13 Best Soprano Ukuleles For An Excellent Sound Quality (2024)

Ukuleles are one of the most popular musical instruments globally.

Such tiny instruments pack a really good punch with their sound, which is both sweet and cheerful, and people love it.

If you’re interested in playing the ukulele, then consider getting your hands on a soprano ukulele.

Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and most traditional of all sizes and the most affordable and accessible option for beginners just starting.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the best soprano ukuleles on the market regarding playability, value, and quality.

I’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic so you can have an overall idea of what to look for when shopping for your new instrument.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of soprano ukuleles!

Top 13 Best Soprano Ukuleles

Martin has been a top-of-the-line acoustic guitar company since 1833, but many people don’t know that it has also produced great ukuleles for many years as well.

The S1 Soprano is their take on classic soprano ukeleles, and it has great quality construction and a vintage tone that many people are sure to love.

Its body and neck are constructed from solid mahogany, with Sitka spruce interior bracing for added support and projection.

A hand-rubbed satin open-pore finish emphasizes the wood’s natural grain and ensures a comfortable, smooth feel in the player’s arms.

The 17-fret sip fingerboard sits atop a hardwood neck, and the hardware includes nickel-silver frets and compensated white Tusq saddle and nut.

On the other hand, the headstock features a set of nickel peg friction tuners and the famous Martin logo, which ties everything up really well.

The S1 comes strung with Martin ukulele strings and has low action that is easily playable out of the box, which for beginners, is essential.

Unfortunately, the range tilts noticeably toward trebles, and the notes lack depth compared to a larger-bodied concert and tenor ukes.

However, the S1 does offer a reasonable amount of balance in its tone, I would say chords chime and jangle but don’t cross into the shrill territory.

Likewise, plucked notes are smooth, and I think they project much better than most other sopranos; while they may be tiny, they’re certainly loud!

• Pros:
  • Solid mahogany body.
  • Easy to play.
  • Loud projection.

• Cons:
  • Tilts toward trebles.
  • Lacks depth.
  • Shrill tones.

My final verdict is that the Martin S1 Soprano is a great quality ukulele with a vintage tone and comfortable feel.

It has a solid construction and nickel-silver frets, a compensated white Tusq saddle and nut, and nickel peg friction tuners.

It also has an easy-to-play low action, and it projects well for its size.

However, its range tends to tilt towards trebles, and its notes lack depth compared to larger-bodied ukuleles.

The Luna High Tide Soprano offers high-end quality and design at under $300.

Its solid koa body is finished with an attractive walnut/maple binding and abalone rosette.

But in contrast, its walnut fretboard features intricate decorations inspired by the moon’s pull on the abalone wave fret markers below it.

The mahogany neck comes attached to the instrument with a walnut bridge, fitted with open-geared tuners and pearloid buttons.

As an electro-acoustic, it also includes a piezo pickup and preamp for easy amplification that easily adapts to amplified sound.

The tone of this exquisite ukulele is crisp and twinkly to my ears.

I believe this is thanks to its acoustic properties and an adjustable control panel offering volume, treble and bass sliders for greater versatility.

With age, the High Tide’s solid wood construction will only warm its sound.

Making this a worthwhile investment for amateur or advanced ukulelists searching for superior-quality design and sound.

• Pros:
  • High-end quality
  • Attractive design
  • Versatile sound

• Cons:
  • Pricey for some.

My final verdict is that the Luna High Tide Soprano is an excellent ukulele for its price.

Its solid koa body and walnut/maple binding, walnut fretboard and mahogany neck make for a beautiful instrument, and its intricate decorations, open-geared tuners, pearloid buttons, piezo pickup and preamp make it a great electro-acoustic choice.

It has a crisp and twinkly sound that can be further adjusted using the control panel, and its solid wood construction will only get better with age, making it a worthwhile investment for any ukulele player.

KoAloha, like many of these companies that we’ll mention in this post today was founded by a former musician.

Alvin “Pops” Okami, a retired inventor and plastics factory owner, started making small playable ukuleles in the 1990s after his factory crashed.

As his business grew, he moved on to full-size ukuleles and added family members to the crew.

