9 Best Ukulele Strings Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Ukulele String Review – Top Rated Models in 2021 with Buying Guide

 

If you’re after some good ukulele strings but don’t have the time to read scores of reviews then you’ve come to the right place, as our team already done the necessary research and compiled a list of some of the top performing products. Our number 1 pick shouldn’t come as a surprise to ukulele enthusiasts since the Aquila Super Nylgut AQ-106 is already well appreciated for the remarkable playing performance allowed by the innovative Nylgut material used. This hits very close to the bright sound delivered by natural gut strings — longtime considered to be the best strings for ukulele by specialists — but offers the good resilience that is only possible with synthetic material. The AQ-106 are intended to be used with a tenor uke, but if you’re interested in a set that will properly fit a soprano, then you might like the D’Addario EJ87B Titanium Baritone Ukulele Strings.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

9 Best Ukulele Strings (Reviews) in 2021

 

 

As the wide range of products available might prove confusing for a beginner, we’ve taken a look through some ukulele string reviews and narrowed down the list to a number of top rated products, featured for your consideration below.

 

 

1. Aquila Super Nylgut AQ-106 Tenor Ukulele Strings

 

The Nylgut has received great praise in Aquila strings reviews for the high-quality sound it can produce. This has been designed to be as close as possible to the clear and complex tunes a gut string offers, hence the name.

You will be getting this alongside the regular advantages conferred by a synthetic material, like good tensile resistance, no threat of corrosion and a very smooth surface, that should eliminate all worries of your fingers getting sour or developing corns.   

These come in a set of 4 and can be used with both regular and high G notes, on either a tenor or baritone instrument. The manufacturer specifically recommends them for the former, but most experienced players tend to consider that what works for one might also work for the other.

They’ve been handcrafted in Italy, so expect good manufacturing quality, and less stretching over time than with other similar models. This means they won’t require being tuned as often, or when subjected to differences in temperature.

 

Pros

Designed to last and keep your practice sessions comfortable even if they stretch over hours, these strings come with features that will up your experience. 

The materials used not only ensure good tensile resistance but also make the strings smooth and comfortable, which means that you should not worry about developing corns or your fingers getting sour. 

The set includes 4 strings that can be used with regular and high G notes as well as on both tenor or baritone instruments. 

Thanks to the synthetic material employed, the strings are resistant to corrosion and they are less prone to stretching over time, which means you won’t have to retune them that often.

The material they are made of makes them handle temperature differences better than other strings. 

 

Cons

The strings are recommended for tenor instruments and, thus, might not deliver the same performance when used on baritone instruments.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($10.24)

 

 

 

2. D’Addario EJ87B Titanium Baritone Ukulele Strings

 

The strings you use when playing the ukulele or other string instruments contribute significantly to the results you get, which is why D’Addario paid great attention to the materials used for these strings and how they were made. This model was specifically designed for baritone ukuleles and use with standard DGBE tuning.

The strings are made from a dense monofilament material that ensures a slightly brighter tone and enhanced projection, which means that you will get increased clarity, dynamics, and volume. The projecting tone produced can thus be described as having a modern touch, which renders this set of strings suitable for different musical genres and playing styles.

The 1st and 2nd strings are built with titanium material, whereas the 3rd and 4th strings are made from a silver-plated copper wound on nylon. Besides their sonic properties, the strings have a smooth feel so that you can play comfortably for hours. 

 

Pros

Whether you need to get a set of strings for your old ukulele or to replace the ones your new instrument comes with, this model is worth a try. 

The items are designed for use with DGBE tuning and baritone ukulele, and the set includes four strings. 

The materials used for their construction ensure a slightly brighter tone that has a modern touch.

The projecting tone makes them ideal for musicians interested in pairing their performance with increased clarity, volume, and dynamics. 

Thanks to the way they were designed and the materials employed, the strings won’t just help you express your creativity beautifully, but also provide you with a smooth feel.

The innovative packaging was chosen based on its capacity to reduce waste and to protect the strings from corrosion.

 

Cons 

Keep in mind that these strings are suitable for baritone ukuleles; therefore, if you have a different type of ukulele, you might want to try one of the other models offered by D’Addario or another brand.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($4.99)

 

 

 

3. LaBella 13 Banjo Ukulele Strings

 

This set of 4 primarily nylon strings from La Bella are specifically intended to be used with a banjolele, which is a hybrid instrument intended to sound close to a banjo. To properly hit the lower notes, the high G string is encased in a very thin wrapping of aluminum, which is considered to be the best solution to for this range of sound.

