Tenor ukuleles have a higher string tension than concert ukes, which means that the strings will feel a little tighter on a tenor uke. Go for the tenor if vibrant tones sound more right to your ears, or pick up the concert if bright sounds are your cup of tea. For example, a high-quality, solid wood concert ukulele will probably sound better than a cheap, poorly-built tenor uke made with laminated wood. It has a richer, deeper sound and is tuned to D-G-B-E I want to start out with an important shared characteristic of concert and tenor ukes: They’re both tuned to the exact same notes and are played the same way. You can also think of scale length as the measurement of the section of the strings that vibrates when you play. This is due mainly to the resonating space each ukulele has. You can learn more about these models on my reviews page. These few characteristics can sometimes make it difficult for some people to tell them apart, especially for new beginners. ukuleleworld.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (includes .com, .ca, .co.uk, .de, .it, .es and .fr) and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. The tenor uke has a longer scale length, and the body is a bit bigger (thought not by much, and this varies from maker to maker) If you had 2 identical ukes, but one was a concert and one a tenor, the tenor will be a bit more resonant and have a slightly fuller sound. If you are looking for the best tenor ukulele under $300, or you are in the market for the top tenor ukulele for playing chords, this could be a fantastic option for you. I’m often surprised by how similar concert and tenor ukuleles can sound, so I don’t want to give the impression that tenor ukes are somehow “better” than concerts! It has a larger bodyâaround 30 inches in length. However, play the same song on a soprano ukulele, concert ukulele, tenor ukulele, and then a baritone ukulele and youâd find a much larger range of sounds. Concert or tenor ukulele for a beginner? The concert size ukulele was developed in the 1920s as a larger version of the soprano ukulele. The extra clearance on a tenor ukulele makes it a little easier to access the higher frets. The soprano ukulele is the smallest and most common size of ukulele. The nut is the white piece at the top of the neck and the saddle is the white piece on the bridge. To be clear there is no specific right answer, it will depend on your personal needs for a ukulele. The overall sound and tone is even fuller than its smaller brothers. But what difference does that make? Uma MOON-ST Solid Mahogany Top Tenor Ukulele. 159.00. 1. Itâs really just a matter of personal preference.Itâs important to keep in mind that body size isnât the only factor that determines tone. Tenor ukulele strings are a little bit longer and a little bit thicker because of the size difference. This is why concert and tenor ukuleles tend to sound bigger and fuller than a similar soprano uke.Many players prefer the warmer, fuller tone of these larger sizes and feel that their fuller voice gives them more versatility than sopranos. Here are some basic stats: The exact measurements of concert and tenor ukulele will vary depending on the manufacturer, but they’ll generally be pretty close to the figures above. However, if you’re a novice, then start with a concert ukulele and enjoy the traditional bright sound of ukuleles that it offers. In my opinion, there isn’t a “best” ukulele size. Is a concert or tenor ukulele better for a beginner? But then again, a more dynamic sound doesn’t guarantee better quality. A ukulele is a fretted string instrument that produces sounds similar to a guitar, mandolin, or banjo. That’s because players with great experience can quickly distinguish the difference in the melodies of the single notes. Now that youâve learned about the common aspects between concert and tenor ukuleles, itâs time to analyse the differences, which should be sufficient to help you make your final decision and take your pick. In other words, the neck of a tenor uke sticks out two frets more than a concert (about one inch). However, they also share some features that we think you should learn about before digging deeper into their distinct features. The best tenor ukulele for chords. Concert vs Tenor Ukulele: The Differences. It is also the smallest and lightest. While the price difference might only add up to five or ten dollars with beginner ukuleles, it can be hundreds of dollars in the case of high-end brands. Which should you buy? Besides, they further share identical scales and chords. Concerts and tenors each have qualities that might lead some players to prefer one over the other, but I really can’t say one is any better than the other. There are multiple types of ukulele, including soprano ukulele, concert ukulele, tenor ukulele, baritone ukulele, and even the rare bass ukulele.The key element to any ukulele ⦠The body is a bit bigger and it also utilizes a longer scale length. As the body of an acoustic instrument gets bigger, its tone will have more volume, bass, and overall resonance. However, let us explain how different the sounds of tenors and concerts are. Finding best ukulele for beginners can be overwhelming. At that point, it is easy to tell that tenor ukuleles cost slightly more than concerts do. For what it’s worth, I like tenor ukuleles. The size of your ukulele is important, but so is finding a quality instrument. The deeper sound differentiates these ukes and gives players a different option. People’s interest in the instrument has been significantly rising in the past few years for numerous reasons. Baritone ukulele: The baritone ukulele is also 30 inches in length, but it is slightly broader than a tenor ukulele. This length affects the vibration of the string, determining its tension. This is due to Soprano Ukuleles being the more popular and widespread style. Another difference between concert and tenor ukuleles is scale length. The differences between concert and tenor ukes aren’t as extreme as some sources