The KoAloha KSO-10 is a popular model made primarily of Acacia wood, a close relative of Koa wood, and has a solid back, top, and sides.

It features KoAloha’s traditional seven-point headstock with its logo etched in and a beautiful Musubi soundhole, a signature shape of KoAloha’s ukulele soundholes.

The KSO-10 has a classic satin, semi-gloss finish with a mahogany fretboard, ebony bridge, and fingerboard, giving it a precise Hawaiian feel and character that many look for.

Its clear fluorocarbon strings have a high tension-to-mass ratio, resulting in smaller lines and a bright, striking sound, but of course, you can change these to anything you want.

The Tusq guitar neck and saddle are also great selling points, since the neck is slightly wider than average at 37mm.

I would put this as a high-end starter instrument with an excellent value for its price point, usually selling for around $500.

Its familiar brilliant and full tone, fantastic projection, and overall quality make it a highly recommended purchase.

• Pros:
  • Great value.
  • High-end starter.
  • Brilliant tone.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the KoAloha KSO-10 is an excellent starter instrument offering great value for its price.

It has a classic Hawaiian feel, a bright and striking sound, and excellent projection.

Highly recommended!

The Fender Grace VanderWaal Moonlight soprano ukulele is quite the eye-catcher, with its navy blue and gold sparkle body boasting a modern design.

But don’t let its looks fool youm this instrument falls into the ukuleles under $100, which would in fact surprise many people.

Crafted by one of today’s most beloved young artists, Grace VanderWaal, this iconic piece is perfect for players of all skill levels.

The smallest member of the ukulele family, its soprano body is suited to players with smaller hands, although it doesn’t limit bigger people from playing it.

Its mahogany neck and back are painted navy blue, with cream binding and a satin finish for extra style points.

Grace added her signature in gold to mark her approval on the back of the four-inline Tele headstock.

Despite being affordable, this instrument comes fully loaded with hardware that stands up to scrutiny.

For example, the walnut pull-through bridge makes string changing easier than other traditional bridges would make it, while the bone nut and saddle add stability even to enthusiastic playing.

And then there’s the tuning machines, open-geared and colored gold to match some of the other accents on the uke, inspired by Grace’s debut album artwork.

Regarding sound, Fender California Coast clear nylon strings give a vibrant tone that easily carries across all ranges.

While harmonic clarity favored more complex voicings more often than not, less common nuances sounded bright and clear – making this stage ready even for beginners.

All in all, considering its price point, this instrument can deliver impressive sound quality, so I would definitely check it out.

• Pros:
  • Modern design.
  • Affordable price.
  • Walnut bridge.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Fender Grace VanderWaal Moonlight soprano ukulele is a great instrument for players of all skill levels.

With its modern design, mahogany neck and back, walnut pull-through bridge, bone nut and saddle, and Fender California Coast clear nylon strings providing vibrant tones.

It is an affordable, yet high-quality instrument that is suited to both beginners and experienced players alike.

The Cordoba 28S, like all of Cordoba’s handmade instruments, is built with apparent great care, high quality, and good sound.

Staying true to their ethos of providing customers with affordable instruments, this model does not compromise significantly on sound quality.

Made of figured koa wood with layered koa on the top, back, and sides, this ukulele produces a classic and happy Hawaiian sound with a clear and bright tone.

The Cordoba 28S is also known to maintain its tune easily compared to other models in its price range.

Notable features of this ukulele include, a pau ferro fretboard, a C-shaped mahogany neck, Cordoba’s vintage open-gear tuners and an abalone rosette.

At around $200, the Cordoba 28S is a worthwhile investment for those who don’t want to spend much money, but still want to sound decent.

Despite its low price, it performs like a professional model and is one of the best options for under $200.

• Pros:
  • High quality.
  • Good sound.
  • Affordable.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Cordoba 28S is a great option for someone who wants a high-quality ukulele without breaking the bank.

It offers excellent sound quality, a classic Hawaiian tone, and easy tuning.

With a price tag of around $200, it is definitely worth the investment.

Once again, Cordoba, the well-respected instrument maker known for their Spanish-style guitars.

They are also known for producing handmade, high-quality, and affordable instruments, including ukuleles like the Cordoba 15SM.

