Also known as super sopranos or alto, and first developed in the 1920s, the concert ukuleles are a couple of inches bigger than the soprano ukulele. They also have five extra frets compared to the 12 to 15 found on the soprano. These additional frets can help you reach new notes, impossible to achieve with a soprano. The length of the concert models, which produces richer and warmer notes are approximately 23 inches, or two inches bigger than the soprano. This apart, the frets are bigger, making it easier to play the concert version as well as the additional tension on its strings prohibits the player from bending the strings out of tune. Here are reviews of the top ten concert ukuleles available in the market.
Contents
- 1. Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu
- 2. Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany 23 Inch
- 3. Concert Ukulele Ranch 23 Inch Professional Wooden Ukulele Instrument Kit
- 4. Oscar Schmidt OU5 Koa Concert Ukulele Bundle
- 5. Kmise Concert Ukulele Kit Vintage Uke
- 6. AKLOT Concert Ukulele Solid Mahogany Ukulele 23 Inch
- 7. Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Ukulele with Gig Bag
- 8. Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
- 9. Hricane Concert Ukulele 23 Inch Koa Professional Hawaiian Ukuleles
- 10. Enya Concert Ukulele 23 Inch Blue Solid Mahogany
- Concert Ukulele Selection Tips
- Types of Concert Ukes
- Top Concert Ukulele Brands
- Average Concert Uke Pricing
- Buyers Guide: Questions and Answers (Q&A)
1. Ukulele Concert Size Bundle from Lohanu
Lohanu, the company which manufactures this model provides a lifetime warranty on their product. This gorgeously constructed piece of art boasts of an arched back, chrome die cast tuning gears (keeps this musical instrument in tune), handmade ABS bindings, Rosewood fingerboard, and a Mahogany/ Sapele shell. Unlike other makes, it has Aquila strings, unarguably the best strings for this musical instrument. I was extremely impressed with its sound, which is much better than ukuleles costing more than the $89.99 list price of this model. I was pleasantly surprised with the countless accessories, which were included with this ukulele. Its size is 3" bigger than the normal soprano and the frets are wider spread too. The unit comes with accessories such as a leather pick, two plastic picks, tuner case, paracord hangar, additional set of Aquila strings. The two installed strap buttons means that you do not have to spend extra money to have somebody install the strap buttons on the instrument.
Pros:
• Includes everything a beginner might need
• No need to retune once tuned
• All laminate body that looks like wood
• Light in weight
Cons:
• Sound is not like that of a wooden instrument
• Not intended for high end use
• Included bag does not protect the instrument well
2. Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany 23 Inch
I loved the way the manufacturers paid attention to details. My only wish was that they included Aquila strings instead of the fluorocarbon ones included with this model that boasts of a see through tuning system, which is quite unlike many other models that have open geared tuners. Considering its price, I was over satisfied with the level of tone, playability, and craftsmanship of this ukulele. I was bowled over by this musical instrument's simple design and its tight construction with excellent finish and fit. The manufacturer have thoughtfully included accessories such as digital clip-on tuner, carbon nylon string, strap, and carrying bag. Its Mahogany body and neck provides brighter and richer sound, and the Rosewood bridge and fingerboard offers a comfortable playing feel. The included chrome plated guitar style tuners helps you always keep this instrument in tune. I loved the handle because of its smooth feel and was amazed by the precise distance between the fingerboard and the string. Priced at $59.99, this unit is affordable and worth its price.
Pros:
• Simple design
• Loud and full tone
• Decent accessories
• Tight construction with excellent fit and finish
• Great price
Cons:
• Unbound fretboard
• Poor quality carrying bag
3. Concert Ukulele Ranch 23 Inch Professional Wooden Ukulele Instrument Kit
If you are looking for a professional quality equipment that comes with tons of accessories and costs only $59.99, look no further than this offering by Ranch. This company is renowned among ukulele players for the quality of their instruments as well as the quality of the materials used in its construction. The top, sides and bottom of this instrument are made of elegant Sapele wood and boasting of a set of four Aquila strings (whopeee), this ukulele provides a much richer and fuller sound than its laminate counterparts. It comes bundled with goodies such as polishing cloth, extra strap, extra set of strings, digital tuner along with battery, as well as a carrying bag containing an extra pocket for housing accessories. The company is so confident of its product that it offers a 30 days, no questions asked, money back guarantee. I always suggest those who are purchasing a ukulele for the first time not to go by the price of the instrument but by its quality. This model scores high on both fronts. Its frets are accurately seated allowing for ease of play at both ends of the neck. I was amazed by the deep lows and the amazing trebles.
