The ukulele’s popularity has risen among musicians since it is enjoyable to play, and its flexibility means you can use it for various musical styles.
It is a well-founded favorite for musicians using various musical styles, and it functions wonderfully in formal and informal settings.
Top 7 Best Soprano Ukuleles
Soprano ukuleles are undoubtedly the most popular type of ukuleles. They have a compact size, which produces a unique and vibrant tone that we all associate with the ukulele. However, with so many soprano ukes available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the seven best soprano ukuleles in the market to help you make an informed choice.
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Kala Makala Dolphin | 4.5 |
| Kala KA-15S Mahogany | 4.7 |
| Mitchell MU 40 | 4 |
| Fender Venice Cherry | 4.1 |
| Mahalo Rainbow Pack | 4.4 |
| Martin S1 Natural | 4.1 |
| Cordoba 15SM | 4.7 |
1. Kala Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele
If you’re in the market for a ukulele but are on a tight budget, the Kala Makala Dolphin is definitely worth considering.
While most inexpensive ukuleles are often considered toys, the Kala Makala Dolphin is a real instrument. It has a mahogany neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and an Agathis top, all of which are of excellent quality. And let’s not forget about the eye-catching dolphin design, which is sure to appeal to many players.
The tuners on this ukulele are also very easy to use, making tuning a breeze. However, the strings that come with the Kala Makala Dolphin are sub-standard, but you can always replace them with nylon ones.
One of the best things about this ukulele is that it comes in many fun colors, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn how to play the ukulele or just looking for a fun instrument to play around with, the Kala Makala Dolphin is an excellent option that won’t break the bank.
Features
- 12 frets
- Mahogany neck
- Agathis top
- Rosewood fingerboard
- User-friendly geared tuners
- Dolphin design
Pros
- Cheap
- Geared tuners are easy to use
- Striking design
- Rich and warm sound
Cons
- Poor strings
2. Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
The Kala MK-S is an impressive soprano ukulele that I recently had the chance to try out. One of the first things that caught my eye was its beautiful mahogany wood construction. As soon as I picked it up, I could feel the quality craftsmanship and durability put into this instrument.
But the real test was in how it played and sounded. I was not disappointed. The Aquila nylon strings made playing it comfortable and easy, and I was able to generate deep, warm tones effortlessly. The mahogany wood used in the top and back of the ukulele also added to the overall sound quality.
What I appreciate about this ukulele is its affordable price. It’s perfect for beginners who are just starting out or for more experienced players who want a quality instrument without breaking the bank. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to transport to gigs or practice sessions.
Features
- Mahogany build
- Nylon strings
- Acoustic pump
- Weighs 0.45 Kg
- Has four strings
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Reasonable price
- Durable
Cons
- The strings are placed too high
3. Mitchell MU 40 Soprano Ukulele
When we got our hands on the MU 40 ukulele, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of its Linden wood construction. Though it’s not as common as mahogany or rosewood, we found that it gave the instrument a deep and resonant tone while still maintaining durability.
One thing that really stood out to us was the use of ABS materials on the top and bottom of the ukulele. This added an extra level of quality to the instrument and gave us peace of mind that it would last for a long time.
The rosewood fingerboard with 12 frets is a nice touch, and we particularly liked the dot inlays on the 5th to 12th frets. The overall design of the MU 40 is elegant and eye-catching.
However, we did find that it required some effort to get it set up properly. The included strings didn’t quite do it justice and sounded a bit dull, but once we replaced them, the ukulele produced a clear and vibrant sound that we were very happy with.
Features
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Linden wood body
- ABS binding
- 12 frets
- Open-gear tuners
- Non-recompensed nut & saddle
- Satin finish
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Great sound
- Appealing design
Cons
- Poor-quality stock strings
4. Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele
Playing the Fender Venice was an enjoyable experience. The slim C outline on the neck made it easy to hold and play. The laminated hardwood on the body, bridge, and fretboard made the ukulele durable while still looking sleek and stylish.
The laminated linden top and dot fret position markers added to its charm. The sound quality was exceptional, and we were impressed by how easily it could be tuned with the open-back tuning pegs.