Wounded strings can be a little more fickle than regular ones, as the wounding can unravel if the ends aren’t tied properly by the player, or their manufacturing isn’t up to par. This doesn’t seem to be a problem with the La Bella 13, as users report they hold up particularly well.  

The aluminum coating might be a little hard on your fingers, but the nylon surface of the other strings should slide well, for hours of comfortable music playing.

Otherwise, users report that the G is doing its job properly, giving out a nice banjo “twang.”

 

Pros

Created for banjo ukuleles, these strings have gathered positive feedback from many of the users who tried them.

The set includes 4 strings and the G string comes encased in a very thin wrapping of aluminum to deliver remarkable results in this range of sound.

The nylon and materials employed will make sure that using them for long and frequent practice sessions won’t be a problem and that enhanced durability is what you get to enjoy. 

Buyers who tried them have appreciated the strings for the tone delivered and for the nice banjo “twang” produced by the G string.

The strings are designed for banjo ukes yet they are long enough to suit even tenor ukes, as some users mention in their online reviews.

 

Cons

The aluminum coating might be a little hard on the fingers and can wind itself off of the nylon, according to a few buyers.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($14.99)

 

 

 

4. Aquila Red Series AQ-83 Soprano Ukulele Strings

 

The Aquila Red Series uses a unique variety of nylon developed in-house to achieve a clear sound and to offer a unique player experience. The four strings have a certain texture to them, that is well appreciated by most players and is an element of distinction from other brands.

The diameter of the strings is roughly equal, so that the player gets a similar feel from each one, while the tonal range is given by the differences in material density.

To be used with a high G soprano, they are intended to give a brighter tone than other strings, as well as a higher volume, which many customer reviewers enthusiastically noted to be the case.

Another benefit of the new material is the fact that it doesn’t absorb moisture as easily as other nylon recipes. This means you won’t have to retune your uke quite as often since the strings won’t change in volume to a significant extent.

 

Pros

Featuring a unique variety of nylon developed in-house, these strings are committed to helping musicians achieve a clear sound and enjoy a unique player experience.

To enhance intonation, the strings come with different material densities and they also offer a greater volume than standard strings. 

Thanks to the unique nylon employed, the strings don’t absorb moisture and, thus, ensure tuning stability, which means that you won’t have to retune them as often as it happens with other strings. 

The material used also provides the player with a comfortable feel that will enable long hours of practice without the user’s fingers getting sour. 

The diameter of each string is roughly equal, which means that you will get a similar feel from each of them and that further translates into enhanced comfort when playing.

 

Cons

The strings are advertised as soprano ukulele strings; therefore, if you use another type of ukulele, these might not fit that well. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($8.8)

 

 

 

5. Dunlop DUY301 Soprano Pro Ukulele Strings

 

There’s usually little to be said about a product that does its job as it should, and this Dunlop set of 4 strings definitely fits this category. They are made of nylon, so expect them to be tough and to stay rust-free.

They might require a bit of tuning after being exposed to differences in temperature, but this will only prove a minor impediment compared to the comfort their soft surface will allow for your fingers. There’s no need to worry about corns and other unpleasantries with nylon material!

These are also remarkably affordable, so if you’re on a shoestring budget and looking to save every dollar, then they will make an especially attractive choice.  

They are intended to be used with a soprano ukulele and are sized accordingly, varying from 0.022 to 0.034 inches in diameter, with similar differences in length. Adjusting them to the proper size by cutting won’t be a problem since there isn’t any wounding to unravel.

 

Pros

Built to keep up with frequent and long practice sessions, these strings do their job as they should without affecting your comfort.

The nylon used makes them tough and promises to keep the rust away yet such benefits are not shadowed by an uncomfortable feel as the strings are soft.

Considering their texture, rest assured that you won’t develop corns or other unpleasantries even if you use them for a long time. 

Since they are designed to be used with soprano ukuleles, they come in different thicknesses and lengths so you can easily and quickly attach them to your instrument.

However, if you find them to be too long for your instrument, you can safely cut them since there isn’t any wounding to unravel.

