I just watched a guy from the UK tell me I need to slap on some black nylon strings to get me my Hawaiian ukulele sound here in Hawaii. Good thing, too, because that's exactly what I was looking for lol. Much mahalos guy
I remember those Nylon-from-the-factory days! I also remember when I first put aquilas on a ukulele, it was like night and day. In the time since I've experienced: -Aquila nylgut (usually good, great to improve cheaper instruments but like you say not so good on higher-end instruments) -Supernylgut (nice sound but they are so slippy!) -Bionylon (? weird texture, weird sound, a student got them, did not like), Aquila reds (fine sound but weird texture, brittle) Worth browns (high tension but very good sound) GHS black nylon (awful, usually) unbranded clear nylon (just awful, like playing with elastic) ground nylon (Clifford Essex, cheap, rough texture, didn't hold tuning so good, broke quickly) out of all of them, the worths were my favorite, but aquila is kind of a go-to if i need replacements. Interested to try to martin strings after what you said, for some reason I've always dismissed them before (probably an adverse reaction to thier packaging, i am a shallow consumer after all)
@@willow5321 I'm still a beginner, so I don't feel very confident giving advice, sorry... but you can listen to string reviews on youtube to get a feel for how they sound.
Many thanks, I have been researching "playing the ukulele for beginners youtube" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Fenaylern Nonpareil Formula - (do a google search ) ? It is a great one of a kind guide for discovering how to play the ukulele like a pro without the normal expense. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got cool success with it.
I wish I found this very long time ago before I wasted all this time on my own researches about strings, money on buying every possible string set for my instrument, to end up exactly with the same answers here :) A Very nice video that i hope it stops curios people from exploring.
Thanks for your kind words. I did the same thing as you - many years of experience and wasted money of my own. I hope some of the other videos are useful to you too.
I’m listening to your video while putting all the music I’ve printed in my 10 month career as a ukulele player into plastic sheets to store in a binder.
Since someone liked this comment today, I will give an update: I have discovered MuseScore and have entered in a ukulele solo for the baritone! Now I am working on writing my first solo, which I have a few small phrases I should enter to keep track of.
“If you’ve a ukulele that’s not behavin’ itself… I’m not talking about standing out late drinking…” That seems quintessential British to me. Sledgehammer wit. Out of nowhere. Completely dry. Love it.
I don't live in the UK but I wish I did because I would love to visit your store. I'm here in the United States. I will say one thing you did an awesome job explaining the different types of strings and your display of ukulele strings look very organized. Thank you for taking the time to make this wonderful video
Thank you very much. On my opinion, the best explaination about the differnces between strings. I will keep the black nylon on my new Kamaka and will resist to change the by Flurorocxarbon.
Had the same Aquila nylgut strings on my uke for like a year and a half, maybe even more, took them off today and man I'm surprised they hadn't broken yet. They've been buzzing something fierce. Immediately picked up some Fluorocarbon ones because I was in a pinch and they were the only ones at Guitar Center and here I am watching this video. Good to know that they're probably the best for performing because I perform like 12 hours a week xD
This was amazing! Incredibly informative! The string issue gets easily overwhelming when looking at all the options. This really helped with understanding the major differences in type. Thanks so much! Another excellent job, Alex! 👏
well, I had to stop the video to write this comment - and I promise I will finish watching the video after but... I bought today my v first uke, a Bari-uke, and I am already in love with her and tremendously in love with you! Thank you for this video and your knowledge!
Thanks so much Matilde, this means a lot and makes a nice change from the other comments I'm reading this morning about my most recent video. You take care, all the best on your first ukulele... Not many people start with a Baritone but there is loads to love about them. Terry at uke like the pros has some good Baritone resources on his channel.
