Many people adore Soprano ukuleles because it’s the smallest conventional type of ukulele. There are sopraninos and several other forms of sub-sopranos, but the classic soprano style is coveted for being the most balanced of the bunch.
Written by Jay Searle / Published October 18, 2024
Last updated: October 16, 2024
My guide to the best Soprano ukes in 2024 covers typical reasons why this type of ukulele is so popular, five best-rated soprano ukuleles by premier brands, and a few recommendations for people on a cash-strapped budget and those who don’t mind spending top dollar for the best uke available, so let’s get started.
Product | Description | Price |
The Kala KA-15S is one of the best-sounding soprano ukuleles under $100. | ||
The Cordoba 15SM Soprano Ukulele boasts pristine craftsmanship and high-quality materials. | ||
The Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele features sound and playability that exceed expectations given its appearance and price tag. | ||
The Martin S1 is one of the sturdiest soprano ukuleles and one that you'd want to bring along to a gig. | ||
The Ohana SK-10 Soprano Ukulele is a beauty in terms of finish, color selections, and body and features warm tone. |
Why Choose a Soprano Ukulele?
Typically just above 20 inches in length with a scale length of roughly 12-13 inches, these instruments are easy to pick up, even easier to transport, and not difficult to master, which makes them perfect traveling companions for buskers, street musicians, traveling hobbyists, and touring musicians seeking a particular type of tone.
If you’re looking for a portable ukulele, have moderately small fingers, have a child you wish to tutor in music, prefer ukuleles with bright, clear sound, or a combination of any of the above, you’ll want a soprano uke.
Top 5 Best Soprano Ukuleles for 2024
Kala KA-15S Soprano Ukulele
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CONS:
KA-15S is a mahogany uke with a rosewood fretboard, rocking graph-tech hardware, and Aquila’s famous Super Nylgut strings – what’s more to like in a well-made uke under $100?
The ultra-warm mahogany is a popular choice for soprano ukes as it snuffs out their innate brightness. However, experts at Kala managed to resolve conflicts between these diametrical opposites, creating a uke that boasts a rich, remarkably detailed tone that sits in the golden middle of the sonic spectrum.
Cordoba 15SM Soprano Ukulele
PROS:
CONS:
Cordoba’s 15SM is today’s runner-up, offering benefits comparable to the KA-15S at a just slightly higher price tag.
The body, top, back, neck, and sides are all made of high-quality mahogany while the fingerboard is made of robust rosewood. The satin finish helps 15SM stand out among the sea of mahogany-made low-tier ukuleles, highlighting pristine craftsmanship and attention to detail in every curve.
Moreover, its chrome machine heads paired with composite nut & saddle ensure good intonation for prolonged periods, making 15SM a solid choice for gigging musicians.
Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele
PROS:
CONS:
Lanikai’s LU-21 is among the few well-made sopranos that sound much “bigger” than you’d expect.
With an Okoume top and mahogany body, a neck-through bridge, and pitch-perfect hardware accessories, LU-21 epitomizes convenience and playability in the budget soprano range. Apart from classic features, it also rocks a quick-tie bridge design and a concealed scarf joint, allowing its warm tone to soar above the bass and percussions in unplugged settings.
Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
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CONS:
With a solid light mahogany top, spruce body, durable hardwood neck, and mahogany back & sides, Martin’s S1 has a remarkably well-rounded tone, which is almost unheard of in the world of soprano ukes.
This ukulele packs a saddle and nut made of quality Tusq materials, a beautiful striped rosette, and a low-gloss hand-rubbed finish that helps its design look and feel vintage-esque. The only reason why I ranked it below Kala, Cordoba, and Lanikai sopranos is its hefty price tag.
Ohana SK-10 Soprano Ukulele
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CONS:
I recommend Ohana’s SK-10 to all beginner ukulele players who have at least some experience.
It boasts a beautifully warm tone, enviable durability, and a gorgeous body that comes in seven distinct color variations, but its hardwood fingerboard is just a tad more difficult to play on than you may expect.
Budget-Friendly Options for the Best Soprano Ukulele
The budget soprano range is densely populated with off-brand products that cost under $50. While some of them may be fun to play for immediate newcomers, I’d argue that you’d find considerably more value by saving a few bucks more for top-tier models like KA-15S or Cordoba’s 15SM.
Both cost below $100, but they’re miles ahead of the competition in terms of the quality of sound, sturdiness, and overall reliability.
If you’re not exactly new but consider yourself an apprentice of the ukulele, you may also want to consider Ohana’s SK-10. If you can handle its gritty hardwood fretboard, you’ll get to harness its delicately warm tone and amazing hardware.
High-end Picks for the Best Soprano Ukulele
Acoustic high-end sopranos are far less common than their acoustic-electric counterparts, but there are a few hidden gems that shine with unrivaled tonal clarity, strong response, and pitch-perfect intonation.
One such example is Martin’s ultra-trendy S1 Soprano. Although it costs a few hundred dollars, it’s a professional-grade soprano ukulele that sounds as amazing as it looks.
However, many far more expensive boutique sopranos cost over a thousand bucks, most of which are favored by expert session musicians and players seeking the ultimate tools for recording ukulele music.
Conclusion
I can’t emphasize enough how big of an advantage the petite size of soprano ukuleles is. You can pick up the instrument and play it virtually anywhere, perform on a live stage even without a strap, carry it to your rehearsals without a gig bag (although it’s safe to have one), and have it in your lap if you’re playing on the move.
After wading through hundreds of almost copy-pasted mahogany ukes, I’ve created this shortlist based on five models that are far above the industry’s average in all respects. I encourage you to use this guide to inform yourself of your options and choose a uke that fits your needs and budget.
Jay Searle
Website Founder & WriterJay is a self-professed music nerd and ukulele lover. When not working on the website you’ll find him strumming along to his favorite tunes, spending time with his family, or learning to play the piano.