Pros:
• Lots of bundles freebies
• Solid mahogany neck
• Beautiful treble end
Cons:
• Tuning heads are a bit stiff
4. Oscar Schmidt OU5 Koa Concert Ukulele Bundle
What can I say except words of praise about this awesome ukulele? No doubt it costs a whopping $179.99 but is excellent on all fronts including hardware and sound and build quality. This too is a bundle deal. However, there is no point in buying a bundle if the main instrument itself is no good. I have no doubts in putting this model at the front of the top concert ukuleles that I have tried. It has a length of 23 inches, contains 16 frets and boasts of a Hawaiian Koa top, back, and side, whilst the neck is of Nyatoh (often referred to as commercial grade Mahogany). It generates sweet and mesmerizing sound that every ukulele player yearns for. The unit features Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and Grover chrome tuners. The saddle and the net are made from dense plastic, which produces a nice and balanced tone. The bundle consists of Austin Bazaar polishing cloth and instructional DVD, clip-on tuner, and a Gearlux case. The sound quality of this instrument is excellent. Although the included bundle might not be great in quantity, they are of excellent quality.
Pros:
• Sweet sound
• Awesome bundle
• Good overall construction
Cons:
• ABS nut is not too durable
• Nyatoh neck is not durable
5. Kmise Concert Ukulele Kit Vintage Uke
Restringing this ukulele is extremely simple, thanks to its unique shaped bridge. Made from Mahogany with Walnut fingerboard and bridge. Although the strings take some time to settle in, its stays in perfectly, thanks to the 18:1 pure copper geared tuning pegs. The D'Addario strings included with this musical instrument have a good resistance and are flexible as well. Priced $54.99, it offers good quality sound. Beginners will love this instrument as the selling price includes a "quick start" booklet and free online lessons on the vendor's website. The vendor also offers a 30 days money back warranty, but I doubt whether you will opt for it. The vendor also includes several accessories with the instrument apart from the booklet such as strap, strings, tuner, along with a carrying bag. The copper gears ensure that there will be no rusting, which is quite important especially if you stay in a place that has a wet and humid climate. The strings are pre tuned at a lower action to ensure that you can touch the strings easily. The strings carry a lifetime replacement guarantee as well.
Pros:
• Trebles ring out
• Competitively priced
• Vintage inspired look
Cons:
• Is not too durable
6. AKLOT Concert Ukulele Solid Mahogany Ukulele 23 Inch
This beautiful instrument provides you with everything you need to get started to learn playing the ukulele. The instrument apart, the vendor includes an instruction booklet as well as access to online lessons. Like most other ukuleles I have reviewed over here, this model ships with accessories such as string cleaning cloth, strap, tuner, picks, and carrying case, making it the perfect buy for the beginner. This music instrument boasts of a solid Mahogany soundboard that gives the notes an extremely soft sound. Most ukuleles start sounding worse s they get older, but this beauty mellows with age and sounds better. The company offers a 45 days money back warranty with their device. This unit too includes my preferred Aquila strings, pre-tuned, so that you can start playing it immediately after unboxing. It boasts of pure copper gears and ships with an 18:1 premium tuner machine. Having a rounded edge for comfortable playing and practicing, and containing an embedded rib to reinforce the neck to strict action height, it is well worth its price of $59.99.
Pros:
• Solid Mahogany body
• Lots of freebies
• Amazing tuner
Cons:
• Frets placements in some models
7. Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Ukulele with Gig Bag
Professional ukulele players know well that Luna is famous for its unique and personalized designs. It is the same with this particular model too. This instrument is made from exclusive and sophisticated material. Although the size of this instrument is slightly smaller than the others in this top concert ukuleles reviewed here, it maintains similar traits of most concert ukuleles. This model is made in Polynesian tattoo style in which the designs are boldly geometric and monochromatic. The manufacturers have used Mahogany for the body and the neck and Rosewood for the fretboard. You are sure to love the fret marks as they are stylized by shark teeth. Priced at $99.00, this instrument offers a clean and vibrant sound, making it well worth its cost. This ukulele takes its design from traditional Hawaiian body ornamentation. Unfortunately, there were no extras included apart from the branded carry bag, which I believe is not justified, considering the price tag.
