If you’ve been hunting for the perfect soprano ukulele but just haven’t put your finger on it yet, I’m happy to say you’re in the right place.
Maybe you’re an experienced ukulele player looking for the perfect soprano to add to your collection or maybe you’ve never even touched a ukulele before but want to learn something new.
Even if you’re just looking for a way to keep the kids occupied whilst you work from home, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of the best soprano ukuleles in2024.
Snapshot: Top 5 Soprano Ukuleles
- Tuscan Sun Cedar Soprano Ukulele by Bondi Ukuleles – Best Under $1000
- Martin S1 Natural Soprano Ukulele – Best Under $500
- Luna High Tide Koa Acoustic/Electric Soprano Ukulele – Best Under $300
- Kala KA-EBY-S Ebony Soprano Ukulele – Best Under $200
- Hola! Music HM-121MG+ Deluxe Mahogany Soprano Ukulele – Best Under $100
Shopping for a Great Soprano Ukulele
I’ve felt the pain of searching for my first soprano ukulele.
I remember having no idea where to look, or what I should even be looking for. However, I have become somewhat of an expert in picking out ukuleles, so you’re in the right hands.
When I was researching soprano ukuleles, I took a lot of things into consideration.
Firstly, the quality of the instrument. I would never recommend an instrument that isn’t incredibly well crafted. This is where a lot of people go wrong – they see a beautiful instrument but don’t know what to look for to make sure they’re getting a quality uke.
If you are reading this and think you would be more suited to a tenor ukulele or a baritone ukulele you should check out our great posts on those.
Secondly, the price. Now, I don’t know about you but although I wish I had an endless ukulele budget, I certainly don’t. Therefore, I wanted to make sure I featured ukuleles in every price range. So, whether you want to treat yourself to a high-end uke or play it safe and go for a more affordable soprano, I’ve got you.
Finally, the most important thing I looked for was the best possible sounding soprano ukuleles.
So, rest assured, the next ukulele you buy will be a fantastic one.
The Best Soprano Ukulele in2024
1. Tuscan Sun Cedar Soprano Ukulele by Bondi Ukuleles Review – Best Under $1000
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The Tuscan Sun Cedar Soprano is everything I look for in a high-end ukulele. It’s unique, perfectly crafted, and sounds amazing. This soprano uke is an ideal upgrade or gift. I am absolutely in love with it and I would bet my whole collection you won’t find a better soprano ukulele under $1000.
Body
Inspired by the Tuscan countryside, this uke is about as beautiful as they get. Its cedar top lends it such a beautiful tone and it has a back to die for. The Tuscan sun soprano’s back is made of spalted maple, giving it a unique, rustic look. If you can’t tell already, this is one of my favorite sopranos.
The key really is in the detail when it comes to high-end sopranos and I think Bondi Ukuleles have showcased some amazing craftsmanship in their Tuscan Sun series. If you’re into your indie rock, this uke matches that aesthetic perfectly. I think it would look fantastic on stage and would stand out in any crowd.
Neck & Hardware
My favorite thing about this uke is the triangular inlays on its fretboard. I think they are so unique and give it even more of an indie vibe. A company that makes their fretboards out of “sun-kissed walnut” is a winner in my books. I mean, this uke is just pure indulgence.
But, hey… We deserve to treat ourselves, right? This soprano ukulele’s fingerboard binding is finished beautifully with lava padauk. Bondi Ukulele’s claim this material adds to the warmth of the ukes tone, which I for one can certainly hear.
Sound
Spalted maple, solid cedar, and lava padauk are a killer combo, let me tell you. I have never heard a soprano ukulele that sounds as warm as this one. The cedar gives it that lovely bright, classic ukulele sound while the spalted maple and lava padauk give it such beautiful depth and warmth.
Even Bondi Ukuleles themselves claim this is the best sounding instrument they have ever produced. To be honest, I’d go so far as to say this is one of the best sounding soprano ukuleles ever to be produced. No matter what your skill level or playing style, you will absolutely love how this uke sounds.