Overall, the Fender Venice is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a ukulele that is easy to play and produces quality sound. Its attractive design and durability make it a great value for its price.
Features
- 12 frets
- Nato neck
- Veneered linden top
- Satin finish
- Laminated Hardwood Bridge, fretboard, and body
- Dot fret markers
Pros
- Quite affordable
- No-tie bridge
- Fascinating design
Cons
- It needs tuning more often
5. Mahalo Rainbow Series Soprano Ukulele
As someone who has tried out the Mahalo U Smile, I can attest to the fact that it is a fantastic option for ukulele enthusiasts. The build of this instrument is top-notch, and the dolphin design is undoubtedly eye-catching.
But beyond just its appearance, the Mahalo U Smile delivers quality sound with its Aquila Nylgut strings. The bass response is low, and the reverberation is top-notch. I was also impressed by the NuBone Bridge saddle, which contributed to the ukulele’s overall improved tone.
One of the best things about this ukulele is that it comes as a complete starter pack. As such, it’s ideal for players of all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. The Mahalo geared tuners make it easy to tune the ukulele and start playing right away. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality ukulele with an eye-catching design, the Mahalo U Smile is an excellent option to consider.
Features
- Weighs 0.36 Kgs
- 4 Aquila Nylgut strings
- NuBone Bridge saddle
- Dolphin-shaped design
- User-friendly tuner
- Gold-plated heads
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Attractive design
- Soul-melting sound
Cons
- Poor quality build
6. Martin S1 Natural Soprano Ukulele
I can tell you that the Martin S1 soprano ukulele is a top-quality instrument that truly impressed us. Its bright soprano tone is unbeatable and can project sound more thoroughly than other standard soprano ukuleles. Made of mahogany with applied dovetail, it’s clear that the Martin brand pays close attention to detail and craftsmanship.
The binding on this uke is especially noteworthy, adding to its already impressive design.
However, its high-end design and superior sound quality make it less suitable for beginners and more appropriate for professionals or seasoned players. Once you start playing it, you will be drawn in by the exceptional sound quality and will find yourself playing for hours. The Martin S1 soprano ukulele is a top pick for anyone looking for a high-quality, professional-grade instrument.
Features
- Dimension 24.5 by 10.5 by 4.75 inches
- Mahogany body
- Weighs 2.9 lbs
- Boltaron badge
- High-quality build
- Magnificent finish
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Durable
- Quality sound
Cons
- Quite pricey
7. Cordoba 15SM Soprano Ukulele
The Cordoba 15Sm is built using mahogany on the top, sides, and back, which offers an excellent projection for such a small instrument. It is handmade, and it has an inlay bridge, which is usually present in high-end ukuleles.
The nylon strings produce a deep and rich tone and come with an extra set of Aquila Nylgut strings. The mahogany build is durable, which means this well-designed ukulele will last a long time. This instrument is for those who want a cheap yet high-quality tool.
Features
- It has four nylon strings
- Weighs 0.88 lbs
- Mahogany build
- Iconic handmade design
Pros
- It comes with Aquila Nylgut strings
- Appealing mahogany build design
Cons
- It doesn’t ship with any extras
Frequently Asked Questions
The soprano ukulele is mostly tuned at GCEA. The G string is typically tuned an octave higher than usual. Some prefer the “Low G” tuning due to its extended range.
It has excellent application since the open chords are tuned in the first position, within the first and 5th fret. Most soprano ukuleles feature 12 frets, slightly under a 2-octave array.
The tenor ukulele produces a lower sound while the soprano uke is high-pitched. The fingering and tuning are similar; therefore, the other will be easy to learn if you play one.
Our Top Pick
You cannot talk about ukuleles without thinking about Kala. Their good reputation is well-earned. The combination of mahogany and its soprano size is iconic. The color is also magnificent.
Playing the Kala Makala Dolphin Uke is a breeze; its overall structure is fascinating; it was built to impress! This is our top pick because it produces quality sound, has an exquisite design, and is affordable. It is quite the package!
