Ukuleles come in different shapes and sizes, but what’s the go-to that people usually buy? Here, we do a breakdown of the best soprano ukulele options.
The Highest Rated Standard Shape Soprano Ukuleles | The Highest Rated Standard Shape Soprano Ukuleles Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
94 | 5500+ | ||||
94 | 1000+ | ||||
93 | 4300+ | ||||
94 | 1775+ | ||||
95 | 250+ |
The Highest Rated Pineapple Ukuleles | The Highest Rated Pineapple Ukuleles Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
91 | 700+ | ||||
92 | 225+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
When the topic of ukulele is mentioned, what people usually default to is the soprano ukulele. And rightfully so, given the popularity of this type of ukulele.
So, what is a soprano uke? It’s the smallest among the uke sizes – a great starter instrument that’s compact, easy to play, and affordable. This is the reason why it has become popular in physical and online stores.
The trade-off with the soprano ukulele’s popularity and accessibility is finding quality instruments amidst the many cheap ukuleles.
This is where we come in with an updated look at the best soprano ukulele options based on current reviews, ratings, and our expertise. Here, you can see which among the many budget-friendly soprano ukuleles are worth getting. Featured here are the best soprano ukulele models covering traditional soprano and pineapple soprano bodies.
When it comes to great sound packed in a small form factor, the Kmise KMU21S packs some good specs at an affordable price. It comes with accessories which include a gig bag, a tuner, a strap, and an extra set of strings as well.
This good soprano ukulele is well-constructed, having a laminate mahogany body and a really smooth finish with clean inlays and a rope-shaped rosette. It sports pure copper closed tuners with 18:1 tuning ratio that results in improved intonation and reliability. It also makes tuning faster and easier.
Attached to these tuners are carbon nylon strings that run through its 15-fret fingerboard and complement its compact mahogany body.
The neck makes the ukulele comfortable to play with, and the action is low enough to accommodate any skill level. This best soprano uke does the job whether you’re playing melodies, playing complex chords, or simply strumming. It sustains notes well and produces a bright but mellow tone and resonant sound.
The only downside that frequently pops up in the reviews would probably be the minimal padding of the gig bag. You can’t expect full production due to how thin the padding is. Some have also commented that while it demonstrates good quality, it lacks the brightness and punch of its maple or spruce counterparts.
Most buy this as a beginner ukulele due to its price. However, it also gets a lot of praise from intermediate and pros as well. Accessible price point, great playability–we recommend the Kmise KMU21S 21 as the best soprano uke option.
- Top: Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Walnut
- Frets: 15
The soprano ukulele of Ranch, the UK-21, comes with a complete package with great playability and sound.
This uke includes extra picks, a strap, and a quick reference guide for notes and chords.
The craftsmanship of this ukulele is top-notch. The body consists of polished sapele wood and a mahogany neck. This combination of wood gives this uke a good blend of bright highs and warm mids and lows.
As for the overall resonance, it can get loud and can be at par compared to other brands in terms of tone.
However, some have commented on the appearance of this uke. Some have echoed that the finish looked average, while others say that it has a toy-like quality.
This is primarily made for kids and adults with smaller hands. However, people with rounded fingers might need to adjust their technique. The spaces between each string can be a bit narrow due to the soprano size.
Even the best soprano ukulele can’t be perfect. What The UK-21 offers is great playability, good tone, and a complete package. I can’t recommend the Ranch UK-21 enough.
- Top: Sapele
- Body: Sapele
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 19
Often, the recommended ukulele player’s first uke is a Kala, and there’s a good reason for that. The ukes produced by the company have great tone, are very reasonably priced, and, as a general rule, have excellent quality control. And the KA-15S Kala Soprano Ukulele is no exception to this trend.
The key selling point of this ukulele is that it’s going to give you a very traditional tone at a price that the vast majority of people can afford. I could describe it as having a lively sound with a good punch when strummed. This instrument’s amazing sound quality is often praised in reviews.
