So you've decided to join in with the Ukulele Craze...
But noticed the words "Soprano", "Concert", "Tenor" and "Baritone"
What do they mean? What's best for you? All is answered below...
Soprano
Soprano Ukuleles are the smallest, most common and more often than not the cheapest. Extra-Light and portable, they're the most portable too. Tuned in the standard GCEA. The picture on the left is the Rocket US10R. This offers great value for money with Basswood Back/Sides, Nato Top and a Sepetir Neck. The use of real tonewoods give it a very nice sound. Not only that, but it includes a gig bag - all for under £20!
Concert
Concert sized ukuleles have slightly larger bodies than the Soprano and also feature slightly longer necks - Sopranos tend to have around 12 frets, Concerts around 15-20. This allows a little more playable range. Their larger body also offers better volume and tone than the Sopranos, so they're ideal for small gigs or jamming with a band. Tuned in the standard GCEA. The example on the left is the Rocket UC60-S, which features a solid spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides and a Rosewood fingerboard. Coming to you with a gig bag at under £50 - bargain!
Tenor
Tenor ukuleles are larger again than the Concerts. Their size gives them impressive volume which makes them the instruments of choice for many performing soloists. Thanks to this, they're normally also made with selected tonewoods which give them a very nice tone. Also ideal for the aspiring player with bigger hands, thanks to their longer necks and wider fretboard spaces. Tuned to the standard GCEA. The example on the left is the Rocket UT70-S. This features a solid Mahogany top, mahogany back and sides and mahogany neck and headstock along with a rosewood fingerboard. The use of exclusively mahogany gives this ukulele a very warm tone. Including a gig bag for under £65, this is a steal!
Baritone
Baritones are the largest of the ukuleles. They offer a very deep, rich sound thanks to that size. More often these are tuned lower with the top four strings of a guitar, DGBE, rather than the usual GCEA. The example on the left is the Rocket UB70-S, which like the tenor features solid mahogany construction with rosewood fingerboard and bridges. Includes a gig bag and comes in at under £100.