might lead you to believe. Tenor ukuleles have a higher string tension, which can result in a bit more volume and projection (more on string tension below). The Similarities Between Concert and Tenor Ukuleles, The Differences Between Concert and Tenor Ukuleles. UkuleleWorld © 2019-2020. The main differences between a soprano ukulele and a concert ukulele are in the size and sound of the instruments. high-quality, solid wood concert ukulele will probably sound better than a cheap, poorly-built tenor uke made with laminated wood. Among other things, scale length determines the spacing of the frets (metal bars on the neck). The Tenor Ukulele was invented right after the Concert Ukulele. I also prefer the slightly bigger, fuller tone of a tenor uke. Based on cursory research I prefer the music of the tenor (like the fuller, more guitar-like sound). Uma Baby T Small Body Tenor Ukulele / Super Concert. The notes, chords, and scales are identical on concert and tenor ukuleles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While this variation in fret spacing is certainly something to consider when choosing a ukulele size, I think the difference is subtle and not something you need to obsess over. The most obvious difference between a concert and tenor ukulele is size. We carry Tenor ukuleles from Bondi, Cordoba, Kala, Luna, and Ohana, and all come with a ⦠Read more on my About Me page. Not only is it relatively affordable (at least for those who are pretty serious about playing ukulele), but it is also a great model for chords. The concert also projects better than the soprano, making the volume a bit louder. It strays a little bit from the ukulele sound, with a deeper pitch than the soprano and concert ukuleles, like a classical guitar (more ukulele than classical sound of course). Size is the first noticeable difference between the concert and tenor. A longer scale length also results in a higher string tension, which I talk about in the next session. Confused about uke sizes? It gives your fingers more room to move, and as youâd expect from an instrument of this caliber, the neck is made with solid hardwood for lasting durability. As a general rule, increasing the body size of an acoustic instrument results in more volume, bass, and warmth. On the other hand, the average size of concerts is 23 inches, and, again, they vary a few inches depending on the manufacturer. These âthickerâ notes are compatible with more situations, and you can use them in varied musical settings. In this guide, I look at good beginner ukuleles that fall within the $50 to $100 price range. Of course, some people are drawn to the slightly more bright and sparkly tone of a concert. Only the relatively⦠Yes. The frets are a little closer together on a concert and a little more spread out on a tenor. As the name implies, it is perfect for the concert because its construction allows it to create an even louder sound. Consequently, ukuleles with longer scale lengths have wider spaces between their frets, making it easier for the player to access the higher frets. Finding the tenor ukulele best suited to your needs will depend on budget, skill level, and personal preferences. You can quickly tell which is bigger or smaller by merely looking at them. My ukulele buying guide will help you choose a ukulele that meets your needs and budget. We’ve rounded up the aspects you need to know before purchasing the right one for you. Ukulele Sizes: The Complete Guide to Different Uke Sizes, The Best Beginner Ukulele: My Top 7 Picks (2021 Edition), Best Tenor Ukuleles: 2021 Reviews and Buyer's Guide, How to Buy A Ukulele: The 2021 Ukulele Buying Guide, The Best Ukulele Brands & Good Uke Brands for Beginners (2021 Edition), Tenors are the largest of the three most common ukulele sizes (soprano, concert, tenor). After being inspired to play a tenor uke, I realized that their sound quality is in the sweet spot compared to the treble-heavy concert ⦠Most importantly, the fretboard of the Tenor Ukulele is more spacious, providing more comfort and ease of ⦠Both ukuleles differ 3 inches in size, with the tenor being the bigger size. It’s important to keep in mind that body size isn’t the only factor that determines tone. All rights reserved. Aside from the size, the quality of construction plays a role in determining the instrument’s price. Now that you’ve learned about the common aspects between concert and tenor ukuleles, it’s time to analyse the differences, which should be sufficient to help you make your final decision and take your pick. The difference in body size between a concert and tenor uke isn’t as big as some people might think. The tenor and concert ukuleles grew out of a need for bigger sounding instruments with different tonal qualities. So the answer is likely yes, the capo from one size will probably fit the other. Some advanced players might enjoy having the tenor’s extra room when playing in a higher register, but for most folks it’s not going to be a factor. Tips to Pick the Best Concert Ukulele. There are several different types of ukuleles. The longneck style ukulele has more frets for greater range. This means that if you can play a concert, you can play a tenor. After reading this article you might decide that a particular size is a better fit for you, but remember that many players end up owning both concert and tenor ukuleles and love playing them equally! Size is the most obvious difference between a tenor and concert uke. 149.00. While this sounds like a lot, it doesn’t translate into a huge difference in what you actually feel when you play the two sizes. This is why tenor ukuleles are usually a little fuller and richer sounding than equivalent concert ukes.Of course, some people are drawn to the slightly more bright and sparkly tone of a concert. Tenor is the next step up from the concert in size. Concert and tenor ukuleles both use standard ukulele tuning: G-C-E-A. Soprano Ukulele vs Concert Ukulele. While it is not a terrible material, it still isn’t as good as