Spec Summary
- Body: Solid cedar top, spalted maple back and sides, and lava padauk binding with authentic bone nut and saddle
- Neck: Solid cedar
- Fretboard: Sun-kissed walnut
- Bridge: Walnut
An incredibly unique soprano uke with the most amazing sound
Final Thoughts on the Tuscan Sun Cedar Soprano Ukulele by Bondi Ukuleles
If you’re thinking about indulging in a really high-end, beautifully crafted uke, look no further. This soprano ukulele is beautiful both to look and to hear. Soprano ukuleles can sometimes sound a little bit too “plinky” for my liking so when you come across a hidden gem like this one just treat yourself. That’s my advice. Also, this uke is in high demand.
It does go out of stock quite often, so pick one up while you can!
2. Martin S1 Natural Soprano Ukulele Review – Best Under $500
- Soprano Ukulele with Mahogany Top
If you like sweet sounding ukuleles you will love the S1. This ukulele is great for players of all abilities and has been crafted with love.
Body
Made of all solid mahogany, this uke is an absolute dream to play. One of my favorite things about this soprano is its rosewood bridge. I love no-tie bridges, I think they look so much tidier and sleeker. They also make changing your uke’s strings ten times easier.
If you do worry about changing strings and struggle to tie them properly – here’s your solution. You’ve got to love this ukulele. I mean, it’s so classic looking and its cream rosette makes it look incredibly expensive. I’d love to have this uke on display if money was no obstacle. Wouldn’t we all!
Neck & Hardware
The Martin S1’s fingerboard is finished perfectly in my eyes. Its frets are so flush with its neck, making it lovely to play for fingerpicking fanatics like myself. The way the fingerboard is carved on the body gives this uke such a unique finish. It has a whopping 17 frets (12 before the body), so if you’re into fingerpicking more than strumming you’re going to love this uke.
One thing I will say though is the more frets a soprano uke has, the less space there is for your hands. So, if you’re more of a chord playing strummer, you may struggle to find space on the fretboard. I know this is a problem that a lot of soprano ukulele players have so I thought I’d mention it. However, strumming will get you the best sound out of this uke. Also, I must mention the tuning pegs.
Although I usually love to see the gearheads on the side of the headstock, when it comes to sopranos down-facing gearheads are a must. They give you a lot more room at the top of the fretboard, especially on a uke like this that has so many frets.
Sound
The Martin S1 has the sweetest sound. If you’ve read my posts before, you’ll know how much I love ukuleles that have that classic sound but with a bit of a twist. This is why I think this is the best ukulele under $500. It strikes the perfect balance between a lovely warm tone and that traditional Hawaiian sound we all know and love.
This uke is perfect if you’re a beginner because it gives you plenty of room to move and it’s really great to practice on a uke with more frets (then when you play one with less it will feel much easier). The Martin S1 has an incredible projection for a soprano uke, you’ll be waking up the neighbors with this guy!
Spec Summary
- Body: All solid mahogany with hand-rubbed finish
- Neck: Solid mahogany
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Bridge: Rosewood
A fantastic little ukulele with amazing projection
Final Thoughts on the Martin S1 Soprano Ukulele
This is a wonderful little ukulele with amazing projection. I think the Martin S1 would suit players of all abilities. I’m sure you would love its volume if you’re a beginner, especially if you’re used to duller sounding, cheaper ukuleles.
This is definitely the best soprano ukulele under $500 and it would make a really special gift.
3. Luna High Tide Koa Acoustic/Electric Soprano Ukulele Review – Best Under $300
- This beautiful Luna ukulele features a deep koa body, producing full, deep sound along with the instrument's soprano body size
It will come as no surprise that I’m a huge fan of Luna ukuleles. Everyone knows I love an instrument with a bit of quirk and personality and the High Tide soprano certainly doesn’t disappoint. This uke showcases everything that Luna are known for – amazing craftsmanship, eye-catching design, and a beautiful tone.
Body
Let’s take a moment of silence to appreciate this ukes design… I mean, wow. It is just beautiful. Solid koa ukes make me so happy. Mostly for the tone they give off, of course, but also for their classic look. The Luna High Tide is a lovely blend of classic craftsmanship and unique design.
Its beautiful turquoise abalone rosette ties into the “high tide” theme perfectly. I love inlaid rosettes because I think they are a true sign of brilliant craftsmanship. Okay, one last thing about the body – it’s got a satin finish. Okay, I think I’ve found my new favorite acoustic-electric soprano ukulele.
