Persian Ukuleles - How to choose the right size
Choosing the right sized ukulele really comes down to comfort of playing - bigger hands might struggle with traditional soprano ukuleles - and also the sound you're going for.
Read on to learn a bit more about the different sizes of ukuleles.
Soprano ukulele
Soprano size is the most common size and offers a classical, traditional ukulele sound. It's ideal for players of all skill levels but is especially suited to younger players or those with small hands. Soprano ukuleles have a brighter softer tone with less projection and resonance than bigger sizes. Soprano ukuleles are typically 21 inches long with a scale length (the playable length) of about 13 to 14 inches. They have between 12 and 15 frets. Our Persian Soprano and Pineapple Soprano ukuleles have 15 frets to allow you to use the higher frets to play higher notes. Standard tuning for a ukulele is G/C/E/A.
We stock the Persian UKS-ZEBRA Soprano Ukulele as well as the UKSP-ZEBRA Pineapple Soprano Ukulele. The pineapple shaped ukulele is louder than the standard shaped one due the increased surface area of the sound board.
Concert ukulele
Concert is a step up from the smaller and more traditional soprano ukulele. It generally measures 24 inches overall. The scale is about an inch longer than the soprano ukulele, measuring 15 inches, allowing for wider spacing between frets. This makes concert ukuleles more suitable for players with bigger hands. The larger size of the concert ukulele means it projects more, making it louder, and also has a fuller, warmer tone with more mid-range. Concert ukuleles are tuned in the standard G/C/E/A ukulele tuning.
Check out our Persian UKC-ZEBRA Concert Ukulele
Tenor ukulele
Tenor size ukuleles are probably the most popular for professional players. They measure 26 inches overall with a scale length of approx. 17 inches. This extra scale length allows for wider spacing between the frets, making tenor ukuleles ideal for finger picking. A tenor size ukulele is ideal for those with bigger hands who struggle with smaller ukes. The larger size of the tenor gives it a deeper, fuller sound, and a resonant, bass-like tone. Tenor ukuleles project more than concert and soprano ukuleles, making them louder. Tenor ukes use the standard ukulele tuning of G/C/E/A.
Our Persian UKTC-Zebra Concert Ukulele with Cutaway is our favourite from our ZEBRA range, owing to the cutaway but also the beautiful African pattern checkered binding around the bottom and top, and zebra stripe rosette decoration around the sound hole.
Baritone ukulele
Baritone ukulele is the biggest of the standard ukuleles, with a scale length of approx. 20 inches. The baritone has the deepest, fullest sound with the most low end, sounding similar to an acoustic guitar. In fact, the baritone is tuned in D/G/B/E, like the four highest strings on a guitar, making it the easiest transition for guitar players.
Bass ukulele
The bass ukulele is the newest addition to the ukulele family. The bass ukulele is big compared to most ukuleles - they're typically 30 inches long with a 20 to 21 inch scale, but much smaller than a bass guitar. Hollow body bass ukuleles have a sound that resembles an upright bass, while solid body bass ukuleles are closer to a bass guitar. Bass ukuleles are tuned in the same way as a bass guitar - E/A/D/G - making them a fun instrument for bass guitarists, and one that they can travel with more easily! The feel is obviously quite different to a bass guitar since bass ukuleles use polyurethane strings that have a rubbery feel. The most popular strings on a bass ukulele are Aquila Thundergut strings. Bass ukuleles also typically feature piezo microphone pickups.
Have a look at our Persian UKB-ZEBRA Electric Acoustic Bass Ukulele.
