Soprano Ukulele

Best soprano ukulele
Best soprano ukulele

As you may well know, there are four different ‘main’  ukulele sizes on the market. The most common of these is the soprano ukulele. The soprano ukulele is the smallest of the four different sizes of the ukulele. It is also the first type of ukulele that was ever produced. While larger ukuleles have been produced over the years, the soprano still remains immensely popular. In fact, this is likely going to be the first ukulele that you ever pick up.

 

Design, Tuning & Play ability

 

Design

 

Length: 21″
Tuning:  G4  C4  E4  A4 (re-entrant),  A4 D4 F#4 B4 
Number of frets: 12-15

Many people may find the small size of the ukulele to be a bit of a hindrance. This is because it has a smaller scale. Just 13”, in fact. This means that the frets are much closer together. If you have larger fingers, then this can cause issues. However, if you do have smaller fingers then you may find that playing your favorite tunes will be a lot easier as everything is going to be so much closer together. If you have larger fingers, then opt for a tenor or concert ukulele instead. It is going to make your playing experience that much better. The fact that these instruments are small means that they are fantastic as a travel ukulele. After all, not everybody wants to be dragging around a full-size concert ukulele.  You may just want to whip something out on occasion and have a bit of a strum. They are good for that.

 

Tuning

The soprano usually follows standard ukulele tuning which is:  G C E A.  Keep in mind that the top G string is actually higher than the C string below it.   Use our online ukulele tuner  belowto tune your ukulele. Tap the play symbol and tune the string to the tone.

The sound

Because these ukuleles are smaller in size, they will be cranking out a quieter and more subtle sound. However, many people like this. If you are looking for a sound which offers less bass, then this is the route to go down. I know that the tone of the soprano ukulele is not going to be to everybody’s liking, but I still suggest that you give it a go as it may be something that you end up falling in love with!

Price

Soprano ukulele is the most affordable instruments on the market. This is the main reason as to why people pick up the soprano. In fact, you can get something that sounds decent for not a whole lot of money too. They are ideal if you just wish to check out the ukulele to see if it is for you or, perhaps, you are a regular guitar player and you want to add something new to your repertoire without dedicating yourself to the instrument fully.

Top 7 Best Soprano ukuleles 2020

1. Luna High Tide Koa Acoustic/Electric Soprano Ukulele


The High Tide Soprano Ukulele is part of Luna’s premium line collection of ukuleles, so you can expect a higher-quality instrument. The High Tide is an electro-acoustic uke, so you can plug-in and play, which is for all kind of ukulele players. This beautiful Luna ukulele features a deep koa body and it is producing full and deep sound. This series is crafted from exotic tropical hardwoods, and the Luna “full moon” sticker inside the sound hole is framed by an abalone ring. The mahogany neck, walnut bridge and fretboard add a lasting sustain and clarity to your tone. The on board preamp provides easy amplification.

Pros

  • The tone of the High Tide is excellent.
  • Through an amp it sounds pretty good as well.
  • Piezo pickup and preamp for easy amplification.
  • Simple control panel with three sliders
  • Mahogany neck

Cons

  • Not cheap but still with a price tag that doesn’t feel too hefty.

Summary

Luna High Tide Acoustic-electric ukulele is a great choice for advanced players and beginners with a bigger budget. Ultimately it is eye-catching with well-considered design. It has ample tone.

2. Kala KA-PWS Soprano Ukulele


The Kala KA-PWS Pacific Walnut Soprano ukulele offers a fresh approach to ukuleles. It has a Pacific Walnut top, back, and sides, joined with a mahogany neck. This combination of top shelf tone woods deliver a tone that is bright, yet warm with enough volume that you will be heard while playing with a group. The body is also adorned with classic black binding along the edges to compliment the beautiful satin finish. The finish also really brings out the attractive walnut grain pattern. Guitar players will appreciate the low action and the ease of playability. This Soprano uke features 12 nickel frets and a set of Grover open gear tuners to complete this attractive package.

Features:

• 13-5/8 soprano scale Pacific walnut body Black binding Mahogany neck
• Rosewood fingerboard 12 frets Dot inlays
• Rosewood bridge Synthetic bone nut and saddle
• Grover open gear tuners
• Natural Satin finish Case not included.

 

Pros

  • Surprisingly great play ability
  • Cool design and feel
  • Full bright tone
  • Grover open-geared tuners with smooth action
  • Hold the tuning well

Cons

  • Strumming is a little less clear than finger picking

Summary

The Kala KA-PWS Pacific Walnut Soprano ukulele has a great look and affordable price. Kala are well known for their  craftsmanship, even at the lower end of the market, therefore for under $200, you’re getting a high-end instrument. This soprano ukulele offers a good value for beginners and experienced players as well.

3. Luna Honu Tribal Turtle Soprano Ukulele Pack


The Luna Guitars Honu Soprano Uke is a very popular model among beginners and experienced players looking to add an affordable uke to their collection. This uke boasts decorations inspired from traditional Hawaiian body tattoos. This design is based on a Hawaiian turtle (honu), a symbol of longevity and endurance rendered in a Polynesian tattoo style. The fret markers are stylised shark’s teeth. This ukulele pack includes a gig bag, tuner, and chord chart.