 

Cons

The strings might require retuning when exposed to differences in temperature yet this is a minor impediment considering their features and price. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($4.99)

 

 

 

6. D’Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings Soprano

 

Amongst the most popular brands in the world, D’Addario strings are used by millions of professional players and music enthusiasts. This particular set of strings is designed for ukuleles and is available in various options, depending on the type and size of the instrument you are playing. 

The strings are made of various materials, depending on the instrument and the sound delivered. Thus, for those who want to reach a warm and deep tone, the black nylon is the best option while those who are looking for a traditional and gut-like tone should choose the Nyltech version. This particular set is optimized for Soprano ukuleles tuned to traditional GCEA tuning. 

The strings are made of high-quality titanium monofilament materials with an attractive, translucent purple hue and a polished, glass-like feel. The material is unique and contemporary, offering a slightly brighter tone and increased projection which results in more clarity, volume, and dynamics.

 

Pros 

Unlike other string brands, these from D’Addario are designed to last you through hundreds of hours of practice without breaking or altering the quality of the sound. 

They are available in various designs, to best meet the needs of your ukulele, depending on its size – soprano, concert, baritone, U-Base or tenor. 

The Soprano strings are made of titanium which helps you achieve a bright and clear tone. 

The accessories feature an attractive, translucent purple hue and a glass-like feel as if they were polished. They are not only heavy-duty but beautiful too.

 

Cons

Keep in mind that this set of D’Addario strings is specifically designed for ukuleles so, even though they look similar, they won’t fit bass or 4-string electric guitars. Besides, trying to force them on other instruments will cause them to break easier. 

No matter how powerful and well-built they look, strings will still require replacement sooner or later. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($4.49)

 

 

 

7. Aquila 7U Concert Ukulele Strings Set

 

Built by one of the most appreciated string manufacturers, this set of strings might be of interest if you have a concert ukulele that could use an update as far as this part is concerned. The items were designed to help you get the best out of ukuleles in the concert category and do so for a long time before replacement is needed. 

They are optimized for GCEA tuning, and they feature the new Nylgut, a material that provides the high-quality and beautiful tones that gut strings ensure without the defects that are typical of gut strings. What’s more, this synthetic material is appreciated for delivering better sounds than PVDF and nylon strings and ensuring increased durability. 

Since this type of material withstands changes in moisture, they also ensure enhanced intonation stability, which directly and positively contributes to your performance. Moreover, the well-gauged material ensures increased fret intonation accuracy. 

 

Pros

Designed for concert ukuleles, these strings were made to help you express your creativity and engage in countless playing sessions. 

To make sure you get beautiful tones, the manufacturer used a new synthetic material that won’t just help you produce pleasant sounds but will also enable you to do so for a long time.

This type of material creates the sounds associated with gut strings while being more durable and providing increased resistance to wear.

The new Nylgut used has the sonic properties of gut but is free of the defects that gut strings may come with. 

Since the strings withstand changes in moisture, they also deliver increased intonation stability, which will directly up your experience. 

 

Cons 

The strings are not color-coded, and, if you are a beginner, it might be more difficult to know which one goes where; therefore, you might need to take them to a professional to have them properly installed. 

Buy from Amazon.com for ($8.19)

 

 

 

8. C. F. Martin tenor ukulele strings

 

This set from Martin & Co. will provide your tenor ukulele with a good low G and a remarkably good volume. Once broken in they can keep in tone exceptionally well thanks to the fluorocarbon material used, which doesn’t absorb as much moisture as the more common nylon and holds up to differences in temperature.

If you like to travel around with your uke, this will definitely be the item to have, since you won’t have to bother retuneing it once you arrive in a new place. The fluorocarbon doesn’t disappoint when it comes to comfort either, as it’s very smooth and fine on the fingers.

However, this also means that it might be harder to tune the first time, especially as a number of customers noted that the strings don’t contain washers on the end to help you out. This downside is of course greatly diminished by the M620’s remarkable ability to hold a tune for long stretches of time.    

 

Pros

Built with tenor ukuleles in mind, these strings promise to up your performance and help you practice without affecting your comfort even when employing them for a long time.

The fluorocarbon material used makes them stay in tune quite well since they absorb less moisture than nylon strings and are not affected by differences in temperature.

Given such features, you can use them in various weather conditions without worrying that you will have to retune them too often because they are committed to holding a tune for a long time.

