Ukulele Anatomy & Sizes
Ukuleles Anatomy & Sizes
When you mention ukuleles, most people think of the small standard soprano size. That's understandable since the Tin Pan Alley scene popularized this size during the first ukulele wave in the 1920s and 1930s. However, ukuleles come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and sound. The four main ukulele sizes are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Let's explore the anatomy of the ukulele and the different sizes available.
Anatomy of a Ukulele
- Body: The ukulele's central sound-producing part comprises the soundboard (top), back, and sides.
- Neck: The long, thin part of the ukulele that connects the headstock to the body.
- Headstock: The top part where the tuning pegs (tuners) are located.
- Tuners: Pegs used to adjust the tension of the strings, tuning them to the correct pitch.
- Nut: A small piece at the top of the fretboard that guides the strings and keeps them evenly spaced.
- Fretboard (Fingerboard): The surface on the neck where the frets are embedded.
- Frets: Metal strips embedded along the fretboard that divide it into fixed intervals, changing the pitch of the strings when pressed.
- Soundhole: The opening in the soundboard that allows sound to project out of the body.
- Bridge: Located on the soundboard, it anchors the strings to the body and transfers their vibrations to the soundboard.
- Saddle: A piece mounted on the bridge, where the strings rest.
- Rosette: Decorative inlay around the soundhole.
- Binding: Strips of material that cover the edges of the body, protecting the seams and enhancing appearance.
- Position Dots (Inlays): Markers on the fretboard and side of the neck that help players identify fret positions.
- Bracing: Internal wooden supports glued to the inside of the soundboard and back, providing structural support and influencing sound quality.
Ukulele Sizes and Their Characteristics
Soprano Ukulele
- Scale Length: 13 inches
- Total Length: 21 inches
- Frets: 12-15
- Sound: Bright, punchy, and traditional. The smallest and most traditional size, soprano ukuleles are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. They produce a classic ukulele sound and are great for beginners and on-the-go players.
Concert Ukulele
- Scale Length: 15 inches
- Total Length: 23 inches
- Frets: 15-20
- Sound: Concert ukuleles are warmer and louder than sopranos. They have a longer scale length and a wider body, making them a good choice for players with larger hands. They also offer more space on the fretboard and a fuller sound.
Tenor Ukulele
- Scale Length: 17 inches
- Total Length: 26 inches
- Frets: 15-20
- Sound: Full, rich, and resonant. Tenor ukuleles are larger than concert ukuleles, providing a deeper tone and greater projection. They are popular among professional players and those seeking a traditional Hawaiian sound.
Baritone Ukulele
- Scale Length: 19-21 inches
- Total Length: 30 inches
- Frets: 18-21
- Sound: Deep, mellow, and guitar-like. Baritone ukuleles are the largest size, with a scale length similar to a classical guitar. They are often used for strumming chords and are ideal for guitar players transitioning to ukulele.
Other Sizes:
Sopranissimo Ukulele
- Scale Length: 11 inches
- Total Length: 17 inches
- Frets: 10-12
- Sound: Very bright and punchy. Even smaller than the soprano, the sopranissimo is extremely portable and fun to play.
Sopranino Ukulele
- Scale Length: 12 inches
- Total Length: 19 inches
- Frets: 12-15
- Sound: Bright and punchy. Slightly larger than the sopranissimo, but still very compact and portable.
Super Soprano Ukulele
- Scale Length: 15 inches
- Total Length: 22 inches
- Frets: 15-18
- Sound: Bright and full. A soprano body with a concert-length neck, providing extra frets and space on the fretboard.
Super Concert Ukulele
- Scale Length: 17 inches
- Total Length: 24 inches
- Frets: 15-20
- Sound: Warm and rich. A concert body with a tenor-length neck, offering a fuller sound and more playing space.
Super Tenor Ukulele
- Scale Length: 19 inches
- Total Length: 27 inches
- Frets: 15-20
- Sound: Deep and resonant. A tenor body with an extended neck provides additional frets and a deeper tone.
Strumming Sweet Spot and Soundhole Position
The soundhole on a ukulele is strategically placed to allow the sound to project from the body. The sweet spot for strumming is typically located just above the soundhole, where the strings vibrate most freely. Strumming in this area produces the richest and most balanced tone.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ukulele size and understanding its anatomy can significantly influence your playing experience and the sound you produce. At UKE Republic, we carry a wide variety of ukulele sizes and are happy to assist you in finding the perfect fit and sound. Visit our showroom in Metro Atlanta, check out our YouTube channel for demo videos, or call us to speak with our expert staff. We're here to help you on your ukulele journey!
Of course, there's the matter of tonewoods, but that's another rabbit hole.
Tip: To achieve a deeper bass tone on soprano, concert, or tenor ukuleles, replace the high G string with a low G string.
Short Scale Ukuleles L to R: Sopranissimo, Sopranino, Soprano
Sopranissimo Ukulele Demo
Sopranino Ukulele Demo
Soprano Ukulele Demo
Concert Ukulele Demo
Tenor Ukulele Demo
Baritone Ukulele Demo
Hybrid Scale Ukuleles
These super ukes boast the sweet sounds of a smaller ukulele body with the easy playability of a longer-scale neck. UKE Republic carries a mix of these unique combinations for various sounds and playing experiences.
Long Neck/Super Soprano - is either a concert or tenor scale set on a soprano-sized body.
Long Neck/Super Concert - is a tenor scale set on a concert-sized body.
Super Tenor - will typically have a tenor scale neck on a baritone-size body or a tenor body with a wider/larger lower bout.