Pros:
• Good intonation
• Tone wood composition
• Stunning aesthetics
Cons:
• Too costly
• Finishing not good
• Smaller size compared to similar models
8. Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
I typically check ukuleles for their quality of sound as well as their design and build quality. If I had to give top marks for build quality, then this instrument would make it to the top of this list. Unlike cheap instruments that hardly produce a sound worth boasting about this offering from Cordoba is well designed and produces a mellifluous sound that is truly concert worthy. Designed by Pepe Romeo Junior, unarguable one of the most well-known designer of guitars, it produces sound that easily beats its costlier competitors. Manufactured from Spruce, one of the better Tonewood, this instrument offers power found only in advanced guitars. It boasts of Mahogany top, back, and sides and has a satin finish. Priced at $99.00, it is worth its high price. This model too shipped with my preferred Aquila strings.
Pros:
• Excellent build quality
• Very resonant
• Heel and neck made from one piece of wood
• Light in weight
Cons:
• Sometimes produces a slight hum
• Sounds more like a guitar
• Seems to take ages for the strings to stretch out enough for the instrument to maintain its tuning
9. Hricane Concert Ukulele 23 Inch Koa Professional Hawaiian Ukuleles
If you are looking for a ukulele that provides excellent sound, then this one is perfect for you. Thanks to stability of Koa wood, used to manufacture this musical instrument, its sound is smooth and clear. It features an arched back to give longer sustain along with warmer, fuller, and bit deeper woody tones. Priced at $89.99 it sounds like ukuleles costing much more. It has slightly longer scales and more frets than you would find in a soprano. As with all good ukuleles, this too has Aquila strings. It boasts of a KOA body and Walnut fretboard. The looks of this instrument is awesome with rich and deep colors and a varied grain pattern. The vendor offers a 30 days money back guarantee and also includes an extra one year warranty, making it the only ukulele in this top concert ukuleles to boast of this feature.
Pros:
• High quality wood used
• Money back guarantee
• One year warranty
Cons:
• The wood has a rough finish
10. Enya Concert Ukulele 23 Inch Blue Solid Mahogany
This instrument boasts of a solid Mahogany top, back, and sides with a high gloss blue color finish, ensuring that it will stand apart from the others. The color is resistant to corrosion and wear. I loved the gorgeous and beautiful inlays on the fingerboard of this ukulele that provides a clear, melodious, and crisp sound. The proprietary Enya strings provide stability as well as clear and full bodied sound. This instrument has 18:1 high quality die casting tuning gears, which, in tandem with the Enya fluorocarbon strings ensure that the instrument stays in tune for a longer duration. I was surprised by the freebies included such as polishing cloth, two picks, hand sand shaker, capo, extra set of strings, strap, and quality carrying case. At $74.99, it seems to be a bit costly, but once you hear the sound or check the eye grabbing color, you will appreciate that the extra Dollars are worth it. The manufacturer provides a free lifetime replacement of the instrument's strings.
Pros:
• Well-constructed carrying bag
• Quality sound
• Made from top of the line HPL KOA materials
• Lots of freebies
Cons:
• Frets are sharp
• Poor sound projection
Concert Ukulele Selection Tips
The concert ukulele undoubtedly represents the true essence of the sweet and relaxed spirit of the Hawaiian islands. This instrument is widely used and appreciated in many parts of the world where artists use its melodious notes to sweeten their music.
Despite its charm, however, at first glance, the ukulele may be difficult to choose, especially for beginners. The first thing you need to know is that the most widespread and famous ukulele sizes include the soprano, concert and the tenor.
When selecting a concert ukulele, it is necessary to familiarize with the basic characteristics, including the material used in the construction. The weight should not be underestimated, as it varies a lot, depending on the size of the same.