Moreover, the fluorocarbon used ensures a smooth surface for comfortable playing and promises to keep up with frequent and long practice sessions.

 

Cons

The strings are designed for tenor ukuleles and, thus, might not suit other types of ukes.

Also, they might be hard to tune the first time and they don’t contain washers on the end.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($7.95)

 

 

 

9. GHS H10 Hawaiian Concert Ukulele String Set

 

If you’re concerned about the way your ukulele looks, then these black strings from GHS should prove just the ticket, because black goes well with everything. They are intended to be paired up with a concert or standard uke, with gauges that go from 0.025 to 0.036 inches.

Since they are made of nylon, it will be easy to cut them to size, and they should hold well to tensile forces and corrosion. People who bought them found that they sound fine, with a crisp yet mellow tune that will probably hold up for long once they’re broken in if no significant differences in temperature are experienced.

They shouldn’t give you any trouble putting them on as nylon is notoriously easy to tie into knots.

It’s easy on the fingers as well, and this product is considered to have a particularly fine polish so there shouldn’t be any worry that your fingerprints would start stripping away because of playing the ukulele too much.  

 

Pros

If you’re more into playing concert or standard ukes and you also pay attention to the way your instrument looks, this set of black strings might be right up your alley. 

The strings were designed with such ukulele types in mind and suit ukes that have gauges that go from 0.025 to 0.036 inches.

The nylon used makes it easy to cut them and thus adjust their size to your specific needs. 

What’s more, the type of nylon employed for these strings promises to keep up with tensile forces and corrosion.

Attaching them to your instrument is nothing complicated since the nylon used is easy to tie into knots. 

The fine polish provides the strings with a nice touch, which means that your comfort won’t be affected even if you use them for long sessions.

 

Cons

You might have to retune the strings after exposing them to significant differences in temperature.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($6.43)

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

The ukulele is famously easy instrument to get into, but before you start playing your favorite tune, there are some things to know about the strings on a uke, as their tone can vary by quite a lot depending on certain characteristics. What are the best ukulele strings is naturally a matter of user preference, but we’ve detailed below what to look for in order to make sure that you get the sound you like.

Tune is relative to size

In the case of the uke, the size of the instrument will affect the way it will sound since strings of different lengths won’t reverberate the same way, while the resonance box will carry the sound differently depending on its volume.

The soprano is the most common size for a Uke, with a 21-inch body and a 13-inch scale. This is used to deliver a crystalline, high pitched tone that can be modified by pairing it with the appropriate strings. They are tuned in GCEA or ADF#B.     

The difference between soprano and concert ukulele is relatively small but noticeable enough to discerning ears. The concertos deliver a slightly deeper sound and a somewhat higher volume, with a 23-inch body and a 15-inch scale, but the same tuning range of either GCEA or ADF#B.

The tenor has three more inches added to its total length and uses a 17-inch scale to give out a noticeably deeper sound with relatively high resonance. Besides GCEA and ADF#B, these are also tuned in DGBE.

The largest model is the baritone, which is commonly tuned in DGBE. It makes a good choice for people with large hands, as it has a 30-inch body with a 19-inch scale. Its size puts it closer to an acoustic guitar, and this resemblance continues when it comes to sound, which is significantly deeper than what you would expect from a uke.

 

Some more notes on tuning

There are two versions of the GCEA tuning that is commonly used on a ukulele, with one of them being noted with a lowercase “g.” This is the case when the G string is tuned 1 octave up, for a slightly higher sound.

High tension sets and alternate tuning are best to be avoided by beginners since they can prove difficult to get right, and the risk of snapping a string can be pretty high.

Another factor that will influence sound quality is the material used for the strings, which we will discuss below.

 

Gut strings

These were the first to be used back when the uke appeared towards the end of the 19th century. Expectedly, they are made from the dried up guts of different animals, which can increase their price a little, but they are still considered to be affordable by musical instrument standard.

Most players appreciate the rich, complex sounds they can deliver and the unique feeling they give to the fingers. They are also considered to slide better, and their most significant downside compared to other string types is the somewhat frail construction.

 

Nylon strings

Various types of plastic material can be used to make some cheap ukulele strings. Depending on the exact variety of nylon used, these can sound different depending on the company, and experienced players tend to form preferences for certain brand names.