This ukulele is a soprano with a mahogany laminate top, back, and sides, resulting in an impressive projection.

Its solid build and finish are consistent with Cordoba’s instruments, and it features a composite saddle and nut with the nut measuring 35mm.

The open-gear tuners and Aquila strings also add to its quality, having a remarkable detailing, such as the hand-inlay rosette, which you can usually find on much more expensive ukuleles.

The ABS cream binding to the neck and body is also a nice touch, along with the abalone soundhole.

With its significant volume, sustain, and tone, the 15SM is considered one of the best ukuleles on the market with a low price tag.

Therefore, it is an excellent choice for beginners through intermediate players looking for a quality instrument for under $100.

The Cordoba 15SM is a fantastic ukulele with remarkable projection, significant volume and sustain, and a beautiful design.

• Pros:
  • High-quality construction.
  • Low price tag.
  • Beautiful design.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Cordoba 15SM is an excellent ukulele for its price range, providing remarkable projection, volume, sustain, and a beautiful design.

It is an ideal choice for beginners through intermediate players looking for a quality instrument.

The KA-PWS Soprano by Kala is an really nice and affordable ukulele that gets mentioned in multiple of these lists.

It has a great design, with a Pacific Walnut laminate body, satin finish, black bindings, and more, all coming together to offer an elegant look that virtually screams quality.

With a total length of just under 21″, it’s comfortable for players regardless of hand size.

So even if your hands are a bit bigger or smaller than the average, this uke can still be a great option.

On top of that, the excellent setup ensures playability is superb whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ukulele.

The hardware also holds up quite well, with Grover open-geared tuners providing smooth action and reliable tuning retention, a must for any stringed instrument.

The rosewood/walnut bridge has GraphTech NuBone saddle and nut between them, further improving the tone, while Aquila Nylgut strings give the strings some additional pizzazz.

Speaking of that, how’s the sound? You may ask…

It’s amazing in my opinion! Many sopranos lack projection, but there’s no such problem here as it boasts bright, articulate crispness.

Strumming can be slightly less clear due to its trebly walnut tone, but it doesn’t detract from its appeal.

• Pros:
  • Elegant design.
  • Comfortable size.
  • Good setup.

• Cons:
  • Trebly tone.

My final verdict is that the KA-PWS Soprano by Kala is an excellent ukulele for both beginners and experienced players alike.

Its design is elegant and its setup ensures playability is superb.

The Grover open-geared tuners, rosewood/walnut bridge, GraphTech NuBone saddle and nut, and Aquila Nylgut strings all come together to create a bright, articulate and crisp sound.

The Luna Tattoo Pineapple soprano ukulele is yet another exceptional instrument that stands out from other soprano ukuleles due to its unique and quirky pineapple shape.

I would say this instrument is a fantastic choice for ukulele players looking for an instrument that sounds great and looks distinctive from all, or most ukuleles.

Its top is adorned with stunning designs inspired by Polynesian-style tattoos, which are laser-etched onto the ukulele, giving it an eye-catching traditional look.

In addition, said designs are colored black, enhancing the instrument’s classic vibe and really putting everything together very well.

The Luna Tattoo Pineapple soprano ukulele is made of mahogany wood, giving it a warm, rich, and resonant tone.

On the other hand, its wood is finished with a satin finish that adds a touch of elegance and highlights the wood’s natural patterns.

The instrument also features black open-gear tuners that complement the tattoo designs and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the ukulele.

• Pros:
  • Unique pineapple shape.
  • Stunning Polynesian-style designs.
  • Warm, rich sound.

• Cons:
  • None mentioned.

My final verdict is that the Luna Tattoo Pineapple soprano ukulele is an excellent choice for ukulele players looking for an instrument that has a great sound and stands out from the crowd with its unique pineapple shape and eye-catching Polynesian-style tattoo designs.

The mahogany wood provides a warm, rich tone, and the satin finish and black open-gear tuners add a touch of elegance and character to the instrument.

The Makala MK-S is a budget-friendly ukulele that is well-crafted and produces a quality sound.

Manufactured by Kala, a well-known and trusted brand in the ukulele business, this instrument is a great starting point for anyone interested in playing the ukulele.