The best ukuleles are made of wood than those not made of plastic or other materials. Some inexpensive units also have parts in wood or fir and rosewood.
Some concert ukuleles have the quality strings, which help produce good sound. The mechanics with which the best ukuleles are built are important as they also allow for tuning and churning out the right sound.
The ideal ukuleles should be identified based on capacity. There are various sizes and the handle can be different. As such, you need to understand which one is best for you. They can be supplied with or without a case or strap. These accessories also make a difference when selecting a concert ukulele.
For this reason, when buying, do not forget the most important accessories. They will certainly make you comfortable. Accessories include the tuner (any tuner with a clip is enough), the case or set of spare strings.
Along with the tuning forks, the dimensions of the boxes also vary and, in general, their shapes. As for acoustic guitars, the builders indulge themselves with personalized shapes, missing shoulders and holes of various shapes or even staggered concerning the axis of the strings.
Even the tuners may be behind the headstock or on its sides regardless of the kind of ukulele chosen. The sound register is a fundamental aspect of the choice of an instrument. Each of the four ukuleles uses a different register and must be chosen according to the intended use.
The range of the ukulele goes towards the grave as its diapason lengthens and is related to the type of tuning to be used. There are several specific types, brands and models ukuleles from which to choose.
On a structural level, some units are based on the shape of the traditional ukulele associated with several other unusual structural elements. The bass unit has much thicker strings that allow it to play according to the bass tuning: Mi, La, Re, Sol.
When choosing a ukulele, it is good to also think about where and how to play it. If it is only for your pleasure and entertainment mainly at home, most likely the acoustic variant will suffice.
If you expect to do some performances, we recommend the sensor version. Using the cable, the ukulele can be conveniently connected to a combo amplifier or a mixing console.
During live shows, it is difficult to amplify the sound of the instrument with a simple microphone. The sensor, among other things, offers the possibility of extending the sound extension through other effects and is also very useful for recording.
Types of Concert Ukes
The concert ukulele has slightly larger dimensions than the soprano. This variant has a manageable keyboard and handle. It can be a great tool for those who are preparing to learn to play since there is more space between the frets. This aspect is also beneficial for those with short, stubby fingers.
This makes it easier to perform the chords without running the risk of touching adjacent frets. Also, in this case, the sound is clean and close to the original, which is not the case with the tenor. Concert variants can come with varying number of frets and the maximum is 20. This allows users to work their way around the fretboard.
The tenor, which has much larger keys and keyboard sizes produces a distinct sound, which deviates from the original. It is almost half the sound produced by a ukulele and that of a guitar. If, however, you are looking for something even more interesting and original, you could buy the banjolele, which represents a hybrid between the banjo and ukulele.
The unit takes up the case of the first and the handle of the second. It should be remembered, however, that although this instrument is also suitable for beginners, one certainly cannot expect it to reproduce the full tones of a ukulele.
Since the choice of the most suitable ukulele is strictly personal and is linked to one’s musical needs and initial knowledge, it is ideal to seek advice from an expert.
The soprano comes with the original dimensions of this instrument, that is, the exact dimensions that were assigned at the time of its conception, in 1879. This type of ukulele has a smaller body when compared to the concert and tenor and has only 12 keys.
This could give rise to the need to switch to a larger keyboard. The strong point of the soprano, which could help you overcome the initial difficulties is that it can recreate the pure sound associated with the ukulele. It is a musical instrument whose shape is similar to that of a guitar, only the dimensions and sound are decidedly dissimilar.
In summary, do not be misled by the word concert when selecting a concert ukulele. This instrument can satisfy the vast majority of musicians. The body is larger than the soprano (length approximately 23 inches or 58 centimeters). The tone is more intense and full. Thanks to its larger dimensions, it is generally more comfortable to hold and handle.
The spaces between the keys also adapt to larger fingers and it is also easier to reach the higher positions on the keyboard. The concert version is the ideal compromise between compact body, classic ukulele sound and comfort of playing.
Top Concert Ukulele Brands
Some of the brands available buyers when selecting a concert ukulele include QStyle, Enya, Deviser, Aklot and Kala. They offer units designed to satisfy the needs of diverse buyers.