I'd like to put in a good word for nylon strings. My first ukulele was a solid mahogany Ortega concert (about Ł150 retail), and the strings on it were white, opaque and fairly pliable, easy on the fingers. I assumed they were Aquila nylguts, since that's what was to be expected at that price. I liked them a lot, all chime and sweetness! It was only when I bought another uke, for my son, that I began to wonder. The new uke was definitely strung with Aqula nylguts, and they were also white and opaque, but seemed to be a tiny bit thinner and even softer when fretted. They make it childishly easy to fret bar chords - but I didn't like them much, they felt too soft, almost plasticky. Clearly, they were not the same strings. Turns out, my Ortega was factory fitted with white nylons made by Aquila, which Ortega also markets under their own brand. By now I've been able to compare my favorite nylons against clear fluorocarbons and Worth browns. Of all these, the nylons produce the gentlest, mellowest, dreamiest sound - both when fingerpicked and when strummed. This is of course personal, but it is exactly the kind of vibe I want from my ukes. The nylon strings have more of a sweetness and a heavenly chime than the other kinds do. My hands are not very strong anymore (so much so I've had to drop my steel-string acoustic guitar), and I find flurocarbons to be slightly tougher to play due to the higher tension, but they're also a bit raspy and dry. They're just too bright and too brash to my ears when strummed. If this is they feeling you're getting, do try a set of white nylons. Yes, they do take a bit more time to stretch and settle, but they sound heavenly.
Thanks, very nice. I think you have more an educated judgment with a subjective element, less opinion and more from and experience. I needed this first lesson as I've been changing and restringing with whatever works. This gives me an idea of why some of my experiments have totally failed. I finally got my Tenor tuned low D sounding pretty good with a combo, while I'm waiting for some Aquilas that are on order to come in. I have no patience. Thanks for the video. I'm the fisherman that would have tried to use fishing line :-)
Much better than the maker expected! Very clear ( considering the subject). My first uke ( in 1999, "student" instruments were crap) had horrible strings, and setup so high it was unplayable. Luckily, I knew someone who told me, the store took a return, and $3 more got me an instrument I still love. Little things are important: strings are fairly small, cheap, and easy, but a good guide makes it easier. 😁
Thank-you so much for this video. Have to replace the strings on my spruce top mahogany body and din didn't see this until I replaced my A string with Aquila and HATED the sound and could not figure out why............should have done more research. Thank-you for this really useful video. I now have some clear fluorocarbon strings and will see how I like them.
I recently found a set of Fremont black line fluorocarbon strings in medium concert soprano. Long story short they are my new favorite string. Before them I was using the Martin fluorocarbon strings which are still one of my top three string sets! Great video.
Looking back at this and really interesting. Just bought the Kala 8 string baritone from you and some Worth fluorocarbons to replace the horrible strings on it. Thanks for your help 😊. Edit. I now realise I sent for the wrong strings 🙄. And a hell of a job finding some to fit that aren’t Aquilas 😢 Edit: Alex sorted a great selection of strings for me and my 8 string Baritone sounds amazing. Thanks Alex x
This video is pretty great. Just got a Pono and getting buzz with a string while wanting to switch to Low-G Tuning and trying to decide which strings to try next. My kids have 2 decent starter laminate ukes and I've never done any string changes before. I combed through Ukulele Underground forum search results to get opinions on the differences between various string types and colors, and what he says in this video seems to vibe with general consensus I gathered (and my beginner to intermediate understanding of things), while offering useful additional insight. Cheers!
Excellent overview! Best I've seen. I know strings are largely a matter of personal taste, but your video really helps to understand the wide range of strings available and where to start experimenting. Your experience on what kinds of strings tend to be suitable for what kinds of ukes is very helpful. I'll be coming back to this one I'm sure.
I ended up making the same video again for my channel to try and answer more of the questions in the comments 😅 I'm glad you like it. Thanks for watching
Thank you so much! I’m new to ukulele and bought a Córdoba 25S used. I believe the stings need changed. It’s becoming tinny. This is very helpful. Just need to decide!
Thank you for the excellent video! It was great to finally learn the difference between some of these strings. Very informative and much appreciated :)
That was a wonderful presentation. I have to admit, that we very rarely get such a well spoken person doing a presentation , as well this, here in the states. Where English is a second language. And I’m referring to the native born Americans.🙊 Gear job, thank you.👌
Strings are a very personal choice and I change my opinion and mind all the time. Aquilas to me make any uke sound ok. Martin fluoros on Martins have a real snappy tight feel and a grear dynamic response. Im currently loving D'adarrio Fluoro's with a Freemont Low G on most of my Chinese Snails and similar Brightsun/moon, Umi etc (havn't tried D'adarrio low g set yet). They also are quite snappy but a little looser feel than the Martins. The Living Waters to me give me the loosest feel. On a good uke, like my KSR Kanilea slotted tenor they really feel good with the hawaiian Koa and I like to get just a microsecond behind the groove with them. They and the uke are what I would term very forgiveable. Im searching for Martins with Low G fluoro but cant seem to find them. I use Freemont dark low G but it would be best as a set.