The least expensive nylon strings are made following a process called extrusion, where the molten polymer is pushed through small holes thus forming the filament. In the case of better models, the process is continued with a grounding, meant to get a more precise diameter and to slightly alter texture for a fuller sound.

Nylon strings are considered easier to play with compared to other types because they aren’t as abrasive on the fingers. The comparatively warmer sound they give is well appreciated by some, while it’s still high enough to be considered bright and clear.

Nylon won’t rust, which will positively affect the string’s lifespan, but it will stretch over time or under temperature shifts, requiring for the user to re-tune his instrument depending on the weather or the time of year.

 

Fluorocarbon strings

A relatively new material developed primarily for use in fishing lines, fluorocarbon has similar properties to nylon, extending to the range of sound it produces.

This is equally warm, while also clear and snappy, and fast tunes can be played with little strain on the fingers since fluorocarbon slides particularly well. As a benefit over nylon, this material isn’t as susceptible to temperature shifts, and it can also be cut to size without affecting the sound quality.

Titanium strings

Strings made from this material shouldn’t be cut unless you know very well what you’re doing. Its main advantage over synthetics comes from its superior durability. Since they’re metallic, the sound provided will also be brighter and louder, with a significantly better projection, which will make them particularly suitable for stage use.  

 

Steel strings  

To put it bluntly, steel shouldn’t really be used for a uke, as the tension it applies to the bridge and body can seriously damage the instrument. Some careful tuners do employ it on hybrid pieces like guitar/ukuleles or banjoleles for a crisp and clear sound, similar to what titanium provides.

 

Wound synthetic strings

These are usually made by surrounding a nylon core in a plastic material and will typically give a particularly low bass sound. Consequently, they are used as the lower strings in tenors and baritones, if the squeaking sound they make when the player’s fingers frets over them isn’t found to be too bothersome.

 

Wound metal strings

These are also used for rendering the lower end of the frequency range and tend to pair well with larger ukes or hybrids, where they put up a sound reminiscent to that of a guitar. The winding material can also prove squeaky, so special care must be taken by the player to avoid this.

Both types of wounded strings cannot be cut to size, as this will cause the wounding material to unravel, so you should watch out that they have the required length for the uke when buying some of these.   

 

Is brand important for choosing the best ukulele strings?

While all the aspects already mentioned play an essential role in choosing the right ukulele strings for your instrument, there is another that some people consider the most important. That aspect is brand. For instance, you can expect the ukulele strings Aquila makes to offer superior quality at the right price, and that’s just one example.

Ukulele strings come in different lengths, materials, tuning, and so on. A brand that makes ukulele strings usually tries to cover all the various types. That could be a good indication that you should choose the right brand for the ukulele strings you intend to buy. A short description of famous brands, such as the ukulele strings Aquila company offers, will help you decide on the right option.

To start with a popular brand, the ukulele strings Aquila provides to buyers are known for a few important things. First of all, this brand makes ukulele strings as the main product, unlike other companies. Excellent ukulele sound can be expected from their strings.

The cost of the ukulele strings Aquila manufactures is low, which is a great plus. Also, if you want a set of ukulele strings that will last a long time, this brand should be your choice. Its nylon strings are more than just ordinary ukulele strings made from this material. The sound obtained is close to the ukulele sound you expect from those made from gut. That is why the nylon strings it offers are superior to many others.

Maybe you want an alternative to the ukulele strings Aquila supplies. In that case, D’Addario is one brand you should know about. Some people say D’Addario makes the best ukulele strings on the market. This brand has been around for a long time, hence its reputation.

The reason why many players in love with this instrument think that the best ukulele strings are made by D’Addario is the consistency of craftsmanship. Also, if you find that its products are close in quality with the ukulele strings Aquila makes, it’s because the two brands have a partnership to use the same patented nylon strings invented by the latter.

These two are not the only brands known for making the best ukulele strings available. GHS and Martin are two others you should know about. Their ukulele strings might not be as good as the ones offered by Aquila and D’Addario, but they are honorable mentions.

Depending on the ukulele sound you want to obtain, you must choose the right option. Nylon strings don’t sound the same as metal strings, and so on. When you compare different brands, check the availability of the type of ukulele strings you are comfortable with.

