a classical guitar, but larger than a tenor ukulele, the baritone ukulele measures on average 74 cm. As its name suggests, it offers a lower pitch. The baritone ukulele is suitable for skilled players. Its tuning differs from soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles. It is tuned to the DGBE scale , using the notes D, G, B, and E. The D corresponds to the 4th string of the ukulele at the top and the note D. The G corresponds to the 3rd string and the note G. The B is the 2nd string, which is tuned to the note B. Finally, the E is the 1st string and corresponds to the note E.

Good to know:

There are several methods for tuning your ukulele . You can do this manually by turning the tuning pegs, or with the help of a round chromatic tuner, a ukulele whistle, an electronic tuner, or a tuning fork.

You now have all the information you need to choose your ukulele wisely . But let's now take a look at the guitar and the banjo . This will help you understand the differences between these three instruments and make a more informed decision.

What to play with soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles?

If you're unfamiliar with the ukulele, you might be tempted to think it's only used for traditional Polynesian music . But the ukulele isn't limited to that style. In fact, a wide range of musical styles can be explored and rediscovered with the ukulele. You can play rock, jazz, blues, soul, funk, pop, ballads, or even country. It all depends on your mood and preferences.

What are the differences between the ukulele and the guitar?

The main difference between a ukulele and a guitar lies in the number of strings. A classical guitar has six strings, while a traditional ukulele has four. In Hawaii, for example, the traditional ukulele has four strings. However, it's worth noting that the Tahitian ukulele has four doubled strings. Now, back to the guitar. Guitar strings are generally made of nylon or steel, while ukuleles typically use nylon strings. Another important difference between the ukulele and the guitar is size. The guitar is larger, with a longer neck, a longer scale length, and more frets. It's also generally considered more difficult to learn than the ukulele. The final difference between these two instruments is price . The ukulele is more affordable than the guitar.

Key points to remember :

• Le ukulele is smaller and more easily transportable than guitar
• Learning this instrument is easier than learning the guitar
• The price is more affordable for a ukulele
• And this instrument is perfect for beginners or children

Now, on to the Banjo!

Banjo and ukulele, how are they different?

Wondering what the difference is between a ukulele and a banjo? Let us explain. These two musical instruments differ primarily in their sound. The tuning is different on a ukulele and a banjo, and therefore, the sound produced is also different . For example, the 4-string tenor banjo is tuned close to the tuning of a violin, although the octave is lower. The 5-string banjo is tuned to the gDGBd scale, which consists of the notes G, D, G, B, D. The size of the two instruments is also different . The banjo is larger than the ukulele.

Now that you know the differences between all these instruments, let's look at the woods used to make ukuleles. Indeed, the choice of ukulele should also take into account the type of wood . And the reason is simple: the wood used influences the sound of the instrument.

Mahogany ukuleles, composite wood, solid walnut: which wood to choose for your ukulele?

The basic rule to follow is to avoid instruments made exclusively of laminated wood. Composite wood , on the other hand, can be used in the construction of certain parts of the instrument. Otherwise, solid wood is ideal for a ukulele. Quality instruments are largely made of solid wood, but it requires proper care. Today, ukuleles are available made from various types of wood . So, which should you choose? How does the wood influence the sound?

The wood of the ukulele influences the sound, what is it really?

To help you choose, we explain how the type of wood influences the sound . Originally, ukuleles were made from koa wood . But now, they are also available in mahogany , composite wood , or solid walnut, among other materials. Often, several types of wood are used to make the same instrument, with each type of wood corresponding to a specific part of the instrument.

Acacia koa wood ukulele

Koa acacia wood is the wood traditionally used for making ukuleles. However, this wood is rare, which is why other solid woods are also used today. Koa wood is found on the island of Hawaii. As a solid wood, koa acacia offers superior tone, power, and a very pleasant resonance. The depth and clarity of its sound are ideal for the ukulele. Soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles are very often made with a laminated koa body.

Solid mahogany wood ukulele

Widely used in the handcrafted making of ukuleles , solid mahogany produces clear tones. It is most often found in the ukulele's neck. Like all solid woods, it requires careful maintenance.

Ukulele with composite wood

Composite wood is made from a blend of several wood fibers . It's a durable and strong material that can be used to make the ukulele fingerboard. Whether you buy a soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone ukulele, it's very likely that the fingerboard will be made of composite wood.

Solid Walnut Ukulele

Solid walnut is a popular choice for ukulele bridges. It's a solid wood that produces rather warm tones.

Choosing the ukulele: what price to put in your instrument? 

If you're a beginner , you can look for a ukulele that offers good value for money . For example, a soprano ukulele between €150 and €200 will be perfect for starting to learn the instrument. You'll also find quality concert ukuleles between €200 and €250. If you're an experienced musician, quality tenor ukuleles sell for around €250 on average. Of course, you'll find ukuleles at all price points, but to ensure playing this instrument remains an unparalleled pleasure, opt for quality. Upa Upa Tahiti ukuleles offer you quality at great prices. So don't hesitate to visit our shop :) and learn the ukulele with our beginner ukulele tutorials!

As you can see, there are many parameters to look at before choosing your ukulele. The level of the player, the build quality of the instrument, the type of wood, the price, and more. But don't forget to follow your heart too :)