I'm not too sure that I entirely share that opinion of nylon being such a stretchy stuff, taking soooo much time to settle in. I actually don't feel they take much more time than any other material, BUT they "remain moody", I'd say. I absolutely love nylon strings and half of my ukes are installed with them, whereas the second half is installed with brown or black fluorocarbon (or some special strings such as Reds or Titanium). To sum it up : the most stable strings I've ever had are Aquila Reds (I hardly ever need to tune that uke !), then Fremont Black line (also very stable, from what I personally experienced). But all my ukes equipped with Worth Brown need a little turn of mechanics (micro-stretching), when I want to play. It seems they will never stop extending more and more, and becoming thinner and thinner. I never experienced this with Reds, Nylgut or black Fremont. Concerning the nylon strings, I don't have the feeling that they extend more and more, but that they are way more sensitive to the atmospheric conditions (= extending OR retracting). I noticed I should not try to tune my uke before I play a little while, just to "warm them up", and then only I can tune the uke, if necessary. And it is not always necessary ! The Kamaka I bought probably had pre-stretched black nylon strings as they took no time at all to settle down. I installed myself some Aquila clear nylon or a Ohana cedar top, and black nylon on a mango pineapple, and none of them took much time to settle down. But depending on the temperature, I may need to tune-stretch or tune-unstretch a bit. I'm more concerned about my Worth Brown fluoro, though : because 80% of the time I have to tune-stretch them, and with time they tend to thin down to nothingness. I absolutely love their sound, except for the low-G that tends to loose intonation pretty quickly. Just my 2 cents and own experience/feelings with strings ! 😉
Thank you very much for this informative video. It has been extremely helpful to me. Thanks too for all your other videos, and best wishes from Valdosta, Georgia USA.
First of all, I love listening to someone who truly knows what they are talking about and it it obvious you know your business. Thank you! I play a Kale KA-SMHT-SC. I have landed on Living Water with a low g. I tell you this to let you know the sound and feel that I prefer. Are there other strings with similar characteristics? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks again for your opinions and sense of humor. Both are appreciated.
I have found the Worth's and Living waters' to the most similar. Specifically the CF-LG Worth set. The D'Addario Carbons are also quite stiff and worth a try EJ99TLG. Hope that helps. If you like the Living Waters - I'd stick with them.
Thankyou for that education...I still mot sure what strings to get ...I am learning Phantom of opere . Like Taimani Gardner...with Spanishy flamenco Carmen etc....I only have my mahogany soprano...looking to buy a 5 string tenor...what ever Taimani plays....we also have a Tanglewood Java koa...that needs better strings the ones on it are rather thick and dull sounding...and hard on our fingers...🌺
Hi Alex. Thanks for your quick reply to my question about strings for my brand new Magic Fluke soprano Flea. You really sold me on the brand in your reviews. I will get my shop to put on D'Addario Black Nylan strings. This is probably the closest I can get to the Hawaiian sound I'm seeking on a plastic uke. Do you know Long and McQuaid, the largest music store in Canada with 80 outlets from coast to coast? They have excellent service. Do you know the website "AllForUke" out of Chicago? It's first class, professional and encompassing. Trust you are keeping your business above water in these tuff times. Staying at home means more time for playing the ukulele. All the best from Toronto Canada. Merri-jane.
Cheers Alex. I'm going to save that D'Addario packet I've got! I'm a aNueNue black tide fan, by the way - and I'm far from a 'mellow' player. It's the handling and comparative ease of playing especially with barre chords I like.
I am ( trying) restoring my great grandfathers old banjo uke and have put new tuning pegs and a set of nylon strings. Didn't work at all. Then realized it needs a bridge. Hope when it arrives that it finally works or I will be asking some really stupid questions . . .