Kala also produces concert ukuleles that compete with the best models in this category. The brand offers units, such as the KA-CEM Concert Ukulele made of mahogany. The model is characterized by the presence of a body and a handle made entirely of mahogany, a type of highly resistant wood with an unusual style.
The keyboard and bridge are made of rosewood. It is ideal for novice players who have a great desire to learn to play such a sophisticated instrument.
The model is supported by a sequence of geared mechanics. Also interesting are the frets, which are highly durable. The result is a ukulele that is extremely attractive from a purely aesthetic point of view as well as ensuring high-quality sound.
Aklot is also part of this diverse segment and offers a concert model that focuses more on convenience and practicality in addition to churning out quality sound.
The instrument is characterized by a mahogany soundbox with rounded edges that are ideal for maximum comfort. It works through a series of copper gears and a stable tuner. All this allows the production of quality sound without any kind of buzz.
Furthermore, it is possible to purchase a complete set of accessories to enjoy the musical experience in the best possible way.
Average Concert Uke Pricing
Unlike traditional guitars that make it is easier to distinguish the tone of a high-end model from the tone of a low-end unit, with the ukulele it is more difficult to detect big differences between cheap and expensive instruments.
If your goal is to add some ukulele sounds to your songs, you are sure to find the right unit for a reasonable price. These instruments are available for prices ranging from $20 to $200.
Buyers Guide: Questions and Answers (Q&A)
Which concert Ukulele brand is best?
Looking for a Ukulele, you should select the best brand available. The most reputable brands are durable, plays the best music, and you can handle all type of concert playing with a durable Ukulele. Unlike the regular ones, the concert ukulele is not the type you can find at any music store. These are special instruments and are in high demand. The concert instrument is smaller in size when you compare it with the standard baritone and tenor. However, they give excellent versatility and a rich, well-adjusted tone.
So which ones are the best brands? Here are some of the top picks:
Kala 1KOA-C Elite Concert Ukulele
One of the most in-demand brands, the Kala Elite, is a beautiful design offering high-quality sound. It’s playable and is a reliable instrument that will stay with you for many sessions.
Martin C1K Concert Ukulele
Another famous brand, the Martin Ukulele, offers both reverb and pitch and comes in a sleek satin finish. The ukulele design uses some of the most popular tonewoods, including the head and the back. The instrument sides are of Solid koa, dovetail neck, and hardwood neck.
Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
One of the best-rated brands, the 15CM ukulele, comes at a pocket-friendly price. Although it has a plain design but makes up for it by offering one of the best sounds of a concert ukulele.
Washburn Schmidt OU5 Concert Ukulele
A good brand, especially for beginners who are looking to hone their skills at performing the ukelele. The instrument shines in display with a high-gloss surface. When compared to the regular ukulele, the 0U5 gives more softened tones and has the Aquila Nylgut strings.
How much does a concert Ukulele cost?
The price of the ukulele varies according to the skill level of the users. The beginner can get the instrument anywhere between $50 to $150. An intermediate player will find a good brand for around $200, whereas a professional can buy a high-end playable ukulele for $500 to $800.
Is a concert ukulele suitable for beginners?
The concert ukulele is easy to perform, and the tone is beautiful. The fretwork and settings are of high-grade standing, assuring that your playing experience will be fun and you will learn to play more complicated scales. It is also available in different price ranges, so those who are looking for an affordable brand will find a good ukulele for beginners.
What is the difference between a tenor and a concert ukulele?
In terms of size, the tenor is a step higher than the concert ukulele. The tenor has a more extended scale, and the neck of the instrument is more large-scale. The tenor weighs slightly more than the concert ukulele. In the concert ukulele, the frets are close together, and it is convenient for people who have a smaller hand to use the concert ukulele. People with large hands will find the tenor a better instrument to play.
Is it easier to play ukulele than guitar?
Yes, it is much easier to play the ukulele. The reason why ukulele is simple for most beginners is that the learning curves are straightforward. The guitars, on the other hand, have challenging learning curves to master. People who spend some time on the ukulele can play good numbers of songs in a matter of a month. Most people learn on ukulele and then try their hands on the guitar. Also, unlike the guitar where you get many strings to manage, the ukulele has few lines with less tension, making it easy for beginners to tackle.