See What Makes the Ukulele the Perfect Travel Companion
Ukuleles are often associated with Hawaiian culture, and for good reason. But the “uke,” as it’s commonly known, didn’t originate in Hawaii. Its origins trace back to the 1870s when Portuguese immigrants brought small four-stringed instruments known as “machetes” to Honolulu. Native islanders quickly fell in love with the sound, as did Hawaii’s king, David Kalakaua, who took up playing one himself. The machete was given a new tuning and a new name, and thus, the modern ukulele (often translated as “jumping flea” in Hawaiian) was born. Since then, the instrument has gained international renown for its portability and pleasant tone.
Are you ready to discover the joys of playing the ukulele for yourself? Sweetwater has the tools and expertise to match you with the right ukulele so you can start making music today. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Ukuleles: A Quick Comparison
There are four main types (or sizes) of ukuleles sold at Sweetwater: the soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each size has its own unique timbre and register, giving each instrument a distinct voice in the ukulele choir. You’ll find an overview of each style below.
Soprano ukulele
- Scale length: ~13 inches
- Tuning: G, C, E, A
- Ideal for: Beginners, children, and players who prefer a traditionally bright ukulele sound
Concert ukulele
- Scale length: ~15 inches
- Tuning: G, C, E, A
- Ideal for: Players seeking a portable uke with a traditional sound that’s more comfortable to play
Tenor ukulele
- Scale length: ~17 inches
- Tuning: G, C, E, A
- Ideal for: Intermediate players, fingerpickers, and those looking for a richer and deeper sound
Baritone ukulele
- Scale length: ~19 inches
- Tuning: D, G, B, E
- Ideal for: Guitarists migrating to ukulele; players seeking a bassier sound and larger instrument
Ukuleles Make Music Anywhere: Stage, Studio, and Unplugged!
While the ukulele is primarily known as an acoustic instrument, today’s acoustic-electric ukuleles have become extremely popular among live performers. These ukes often feature under-saddle pickups and specialty preamps to give the performer discreet, hands-on control of their sound from the stage.
Do you stream or produce? Certain ukuleles even have USB connectivity, allowing players to record directly into a computer. Compared to guitars or banjos, ukuleles are extremely small, lightweight, and portable. Their delightful sound often gives compositions a tranquil, charming air.
Sizing Up Ukuleles for Sale: Choosing Quality Where It Counts
Like all acoustic instruments, ukuleles can vary widely in price and construction. Many of today’s budget models sound and play better than ever, but premium models tend to reveal their value over time in the following ways:
- Wood type and build quality: Budget ukuleles are often made from wood laminate, a layered product made to resemble solid woods. Higher-end models are usually crafted from time-honored solid tonewoods such as koa, mahogany, and spruce. Many connoisseurs believe this solid-wood construction yields a richer look and a more resonant tone.
- Action and playability: Premium ukuleles also tend to play easier right out of the box, with features like rolled fingerboard edges, polished fret ends, and detailed factory setups providing a more ergonomic playing experience overall.
- Intonation: As any experienced player can tell you, the devil is in the details when it comes to acoustic instruments. The high-quality nuts, tuners, bridges, and strings found in costlier models tend to offer better intonation, resulting in chords that sound more in tune up and down the neck.
Whether you’re spending $50 or $500 on your next ukulele, just know this: Sweetwater stands behind every model we carry. We maintain strong relationships with our trusted brand partners and carefully vet the instruments we stock, from our budget-friendly beginner ukuleles to our top-of-the-line performance ukes.
Still Searching for Your Voice? Shop Top Ukuleles Now at Sweetwater
Are you still looking for the right uke to take your art to the next level? You’ll find popular models from trusted brands like Kala, Lanikai, Luna, Cordoba, Fender, Martin, and more right here at Sweetwater. Shopping on a budget? Call your personal Sales Engineer for a custom recommendation based on your needs.