Don’t settle for a set of nylon strings if you want a set of titanium, for instance. In the end, the ukulele sound you are interested in delivering when playing has the final word in your decision. The best ukulele strings are those that fit your instrument and playing style.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about uke strings

 

Q: What are ukulele strings made of?

Traditionally, such strings were made out of the dried up guts of various animals, but due to improvements in technology, there is a wider choice of materials available today. Metals like titanium and even steel are being used to give a specific sound to larger units while synthetics such as nylon and polycarbonate are used because they are cheap and easier on the fingers.

Some strings have a wounded construction, which means that two materials are employes. The core is usually made of the very popular nylon, while metal, sometimes even aluminum, wraps around it to provide for better lower end Gs.

 

Q: Are ukulele strings plastic?

Sometimes synthetic materials that are used to make strings are referred to as “plastic.” Depending on the nylon composition, this can be chemically similar to the common plastics used to manufacture toys and other consumer products, but its properties will still be close to those of nylon.

The fluorocarbon that’s sometimes employed for strings — usually the same stuff they make cutting edge fishing lines out off — gets called plastic reasonably often, and it might not be an improper description depending on your acceptance of the word. This is generally resistant to stretching and hydrophobic, so the uke doesn’t need to be retuned as often.  

 

 

Q: How to tighten ukulele strings?

You will be using the pegs at the end of the scale of the ukulele to change the pitch of the strings. There should always be 4 of them, one for each string of the uke, but the direction you need to turn in order to tighten or loosen isn’t always the same between brands. It is easy enough to see which way you should rotate by the resistance put up by the string, especially with fluorocarbon and metal units, as these don’t stretch very much.

A tighter string will give a higher pitch while for a low bass they have to be loosened. The most important thing to have in mind is that you don’t tense the string too much since it might snap.

 

Q: How long do ukulele strings last?

Most ukulele strings for sale can hold for several months, although this greatly depends on how often you are playing the instrument and can vary to such an extent as to make any fixed figure meaningless.

Synthetic materials can last for a considerable amount of time, while metal is admittedly less resilient.

The strings will be in need of a changing if you experience problems holding your tune. This is of course after the initial tuning, which should stretch them to their optimum and keep them like that for more than a month.

Visual indicators like nicks, flat spots or grooves can also give you hints about when you need a new set of strings.  

 

Q: Are ukulele strings the same size?

No, they can differ in both diameter and length. In a single set of strings, the wires that take center on the scale in a standard GCEA disposition will sometimes be longer than the Gs and As, and it is easy to see that this is the case, as the pegs you will be tying them to will be further away from the base. Their length naturally differs between sets, depending on the type of uke they are intended for.  

Otherwise, all strings have different gauges, the A which sits the furthest away from your hand the thinnest, followed by the G that is actually closest to the hand, then the E, and finally the C being the thickest.

 

Q: How often should I change my ukulele strings?

This is closely related to the “How long do ukulele strings last?” question above. While you could potentially use a string long after it starts showing signs of tear, like nicks and grooves on its surface, the sound quality will be noticeably affected. Remember that strings are meant to be changed quite regularly.

If you’re playing your uke nearly every day, this will mean up to once a month for steel or aluminum plated strings — since these can oxidize from the grease on your hand — and once every three months for synthetic materials.

When they start losing the tune, and the sound loses its brightness, then you will know that you have to change them. Regarding how to string a ukulele, check below.

 

Q: How much do ukulele strings cost?

By the standards of musical instruments, strings are pretty cheap, even top tier ones. They usually start at $3, and some of the best pieces rarely break 12 dollars. Depending on the material used, how often you play your uke and how aggressive your style is, these can last anywhere from 1 month to half a year, so there might be some reason to pay attention to the price if you expect to be changing them fairly often.

A $5 nylon pack might make for the best value if you know they are not bound to last long anyway, while relatively fragile gut string will come off as needlessly expensive in the same scenario.

 

Q: How are ukulele strings numbered?

The most common system ascribes numbers from 1 to 4, following the common GCEA ukulele string notes in descending order. The A string, which is the thinnest and furthest from your hand in the standard right-handed playing position is noted with a 1. The E immediately follows A, and it’s the second thickest, and it receives a 2.

The fattest string, C, sits a little closer to your hand and will be number 3. Finally, the G, which is either a high g noted with a lowercase letter or a low one noted with a capital will stay closest to your hand and is numbered with a 4.