I had to stretch-out my nylon strings by pulling-up on them (with reasonable care as the "A" string is easy to break) also while trying to not put to much stress on the bridge. I suspect it would take a year for them to stretch out properly without doing this; however, pulling on them, each day for a few days, seems to do the trick. After that they sound significantly better and brighter. The real advantage of nylon strings is that they're relatively inexpensive.
All my donners comes with aquilla strings and made of mohogangy with rosewood fingerboard they sound wonderful when I eventually change my strings I might go with Ernie balls for my two smaller ones and Fender for my Tennor
I have loved watching the videos you make so thank you for making them. I have a Farallon low g and a Clara high g with stock strings which if I’m not mistaken are Oasis fluorocarbons, warm for Farallon and bright for Clara. I’ve not tried any other brand of strings on them. In your opinion, which should I try first if I were to change the strings. I do like unwound strings. Thanks Alex.
I would suggest Worth Browns or Fremont Blacklines. They offer something a bit different to the Oasis strings - slightly mellower with a sweeter ring to them.
I really love the rubber strings They sound so warm, they have this Hawaiian vibe/sound to them And u can tune them really low I've got 4 ukulele in the past 6 month And I found out ukulele are my FAV instrument and they are always will Most of my ukuleles cost around 200$-300$ Anyway loved the vid
Great video Alex. One of the best I’ve seen on strings. Helped me to understand a bit more about the characteristics of the different materials. Is there a string that you would recommend that would take well to be tuned down to Bb reentrant on a decent tenor scale Uke? I look forward to hearing your views on the bewildering array of Aquila strings. Seems they are bringing out a new string every week!
Clive G hi Clive - thanks for your kind words. I use my Tenor tuned down a tone and my favourite strings for this are a mixture of Martins on the treble side and fremont soloist and a Ko’olau wound C on the bass. The Kala Elite Tenor strings also work.. I’ve just tested them before replying to make sure. Aquila are full on! I don’t know if a video for them will be worth doing or be redundant when they bring something new out next week
Yea, That's what I put on my Kala Solid Spruce top, you inspired me to change the stock strings I wanted to mellow it out it's quite loud don't know if I went the correct way or not but i like the Elites. Sharing your Videos with my For the Love of Uke F.B. Group Join us
OMG! I needed this video!!! This is why I can't get Nylgut to sound good on my Kiwaya!! She is a wild one! Will try the Titaniums. But could you explain why the Savanahs (?) are better on smaller scale instruments. Is it the sound? What characteristic of the sound do you prefer?
It's the tensions and diameter of the string. Smaller scale Ukes can sound thin and weedy with the wrong strings. If you can comfortably play with something heavier on a Soprano then you can feel and hear a lot more definition between the strings.
Kamehamekaha High Gloss Solid Top Mahogany... Beautiful sound.... however my A string sounds harsh "tinny" when not straight strumming ... This machine comes with a wound Magi G string... the other three are nylon. Would changing the A string mellow out the harshness? What do think might work? Thanks 🙂
@@SouthernUkuleleStore I have contacted them to find out exactly what they are.... and have ordered a full replacement set. The G needed to be replaced earlier.... and thanks for answering.
I have been watching so many of your videos in the past 3 years since I have started to play the ukulele. They are all so very informative, so thank you. Recently, I upgraded my ukulele and bought a OHANA CK-350G Solid HAWAIIAN KOA, I love it. It sounds beautiful. I think it is a really good instrument especially for the price tag. Would you advise me to use black nylon strings with it? Thank you. :)
I have been studying the ukulele for a little while as I had just ordered my very first one, which will be instrument number 12. I only have one instrument store near me and has only one type of strings, the Duck's Deluxe clear premium nylon. Whenever I get stringed instruments, I like to stock up. However, they didn't have much of a selection for me to chose from. I believe my uke will be coming with the white nylons. I'm definitely at the beginners stage, and am at a loss of which strings I would prefer with limited options. If you don't mind me asking, which strings would be better in your opinion for mixed music, such as rock, soft rock, classic, gospel, country, etc. I watched your video, but am not sure which would be better. Even if I have to order online. Thank you.