 

Features:

  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Top Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Material: Mahogany
  • Fretboard Material: Walnut
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Finish: Satin Natural

Pros

  • Full-size soprano body
  • Cool design and rounded warm tone
  • Walnut bridge and fretboard
  • Feels exceptionally well-made
  • Open-geared chrome tuners with pearloid tuning keys

Cons

  • not the loudest soprano uke

Summary

With a good quality build, a rich and warm tone, and a very affordable price, this soprano uke is definitely a good instrument.

4. Kala Mahogany KA-15S Soprano Ukulele


The Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele is a budget-minded, beginner instrument but the good thing is that it doesn’t play or sound like a beginner instrument. The ukulele fretboard is made from rosewood and you’ll definitely feel it when playing.  The low string action is a major plus for beginning players, it makes the action easier. The price is very affordable, and you can buy with confidence knowing that this uke is suitable for players of all levels. The KA-15S comes with premium Aquila Nylgut strings, which are widely cherished by uke players all overt the world. Just give them a little time to stretch and you’ll be good to go.

Features:

  • Soprano size
  • Mahogany body and neck
  • Walnut fingerboard
  • GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle
  • Satin finish
  • Nut & Saddle: GraphTech NuBone
  • Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut

Pros

  • Set of Aquila Super Nylgut strings
  • Clear and bright sound
  • Good warmth from the mahogany
  • Feels exceptionally well-made
  • Chrome die-cast tuners assure your uke will stay in tune.

Cons

  • not the loudest soprano but very satisfying

Summary

As you may have noticed, the KA-15S soprano uke is undoubtedly one of the best ukuleles you can find for this kind of price. It looks and feels great, and has a beautiful tone. This model is a really good choice for beginners and experienced players alike.  If you’re looking for an affordable entrance into the ukulele world, and want as much quality as you can get for under  $70 , this is the one you need.

5. Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit


The Official Kala Ukulele Starter Kit comes with everything you need to start playing today. It includes a high-quality mahogany soprano ukulele with Aquila strings, quality open gear tuners, and GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle. The kit also includes a Kala logo tote bag, a 20-page Quick Start Guide with information about your new ukulele, and all the tips you need to get started! Learn to play songs in minutes with Kala’s FREE, easy to follow online lessons through the Kala Brand Music website. The kit includes a Kala logo tote bag, a 20-page Quick Start Guide with information about your new ukulele, and all the tips you need to get started! Learn to play songs in minutes with Kala’s FREE, easy to follow online lessons through the Kala Brand Music website. It includes a high-quality Mahogany Soprano Ukulele with traditional Polynesian Shark Teeth laser etched rosette, Aquila strings from Italy, quality open gear tuners, and GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle.

Features:

  • Soprano size
  • Aquila strings
  • Nut & Saddle: GraphTech NuBone
  • Strings: Aquila Super Nylgut

Pros

  • Set of Aquila Super Nylgut strings
  • Clear and bright sound
  • Feels exceptionally well-made
  • High quality and durable instrument
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No clip-on tuner included.

Summary

This starter kit from Kala costs under $100.  It looks and sounds pretty good, and you also get online lessons as a bonus. This instrument is not expensive, but, if you look after it, it will serve you well for a long time.


6. Hola! Music HM-21 Soprano Ukulele


The Hola! Music HM-21 Soprano Ukulele Bundle is in the entry-level category. It is an amazing option that delivers on construction, accessories and overall sound. The HM-21 has an all-mahogany body. It is well known that mahogany produces a sweet and bright tone which is typical characteristic of ukulele sound. The neck is made of nato, a very close to the sound of mahogany. The walnut fingerboard is quite comfortable.  Overall, this is a lightweight and small enough instrument. It has silver plated geared machine heads with black rubber pegs, a built-in strap pin will make the process of putting on the straps much easier. It comes with Premium Italian Aquila Nylgut strings. The tuners are nice.

Pros

  • Clear sound
  • Good price
  • Functional and quality bundle accessories

Cons

  • Fret edges might be a little sharp

Summary

Hola! Music HM-21 is an  instrument with a decent quality and clear sound. The overall construction is pretty good.  This  bundle is available in 6 other colors so you can choose your favourite one.

7. Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele


Kala’s KA-S Soprano ukulele features mahogany build materials with satin finish. Mahogany provides rich and bright tones. The the lows are present and mellow. This model is affordabley and it’s one of the best Kala Soprano ukulele models in the range. It has four chrome die-cast machine pegs on the head stock and ensure that your KA-S uke will remain in tune for a long time.  Kala’s KA-S Soprano ukulele is the industry standard Soprano Ukulele.

Pros

  • Great design
  • Beautiful Mahogany finish
  • Premium-quality build
  • Great play ability
  • Sustains the tone quite long

Cons

  • Certain intonations problems are possible

Summary

Kala’s KA-S Soprano ukulele is one of the most reliable of entry level soprano ukuleles around and it holds a massive value for the money.

Conclusion

In comparison to other types of ukuleles, soprano ukulele is one of the most affordable instruments. It is easy to play due to low number of frets and it is perfect for people with small fingers. The small size of the soprano allows you to play it strapped or unstrapped. Many musicians prefer the soprano size, even though they struggle to fit all their fingers into the frets. So, if you think a soprano is too small for your hands, try concert ukulele. Soprano ukulele is typically 21” long while Concert ukulele  is  2” longer. Therefore, you will have some extra room on the fret board. Chord shape fingering will be the same for soprano and for concert uke when using the same tuning.

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