Tonally, mahogany and koa (the traditional ukulele wood) are actually really similar. Because mahogany is generally more affordable than koa, many entry-level ukes choose to use it to cut costs. This Kala soprano ukulele still does a great job of producing smooth tones.
However, the tone between the two woods is similar enough that you’re not going to notice a huge difference between the two unless you’re actively looking for one.
The playability of this uke is also reported to be great.Easy on the hands that make it a good first option for beginners.
The minor downside? This kala soprano ukulele has been reported to go out of tune from time to time. It’s best to retune it in your first few playing sessions. Fortunately, they’ve also included a tuner in their freebie bundle.
There were also reports of intonation issues, but they were barely noticeable. For beginners, this is not an issue. For seasoned players, the 12th fret was said to be off just a few hertz.
If you want to start playing or to rekindle your passion for music, this soprano uke is an easy recommendation. Look no further than the Kala KA-15S.
- Top: Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 13
The Donner DUS-1 is an all-mahogany ukulele in the compact 21″ soprano shape.
The back, sides, and top are all made from mahogany, which results in a warmer tone that is also popular with guitars.
In addition to its all-mahogany body, other features that are similar to acoustic guitars include having chrome-plated geared tuners, rosewood fingerboard, bone nut and saddle, and strap buttons.
Objectively, DUS-1 is a good buy given the quality of the uke and the bundled accessories. Many users consider it to be very easy on the hands and good sounding, appreciated by both by young students and experienced adults. Among the included accessories, the gig bag gets a lot of thumbs up.
The aspects of this uke that receives a lot of criticism though is the lack of English manual and its difficulty to stay in tune. Especially with the tuning, it’s a trade-off that constantly pops up in cheaper brands.
Finally, the DUS-1 is bundled with an appropriately shaped padded gigbag for storage and transport, and it comes with useful accessories that include extra strings, picks, a strap, a cleaning cloth, online courses, and a clip-on tuner.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, good quality, yet affordable ukulele, then the Donner DUS-1 is for you.
- Top: Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 15
Among affordable soprano ukes, the Balnna Soprano ukulele is easily distinguishable with its multi-color finish and fretboard markers.
This good soprano ukulele is often commended for its build quality. But as expected, its main draw is its colorful overall design. Being well-built also means that it is easy on the hands, and this is seen in reviews.
The colored frets are close together, and the action of this ukulele is low. For playability, this is a good thing because you’ll have no issues pressing the strings. Strum the strings too hard. However, it could buzz because the strings could potentially touch the frets.
Playing ukulele with colored frets isn’t really common, but it does serve as an aid when playing at a higher fret. It’s a quirky upside that prevents confusion when a beginner plays it.
Sound also gets a number of thumbs up, from those who prefer a more trebly tone. The accessories included in the bundle are also well received.
This is a soprano ukulele with a case, a strap, an extra set of nylon strings, guitar picks, and a digital tuner. The soft gig bag does a great job protecting the uke from bumps.
But while it does veer away from traditional aesthetics, it doesn’t stray too far from what you’d expect from the compact traditional 21″ soprano profile.
The body of the ukulele is built from maple wood, which is an interesting choice because it is expected to brighten the already bright tone expected from small stringed instruments further.
The Balnna Soprano is not just sought after for its appearance. It has the makings of a go-to, good soprano ukulele as well. It’s a good buy for those who fancy a fun-looking instrument.
- Top: Maple
- Body: Maple
- Neck: Maple
- Fretboard: Maple
- Frets: 15
Best Pineapple Ukulele Choices
The Kala KA-MK-P is an entry-level “pineapple” shape soprano ukulele with a mahogany body.
Given its price, this kala soprano ukulele has a more streamlined appearance and the most basic specs.
When it comes to its design, the all-mahogany body feels sturdy and stylish.
The neck is also crafted from mahogany and is fitted with a 12-fret walnut fingerboard.
Being an entry-level instrument, the action and tension of the strings are meant to be beginner-friendly. The low action allows for easy playability. What I find as a downside, however, would be that low action can lead to string buzz. Strumming this too hard, may cause the to buzz when touching the fretboard.