solid wood. Applying this rule to ukuleles, concerts have lower string tension than tenors due to their shorter scale length. In conclusion, it is hard to tell whether tenors or concerts are better, because it is a matter of personal preference. Also known as the âSuper Soprano,â the KoAloha Soprano Long Neck ukulele features a concert-length neck on a soprano sized body with a traditional profile. Concert (and tenor) ukuleles are also typically tuned to the standard GCEA tuning. Hi, I'm Sean! Baton Rouge V2-T8 Sun 8-String Tenor Ukulele. Although master ukulele players resort to concert ukuleles for casual playing, youâll always hear the sound of their tenor ukes on stage. Q: Is a tenor ukulele best for beginners? Are Both Baritone and Tenor Ukuleles Available with Cutaway Bodies? All ukuleles capos Iâve seen are advertised as fitting all four size ukuleles (soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone). On the other hand, concerts have brighter tones that are less vibrant than tenors. Fine, handmade ukuleles built in Colorado. The bigger the space or surface, the lower the sound. While the difference in cost between tenors and concerts is relatively insignificant, it varies a lot if you consider going for a high-end brand rather than a regular one. Since the same technique is applied to play the tenor, soprano, and concert ukulele, then there is no much difficulty in learning to play the ukulele in the tenor model. This guide explains the different ukulele sizes (soprano, concert, tenor, baritone) and discusses which sizes are best for beginners. They may even sound similar to the untrained ears. Learn how to find the best uke for your budget in my post on, For more on ukulele prices, check out my article on. Today it is normal with 16 frets or 15+, as it is described. Many manufacturers produce ukuleles made of laminated wood. They’re tuned to the same notes that you can easily switch between. In a way the more important question isnât a concert vs tenor ukulele, but a solid vs laminated wood. Ukuleles are not considered loud instruments. I have both Kamaka and KoAloha, although not in tenor size. Therefore, if you look for a ukulele with versatile use, then try the concert and the tenor. Cordoba 15TM-CE Wide Neck Tenor Electro Ukulele. In other words, the longer the scale length, the tighter the string will feel. Snail SUT-M1 Gloss Mahogany Tenor Ukulele⦠As I touched on above, the increased string tension of the tenor allows players to “drive” the instrument harder and generate a bit more volume. More recently in the ukulele timeline , the baritone ukulele has been introduced. While concerts are considered to be among the high-end types of ukuleles, tenors are a better option for highly skilled players. 1278A 20th Ave, San Francisco CA 94121. info@makaiukulele.com It is the ukulele that almost everyone starts⦠Soprano Ukulele Tuning - Standard Notes The Soprano ukulele is the smallest of the 4 traditional ukulele sizes (soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone). 139.00. A tenor ukulele is usually more expensive than an equivalent concert uke. The spaces between fretboards on tenors are broader than those of concerts given their somewhat longer necks. TENOR. In most cases, the actual body of a tenor (not including the neck) is only 10% larger than a concert. You can find concert bodies with tenor scale necks and split the difference! A size that has recently been gaining popularity is the tenor ukulele at 26 inches (66 cm). While there isn’t a standard size for each ukulele, the average size of tenors is usually 26 inches. In terms of playability, a concert ukulele may be a little easier for people with smaller hands while a tenor might be a bit more comfortable for folks with larger hands. Moreover, the distance between the frets is determined by the length of the scale. Also, if you have large hands, consider buying the tenor as it accommodates larger hands better than the concert. However, the slightly bigger size of the tenor makes it sound louder. Well, in case you don’t know, the scale length starts at the beginning of the strings, known as the bridge saddle, and ends at the end of the fretboard, known as the nut. Size is the first noticeable difference between the concert and tenor. Being somewhat longer than the conventional soprano gives more space between frets, which numerous beginners discover increasingly agreeable to deal with. Concert vs. tenor: What’s the difference? Perhaps your final decision should come down to deeper factors like build. While there are more types of ukuleles, in this article, we focus only on the concert and the tenor, two of the most demanded types of ukuleles. While the Concert Ukulele still has the traditional sound of a Ukulele, it does sound a bit âbiggerâ as well as the physical size. You've decided to buy a ukulele, now what? 139.00. sold out. You can also find some tenors that are either larger or smaller by an inch, depending on the manufacturer. I have pretty big hands and long fingers, so the extra room on the fingerboard makes tenor ukes more comfortable. Soprano ukuleles are also tuned and played like a concert or tenor. I’ve highlighted these two parts in the diagram below. Among the soprano, tenor, and baritone ukuleles, concert ukuleles are the second smallest one. Take a look at some basic stats: Concert ukes are smaller than tenor ukes. The tenor ukulele is just a little bit bigger than the concert uke. Think of the small ukes as giving you a brighter, lighter, more sparkly sound, and the large ukes giving a deeper, richer, more guitar-like sound. In most cases, the price difference is around 5% to 15%, although I’ve seen tenors that are as much as 25% more expensive than concerts. The Banjolele and Guitarlele While it’s good to have a basic understanding of what separates the two sizes, try not to worry that you’ll somehow end up with the “wrong” size. In this post, weâll delve deeper into the differences between the other two types of ukulele: concert and tenor.