One of the critical features of the Makala MK-S is its affordability, priced at around $50, this ukulele is an excellent value for the money.

However, despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Makala MK-S is still a high-quality instrument with a good build and a pleasing sound.

The Makala MK-S is constructed from mahogany and NuBone, which give it a warm and rich tone.

Additionally, it comes equipped with Aquila strings, which are known for their excellent sound quality and durability.

The rosewood fingerboard and bridge contribute to the ukulele’s overall sound quality and feel, and its geared tuners make it easy to keep the instrument in tune.

Which if you know, keeping a ukulele in tune is never an easy task, but also is especially important for beginners who may still need to improve their ear for tuning.

The smooth satin finish also gives the instrument a sleek and professional appearance.

While it may not be suitable for professional players, it is a solid option for beginners looking for a well-crafted and reliable instrument to help them start their musical journey.

• Pros:
  • Affordable price.
  • High-quality build.
  • Rich sound.

• Cons:
  • Not suitable for professionals.
  • Challenging tuning.
  • No accessories.

My final verdict is that the Makala MK-S is a great value for the money and an excellent entry-level ukulele for beginner players.

It is well-crafted with high-quality construction and materials, produces a rich and warm sound, and is equipped with reliable tuners and Aquila strings.

The smooth satin finish also adds to its professional appearance.

The Honu Soprano Ukulele by Luna has become a popular instrument choice among both beginning and experienced players.

Its affordability is one of the main reasons it’s been featured in our article on the best soprano ukuleles on the market.

The body of this uke is full size with a total length of 21″, made entirely out of mahogany, and keeps its classic Luna touch with a soundhole rosette depicting an intricately-etched Hawaiian turtle decoration.

Its neck is made of smooth, satin mahogany, providing comfort for small hands, featuring twelve frets and mother-of-pearl shark tooth inlays.

It has surprisingly good quality for only one hundred dollars, making it a great bang for your purchase.

Hardware-wise, it comes with accessories such as a nylon gig bag with convenient backpack straps for easy travel, a pitch pipe for easy tuning, and a chord chart.

The open-geared chrome tuners are fitted to a rosewood bridge and Aquila strings, ensuring tuning remains stable after extended play sessions.

The nut and saddle are also made from graphite, adding to their overall durability of the ukulele.

With its all-mahogany construction, the Honu Soprano Ukulele produces a pleasant tone with a warm richness that isn’t overpowering or too trebly yet makes perfect accompaniment ideal for practice.

• Pros:
  • Full-size body
  • Affordable price
  • Good quality

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Honu Soprano Ukulele by Luna is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced players.

It offers good quality at an affordable price, and comes with a nylon gig bag, pitch pipe, and chord chart.

The mahogany body and neck provide comfort and durability, while the open-geared chrome tuners, rosewood bridge, and Aquila strings ensure stable tuning.

The all-mahogany construction gives the ukulele a warm, pleasant tone that is perfect for practice.

The Fender Seaside is a high-quality ukulele produced by Fender, a world-leading producer of basses and guitars.

This compact instrument is suitable for professional players and beginners who enjoy playing a clear soprano sound.

It features an arched back, which ensures it produces a cellular, warm, and great tone.

Aside from that, the Sapele wood construction further provides that it delivers a resonant and sweet sound, making it an excellent find for any ukulele enthusiast.

One of the most significant advantages of this product is its sturdy construction, which makes it durable and long-lasting.

Despite the rigid structure, it’s compact and lightweight, making it highly portable.

Additionally, the C-shaped neck design makes it easy to handle and play with, and the Aquila strings make operating it easy.

The Fender Seaside lacks tie bridges, which makes it easy to change strings, and it also comes with a two-year warranty, making it an excellent investment for any ukulele enthusiast.

While the sound produced by the ukulele could be warmer, it is still a great option for parties, beaches, or hobbyists who enjoy playing ukuleles.

With great features and affordability, it is an ideal investment for a reliable, high-quality ukulele, so make sure to check it out.

• Pros:
  • Arched back for tone.
  • Sapele wood construction.
  • Sturdy & lightweight.

• Cons:
  • No tie bridges.
  • Sound not as warm.