What’s the most surprising aspect of this uke? This kala soprano ukulele sounds good for an affordable price point. Some even compare it positively against ones that are priced higher.
This good soprano ukulele shows that while there are upsides to buying more expensive brands, it’s possible to get the best-sounding ukuleles at an affordable price point. This makes it ideal for younger players.
With its vintage look and pleasing tones, it’s quite competitive in price, given that other cheap uke brands wouldn’t have the same meticulousness in the design. For the money, it’s hard to beat the value of the KA-MK-P Kala Soprano Ukulele.
- Top: Mahogany
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 13
Flight is a ukulele company based in Slovenia and their aim is to build a community of artists with a common passion for playing this portable musical instrument.
The NUP310 is certainly a testament to their common goal. It’s one of the best soprano ukuleles with visual appeal and has a neat construction with a hand-drawn rosette and laser-engraved soundhole design.
Among the best soprano uke options, it features a thin, laminate African sapele wood and a mahogany neck. The neck is smooth and doesn’t have hard edges. In terms of playability, it’s easy on the fingers making this a fantastic ukulele newbie players would enjoy.
Aside from its visual appeal, I find its tone pretty balanced, a bit on the warmer side as well. Regarding its dynamics, some reviews vouch for its good volume and punch.
The laminate sapele might be a dealbreaker for ukulele players who want solid mahogany or maple wood. However, this best soprano uke has great resonance, given that it’s affordable.
The bag this good soprano ukulele comes with is padded and thick enough to offer good protection. However, if I have a minor complaint, it would be that including a tuner, strap, and extra picks would be a great addition.
The Flight NUP310 is definitely a great contender for the best ukulele in terms of design, affordability, and resonance. It is a good ukulele made for artists and even beginners.
- Top: Laminate African Sapele
- Body: Laminate African Sapele
- Neck: African Okoume
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 13
Things to Consider When Buying A Good Soprano Ukulele
If you’re not sure which ukulele is going to work best for your needs, or if you want to brush up on your knowledge before making a purchase, this section will be helpful to you. It’s not a complete overview, but it’s enough for you to find your preferred best soprano uke.
A Quick Primer on Tonewood
Tonewood is a controversial subject because everyone’s ears are different. One person might hear mahogany as a warm and darkly voiced wood, while others might think it sounds relatively bright. The most important thing to remember is that you need to listen to an instrument, because if you like the tone of whatever uke you’re playing, the wood it’s made from doesn’t matter.
With that in mind, collected below are some of the most commonly found tonewoods and the general consensus on how they sound. Your experience may vary, but the information below provides a summary of how your stringed instrument would sound like.
Spruce
Spruce is the brightest tonewood commonly used in ukuleles, making it a good choice if you’re looking for an instrument that can easily cut through a mix. The only bad part about this wood is that because it lacks the warmth of other tonewoods it generally won’t sound as good when playing by yourself.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a very warm tonewood, though it has a strong enough mid-range response that your tone will still have some “punch”.
Koa
Koa is often described as having a “woody” tone, sounding warm and full. The wood is still focused, but it rarely sounds overly bright. The response of the wood pairs well with the ukulele, as it retains a warm tone but has a slightly more focused tone than mahogany.
Cedar
Cedar is arguably one of the warmest tonewoods commonly used, with a strong low and low-mid response. It’s great for solo play, but has the potential to sound a bit muddled when played in an ensemble setting.
Laminate vs. Solid Wood
When shopping for a uke, something you’re going to hear a lot are the terms “solid” and “laminate(d)”. Laminate, or laminated wood, is several thin pieces of wood glued together. Laminate wood resonates less, so you get a less complex tone (fewer frequencies are produced) and less volume. Solid wood is exactly what it sounds like: a solid piece of wood. Because it’s one solid piece, it resonates more than laminated wood. This gives you a tone that contains more frequencies, giving you a more complex and “musical” tone.
