If you’re thinking about buying a concert ukulele, you’re probably looking for an instrument that strikes a balance: something a little bigger and fuller than a soprano, but still compact, comfortable, and easy to play. Concert ukuleles are one of the most popular sizes for good reason – they’re incredibly versatile and suit a wide range of players and playing styles.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes a concert ukulele special, who they’re best suited for, what to look out for when buying one, and how the different Noah concert ukulele options compare.
What Is a Concert Ukulele?
A concert ukulele sits between a soprano and a tenor in size. It typically has a scale length of around 15 inches, compared to around 13 inches on a soprano and 17 inches on a tenor.
That slightly longer scale length gives you:
-
A bit more space between the frets
-
A fuller, more rounded tone than a soprano
-
Still a compact, lightweight instrument
Concert ukuleles are usually tuned to standard re-entrant tuning (G-C-E-A), although low G setups are also possible if you want a slightly deeper sound.
Who Is a Concert Ukulele Best For?
Concert ukuleles are a great choice for:
-
Beginners who want something comfortable and forgiving
-
Players with slightly larger hands who find sopranos a bit cramped
-
Fingerstyle players who want clarity without moving up to a tenor
-
Singers who want a balanced, supportive accompaniment
-
Players who travel and want a high-quality but portable instrument
If you like the warmth and intimacy of a soprano but want a bit more room and tonal depth, a concert ukulele is often the perfect sweet spot.
Concert vs Soprano vs Tenor
If you’re deciding between sizes, here’s a quick comparison:
-
Soprano: Traditional, bright, very compact – but can feel tight on the fretting hand
-
Concert: Balanced tone, more fret space, still very portable
-
Tenor: Louder, deeper, more projection and fretboard space
Concert ukuleles often appeal to players who don’t quite need the size or power of a tenor, but want something more substantial than a soprano.
What to Look for When Buying a Concert Ukulele
1. Tonewoods
The woods used in a ukulele have a big impact on tone and feel.
-
Spruce tops tend to offer clarity, responsiveness, and dynamic range
-
Rosewood adds warmth, richness, and visual beauty
-
Mahogany is known for warmth and a classic, rounded sound
The combination of a spruce top with rosewood back and sides is especially popular for concert ukuleles, as it offers both articulation and depth.
2. Build Quality & Setup
A well-built concert ukulele should have:
-
Comfortable, low action
-
Smooth fretwork
-
Good intonation up the neck
-
A stable neck and solid construction
A good setup makes a huge difference – even more so than size or wood choice – especially for beginners and fingerstyle players.
3. Playing Style
Think about how you play (or want to play):
-
Strumming: Concert ukes have a sweet, controlled strum
-
Fingerpicking: The extra fret spacing helps accuracy and comfort
-
Light performance or recording: Concerts sit beautifully in a mix
Noah Concert Ukulele Options
At Noah Ukuleles, each concert model is designed to offer something slightly different, while maintaining consistent playability and build quality.
Noah Rosewood / Spruce Concert
This is a beautifully balanced concert ukulele, ideal for players who want clarity and warmth in equal measure. The spruce top gives excellent responsiveness, while the rosewood adds depth and richness to the tone.
A great all-rounder for strumming, fingerpicking, and singing accompaniment.
Noah Limited Edition Rosewood / Spruce Concert
This limited edition version takes the same successful wood combination and adds unique visual and tonal details. These instruments are produced in small numbers, making them ideal if you’re looking for something a little more special and distinctive.
Perfect for players who want a concert ukulele with character, individuality, and a refined sound.
Noah Delta Concert
The Delta Concert is designed with roots, blues, and fingerstyle playing in mind. It has a warm, expressive voice and a slightly more intimate feel, making it particularly well suited to fingerpicking and dynamic playing.
If you enjoy nuanced playing and a responsive instrument, this is a strong choice.
Noah Super Concert
The Super Concert sits right at the upper end of the concert category. It offers a touch more body and projection while retaining the comfort and balance that make concert ukuleles so appealing.
This model is ideal if you’re torn between a concert and a tenor, and want something that leans a little closer to tenor territory without fully stepping up in size.
Is a Concert Ukulele Right for You?
A concert ukulele is one of the most versatile sizes you can choose. It works beautifully for beginners, experienced players, and just about everything in between. If you want an instrument that’s comfortable, expressive, and adaptable to many styles, a concert ukulele is hard to beat.
If you’re unsure which concert model might suit you best, feel free to get in touch – I’m always happy to help you find the right fit.