Neck & Hardware
Okay, so I know you’re probably freaking out about these tuning pegs after me saying you should always get a soprano with down-facing gearheads. However, there’s no need to worry when it comes to the Luna High Tide. There is more than enough space between the nut and the pegs on the headstock to give your hands plenty of room.
Plus, with a uke like this that you’ll definitely be taking on stage, its pearl gearheads will definitely make you stand out. I also absolutely love the wave-shaped abalone fret markers. They make the Luna High Tide completely unique and attention to detail like this just shows you’re getting your money’s worth.
Electronics
The Luna High Tide is fitted with a piezo onboard pickup for easy amplification. It projects a lovely natural sound (rather than that squeaky one you sometimes get with other pickups). This soprano uke is incredibly good value for money when you think about its design and its high-quality electronics.
Sound
Solid koa gives off one of the best tones when it comes to soprano ukuleles. The Luna High Tide has a crisp, clear voice. It sounds quite deep for a soprano ukulele, which I think is just lovely. Its tone is perfect whether you’re using the pickup or not. It has this lovely harp-like sound that can either be amplified or played naturally.
Spec Summary
- Body: Solid koa with a natural satin finish
- Neck: Solid mahogany
- Fretboard: Walnut with abalone fret markers
- Bridge: Walnut
An incredibly well-crafted and unique ukulele – amazing value for money.
Final Thoughts on the Luna High Tide Koa Acoustic/Electric Soprano Ukulele
This would make the perfect uke for a child who wants the deeper sound of a concert uke with the ease of playing a smaller instrument. I also think it would be perfect if you play in a band. The Luna High Tide is amazing value for money, so trust me when I say this is the best soprano uke under $300.
4. Kala KA-EBY-S Ebony Soprano Ukulele Review – Best Under $200
- Body Body type: Soprano Cutaway: Non-cutaway Top wood: Striped ebony Back & sides: Striped ebony Bracing pattern: Info not available Body finish: Satin Orientation: Right handed Neck Neck shape: Info...
Now, I’m sure it’s no surprise that one of Kala’s soprano ukuleles has made my list. I absolutely love Kala ukuleles, they’re amazing value for money but always deliver a great sound. The Kala KA-EBY-S definitely lives up to my expectations where Kala is concerned. Here’s why.
Body
I absolutely love dark wood ukuleles. Of course, they sound beautifully deep and soulful, but they also look amazing. The Kala KA-EBY-S is made of laminate ebony, which is to be expected at this price. However, I always say that although you don’t get the same mellow sound from laminate wood, it takes away a lot of the stress around maintaining your instrument.
You won’t have to worry about changes in temperature or humidity affecting your uke and unless you’ve got crazy talons, you won’t scratch up the body (pretty sure it’s impossible). Aside from the practical benefits, this soprano uke by Kala is incredibly beautiful and unique looking. Plus, although I say laminate wood is a great option for some people, before you take the plunge, make sure a good quality laminate has been used.
This is why I love Kala. You can be pretty certain of the quality of the instrument before it’s even in your basket. I also absolutely loved how they’ve paired a black Graphtech Nubone saddle with the dark wood. I think it makes the uke look incredibly expensive.
Neck & Hardware
This Ebony Ukulele’s neck is made of mahogany but is dyed a nice dark color to blend with its ebony body. Unfortunately, it is only 34.5mm at the nut, meaning there’s not an awful lot of space on the neck. This combined with the outwards facing gearheads means it’s probably not the best ukulele for players with larger hands.
That being said, I have seen smaller necks on soprano ukes, so if you’re an experienced player this probably won’t be an issue. Personally, I always go for sopranos that are on the smaller side as I learned to play a soprano uke with a pretty skinny neck, so it’s what I’m used to. It really just depends on your preference, I’d say. Aside from its skinny neck (poor uke), it does have 18 frets in total (14 before the body). They’re really beautifully finished with no sharp edges and are bound with maple.
All in all, it’s a really well-crafted ukulele and well worth the money. Oh, I forgot to mention the open geared tuners – yay! My favorite.
Sound
Now, this is one area where Kala always hits the nail on the head. I mean, imagine being able to buy a ukulele for under $200 that sounds almost like it’s made of solid wood. If you’re expecting a darker sounding ukulele to match its color, you’re in for a surprise.