My final verdict is that the Fender Seaside is an excellent ukulele for both beginner and experienced players.

Its arched back and Sapele wood construction ensure that it produces a warm and resonant sound, while its sturdy construction, lightweight design, and C-shaped neck make it both durable and easy to play with.

Additionally, its two-year warranty and lack of tie bridges make it an ideal investment for any ukulele enthusiast.

Regarding budget-friendly ukuleles, the KA-15S soprano ukulele from Kala stands out.

It is a popular choice among both beginners and experienced musicians, and for a good reason.

This instrument has an attractive full-size soprano body that measures 21″ long, making it ideal for those with smaller hands.

The mahogany body and neck are finished in natural satin and feature 12 silver nickel frets on either rosewood or walnut fretboard, providing excellent playability and comfort.

Its hardware consists of a GraphTech NuBone saddle, nut, and open-gear tuners that can be temperamental when the strings are new.

The ukulele also comes strung with Aquila Super Nylgut strings, one of the best string sets around, while its tone produces a bright, happy sound with warmth from the mahogany.

It looks good, plays well, and won’t break your bank account, so it’s no surprise that this little uke has top marks from Kala.

• Pros:
  • Ideal for small hands.
  • Attractive satin finish.
  • High-quality strings.

• Cons:
  • Open-gear tuners.
  • Temperamental strings.

My final verdict is that the KA-15S soprano ukulele from Kala is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly ukulele.

It offers a comfortable playing experience and produces a bright, happy sound.

It has good hardware, attractive looks, and excellent strings, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.

The Luna Vintage ukulele is a quality product that stands out from the rest due to its unique triangular inlays, rosette on the soundhole, and smooth red finish. It just looks very classy!

Featuring a 13-inch string length, the instrument is portable and lightweight.

It also has an excellent construction featuring mahogany for the neck and body and walnut for the bridge, adding to its high-end sound production.

This unique product suits beginners looking to learn how to play or experienced players looking for something different.

It even comes with extra accessories, such as an instructional DVD for setup and use.

On the other hand, the classic aesthetic and construction ensure warm sounds with unique tones that are perfect at home and on the stage.

• Pros:
  • Unique triangular inlays.
  • Lightweight & portable.
  • High-end sound.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Luna Vintage ukulele is a great choice for both beginners and experienced players.

It is stylish and well-constructed with a mahogany neck and body and walnut bridge, which provides excellent sound production.

It is also lightweight and portable, and it comes with extra accessories such as an instructional DVD for setup and use.

What is a soprano ukulele, and how does it differ from other ukulele sizes?

A soprano ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument that is part of the ukulele family.

It is the smallest of the four primary ukulele sizes, with a standard length of around 21 inches.

Soprano ukuleles are typically tuned to G-C-E-A, with the G string being the highest-pitched string.

They are known for their bright and cheerful sound and are often used in traditional Hawaiian music.

Compared to other ukulele sizes, such as concert, tenor, and baritone, the soprano has a distinctive sound due to its size.

The soprano is often seen as the most traditional ukulele size and is known for its ability to produce a bright and cheerful tone.

It is also the most portable of all the ukulele sizes, making it an excellent option for musicians who want to take their instrument on the go.

The concert ukulele, slightly larger than the soprano, typically measures around 23 inches.

It has a fuller, richer sound than the soprano and is often seen as a good option for those who want a slightly larger instrument without sacrificing portability.

On the other hand, the tenor ukulele, which is more prominent at around 26 inches in length, is often used in music, requiring a deeper, more resonant sound.

It is also popular among players with larger hands, as the extra space on the fretboard makes it easier to play complex chords and melodies.

Finally, the baritone ukulele is the largest of the four primary ukulele sizes, measuring around 30 inches.

It is tuned differently than the other sizes, with a lower pitch similar to the bottom four strings of a guitar.

The baritone is often used as a transitional instrument for players learning to play the guitar, as its tuning is similar to that of a guitar.

The soprano ukulele is the smallest and most traditional of the four primary ukulele sizes.

It is known for its bright and cheerful sound and is an excellent option for musicians who want a portable instrument that is easy to play.

The other ukulele sizes, including concert, tenor, and baritone, each have a distinctive sound and are suited to different music and playing styles.

