Ukuleles have enjoyed a huge popularity boom in recent years, becoming one of the most sought-after instruments in the world. They make about 50 thousand more ukeleles than guitars, if you can believe it.
Originally from Hawaii, these string instruments are now played in every country and are beloved for their bright, playful tones. They are smaller and easier to play than guitars, making them an accessible instrument to take anywhere, even with limited traveling space.
The playing action of a ukulele is similar to that of a guitar – you can strum or pluck it, depending on what you want to play, and some ukulele music incorporates both techniques. You can play almost any style of music on a ukulele, provided you can arrange it properly, but the sound works particularly well with pop music.
Some pop artists even incorporate the ukulele into their original score to give it a light, whimsical feel. Famous examples include “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz and “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train.
The type of ukulele we focus on in this article is the concert ukulele. While most beginners typically choose a soprano ukulele since it is easiest to handle, a concert ukulele is better for more advanced players. This is because it has a warmer tone and creates a richer sound, perfect for performance situations. Here, we show you a selection of the best concert ukuleles to give you a headstart when you want to buy one.
Best Concert Ukulele (Quick Summary)
Hricane Professional Concert Ukulele
- 【Arched Back】The excellent resonance stability of acacia wood makes the ukulele sound smooth and clear. Features an arched back to give longer sustain, fuller, warmer and a bit deeper woody tones sound.
- 【Great Sound】Mid-sized ukulele with a bit longer scale and more frets than a soprano, having louder–tuned G C E A. The traditional 23-inch ukulele has acacia body, walnut fret board and Aquila nylon strings.
- 【Koa Acacia Wood】 Made with very high quality solid acacia wood, handmade deluxe bindings. Having deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. The unique inlay around the sound hole makes the ukulele every stylish and unique.
- 【Professional Ukulele】The glossy finished 23-inch size concert ukulele could be an awesome instrument for beginner to intermediate and even for professional player.
- 【Service Guarantee】We offer a free 30 days money back guarantee. Contact us if you have any problems with your ukulele and we will do our best to help you. Ukulele come with ukulele bag, digital tuner, strap, 4 spare strings, pickup, cleaning cloth, Small accessories bag.
Just one look at this Hricane ukulele tells you that it means business. Made from acacia wood with a glossy finish, it is designed to give great performances every time.
Acacia wood produces a deep, rich tone, and the arched back allows you to sustain notes for longer. The fretboard is made of walnut wood, and the strings are nylon. This concert ukulele is suitable for all levels, so it is equally good for beginners, professionals, and anyone.
The package includes a comprehensive setup, including the following:
- A gig bag
- Strap
- Spare strings
- A Pickup
- A digital tuner
- Cleaning cloth
- Accessories bag.
All of that in the same place means you don’t need to buy anything extra to get started on playing your beautiful new instrument!
Pros
- It has everything you could need to enjoy many years of ukulele playing
- It comes with a 30-day guarantee (Amazon’s Policy)
- Unique, sophisticated design with a varied grain pattern
Cons
- There isn’t an intuitive way of changing the strings
- There are no strap buttons, so there is a hole for the strap to hook onto instead; some players may not use this system.
Luna Tattoo Concert Ukulele
- This Tattoo Concert Uke Takes Its Design From Traditional Hawaiian Body Ornamentation
- The Designs Were Monochromatic, Tattooed In Black Against Brown Skin
- The Patterns And Layout Were Strongly Geometric And There Were Many Shapes And Symbols Representing The Natural Island World
- The Fret Markers Are Stylized Sharks Teeth
The first thing you will notice about this concert ukulele is the elaborate tattoo design on the front. This will have your audience transfixed whenever you play. It incorporates traditional Hawaiian tattoo themes, giving it an authentic look that may help you achieve the perfect sound.
The body is made from mahogany, known for being one of the best woods to use in ukulele construction. This gives it unmatched resonance and lets you hear all the notes clearly.