The Kala KA-EBY-S is a lovely bright-sounding ukulele, but not too bright it sounds plinky – we all know there’s a fine line. If you’re looking for a classic sounding ukulele that looks unique, you’ve found it.
Spec Summary
- Body: Laminate Ebony with maple binding
- Neck & Hardware: Mahogany with open geared tuners
- Fingerboard: Laurel
- Bridge: Walnut with black Graphtec Nubone saddle
A unique, classic sounding but affordable soprano ukulele
Final Thoughts on the Kala KA-EBY-S Ebony Soprano Ukulele
If you’re looking for a lower-end ukulele, Kala is always a good starting place. Just like the KA-EBY-S, their instruments are always incredibly crafted with amazing sound quality. I mean, I’ve got plenty of solid wood ukes in my collection, but I still reach for my Kala’s. The main reason I think this is the best soprano ukulele under $200 is that it’s got an amazing classic sound.
However, it’s unique look makes it the perfect gift or upgrade.
5. Hola! Music HM-121MG+ Deluxe Mahogany Soprano Ukulele Review
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Hola! Music is another great affordable brand. This Mahogany soprano ukulele is just beautiful and has an amazing sound quality. It would be the perfect gift for an aspiring ukulele player.
Body
This is, of course, a laminate wood ukulele but, again, laminate wood isn’t something to be scared of. One thing I love about this uke is how incredibly light it is. If you travel a lot or if you carry your uke in a backpack (flashback to my high school years) then you will absolutely love this soprano ukulele.
It is classic looking, and its beautiful white binding makes it look as if you spent a little bit more money if you know what I mean.
Neck & Hardware
This Hola! Music soprano has a beautifully finished neck. Its frets are made of nickel-silver and are very smoothly bound to the fretboard. It only has 12 frets before the body which is perfect for beginner ukulele players as there’s a little bit more space for learning chord shapes etc.
It also has a bone nut, which is great for the tonality of the strings. I love it when affordable ukes are still crafted with quality materials where it matters, that’s why I think this is the best soprano ukulele under $100.
Sound
Quite often, ukuleles under $100 can begin to sound very plinky. No, I’ve still not come up with a word better than “plinky” to describe this. It’s that kind of plastic sound that just does not do a beginner any favors. Luckily though, this Hola! The Music soprano has a really beautiful twinkly sound.
In fact, it’s actually a lot warmer sounding than most ukes at this price point. It comes fitted with Aquilla Nylgut strings, which do tend to bring out the best in more affordable instruments. The bone nut and saddle give the strings great tonality and a lovely blend of tones when strummed.
Spec Summary
- Body: Laminate Mahogany
- Neck & Hardware: Nato neck with silver-plated, geared machine heads
- Fingerboard: Walnut
- Bridge: Walnut with bone saddle
A well-crafted affordable ukulele with great tonality
Final Thoughts on the Hola! Music HM-121MG+ Deluxe Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
This is the perfect soprano ukulele for a beginner. It looks classic but weighs next to nothing, so it’s perfect for traveling. I think this is the best soprano ukulele under $100.
It has great tonality and is incredibly well crafted considering its price.
Your New Favorite Soprano Ukulele
I hope I’ve proved that whatever your budget, there’s an amazing soprano ukulele for you.
If you can afford to spend a little extra on an incredible instrument like the beautiful Tuscan Sun Soprano, you won’t regret it.
On the other hand, if you’re a beginner and you’re just testing the waters, there are plenty of more affordable options like the Kala KA-EBY-S. Either way, soprano ukuleles are incredible little instruments and I hope you’ve found the perfect one to fit your personality and playing style.
We’ve all got a bit of extra time on our hands these days, so it’s never been a better time to add some more music to your life!
Further Reading:
- 5 Best Soprano Ukuleles (Under $100 to $500+)
- How To Choose A Ukulele – Get The Perfect One For Your Needs
- Ukulele vs Guitar – How Are They Different & Which Is Best For You
- Banjo Vs Ukulele – What Is The Difference & Which Is Best For You?
- 10 Different Types Of Ukulele Explored & Explained
Fiona is a musician and writer. When she’s not working, she’s either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection.