The Best Ukulele Strings for Ukulele

October 01, 2020

You may know that to use anything instrument, you should know the instrument, and its components. This gives you information about how each component works making it easy for you to learn well and quickly.

If we talk about Ukulele, it has its specific size, chords, scales, strumming patterns, strings, etc. you should be aware of the structure and function of it. On this page, we are going to provide you all the information about the Ukulele strings such as the kinds of strings, what are the good ones, and how to buy. The reason is that to get the most out of your instrument in terms of playability and sound, you must know which Ukulele strings you should choose.

What Are the Strings on a Ukulele?

Most Ukuleles use four strings. However, there is always an exception, but you will seldom see that. If you are new to using Ukulele, then you will utilize a Ukulele with four strings. You should also know how you can string these strings onto the Ukulele yourself. When you need to string them, string the thickest one on the top and the thinnest one on the bottom. The thickness of the string should reduce from to bottom.

Although you can tune Ukulele in different ways, usually, the Ukulele is tuned according to the standard tuning, which is GCEA. If you are not aware of this, standard tuning means, the string that is strung to the top should sound G chord, the next C chord, the next one to C should sound E and the last one should be tuned to A. However, with time, the Ukulele string gets loose.

1. Ukulele Strings Material:

In terms of the material, different types of Ukulele strings are available in the market. Every material used for Ukulele strings has its advantages and disadvantages as well. The most popular materials that are used for Ukulele strings are:

2. Nylon:

The most common material that you will find in the Ukulele is the Nylon. The reason is that most Ukulele is strung initially with the strings made of Nylon because the strings made of Nylon are very affordable.

Not all the Nylon strings sound the same as the Nylon strings made by different brands vary from each other. However, you mostly get a warm tone with Nylon Ukulele strings. One drawback of the Nylon strings is that they stretch with time which makes it difficult for you to keep Nylon strings in tune. But, if you are a beginner, the Ukulele with the Nylon strings would be an excellent choice for you.

3. Fluorocarbon:

Another type of material used to make Ukulele strings are Fluorocarbon. The advantage of using fluorocarbon strings is that these are of high quality, low maintenance, and durable. Also, the fluorocarbon strings don’t stretch much over time. This makes them stay in tune in all types of environments.

The fluorocarbon strings are inexpensive as compared to other types of strings and are also good for beginners that are new to learning Ukulele. Fluorocarbon strings are loud, have a punchier and brighter tone as compared to other types.

4. Wound Nylon:

The wound nylon Ukulele strings have a nylon base and the synthetic polymer wraps around the nylon base which then results in the low base-like sound of the Ukulele. Moreover, in a set of strings, you will find that the two thickest strings are the wound nylons. And mostly the tenor and baritone Ukulele has these wound nylon strings.

The wound nylon strings produce a scraping sound while moving your fingers across them and this might be an issue for some Ukulele players. However, others may find it okay for the Ukulele strings to produce such sound. Wound nylon Ukulele strings produce an utterly pleasant full and warm tone that no one can dislike. Moreover, beginners can also use the Ukulele with wound nylon strings.

5. Wound Metal:

Wound metal strings are similar to the wound nylon strings. The reason is that both types of Ukulele strings produce the same bass-like sound. But the difference lies in the fact that wound nylon ukulele strings produce a warm tone as compared to the wound metal ukulele strings that give you a punchy tone.

And as mentioned earlier, there is a little scraping sound produced by the wound nylon strings, the wound metal strings also produce the same sound. If the sound doesn't bother you, you can give the Ukulele with wound metal strings a try.

6. Titanium:

If you are fond of loud sound and want your Ukulele to sound loud, titanium strings are what you will love for your Ukulele. The titanium strings are similar to the strings of the guitar as these produce sound that projects across the room.

Like fluorocarbon strings, the titanium strings are produced bright punchy sound. Moreover, these strings are low maintenance and durable as well.

7. Steel:

It is not common but sometimes you will see a Ukulele with steel strings especially if the Ukulele is hybrid with banjo, guitar or any other musical instruments that contain strings.