 

We have other articles that you might find useful:

– How to make an electric ukulele ?

– Where do ukulele come from ?

– Which ukulele sounds like a guitar ?

 

 

Best uke strings brands

 

D’Addario is a family owned business whose history stretches at least as far as the 1680’s, where one Donato D’Addario was known to be a string manufacturer in the small Italian town of Salle. Currently, their operation is located on the eastern coast of the United States, in Rhode Island, and are one of the biggest manufacturers of instrument strings in the world.

They are particularly well known for their guitar and orchestral instruments strings, but the products intended for the banjo or ukulele are nothing to scoff at either. They are one of the first manufacturers to use fluorocarbon instead of typical nylon in their line designed for large ukes.

 

Unlike D’Addario, the owners of Aquila stuck to the old country, but this doesn’t mean their products are in anyway old fashioned! Quite the contrary, one of the more high priced manufacturers out there, they are acknowledged for constantly keeping to the forefront of research and development.

Their special Nylgut materials are aimed at delivering the closest possible tune to that of a gut string, which is highly appreciated by ukulele purists. Their polymers are also designed for minimal water absorption, so they do not change in volume as much as a regular nylon material, causing alterations in tone.  

 

Not to be confused with the world famous tire manufacturer, Jim Dunlop established his string making business back in 1965. Right now, his company covers any popular stringed instrument out there, including the ukulele. Its products are well renown for being reliable, as the owner is well acquainted with the fact that a snapped string might be more bothersome to your casual guitar or uke player then the sound not coming out perfect.  

The uke strings made by Dunlop are usually sold at very affordable prices and make very good purchases for people that practice many hours a day.   

 

Another early adopter of fluorocarbon material, Martin made uke strings are well appreciated for their good tensile strength and for the mellow sound they put out. Their M620 Tenor line is appreciated as having a lower tonality than the corresponding Aquilas, while the fans of the Italian firm might find them less bright than they would like.

But as is with uke enthusiasts, they tend to appreciate brands based on what sounds closer to what they like to hear. Objectively, Martin is considered as one of the most reliable out there, albeit their products sell for a little cheaper than the top competition, and their uke strings deserve at least a try-out.

 

A fairly big manufacturer, GHS became a familiar name to uke players back in the 2000s, when most new models used to come with GHS strings from the factory. Their products are seen as affordable and reliable, but they rarely garner the same enthusiasm as those of more famous brands.

If you want a good workhorse, then a GHS set is bound to deliver in either nylon or fluorocarbon. Also, lately the company started to cater to niche demands, by starting a series made out of black nylon to go with the aesthetics of certain ukes.   

 

 

Key takeaways

 

Assuring success when purchasing a set of ukulele strings first and foremost requires knowledge of your instrument. Ideally, you should only pair up a uke with strings that are designed by the manufacturer to fit an appropriate size, either soprano, concert, tenor or baritone.

You could conceivably use thicker and longer strings on an instrument that’s one size smaller, but this will lead to potential damage to its wooden ridges, who aren’t usually designed to handle the tension.   

The material is also something to pay attention to. Strings made of metal, made of titanium, steel, and sometimes aluminum have a very distinctive sound that is well appreciated by some players, and it’s very hard to hit lower Gs without at least an aluminum coating on the string. However, these will often oxidize in constant contact with the grease from your hands, so they will require changing at fairly constant intervals.

Synthetic polymers are impervious to rust and are close in tensile resistance to titanium. They give out a warm, melodious sound, that might not be as crystal-clear as you’ll get with the best metal strings, but it’s still preferred by a great number of fans.

Most varieties of nylon tend to absorb water fairly easily and expand or contract to a significant extent under temperature, both of which alters their volume, taking them out of tune. Newer varieties of nylon, such as fluorocarbon or the nylgut from Aquila, deal with these issues fairly well, and these more advanced recipes might very well become the norm in the future.    

 

 

Unavailable products

 

D’Addario EJ99TLG Tenor Low G Pro-Arte Carbon Ukulele Strings

 

 

Many of the D’Addario string reviews we’ve looked through mention how well the low G sounds on their EJ99TLG product. This is particularly important, as this fluorocarbon set of 4 is intended to be used with tenors, which should hit lower bass ranges than other types of ukes, so if you’re into the sound of an unwound low G, this is a product to definitely look into.

