Your Feedback

Ukuleles

Fame SMC-21 Spalted Maple
Body made of staked maple
£ 66.00
To Product
Ortega RUGA-SKY Tenor Ukulele
Tenor size from the Gaucho series, incl. bag
£ 130.00
To Product
Leho LHUC-ASAK-LMT
Fully Solid Concert Ukulele, incl.Gigbag
£ 489.00
To Product

Buy ukuleles at MUSIC STORE

Ukulele basics

Small, lightweight and easy to handle – yet far more than just a holiday instrument: the ukulele has enjoyed a worldwide revival. At the latest with Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s iconic version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, the four-string instrument returned to the global stage.

The ukulele is based on the Portuguese cavaquinho, which arrived in Hawaii at the end of the 19th century. There it developed its distinctive sound and later spread to the US mainland and beyond – from jazz and swing to pop and modern singer-songwriter music.

Choosing the right ukulele size

When selecting a ukulele, sound and playability are key factors. Smaller ukuleles are especially compact and comfortable, while larger body sizes offer more volume and fingerboard space. Children and beginners often prefer compact models, whereas adults with larger hands tend to choose concert, tenor or baritone ukuleles.

Ukulele sizes at a glance

Soprano ukulele

The soprano ukulele is the classic and most popular ukulele size. With a scale length of approx. 35 cm, it is compact, lightweight and easy to play – ideal as a first instrument and for music lessons.

Its characteristic re-entrant tuning g'-c'-e'-a' (with a high G string) delivers the bright, cheerful ukulele sound that works perfectly for strumming, simple chords and accompaniment.

If you’re unsure which size to choose, a soprano ukulele is a safe bet: uncomplicated, quick to pick up and available in a wide range of prices.

Fame Roundbody soprano ukulele Bocote with ABS body and laminated bocote top The Fame Roundbody soprano ukulele Bocote is a compact soprano ukulele with ABS body and laminated bocote top.

Concert ukulele

The concert ukulele sits between soprano and tenor ukulele. With a scale length of approx. 38.5 cm, it offers more fingerboard space – a clear advantage for players with larger hands.

Tonally, the concert ukulele provides slightly more volume and warmth while retaining the classic ukulele character. The tuning is usually identical (g'-c'-e'-a'), making the transition effortless.

An excellent all-round ukulele for lessons, home use and first gigs – compact, yet more “grown-up” in sound than many soprano models.

J & D CS-3 concert ukulele with solid spruce top and mahogany body The J & D CS-3 concert ukulele combines a solid spruce top with a mahogany body.

Tenor ukulele

The tenor ukulele offers a scale length of approx. 43 cm, providing noticeably more room for chords, position changes and fingerstyle playing.

Its sound is fuller and more bass-rich than soprano or concert ukuleles. The tuning is often the same (g'-c'-e'-a'), making it easy to switch.

Especially in duo or trio setups, the tenor ukulele cuts through the mix and is ideal for solo playing and more advanced arrangements.

Ortega RU5-TE tenor ukulele in natural satin finish with laser-engraved top The Ortega RU5-TE tenor ukulele features a natural satin finish, laser-engraved top and rich tenor sound.

Baritone ukulele

The baritone ukulele is the largest traditional ukulele size and appeals to players looking for a warm, powerful and guitar-like sound.

Its typical tuning is D–G–B–E, identical to the lower four strings of a guitar in standard tuning. This makes the baritone ukulele especially attractive for guitarists.

Perfect for accompaniment, solo playing and arrangements with greater depth, sustain and tonal richness – both acoustic and amplified.

Fame Mahogany baritone ukulele with solid top and laminated mahogany body The Fame Mahogany baritone ukulele delivers a warm tone thanks to its solid top and laminated mahogany body.

With or without pickup?

Many ukuleles are available with a built-in pickup, which is ideal for stage use, bands and PA systems. For home practice or studio recording, acoustic playing or a microphone is often sufficient – depending on your needs.

Ukulele price differences

Affordable beginner models allow quick musical progress without a large investment. Higher-priced ukuleles offer improved tuning stability, refined craftsmanship and enhanced tone – right up to premium tonewoods and handcrafted instruments.

Ukulele accessories

Useful accessories include a gig bag or case, tuner, strap, capo, suitable strings and learning materials. A wide range of accessories helps you complete your setup.

Ukulele – frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which ukulele is best for beginners?

Soprano and concert ukuleles are ideal for beginners: easy to play, affordable and perfect for lessons and first chords.

Soprano vs concert ukulele – what’s the difference?

Soprano ukuleles are smaller with a bright, traditional sound, while concert ukuleles offer more space on the fingerboard and slightly more volume.

Which ukulele size is best for children?

For most children, a soprano ukulele is the best choice thanks to its compact size and comfortable playability.

Which ukulele size is best for fingerstyle and solo playing?

Concert and tenor ukuleles are popular for fingerstyle and solo playing, as they offer more fingerboard space and a fuller sound.

How do you tune a ukulele?

Standard tuning is G–C–E–A (re-entrant with a high G string). Baritone ukuleles are usually tuned D–G–B–E, like the lower four guitar strings.

Do I need a pickup for my ukulele?

A pickup is useful for live performances and band settings. For home use, acoustic playing or a microphone is usually sufficient.

How much should I spend on a good ukulele?

Good beginner ukuleles are available at affordable prices. Higher budgets bring better tuning stability, craftsmanship and tone quality.

Which tonewoods are popular for ukuleles?

Popular tonewoods include mahogany, spruce, koa and maple. Wood choice has a major influence on tone and sustain.

What accessories do I need for a ukulele?

A gig bag or case, tuner, strap, capo, suitable strings and learning materials are highly recommended.

Which ukulele brands are popular?

At MUSIC STORE you’ll find popular brands such as Fender, Ortega, Martin Guitars, Fame, Ibanez, Epiphone and many more.

▲ Back to table of contents