Moreover, don't string your standard Ukulele with steel strings because the steel strings put tension on the neck and bridge of the Ukulele. This results in damaging its bridge and neck.

The Best Ukulele Strings to Buy Now

Many companies are manufacturing Ukulele strings of high quality. However, some companies have been manufacturing quality Ukulele strings for a long and have maintained the quality and standard as well. Some of the best manufacturers of Ukulele strings are mentioned below:

1. Martin:

Martin is a popular brand that is well-known for its guitars. However, this company has also proven its credibility in the world of Ukuleles. Martin produces Ukulele strings of all types and for every Ukulele e.g., tenor, concert, baritone, or soprano. These strings are made of fluorocarbon and are of high quality. Moreover, the strings that Martin manufactures are of a reasonable price.

2. D’Addario:

D’Addario is another famous brand that manufactures stringed instruments from guitar to banjo, bass, mandolin, and including Ukulele strings, of what we are talking about here. You can get all types of strings from D’Addario, and these strings are of high quality producing excellent sound at a reasonable price. Whether you want nylon, fluorocarbon, or titanium, all types of strings are available from D’Addario.

4. La Bella:

La Bella is one of the oldest brands that manufacture Ukulele strings of excellent quality since the 1640s. From La Bella, you can get Ukulele strings for all sizes and types. Whether you have a tenor, concert, baritone, or a soprano, La Bells serves you all.

5. Aquila USA:

Aquila USA is one of the most famous and trusted brands in the country, that manufacture strings. It uses nylgut, which is nylon but of a very special type. Nylgut mimics the feel and sound of animal-based strings of Ukulele. All types of Ukulele can use these strings. Moreover, these strings come with a reasonable price.

Of all the types of strings, the Aquila USA is of the finest types. Moreover, many Ukuleles are already strung with these Aquila USA strings. However, if the Ukulele you own doesn’t have the Aquila USA strings, you can upgrade your Ukulele.

How to Choose the Right Length?

Apart from the string types and manufacturers, Ukulele strings also come in different sizes. The reason is that different types of Ukulele are available in the market and each size requires a specific length of the strings. Below are given string lengths that are used for some common Ukulele types.

1. Concert Ukulele:

Measuring 23 inches, the concert Ukuleles are slightly larger than the soprano ones. Make sure that the strings are compatible with these Ukuleles.

2. Soprano Ukulele:

With 13 inches in scales, the soprano Ukuleles are the smallest. If you don’t know what the scale is, it is the distance between the bridge and nut of the Ukulele. Overall, the soprano Ukuleles are 21 inches.

3. Baritone Ukulele:

Of all the Ukuleles, the baritone is the largest one, measuring 30 inches total and 19 inches in scale. If you have baritone, you can get any type of strings you want as all the types are available for it, including nylon, titanium, and others.

4. Tenor Ukulele:

The total length of the tenor Ukulele is 26 inches and in scale, it measures 17 inches. While buying a pack of strings, make sure that the package indicates the given length of the tenor Ukulele.

How Often Should You Restring Your Ukulele?

If you are feeling some kind of difference and you are wondering whether you want to restring your Ukulele or not, well there is not a specific time frame for it. However, it depends on much you use it because the more you play the Ukulele, the more often you need to restring it to maintain the sound quality.

Moreover, if you play your Ukulele daily, for certain hours, it is recommended that you should change the strings after a few weeks. However, if you play occasionally, you can consider changing them after a few months.

Another important to consider in terms of restringing is that you should replace the whole set of strings if, somehow one of the strings is broken. The reason is that your Ukulele will not perform well with one fresh and other old strings.

Conclusion:

Ukulele is an amazing instrument that is easy to learn and easy to use. You can play a wide variety of songs on the Ukulele. One of the most important things to take care of in Ukuleles is the Ukulele strings. Ukulele strings are of different types and lengths and are manufactured by many companies. We have provided ample information about the Ukulele strings for you to choose the strings that serve you best.