The soundboard, which is generally called the “top” of an instrument, creates the majority of your tone. This is why many instruments use a solid top and laminated back and sides. An entirely solid instrument still gives a better tone overall, but an instrument with a solid top and laminated back and sides can still give you a very respectable tone. Even better, these instruments are generally very affordable compared to their all-solid counterparts.
Size and Its Relationship to Tone
Different ukulele sizes occupy different ends of a tonal spectrum.
Small instruments generally have a bright and focused tone, such as the soprano and concert uke.
Conversely, you have the tenor and baritone uke that has a larger surface. It produces a warmer tone with more depth.
We have a round-up of the best concert ukuleles if you want more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the standard soprano ukulele size?
From the headstock to the body, the soprano ukulele length is around 21 inches. The soprano uke size of course, varies from manufacturer to manufacturer when it comes to the body of the instrument.
What’s the difference between a soprano vs concert ukulele?
While they may look similar, both slightly vary in terms of size and tone. As mentioned, a standard soprano ukulele size is 21 inches, while a concert uke is 23 inches. Soprano ukulele sounds brighter compared to a concert uke. However, concert uke’s tone is often described as warmer in tone with the brightness of a soprano uke.
Best Soprano Ukuleles Comparision Table: Traditional vs Pineapple Shaped Key Features
This table compares the key features of traditional and pineapple-shaped soprano ukuleles. The Traditional Soprano shape is more common and offers a classic look with a bright, balanced tone, making it ideal for beginners and traditionalists. The Pineapple Soprano shape provides a warmer tone with more volume and projection, appealing to players seeking something unique in both sound and appearance. Each shape has its pros and cons in terms of playability, durability, cost, and aesthetics, so the choice depends on personal preference and intended use.
Feature | Traditional Soprano | Pineapple Soprano | Explanation & Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Body Shape | Standard figure-eight shape | Rounded, wider body with a pineapple shape | Traditional sopranos have a familiar shape with focused sound; Pineapple shapes offer a larger surface area for potentially greater resonance and volume. |
Tone | Bright, focused, and balanced | Warm, mellow, with more volume | Traditional sopranos have a more concentrated tone, while pineapple-shaped ukuleles provide a fuller sound with more sustain. |
Projection & Volume | Typically moderate due to smaller body size | Generally louder due to wider body | Pineapple shapes often have more sound projection, making them suitable for performances, while traditional sopranos are ideal for intimate settings. |
Material | Available in laminate and solid wood options | Also available in laminate and solid wood | Both shapes can be made from various woods like mahogany, koa, or maple, affecting tone quality. Solid wood generally offers superior sound. |
Playability | Slimmer body, often lighter and easier to hold | Slightly bulkier, may take getting used to | Traditional sopranos are easier for beginners to handle, while pineapple shapes might feel different but offer a unique playing experience. |
Aesthetics | Classic, timeless look | Unique, exotic, eye-catching design | Traditional ukuleles have a more conventional appearance, whereas pineapple ukuleles stand out with their distinctive shape. |
Durability | Generally sturdy, especially in laminate | Equally sturdy, depending on build quality | Durability is comparable between the two shapes, largely dependent on the quality of materials and construction. |
Size & Portability | Compact, highly portable | Slightly bulkier but still portable | Both shapes are easy to carry, with traditional sopranos being slightly more compact, making them ideal for travel. |
Cost Range | Wide range, from budget to high-end | Slightly more expensive, especially in solid wood | Pineapple-shaped ukuleles can be slightly pricier due to their uniqueness, but both types offer options for various budgets. |
Best Use | Ideal for beginners, casual players, and traditionalists | Great for those seeking a unique sound or look | Traditional sopranos suit players looking for a classic ukulele sound, while pineapple shapes are perfect for those wanting something distinctive and different. |
Best Soprano Ukuleles – Traditional and Pineapple Shaped Selections Compared
This table compares a selection of both traditional and pineapple-shaped soprano ukuleles, offering a range of options for different players. Kala KA-S and Lanikai LU-21 are excellent budget-friendly traditional options, while Cordoba 15SM offers a step up with better tone and craftsmanship. Martin S1 and Ohana SK-38 cater to more serious players with their solid wood construction and superior tone quality. On the pineapple side, Kala KA-PSS and Luna Vintage Mahogany Pineapple are great for beginners seeking a unique look, while Ohana PK-25G and Kamehameha Pineapple Ukulele provide higher-quality sound and construction. Kamaka HF-1 represents the pinnacle of traditional soprano ukuleles, ideal for professional players and collectors.
