You are a musician and often tour different places. While traveling, you long to keep your travel instruments with you. But because of the large size, it is too challenging to take. So you’re seeking a pocket-size ukulele. After much research, we’ve presented this article on the best pocket ukulele.
Apart from the four traditional sizes, there are two other sizes. These are Sopranino and Sopranissimo. In truth, both are smaller than the general soprano size, but the Sopranissimo remains too small.
Honestly, both are worth keeping in your pocket. We will speak of both types in the next part of the guide. For now, look at our pick of the best pocket ukulele you’ve been waiting for.
Top 5 Best Sopranino/Sopranissimo Ukulele Reviews for kids and small hand players
1. ULTNICE Mini Pocket Ukelele
This item is one of the miniature ukulele types. Many players have small hands and are exploring small-hand ukuleles. Also, kids and many backpackers want one like this. Keeping their needs in mind, ULTNICE has introduced it into the market.
This Sopranissimo ukulele features a solid construction 17-inch body. The brand inserts a spruce top, laminate front, and solid mahogany wood back and sides. In other senses, their efforts have made it a durable and eye-catching device.
Well, it’s a solid build, but how nice will the strings be? Let me say – they have used Aquila strings committed to better tone and sound. Maybe its size remains small but produces a fuller sound. Moreover, its appearance is also too attractive.
If it’s over 16 inches, it will suit any carry-on bag. This type is perfect for young children to begin developing their musical skills. So how much will it cost? It doesn’t matter because it’s within your reach.
Key Features:
- It fits into any carry-on bag
- Suitable for children and small hands
- 9-ounce weight, extremely light
- Mini shape but works as a big one
2. Ortega Guitars Keiki Series Sopranino Ukulele
This time, we are about to review a Sopranino ukulele from Ortega Guitars, a famous German brand. Many backpackers and slightly smaller handers prefer this item more than other models. It is because it characterizes a gorgeous look, sleek design, and light-rigid build.
The structure of this ukulele consists of Okoume wood. Plus, it has a walnut fretboard and bridge. Okoume neck and headstock veneer with satin finish make it a different mold, an admirable innovation.
Considering comfort, the Keiki series will be a fantastic option as it is lightweight. What happens if adults play it? Well, it will be comfortable for them to relieve hand pain from traveling or using a heavy ukulele for long periods.
Ortega uses a laser-etched sea turtle design to make it look attractive. Also, the natural pink color of Okoume wood exaggerates its beauty. Apart from those, its open-gear tuning machines work well to stay correctly in tune.
Key Features:
- Travel-friendly uke
- 0.29 kg, super for portability
- Comfortable to hold while playing
- Easy to carry in a bag
You can also see another product of Ortega Guitars:
3. Enya KUM 17-inch Mini Pocket Ukulele
You require such an instrument that is small, easy to carry in a bag, abrasion-resistant, and weatherproof. Okay, this 17-inch uke from Enya has all the features you could want. Below, we tell you how it is.
The body structure is very rigid. The carbon fiber back guarantees longevity, and the spruce top makes it beautiful. Additionally, a rosewood fretboard is another addition in terms of durability.
How is the playing experience? When you move your finger across the frets, it will be comfortable for you. When playing, the soundboard produces a crisp, warm sound and tone. All in all, this Enya uke will create a new vibe.
One of the notable aspects is the three soundhole designs available to choose from. These are coffee, squirrels, and horses. The combination of design and color makes it incomparable to others in this price range.
The tuners are decent enough to keep in tune. Also, the resonance will be much better than you expect. Above all, this model offers the best performance for kids, travelers, and players with small hands.
Key Features:
- Stable body, compatible with any weather
- Polymer carbon fiber Enya strings are better for a smooth playing experience
- Different designs to choose from
- Exchangeable or returnable within 30 days for non-human quality issues
4. Kala KA-ASAC-PU Pocket Ukulele
We have nothing new to speak of Kala’s instrument. The brand has included a new item to its product line with innovation. However, this Kala pocket ukulele for sale measures 16 inches from top to bottom and is completely portable.
Acacia wood is almost identical to the Koa wood of other ukuleles. Note that the Kala Evermore Aquila strings set to the instrument will stretch for some time when new. The sound may be faint, but it is playable based on size.
The body is fully enclosed inside, giving a very tightly integrated shape with a small size. Additionally, friction tuners need to be tightened occasionally. It allows the tuners to be placed wherever you want them. One of the additional benefits is that it provides a deluxe padded carry bag.
Other features are a silk-screened Kala logo, mahogany top, back, sides, neck, rosewood fingerboard, and bridge. Everything must feel premium.
Key Features:
- 16 inches tall from top to bottom
- Playable on a Sopranissimo scale
- Perfect for toddlers, small-handers, and backpackers
- Easy to go with it everywhere
5. Caramel CP200 17″ Sopranino Pocket Ukulele
We will talk about another Sopranino known as the best pocket ukulele for beginners from a well-known brand. This item will be suitable for newbies in the music world.
The Caramel Ukulele has integrated solid acacia for the top and laminate for the back and sides. Also, it becomes quite attractive with an even smooth natural feeling finish and a dark carved rose around the soundhole.
The fretboard looks like a typical uke, a plain one with rosewood. Again, the fret finish is smooth, and there are no signs of sharp edges anywhere, meaning you feel comfortable while playing.
The CP200 sounds better than you’d expect, for sure. Looking at its structure, many may think it is a toy. But in reality, it is not. It can stay in tune and play music like a big instrument. Also, it offers less string tension and makes it easier to press the strings down.
Key Features:
- 11-inch scale length and 17-inch overall size
- 1.1-pound weight, easy to hold
- Good performance and easy playability
What is a Sopranissimo?
The Sopranissimo is the smallest commercially produced uke, frequently called a pocket uke. Usually, it is 16-17 inches long from top to bottom, with 10-12 frets and a scale length of 11 inches.
This tiny uke folds so small that you can transport it in a handbag, tote, or backpack (or may place it in a pocket, presumably). That is, it is easily portable. Some call it a mini, pocket, or miniature ukulele because of its minuscule dimensions.
Several manufacturers named it Sopranissimo-size, but the names have changed. Again, sometimes, it refers to the ukulele by one of the previously mentioned nicknames.
How is the tuning? Some players say that the newbies should be tuned somewhat higher than standard tuning to achieve more volume and projection. However, opinions may differ. In theory, the tuning depends on the players. In truth, the most commonly used tunings are G-C-E-A (standard), A-D-F#-B, Bb-Eb-G-C, and D-G-B-E.
What is a Sopranino?
The Sopranino is slightly larger than the Sopranissimo and has a 12-inch scale length and an overall length of about 18-19 inches. Both make players confused by the slight differences.
The tuning of this instrument is controversial and depends on the player. Some players prefer the standard G-C-E-A soprano tuning. However, there are other options for tuning the Sopranino.
Many consider the sopranino ukulele to be the predecessor of the soprano ukulele. It is because the first soprano ukes were slightly shorter than the current Soprano version.
Sopranissimo Or Sopranino: Which Is The Best Pocket Ukulele For You
Of course, it depends on your preference. Both are easily portable, and there is a bit of difference between the two. We’ve mentioned both types above, and you opt for the one that goes with you.
Bottom line
We have tried our best to highlight the best pocket ukulele for you. Frankly, both are not available in the market in general form like the traditional ones. So, opt for one based on your needs.