Rather than nylon or other plastic, the strings are made from bronze. These strings give maximum volume and more than a touch of classic elegance.
Pros
- The detailed design looks beautiful and utilizes Hawaiian symbols and shapes to represent land features
- Sharks’ teeth fret markers add another stylized aspect to the overall look
- String buzz is minimized, so you don’t have to put up with twangy sounds that come across as an amateur
Cons
- It comes with minimal accessories in general
- You may have to wait a few weeks for the tuning to hold
Enya Carbon Fiber Concert Ukulele 23”
- ♫ Made of carbon fiber composite polycarbonate with durable construction. Waterproof and easy-to-clean body.
- ♫ Much more bright sound compares to wooden ukuleles. Side sound hole design ensures better self-resonance during playing.
- ♫ Super lightweight (1.25 lbs.) and thin body (2 inch). Designed to be your travel partner and ignore temperature and humidity.
- ♫ With the arched back, radius fretboard and cutaway body, this uke is designed for all-level players.
- ♫NOT compatible with wound strings or strings containing metallic compounds. US warranty and customer support.
This sophisticated carbon fiber model has everything you could need to start playing the concert ukulele. The package includes the following items:
- A solid carry case
- Neck strap
- Capo
- Online lessons that you can access whenever you want.
The carbon fiber body is an unusual choice for a ukulele but makes it lightweight, durable, and waterproof. It results in a brighter sound than traditional wooden ukuleles, and the resonance is further enhanced by the shape and position of the sound hole.
This also gives it a unique look, along with the matt black paint finish and shallow depth of 1.8 inches. You will turn heads everywhere with this eye-catching design.
Pros
- Durable body made from carbon fiber composite polycarbonate – sturdier and more water-resistant than wood
- Striking appearance with uniquely-shaped sound hole and matt black paint
- It comes with everything you need to learn to play, including a set of spare strings
- Even playing tone with plenty of resonance
Cons
- Not compatible with metallic or wound strings
- Black frets can be difficult to see on the black neck
Donner Concert Ukulele Professional
- Cool Hand-rubbed Gradient Appearance – Unlike other ukulele, Donner DUC-200G is polished by hand to make a perfect gradient color. The cool designed color of ukelele is change from dark to light naturally without covering the beautiful wood grain.
- Quality Materials Create Sweet and Bright Sound – Donner ukele’s mahogany resonance box and Aquila carbon nylon strings make sure the sound is Sweet and bright. Sami-Open Finish minimizes the impact of paint on tone effectively.
- 18:1 Gear Ensure Intonation – Donner patented chrome-plated 18:1 gear ratio tuners can adjust the ukalalee strings finely and smoothly without slipping. Along with stable Aquila nylon strings, Donner uke can always keep the tune.
- Free Online Lessons Allow You to Play Easily – Donner’s free professional ukuele beginner lessons teach you everything from tunning to playing songs. The precise position marks at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th and 15th frets on neck and top of fingerboard help the starters to learn conveniently.
- Complete Ukulele Starter Pack – Donner concert uklele bundle pack comes with DUC-200G concert ukalelee, padded gig bag, strap, digital tuner, 4 extra strings, 4 picks and cleaning cloth. Meet all needs of both beginners and professionals. A decent gift for friends and family.
Sometimes, musical instruments in unusual colors can look tacky, but this concert ukulele is certainly an exception. Its cool blue-green hue is almost hypnotic, transporting you to faraway places as you listen. The hand-polished finish completes the design, achieving an ideal gradient between light and dark.
The wood of choice here is mahogany, an excellent base material for any ukulele. This, along with the carbon nylon strings, gives a bright, rounded tone that sings out sweetly with every note.
One of the most notable features is the 18:1 gear ratio tuning. The tuning pegs are plated with chrome and allow for precise adjustment of the strings. You don’t have to worry about them slipping in the middle of playing with this feature.