Ukulele Model | Shape | Price Range | Material | Tone | Playability | Aesthetics | Durability | Best For | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kala KA-S | Traditional | $60 – $90 | Mahogany laminate | Warm, balanced tone | Comfortable neck, smooth frets | Classic, elegant look | Durable for its price | Beginners, budget-conscious players | Great value, reliable brand |
Lanikai LU-21 | Traditional | $70 – $100 | Nato wood | Clear, mellow tone | Easy to play, good for small hands | Simple, traditional design | Good longevity, sturdy build | Students, beginners | Affordable, geared tuners |
Cordoba 15SM | Traditional | $90 – $120 | Mahogany laminate | Rich, sweet tone | Low action, comfortable to play | Simple yet stylish with rosette | Well-built for long-term use | Beginners to intermediate players | Good projection, great finish |
Martin S1 | Traditional | $400 – $500 | Solid mahogany | Rich, deep tone with good projection | Smooth playability, premium feel | High-quality, traditional look | Very durable, excellent craftsmanship | Serious players, those seeking premium quality | Iconic brand, high-quality construction |
Ohana SK-38 | Traditional | $180 – $230 | Solid mahogany | Vintage tone, warm and mellow | Comfortable neck, vintage vibe | Vintage-style aesthetics | Very durable, well-constructed | Intermediate players, vintage tone lovers | Vintage design, excellent tonal quality |
Kala KA-PSS Pineapple | Pineapple | $60 – $90 | Mahogany laminate | Warm, resonant tone with more volume | Comfortable neck, wide body feel | Fun, unique pineapple shape | Sturdy for the price | Beginners, those wanting something unique | Great volume for size, pineapple shape |
Ohana PK-25G | Pineapple | $150 – $180 | Solid mahogany | Rich, full tone, better projection | Comfortable, wider body feel | Classic look with a twist | Well-built, solid construction | Intermediate players, those seeking traditional tone with a twist | Premium look, great sound |
Kamehameha Pineapple Ukulele | Pineapple | $300 – $400 | Solid koa | Bright, crisp tone, iconic Hawaiian sound | Smooth, high-end feel, premium craftsmanship | Authentic, exotic look | Extremely durable, heirloom quality | Serious players, collectors | Authentic Hawaiian koa, handcrafted |
Kamaka HF-1 | Traditional | $1,000 – $1,200 | Solid koa | Bright, resonant tone, superb projection | Unmatched playability, premium craftsmanship | Traditional, iconic design | Extremely durable, lifetime instrument | Professional players, collectors | Top-tier craftsmanship, made in Hawaii |
Luna Vintage Mahogany Pineapple | Pineapple | $80 – $100 | Mahogany laminate | Warm, rounded tone, decent projection | Comfortable to play, unique shape | Vintage-inspired look | Durable for the price | Beginners, those seeking unique shapes and designs | Affordable, unique design, good value |
Best Soprano Ukulele Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017.
We began by looking at all the soprano-sized ukuleles available from major American online music equipment retailers. For this edition, we ended up with an extended list of 68 of the most popular and top soprano ukuleles in the market. We then collected and analyzed ratings and reviews from retailers, forum discussions, and expert recommendations. For this edition, the data piled up to over 77,200 sources, all of which were processed via the Gearank Algorithm. This resulted in a rating score out of 100 for each of the short-listed ukes. Finally, we selected the highest-rated ones to recommend above, along with a special section for top-rated pineapple soprano ukuleles. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerry Borillo & Alden Acosta : Research.
Alexander Briones: Editing
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
The videos above have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
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