I really would just get used to the uke first before playing around with the strings. It sounds like vlesr fluorocarbon would be a good choice for you.
Even Kanile'a themselves have made that very switch now in the years since I made this video. I personally use clear nylon on Kanile'a ukes... basically anything except aquila is worth a go next time you change the strings
Very very helpful! I too am newbie (Feb 2020) - intermediate beginner - this is a good reference vid... I heard this 2-3 months ago but had no idea then what i was doing... Now to really hear about wood: mahogany vs acacia... Oh, Alex, I heard that comment in reference to what the purple titanium is good for -- that if you have a ukulele that is not behaving itself ... staying out late drinking - it will tame it..." Hilarious!! and in great straightfaced Brit fashion. Check out 20:18-32... Now, where is your wood tutorial?
Thanks for another great video. Perhaps I could still ask everyone for a bit of advice though. I just got a Flight Victoria concert and I'm a total beginner. I actually bought a 100$ Oscar Schmidt which was pretty nice and fell so in love with the ukulele instrument that I decided to go for an improver right away. I'm finding the fluorocarbon strings very grippy and tough on my fingers. I would like a set with mellow sound with a low G, I'm playing by myself in a duplex. Are black nylons also very stretchy? Thanks 😊
I don't think changing the strings is goings to make a dramatic difference at this point in your learning to the tension but if you want to try something softer I recommend D'addario EJ53C strings paired up with a Fremont Soloist low G. Was your Oscar Schmidt Ukulele also a Concert? If so and you found the Aquila strings that they come with to be a bit easier on your fingers then perhaps try them on the Flight. All the best, good luck
We do a ubass comparison video that you will find with most ubass searches but not one that specifically covers the subject of ubass strings. It's hard for us to do as filming the video would cost us about £300 just in strings
Hi great video , I have a kala soprano uke with aqilla strings would clear fibro sound better on it ? Ps I am a beginner but my uke won’t stay in tune & was told it could be the strings 🤔
Clear Fluorocarbon will sound brighter. It depends on the uke really and what it's made of. A new set of strings often improves poor tuning. Strings do wear out... best of luck
Yes but that could be about 25 different wood combinations... without being rude, it's like me asking you what type of car you have and you saying a Ford. 🙂 I recommend looking at some of the other videos I have done on tonewoods to learn more about the way different wood combinations have dramatic effects on the sound. Once again, none of this is meant rudely but things often come across that way in text form. Have a good evening and give a new set of strings a try as they normally solve the tuning stability issue you are having.
Thanks a lot for this informative video ! I’ve tried so many strings and that’s right : it depends on the size/wood/quality for the instrument. Lately I’ve purchased an Islander MAT-4 and I absolutely love the bright and direct sound of maple. Especially for fingerpicking. But I would like to make it juuuuuust a little bit mellower for strumming. I’ve tried the Kamaka strings that I bought from your website on my concert mahogany and I loved them … but I think this would not be a good combination. What would you suggest ?
Hi all. I’m looking for the “perfect” string set for my Klōs carbon fiber Uke. I read a lot about the various woods, a couple of which I also have but the Klōs is a bit different. Very mellow and basey (low g) without the clarity I’d like. I’ve got browns on it now. Any recommendations?
Sadly I found the KLOS to always have an almost distant mellow and low mid frequency heavy sound. I'm not sure you can really take that away from it. If you want clarity I'd try a really hard tension clear Fluorocarbon string next
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thx for your response. It came with D’Addarios, (hi g). Then tried D’Addario EJ99TLG.I’ve tried Worth clear, Worth brown, Oasis bright hi g GPX, Uke Logic soft tensionS-SW4-C,(I like low G better but not a fan of wound strings) which seem to be some of the better choices I’ve tried. Recommendations for low G unwound?
