The Balanced Choice
The concert ukulele was developed in the 1920s as a slightly larger alternative to the soprano. It offers a perfect middle ground — retaining much of the soprano's classic tone while providing more room to play and a fuller, richer sound.
At 23 inches (58 cm) in length, the concert is only two inches longer than a soprano, but this modest increase makes a noticeable difference in comfort and volume. It's considered the best "sight-unseen" choice for beginners who aren't sure what size to start with.
Fuller Sound, Same Spirit
The concert produces a warmer, fuller tone than the soprano due to its slightly larger body. It retains the bright, happy ukulele character but with added depth and resonance that makes it more versatile across different musical styles.
The increased body size allows for more bass response and better projection, making the concert a popular choice for singer-songwriters who want to accompany themselves vocally without being drowned out by the instrument.
Improved Playability
One of the concert's main advantages is its wider fret spacing. This extra room makes chord formation easier for players with average to larger hands. The additional frets (typically 15-20) also extend the range for melodic playing.
- Wider fret spacing for easier chord shapes
- More frets for extended range
- Fuller sound with better projection
- Comfortable for most hand sizes
- Ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking
- Great for accompanying vocals
Popular Among Educators
Music educators often recommend the concert size for classroom ukulele programs. It's large enough for older students and adults to play comfortably, while still being affordable and portable enough for group instruction.
The concert's versatility makes it suitable for learning both rhythm accompaniment and basic melody playing, providing students with a well-rounded introduction to the instrument.