If you’re trying to choose between a concert vs tenor ukulele, you’re in the right place. Ukuleles come in different sizes. Two popular types are concert and tenor ukuleles. These instruments may look similar, but they have unique features that set them apart. We love how each size offers its own special sound and playing experience.
Both concert and tenor ukuleles are pretty easy to take on a flight. On Jenny’s recent Hawaii cruise, even guitarists were bringing ukulele because they’re so much easier to travel with than a guitar! They’re much easier than a violin to bring on a plane. Jenny has even stuck the ukulele in a backpack and been able to put it under the seat with only a tiny bit sticking out of it.
Concert and tenor ukuleles differ mainly in size, sound, and playability. Concert ukuleles are a bit smaller, making them great for players with smaller hands or those who want a more traditional ukulele tone. Meanwhile, tenor ukuleles are slightly bigger, offering a fuller sound and more space on the fretboard.
Choosing between these two ukulele sizes depends on what you’re looking for in an instrument. We think it’s fun to try both and see which one feels right for you. Each size has its fans, and there’s no wrong choice – it’s all about personal preference and playing style.
Key Takeaways – Concert vs Tenor Ukulele
- Concert and tenor ukuleles differ in size, affecting their sound and feel.
- Concert ukuleles are smaller with a traditional tone, while tenors offer a fuller sound.
- Your choice between concert and tenor depends on personal preference and playing style.
Overview of Ukulele Types
Ukuleles come in different sizes and styles. Each type has its own unique sound and feel. Let’s explore the main ukulele types and who they’re best for.
Comparison Table for Soprano, Concert, Tenor, and Baritone Ukuleles
| Type | Length | Scale Length | Typical Tuning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | 21″ | 13″ | GCEA |
| Concert | 23″ | 15″ | GCEA |
| Tenor | 26″ | 17″ | GCEA or DGBE |
| Baritone | 30″ | 19″ | DGBE |
Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and have a bright, tinkling sound. Meanwhile, concert ukes are a bit bigger with a fuller tone. Then, tenor ukuleles offer more volume and bass. Lastly, baritone ukes are the largest and sound more like a classical guitar.
The Place of Concert and Tenor Ukuleles in the Ukulele Family
Concert and tenor ukuleles sit in the middle of the ukulele family. They’re bigger than sopranos but smaller than baritones. Concert ukes give a nice balance of portability and sound quality. Meanwhile, tenor ukes offer more volume and a richer tone.
Many players start with a soprano and move up to a concert or tenor as they improve. These mid-sized ukes are great for both beginners and experienced players. They’re easier to play than sopranos for people with larger hands.
For Whom Is the Tenor Ukulele Best Suited
Tenor ukuleles are great for players who want a fuller sound. They work well for fingerpicking and strumming. The longer neck gives more space between frets, making it easier to play complex chords.
Many performers like tenor ukes for their loud volume. They also find them good for recording. Lastly, many professional ukulele players prefer tenors for their versatility.
Adults and teens often find tenor ukuleles comfortable to play. The larger size fits well in bigger hands. If you like a warmer, more guitar-like tone, a tenor might be right for you.
For Whom Is the Concert Ukulele Best Suited
Concert ukuleles are perfect for players who want something between a soprano and a tenor. They offer a good mix of portability and sound quality. The concert size is often called the “Goldilocks” of ukuleles – not too big, not too small.
Beginners often enjoy concert ukuleles. They’re easier to hold than sopranos but not as heavy as tenors. The slightly larger fretboard makes it easier to form chords. This can help new players learn faster.
Concert ukes work well for both adults and older kids. They’re great for casual players who want a ukulele that’s easy to carry around. If you like the traditional ukulele sound but want something a bit fuller than a soprano, try a concert uke.
Physical Characteristics of Concert vs Tenor Ukulele
Concert and tenor ukuleles have some key differences in their physical features. These affect how they look, feel, and sound when played. Let’s take a closer look at their unique traits.
Body Size and Scale Length
Concert ukuleles are smaller than tenor ukuleles. The concert body is about 23 inches long, while the tenor is around 26 inches. This size difference impacts how they feel when held and played.
Scale length also varies between these two types. Concert ukuleles have a scale length of about 15 inches. Meanwhile, tenor ukuleles are longer at around 17 inches. This affects the spacing between frets and the overall tension of the strings.
The larger size of the tenor gives it a fuller, deeper sound. In contrast, concert ukuleles produce a brighter, more traditional ukulele tone.
Fretboard Differences
We can spot some clear differences in the fretboards of concert and tenor ukuleles. Tenor ukuleles have wider fretboards, usually about 1.5 inches at the nut. Meanwhile, concert ukuleles are narrower, typically around 1.375 inches at the nut.
This width difference affects how we play chords and single notes. Tenors offer more space between strings, making it easier to play complex chord shapes. Concerts can be better for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact feel.
The extra width on tenor fretboards also allows for slightly thicker strings. This can result in a fuller tone and make bending notes a bit easier.
Number of Frets and Strings
Both concert and tenor ukuleles usually have four strings. This is standard for most ukuleles. The tuning is typically the same for both: G-C-E-A.
The number of frets can vary, but there are some common patterns. Concert ukuleles often have 15-18 frets. On the other hand, tenor ukuleles usually have 18-20 frets.
More frets mean a wider range of notes to play. This gives tenor players a bit more room to explore higher notes. The extra frets on a tenor can be useful for solos and more advanced playing styles.
Both types use similar materials for frets, like nickel or stainless steel. The fret spacing is wider on tenors due to their longer scale length.
Sound and Playability of Concert vs Tenor Ukulele
Concert and tenor ukuleles have unique sound qualities and playing characteristics. We’ll explore their tonal differences, string tension, and how they suit various skill levels.
