Ukulele (Concert) — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Ukulele (Concert)Type: instrumentA mid-sized ukulele with a slightly larger body and longer scale than the soprano, offering more volume and fret access while retaining the classic ukulele sound.## History The concert ukulele was developed in the 1920s as ukulele popularity surged and players desired an instrument with more volume, a wider fret spacing, and greater range than the soprano. The concert size bridged the gap between the traditional soprano and the larger tenor size that was also developing during this period. The concert became popular with performers who needed more projection and comfort without losing the essential ukulele character. As the ukulele revival gained momentum in the 21st century, the concert size became arguably the most popular choice for adult beginners and intermediate players due to its balance of traditional tone and modern playability. ## Construction The concert ukulele has a scale length of approximately 15 inches and an overall length of about 23 inches, with a body width of roughly 7 to 8 inches at the lower bout. This slightly larger size compared to the soprano allows for more internal air volume, contributing to increased bass response and overall projection. The neck typically has 15 to 18 frets, with the body joint at the 14th fret, providing more upper-register access. Construction materials and methods mirror the soprano: koa, mahogany, or spruce tops, with fan or X-bracing, a simple bridge, and nylon or fluorocarbon strings. The wider fret spacing makes the concert more comfortable for players with larger hands. ## Tonal Characteristics The concert ukulele produces a warmer, fuller tone than the soprano, with noticeably…