Pros
- The unusual color scheme makes this ukulele stand out from the crowd
- 18:1 gear tuning ratio helps you achieve excellent intonation
- It comes with all you need to start playing, including a comprehensive set of online lessons
Cons
- The ends of the string wires may be sharp, so you need to be careful they don’t catch
Kmise Concert Ukulele Kit
- TOP INTONATION: Equipped with an 18:1 ratio tuner machine and high quality carbon string, this ukulele can get in tune and stay in tune better than ever. easy your playing. gear tuning pegs, ensures you would not be troubled by ‘out of tune’ so fast. Our gear made of pure copper will be harder, less rusting. than ever. easy your playing.
- COMFORTABLE TO PLAY : With lower action and carefully sanded frets, this ukulele has superb playability, easy press down the string without tired, and fast change and play on the fingerboard without any scratch. fret wires ends can be a very troubling point of contact with inexpensive instruments. These fret wires have been manicured.
- FREE UKULELE ONLINE LESSONS: Kmise ukulele is the instrument of choice for schools – more people learn to play on it. Offer Free Online Lessons on our official website and How to Play Ukulele Quick Start Booklet.
- A GREAT GIFT FOR MUSIC LOVER – Whether you’re looking for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas or graduation gifts, send this ukulele to anyone that likes playing guitar or someone that just loves music. This could be an awesome gift for adults, kids who are just getting started with Ukulele.
- CUSTOMER PROTECTION PLAN: Kmise responsible for every item we sold and do our best to offer the best shopping experience, feel free to contact us once your product has any problem.
This ukulele represents the lower end of the price range, but it is no slouch. The body is mahogany, with nylon strings and a pure copper tuning gear. The copper gear is beneficial because it won’t rust. So your ukulele will have a long lifespan for many years of happy playing.
These have been properly manicured, unlike other ukuleles where the fret ends get overlooked. This leaves them smooth and unlikely to cause unintentional injuries.
This uke is easy to play. The sanded frets let you press down on the strings as hard as possible. The strings are also soft to the touch. The 18:1 ratio tuning system keeps the right amount of tension in them. Good tension means you won’t need to retune them frequently.
Pros
- Affordable ukulele for most players that is suitable for any level
- Sanded frets and soft strings prevent discomfort in your playing hand so that you can play your uke for extended periods
- It comes with both a physical tuition booklet and free online lessons
Cons
- Minimal accessories are included
- The high string tension may cause the wood joints to destabilize
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing Your Concert Ukulele
There are many factors to consider when deciding which concert ukulele to buy. These instruments can differ wildly in price, construction, and other characteristics. We’ll go through some of these variables below and explain why they are so important.
What is the Best Ukelele Material?
Ukuleles can be made from various materials, but the most common are wood and laminate. Cheaper ukuleles are sometimes made of plastic, but these aren’t recommended for a decent sound; they are usually only used by inexperienced players trying the instrument out for the first time.
Mahogany is considered one of the best woods to use for making ukuleles. It produces an even tone that sounds ‘woody’ and warm.
Concert ukulele players often need to record their music in studios. Having a mahogany instrument is ideal since you don’t have to contend with any overtones. This results in clear, crisp music where you can hear every note.
Rosewood is also popular because it has a high level of resonance. Different varieties of rosewood include Indian and Brazilian rosewood. The latter is more expensive since it is harder to come by (but all types are beautiful and valuable). The wood is strong in sturdiness, and the long duration it can sustain notes.
Laminate ukuleles comprise several layers of wood on top of each other. Traditional ukuleles are made from a single wooden layer. Laminate ukuleles tend to be cheaper and more robust, making them great for young children and other novices. Their sound isn’t as full or resonant as solid wood ukuleles, but they can be just as pleasing visually.
What is a Good Price for Concert Ukeleles?
The price of your concert ukulele is usually from $50 to $150. So you will be able to find options to suit all budgets.