Tone Quality and Sound Projection
Concert ukuleles offer a bright, crisp tone. They have a clear sound that cuts through well in group settings. Their compact size gives them a focused projection.
Tenor ukuleles produce a fuller, warmer tone. They have more resonance and volume due to their larger body. This makes them great for solo performances or recording.
We find that the tenor’s extra space allows for more overtones. This results in a richer, more complex sound. Concert ukes, on the other hand, have a more direct and immediate tone.
String Tension and Tuning
Concert ukuleles have shorter strings, which means less tension. This can make them easier to press down and play. The lower tension also contributes to their bright, snappy sound.
Tenor ukes have longer strings with higher tension. This gives them more sustain and a fuller tone. The increased tension can make them slightly harder to play for beginners.
We’ve noticed that tenor ukuleles often stay in tune longer. Their higher string tension helps maintain pitch stability. Concert ukes may need tuning more often, but it’s usually a quick process.
Playability for Different Skill Levels
For beginners, concert ukuleles are often a great choice. Their smaller size and lower string tension make them easier to handle. The shorter scale length means less stretching for chord shapes.
Tenor ukuleles suit players of all levels. Their larger fretboard gives more room for complex fingerings. This extra space is helpful for players with larger hands or those exploring advanced techniques.
We recommend trying both sizes to see what feels comfortable. Some beginners prefer the tenor’s fuller sound, while some pros love the concert’s portability. Your playing style and personal preferences will guide your choice.
Choosing Between Concert vs Tenor Ukulele
Picking the right ukulele size can be tricky. We’ll help you compare concert and tenor ukuleles to find your perfect fit.
Assessing Playability and Comfort
Concert ukuleles are a bit smaller than tenors. They’re great for players with smaller hands or those who like a compact instrument. The neck is shorter, making it easier to reach all the frets.
Tenor ukuleles have a longer neck and wider fretboard. This gives more room for your fingers, which can be nice for complex chords. The bigger body also makes a fuller sound.
We suggest trying both sizes if you can. Play a few chords and see which feels better in your hands. Remember, comfort is key for enjoyable playing!
Budget Considerations
Concert ukuleles are often cheaper than tenors. This makes them a good choice for beginners or those on a tight budget. You can find quality concert ukes at lower prices.
Tenor ukuleles usually cost more. The extra wood and larger size bump up the price. But they often have better sound quality, which might be worth the extra money.
Think about how much you want to spend. If you’re just starting out, a concert uke might be smart. For a long-term investment, a tenor could be better.
Suitability for Professional Use
Both concert and tenor ukuleles can be used professionally. The choice depends on your style and needs.
Concert ukuleles are popular for their bright, crisp sound. They’re great for fast strumming and upbeat songs. Many pros use them for Hawaiian music.
Tenor ukuleles have a deeper, richer tone. They’re often picked for fingerpicking and more complex music styles. The extra volume can be helpful on stage.
For recording, tenors might have an edge. Their fuller sound often comes through better. But in the end, skill matters more than size. Pick the one that inspires you to play your best!
Materials and Build Quality of Concert vs Tenor Ukulele
Ukuleles come in different materials that affect how they sound and how much they cost. The wood type and construction method play big roles in a uke’s quality.
Solid Wood vs. Laminate
Solid wood ukuleles are made from single pieces of wood. They usually sound better and get richer with age. But they cost more and can be sensitive to changes in humidity.
Laminate ukuleles use thin layers of wood glued together. They’re cheaper and more durable, but don’t have as complex a tone. Many beginner ukes are made with laminate tops and bodies.
We often see koa, mahogany, and spruce used for solid wood ukes. Laminate versions try to mimic these looks.
The fretboard is typically made of rosewood or ebony. The uke’s neck is usually mahogany.
Impact of Materials on Sound and Cost
Wood choice affects a uke’s sound a lot. Koa gives a bright, sweet tone but is pricey. Mahogany has a warmer sound and costs less. Spruce offers a loud, clear tone and falls in the middle price-wise.
Solid wood ukes start around $200-$300. High-end ones can cost over $1000.
Laminate ukes are much cheaper, often under $100. The strings matter too. Nylon strings are common and affordable. Fluorocarbon strings cost more but last longer and stay in tune better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people wonder about the differences between concert and tenor ukuleles. We’ll answer some common questions about their sizes, sounds, and suitability for players.
What are the size differences between a concert and a tenor ukulele?
Concert ukuleles are typically 23 inches long. Tenor ukuleles are a bit bigger at 26 inches.
The concert has a scale length of 15 inches, while the tenor’s is 17 inches.
How do the sounds of a concert and a tenor ukulele compare?
Tenor ukuleles have a fuller, deeper tone. Concert ukuleles sound brighter and have less bass. Tenors are louder due to their larger body size.
Which is more suitable for beginners, a concert or a tenor ukulele?
Both can work for beginners. Concerts are easier to hold for smaller hands. Tenors offer more room on the fretboard, which some new players prefer.
What benefits does a tenor ukulele have over other sizes?
Tenors have a richer sound and more volume. They’re great for fingerpicking and offer more space between frets. Many find them comfortable to play sitting or standing.
Are tenor ukuleles more challenging to play than concert ukuleles?
Not really. The larger size can be a plus for some players. The extra fret space can make it easier to form chords. Players with big hands often find tenors more comfortable.
Which ukulele size is generally considered to have the best sound quality?
This is a matter of taste. Many think tenors have the best mix of warmth and brightness.
Concerts are popular for their clear, crisp tone. The “best” sound depends on personal preference and playing style.