People who used it also praised the overall sound quality it delivers, making otherwise cheap instruments sound “a lot more expensive” and the material it’s made of should give it exceptional durability while also keeping it easy on the fingers.

Fluorocarbon won’t be affected by temperature changes quite to the same extent as nylon would, which should prove convenient if you intend to play in the open air or in a cool location such as a basement.   

The strings might of course stretch with time, which might not necessarily be a bad thing as a number of users found the A chord to be a little stiff.

 

Pros

If you play a tenor ukulele and your old strings no longer do their job as they should, this set of strings shouldn’t be ignored before making your final decision.

The fluorocarbon set of 4 is optimized for ukuleles tuning to low G and players interested in achieving a bright, modern sound.

They were designed to up your sonic output and make even cheaper instruments sound more expensive; therefore, they promise to ensure a perfect blend of tone and projection. 

The strings can be employed even for outdoor gigs as the material used is not affected by temperature changes to the same extent as nylon strings.

Furthermore, the strings come with environmentally-friendly packaging to reduce waste and provide them with protection from corrosion.

 

Cons

Some users found the A chord to be a bit stiff yet, just like many other models, these strings will stretch with time and thus make this string more comfortable. 

 

 

ROSENICE Nylon Soprano Ukulele Strings

 

This set from Mudder has numbers attached to each chord, so it will be easy for you to get the right ukulele string order when attaching them to the instrument. The notations are 1 through 4 corresponding to the common GCAE tuning used for soprano ukes.

They are made out of monofilament nylon with a thickness of 0.024 inches for the A; 0.032 inches for E; 0.034 inches for C; and 0.028 inches for the G. The length also varies accordingly, and they are safe to cut to size if one of them might happen not to properly fit your soprano uke.

The nylon gives them good resistance to moisture and corrosion and enough tensile strength to put up with the most aggressive playing styles.

Users are well appreciative of their warm yet clear sound, and the manufacturer does have a significant following, as a testament to the attractive tunes their product delivers.

 

Pros

If you’re a beginner still learning the ins and outs of ukulele playing, these strings might be of interest as they come with numbers attached to them so you can easily find the right string to attach to your instrument.

The numbers correspond to the GCAE tuning used for soprano ukes; therefore, getting it right from the very beginning will be much easier.

The strings are made of monofilament nylon and each of them has a different thickness.

What’s more, the length of each string varies yet they can be easily and safely cut to the size that best suits your needs. 

The nylon used provides the strings with good resistance to corrosion and moisture and ensures enough tensile strength to keep up with aggressive playing styles.

 

Cons

The strings are advertised as suitable for soprano ukuleles; therefore, they might not fit other types of ukes. 

 

 

Aquila New Nylgut 4U 

 

This particular offer from Aquila might prove enticing for those that appreciate good value for money since it contains not just 1, but 2 sets of 4 soprano high G strings. These are designed with Aquila’s trademark Nylgut technology, which very similar acoustic to what you can get from a gut string although they are made of nylon.

This is partly achieved by matching the density of the new material with that of traditional gut, which is around 1.30 grams/cm3 in the measurement units used by its Italian manufacturer.

But superior sound quality is not the only benefit it provides, as it is also remarkably less water absorbent than ordinary nylon at only 0.1% as opposed to 2.0%.

This means it will keep tune far better since the strings won’t change in volume if used in humid environments. So if you live in a state like Florida or Louisiana, this is definitely a product to check out.   

 

Pros

If you’re passionate about playing the ukes and you engage in frequent and long practice sessions, you might want to try this option as it includes 2 sets of 4 soprano high G strings to cover your needs for a long time. 

The nylon used and its density won’t just provide you with hours of practice but will also get you superior sound quality. 

To ensure enhanced durability, the quality material absorbs less water and moisture, which further means that you can employ the strings even in humid environments as they won’t change in volume.

Given the fact that they won’t be affected too much by the differences in humidity, retuning them will be required less often. 

Thanks to the material used and the way they were manufactured, the strings also promise to ensure promptness of attack. 

 

Cons

At least one buyer says the strings go out of tune quite fast; however, they ensure a nice sound.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) How to change strings on your Ukulele

2) How to tune your ukulele

3) How to Choose the Right Strings for Your Ukulele

4) About Ukulele-wikipedia.org