You would indeed be able to find soprano ukuleles for less money. Still, the average price of concert ukuleles is among the most affordable in the ukulele family. They don’t take up as much raw material as larger ukuleles because of their relatively small size. Therefore, they are cheaper.
As with anything else, you get what you pay for. The cheapest concert ukuleles will generally be of lower quality. Those at the higher end of the price range are often marketed toward professional players.
If you are trying out the concert ukulele and don’t know if you will stick with it, it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase a cheaper instrument. The further you get in your practice, the more likely it will be that you’ll need to switch to a higher-end ukulele.
What Can I Play With My Concert Ukulele?
As we’ve mentioned, the ukulele is a pretty versatile instrument in what it can play. You may need to adjust some aspects of a piece before it translates well to a ukulele sound. This often entails playing around with it to see what works best.
We wouldn’t suggest trying to do any heavy metal, but with a bit of arrangement, you can explore pop, folk, indie, and even classical music. Concert ukuleles often form part of a ukulele orchestra, which is an ensemble made up completely of ukuleles of various sizes. While ukulele orchestras are not as common as other musical groups, they currently exist in some cities and large towns.
Why not start your own with some like-minded musicians? Alternatively, many players enjoy playing a concert ukulele as an accompaniment to their own singing – the sound of a ukulele balances well with solo vocals.
How To Identify Good Craftsmanship in Your Ukelele
Even if you are completely new to concert ukuleles, it is good to familiarize yourself with what makes a high-quality ukulele. You can often spot problem areas if you know what to look for. It’s easier for you to avoid wasting money on a badly-made instrument.
Firstly, check if the wood is bound together well, both at the seams and around the bridge. If not, the finish on the edging may be rough and messy. Then, try the tuning pegs; if they are too loose or tight, they will be difficult to work with.
Once you’ve done that, look at the sound hole in the center of the wood near the neck. The contours should be even with smooth edges. There are other ways to determine decent craftsmanship, but these are the main ones to consider.
Different Ukelele Sizes
Ukuleles come in various sizes, mainly a soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The soprano is the smallest, giving the highest pitch. However, you may occasionally see smaller varieties like piccolo or even sopranissimo.
The concert ukulele is the next size up and is roughly one inch longer than a soprano and slightly wider and heavier. Tenor and baritone ukuleles are lower-pitched, but you can also get bass ukuleles that are lower still.
Conclusion – What is the Best Concert Ukelele?
As a reminder, our favorite was the Hricane Professional Concert Ukulele. However, you might find some of our other options to be more to your liking. Some are smaller, cheaper, or more inexpensive, so always choose based on your needs.
Keep your eyes on the blog for more of the best musical instruments and accessories. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Concert Ukulele Better Than A Soprano Ukulele?
It truly depends on what you are looking for in an instrument. It is usually better to stick with a soprano ukulele when playing casually.
On the other hand, concert ukuleles are definitely a better choice for more serious players performing music regularly. A concert ukulele is only marginally less portable than a soprano ukulele. You shouldn’t find it a problem to carry around unless you are boarding an airplane.
How Should I Store My Concert Ukulele?
Whichever concert ukulele you decide to buy, you will also need to get a gig bag to store it in. You can use this to house your concert ukulele in between uses. Your bag will also keep it safe when traveling. Ukuleles can get knocked around easily, even when you’re being careful. The delicate wood is prone to scratching.
Additionally, your bag will have a handle for convenient carrying. It may even be designed so you can carry it on your back.
You should be aware that any gig bag with your concert ukulele will probably be basic unless you are specifically buying a very high-quality ukulele. In these cases, it is definitely worth spending more on an upgraded gig bag that can give your ukulele the best protection possible.
Good gig bags are well-padded and made of durable materials, whether hard or soft cases. The Knox Gear Ukulele Carrying Case and Cloudmusic Padded Ukulele Gig Bag are great options.