What makes a soprano ukulele have the best sound quality?

Regarding sound quality, several factors contribute to making a soprano ukulele stand out from the rest.

While personal preferences can vary, some general attributes that most players agree to make for the best sound quality in a soprano ukulele.

One crucial factor is the type of wood used for the body; the most commonly used woods for soprano ukuleles are:

• Koa
• Mahogany
• Spruce

Koa is the traditional wood used for ukuleles and is highly sought after for its tonal qualities (a warm, mellow sound with a strong midrange).

Mahogany is also famous for its rich and full sound with solid bass, and is also used quite a lot by manufactures.

Spruce is another option known for its bright, punchy sound and strong treble.

Another important factor in sound quality is the quality of the strings, which depends on your selection if you change the ones that originally come with the instrument.

Many players prefer high-quality nylon strings for soprano ukuleles, which produce a warm and clear sound.

However, different types of strings can also affect the playability and sustain of the instrument, so it’s crucial to find the right strings for your playing style and preferences.

The thickness and shape of the soundboard, as well as the bracing used, can also impact sound quality.

A thinner soundboard can produce a brighter sound, while a thicker one can make a warmer, more mellow sound.

Bracing patterns can also affect the volume and sustain of the instrument, with more traditional patterns often producing a more balanced sound.

Finally, I would say the craftsmanship and attention to detail in making the instrument can significantly affect its sound quality.

For example, a well-made soprano ukulele with precise fretwork and a carefully crafted bridge and nut will produce a more stable and resonant sound.

The best sound quality in a soprano ukulele comes from a combination of factors.

Including the type of wood used, the quality of the strings, the thickness and shape of the soundboard, the bracing, and the craftsmanship.

Therefore, when choosing a soprano ukulele, it’s essential to consider all of these factors and find an instrument that produces the sound that best suits your personal preferences and playing style.

Does a soprano ukulele have the best sound quality? Let’s watch this YouTube video and take a look at all the options:

What's the difference? Concert vs Soprano Ukulele ? Which one is best?

Can beginners play a soprano ukulele?

Soprano ukuleles are an excellent instrument for beginners, and it is often the size that is recommended for those just starting with the ukulele.

The small size of the soprano makes it easy to hold and play, and its relatively low price point makes it a great choice for those just getting started with the instrument.

One of the benefits of learning on a soprano ukulele is that the instrument’s small size can make it easier to form chords and play melodies.

In addition, the frets are closer together than on larger instruments, and the strings are easier to press down, making it easier to play with proper technique.

Many ukulele teachers and resources focus on the soprano ukulele, and plenty of beginner-friendly tutorials and lessons are available online.

This can make it easier for beginners to find the resources and guidance they need to learn the instrument.

While the soprano ukulele is great for beginners, it is also a versatile instrument that players of all skill levels can enjoy.

Experienced players can still enjoy the bright and cheerful sound of the soprano, and its small size can make it an excellent instrument for taking on the go.

How much should you spend on a soprano ukulele?

The cost of a quality soprano ukulele can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the brand, materials, craftsmanship, and overall sound and playability.

Generally, a quality soprano ukulele can range anywhere from around $50 to several hundred dollars.

If you are a beginner or just looking for a budget-friendly option, you can find decent soprano ukuleles for around $50 to $100.

These instruments are often made of laminate wood or other cheaper materials and may have lower-quality hardware and tuners.

While they may not offer the best sound or playability, they can be a good starting point for those new to the ukulele.

You can expect to pay more for a higher-quality soprano ukulele with better sound and playability.

Mid-range options can range from $100 to $300 and may be made of solid wood or a combination of solid and laminate wood.

They often have better hardware, tuners, and craftsmanship than budget options.

If you are a professional ukulele player, you may want to invest in a high-end soprano ukulele, which can cost upwards of several hundred dollars or more.

Said instruments are often handmade and crafted from high-quality solid wood and other premium materials.

They offer exceptional sound and playability and are built to last a lifetime.

Ultimately, the amount you should expect to spend on a quality soprano ukulele depends on your skill level, playing goals, and budget.

It’s essential to research, read reviews, and try out different instruments to find the best option.