I would like to change my factory uke strings on my Enja beginner set up (about 60$ range) to a Low G set and would like your recommendation on which brand strings would work best for my "plastic" bodied ukulele
Hi Alex, On one of your vids you mentioned the Aquila 16U low G string. Wanted to try it so I got the tenor string... Can I use the 16U tenor string on my Concert Uke as well Thanks Alex from America
Amazing video about strings. The 20min is worth it! Congratulations! I'm in Spain but definitively I'm going to visit the store once I'm visiting UK. I really enjoyed this video and the online service is also very good. All my questions were answered by email and I'm still deciding which uke and extra strings I'm going to buy... I would love to have a Pono steel string baritone (UL4-30 is my preference..), but I think all ponos steel strings are out of stock in the SUS. Do you think you are going to have it again? Thanks Alex and team! You are awesome!
Pono have had a bit of a change around... What steel strings they are going to make will become clear in the new year. Thanks for watching and please do say hi when you visit!
Hi Alex, Thank you so much for good info about different kinds of Ukulele strings. I play a banjo kind of instrument called Rabab, which is one or more feet longer than Ukulele.I need Nylgut or Titanium purple strings for that which is more than 115 centimeter in length. Please let me know where can I get these strings ?
Thank you so much for this video. I am a beginner and I'm trying to improve the sound. I have a laminated Makala. Would you please recommend me something sweeter and mellower than nylgut? Greetings from Mexico.
Thanks for watching: There isn't a lot you can do to the sound of a thick laminate agathis wood instrument. I would say that super Nylgut is the best all round choice as it masks a lot of the flaws of thicker laminate instruments. If you were to use black nylon, you might achieve a mellower sound but not sweeter.
Hi Alex…thanks so much for this video. I just got a Nova U carbon fibre tenor uke and it came with D’Addario titanium strings and the Enya E6S. The titanium sounds good but kills my finger tips. I am going to have to change them. Do you happen to know what strings would be best for a carbon fibre ukelele. I believe the Enya strings are flora carbon. I usually like a mellow sound. ❤
I'd stick with what's on the nova u already. The difference in sound between materials is negligible. Not in a negative way but being made of that material it can only sound like a nova-u. All the best.
The concert version of the Nova U carbon fiber comes with fluorocarbon strings I believe. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive. I'm hoping I'll like the strings on it. Hard to tell from just RUclips what the sound is like for sure. I'm going to be a brand new player and learning on it.
I just watched a guy from the UK tell me I need to slap on some black nylon strings to get me my Hawaiian ukulele sound here in Hawaii. Good thing, too, because that's exactly what I was looking for lol. Much mahalos guy
😆
If you ever want clear nylon the Kanile'a Gallery in Windward Mall sell my UK made Ukes with Alex strings!
@@SouthernUkuleleStoreI use only black fluorocarbon strings for my concert ukulele
I remember those Nylon-from-the-factory days! I also remember when I first put aquilas on a ukulele, it was like night and day. In the time since I've experienced:
-Aquila nylgut (usually good, great to improve cheaper instruments but like you say not so good on higher-end instruments)
-Supernylgut (nice sound but they are so slippy!)
-Bionylon (? weird texture, weird sound, a student got them, did not like),
Aquila reds (fine sound but weird texture, brittle)
Worth browns (high tension but very good sound)
GHS black nylon (awful, usually)
unbranded clear nylon (just awful, like playing with elastic)
ground nylon (Clifford Essex, cheap, rough texture, didn't hold tuning so good, broke quickly)
out of all of them, the worths were my favorite, but aquila is kind of a go-to if i need replacements. Interested to try to martin strings after what you said, for some reason I've always dismissed them before (probably an adverse reaction to thier packaging, i am a shallow consumer after all)
It’s nice to have an actual expert render an opinion.
I absolutely love black nylon strings! They sound so warm, so meek, so intimate... perfect for lullabies and slow (love) songs.
you think the fender ones are good?
@@mariannn2399 no idea, I only used d'addario. I only started using black strings a few months ago, so I didn't have time to try different sets yet.
I love playing all kinds of slow songs so would they work well?
And do you have a link of the ones you use? If you don’t mind 😅
@@willow5321 I'm still a beginner, so I don't feel very confident giving advice, sorry... but you can listen to string reviews on youtube to get a feel for how they sound.
There's no better uke store in the UK than SUS. Another great upload from Alex.
I sure believe that. Some of the best videos about ukuleles on RUclips! THANKS Southern Ukulele Store!
