The traditional size of ukulele is the soprano. And this has also been the most popular ukulele. But increasingly the tenor ukulele is taking the place of the most popular uke. This is no doubt due to the influence of professional ukulele players like Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill who use tenors in their work. So the tenor is becoming popular with all types of player - even beginners.
What is a Tenor Ukulele?
The tenor ukulele, like all ukuleles, is classified by its scale length (i.e. the distance from bridge to nut). The tenor ukulele is the largest of the high-G ukuleles - being two inches larger than the concert ukulele at 17 inches.
The tenor ukulele is not just larger in terms of its scale length. The tenor's extra volume and tone comes from the fact it has a larger body as well.
What's Good About Tenor Ukuleles?
The extra room on a tenor ukulele gives you space to perform more ukulele show-off skills. This is why it is so popular with ukulele soloists like Jake and James Hill. Without this extra space, your fingers have a tendency to trip over themselves.
The tenor also offers greater volume and tone than the smaller ukuleles. This is not, however, always the case. It will, of course, also depend on other factors such as the wood, the skill of the construction and how the ukulele is played. But, all other things being equal, this will be true.
What are the disadvantages?
The greater resonance of the tenor isn't always something you want. This tone means it loses the traditional ukulele sound and doesn't have the same punch to it.
One the flip-side of the tenor's suitability for picking is its decreased suitability for for strumming. Not that you can't strum a tenor. It just doesn't feel as natural as strumming a smaller ukulele.
If you are on a tight budget, the tenor might not be the right choice for you. I can only think of one reasonable quality tenor ukulele for under $100 (the Makala). You'll have a lot more choice at a lower price with a soprano ukulele.
What is a Tenor Ukulele?
The tenor ukulele, like all ukuleles, is classified by its scale length (i.e. the distance from bridge to nut). The tenor ukulele is the largest of the high-G ukuleles - being two inches larger than the concert ukulele at 17 inches.
The tenor ukulele is not just larger in terms of its scale length. The tenor's extra volume and tone comes from the fact it has a larger body as well.
What's Good About Tenor Ukuleles?
The extra room on a tenor ukulele gives you space to perform more ukulele show-off skills. This is why it is so popular with ukulele soloists like Jake and James Hill. Without this extra space, your fingers have a tendency to trip over themselves.
The tenor also offers greater volume and tone than the smaller ukuleles. This is not, however, always the case. It will, of course, also depend on other factors such as the wood, the skill of the construction and how the ukulele is played. But, all other things being equal, this will be true.
What are the disadvantages?
The greater resonance of the tenor isn't always something you want. This tone means it loses the traditional ukulele sound and doesn't have the same punch to it.
One the flip-side of the tenor's suitability for picking is its decreased suitability for for strumming. Not that you can't strum a tenor. It just doesn't feel as natural as strumming a smaller ukulele.
If you are on a tight budget, the tenor might not be the right choice for you. I can only think of one reasonable quality tenor ukulele for under $100 (the Makala). You'll have a lot more choice at a lower price with a soprano ukulele.
About the Author:
If you want to learn more about tenor ukuleles, visit Al Wood's blog and read a Fluke Review.
