Ukulele (Tenor) — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Ukulele (Tenor)Type: instrumentThe largest standard-tuned ukulele, favored by professional players for its rich tone, projection, and comfortable playability.## History The tenor ukulele was developed in the 1920s and 1930s to meet the demands of professional performers who needed more volume, range, and tonal depth than smaller ukuleles could provide. The tenor became the preferred instrument for many Hawaiian masters and concert performers. Legendary players like Israel Kamakawiwoole, whose rendition of "Over the Rainbow" became one of the most recognized ukulele recordings ever, favored tenor ukuleles. Jake Shimabukuro's virtuosic performances on tenor ukuleles have demonstrated the instrument's potential for complex solo arrangements, helping drive the 21st-century ukulele renaissance worldwide. ## Construction The tenor ukulele has a scale length of approximately 17 inches and an overall length of about 26 inches, with a body width of 8 to 9 inches at the lower bout. The neck typically provides 17 to 19 frets with a body joint at the 14th fret, offering substantial upper-register access. The larger body provides significantly more air volume than soprano or concert sizes, contributing to increased bass response and projection. Construction follows standard ukulele practices but with bracing patterns that may approach guitar-style complexity to manage the larger top effectively. High-quality tenors often feature solid wood construction throughout, and electro-acoustic versions with under-saddle pickups are popular for stage use. ## Tonal Characteristics The tenor ukulele produces the fullest, richest tone of the standard-tune…