You can say for sure in all Europe at least
Many thanks, I have been researching "playing the ukulele for beginners youtube" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Fenaylern Nonpareil Formula - (do a google search ) ? It is a great one of a kind guide for discovering how to play the ukulele like a pro without the normal expense. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got cool success with it.
That's suspicious..... Sus
@@JasonYun ?
I wish I found this very long time ago before I wasted all this time on my own researches about strings, money on buying every possible string set for my instrument, to end up exactly with the same answers here :)
A Very nice video that i hope it stops curios people from exploring.
Thanks for your kind words. I did the same thing as you - many years of experience and wasted money of my own. I hope some of the other videos are useful to you too.
I’m listening to your video while putting all the music I’ve printed in my 10 month career as a ukulele player into plastic sheets to store in a binder.
Since someone liked this comment today, I will give an update: I have discovered MuseScore and have entered in a ukulele solo for the baritone! Now I am working on writing my first solo, which I have a few small phrases I should enter to keep track of.
“If you’ve a ukulele that’s not behavin’ itself… I’m not talking about standing out late drinking…”
That seems quintessential British to me. Sledgehammer wit. Out of nowhere. Completely dry.
Love it.
I don't live in the UK but I wish I did because I would love to visit your store. I'm here in the United States. I will say one thing you did an awesome job explaining the different types of strings and your display of ukulele strings look very organized. Thank you for taking the time to make this wonderful video
I subscribed after listening the first 30 seconds. Time to listen to the rest now.
bought my uke there and its still my fave. think this guy maybe sold it to me. great memories. love it
Thank you very much. On my opinion, the best explaination about the differnces between strings. I will keep the black nylon on my new Kamaka and will resist to change the by Flurorocxarbon.
Thanks for the Vocabulary Lesson. Good to understand what I am shopping for and what options are available. Thank you.🦋
Hello Alex, loving your videos it is so helpful. My little grandson is fully healed now , thank you so much for your kindness it was so appreciated 😊
Sonia morley that’s great news Sonia!
interesting topic, I agree with you about check intonation. Thanks for your sheet. Best wishes.
Had the same Aquila nylgut strings on my uke for like a year and a half, maybe even more, took them off today and man I'm surprised they hadn't broken yet. They've been buzzing something fierce. Immediately picked up some Fluorocarbon ones because I was in a pinch and they were the only ones at Guitar Center and here I am watching this video. Good to know that they're probably the best for performing because I perform like 12 hours a week xD
This was amazing! Incredibly informative! The string issue gets easily overwhelming when looking at all the options. This really helped with understanding the major differences in type. Thanks so much! Another excellent job, Alex! 👏
doodica thank you for watching and commenting - you were not alone feeling overwhelmed! That’s for sure.
well, I had to stop the video to write this comment - and I promise I will finish watching the video after but... I bought today my v first uke, a Bari-uke, and I am already in love with her and tremendously in love with you! Thank you for this video and your knowledge!
Thanks so much Matilde, this means a lot and makes a nice change from the other comments I'm reading this morning about my most recent video. You take care, all the best on your first ukulele... Not many people start with a Baritone but there is loads to love about them.
Terry at uke like the pros has some good Baritone resources on his channel.
This is absolutely excellent my friend very very informative and well educated! I love Martin M600’s
I'd like to put in a good word for nylon strings. My first ukulele was a solid mahogany Ortega concert (about Ł150 retail), and the strings on it were white, opaque and fairly pliable, easy on the fingers. I assumed they were Aquila nylguts, since that's what was to be expected at that price. I liked them a lot, all chime and sweetness! It was only when I bought another uke, for my son, that I began to wonder. The new uke was definitely strung with Aqula nylguts, and they were also white and opaque, but seemed to be a tiny bit thinner and even softer when fretted. They make it childishly easy to fret bar chords - but I didn't like them much, they felt too soft, almost plasticky. Clearly, they were not the same strings. Turns out, my Ortega was factory fitted with white nylons made by Aquila, which Ortega also markets under their own brand.
By now I've been able to compare my favorite nylons against clear fluorocarbons and Worth browns. Of all these, the nylons produce the gentlest, mellowest, dreamiest sound - both when fingerpicked and when strummed. This is of course personal, but it is exactly the kind of vibe I want from my ukes. The nylon strings have more of a sweetness and a heavenly chime than the other kinds do. My hands are not very strong anymore (so much so I've had to drop my steel-string acoustic guitar), and I find flurocarbons to be slightly tougher to play due to the higher tension, but they're also a bit raspy and dry. They're just too bright and too brash to my ears when strummed. If this is they feeling you're getting, do try a set of white nylons. Yes, they do take a bit more time to stretch and settle, but they sound heavenly.
Really interesting feedback Marek!
What is the Aquila name for these White Nylon strings ?
Lovely video, thank you so much!
Thanks, very nice. I think you have more an educated judgment with a subjective element, less opinion and more from and experience. I needed this first lesson as I've been changing and restringing with whatever works. This gives me an idea of why some of my experiments have totally failed. I finally got my Tenor tuned low D sounding pretty good with a combo, while I'm waiting for some Aquilas that are on order to come in. I have no patience. Thanks for the video. I'm the fisherman that would have tried to use fishing line :-)
Thanks for this info. This was very helpful for my wife and I as she is just beginning on the Baritone Uke and needed info about strings.
Much better than the maker expected! Very clear ( considering the subject).
My first uke ( in 1999, "student" instruments were crap) had horrible strings, and setup so high it was unplayable. Luckily, I knew someone who told me, the store took a return, and $3 more got me an instrument I still love.
Little things are important: strings are fairly small, cheap, and easy, but a good guide makes it easier. 😁
Thank-you so much for this video. Have to replace the strings on my spruce top mahogany body and din
didn't see this until I replaced my A string with Aquila and HATED the sound and could not figure out why............should have done more research. Thank-you for this really useful video. I now have some clear fluorocarbon strings and will see how I like them.
Brilliant, informative video. I learnt more in 20 minuets than hours of trawling through the internet. Great job Alex 👍
Thank you for this instructive video.
I recently found a set of Fremont black line fluorocarbon strings in medium concert soprano. Long story short they are my new favorite string. Before them I was using the Martin fluorocarbon strings which are still one of my top three string sets! Great video.
I love your videos; this is just what I wss looking for. I have a cheap crappy uke and thought flurocarbons? Now I know. Thank you, Alex.
I truly appreciate the videos that you provide. I learn so much. I wish I lived in the UK to be able to visit your store.
Julia KiKuKo Dahn thanks Julia
Looking back at this and really interesting. Just bought the Kala 8 string baritone from you and some Worth fluorocarbons to replace the horrible strings on it. Thanks for your help 😊. Edit. I now realise I sent for the wrong strings 🙄. And a hell of a job finding some to fit that aren’t Aquilas 😢
Edit: Alex sorted a great selection of strings for me and my 8 string Baritone sounds amazing. Thanks Alex x
Very informative. Love the special effects
This video is pretty great. Just got a Pono and getting buzz with a string while wanting to switch to Low-G Tuning and trying to decide which strings to try next. My kids have 2 decent starter laminate ukes and I've never done any string changes before.
I combed through Ukulele Underground forum search results to get opinions on the differences between various string types and colors, and what he says in this video seems to vibe with general consensus I gathered (and my beginner to intermediate understanding of things), while offering useful additional insight.
Cheers!
My pleasure
Excellent overview! Best I've seen. I know strings are largely a matter of personal taste, but your video really helps to understand the wide range of strings available and where to start experimenting. Your experience on what kinds of strings tend to be suitable for what kinds of ukes is very helpful. I'll be coming back to this one I'm sure.
I just put a set of D’Addario Titanium on my baritone Giannini. They are quite loud and bright.
thanks for the advice! For me fluorocarbon is the string I wanta try on my Alverez wood top baritone uke.
Thank you for taking the time to make this fabulous, extremely informative and entertaining video! Surely you have been absolved of all your sins!
I ended up making the same video again for my channel to try and answer more of the questions in the comments 😅
I'm glad you like it. Thanks for watching
Thank you so much! I’m new to ukulele and bought a Córdoba 25S used. I believe the stings need changed. It’s becoming tinny. This is very helpful. Just need to decide!
That was fascinating thanks
Thank you for the excellent video! It was great to finally learn the difference between some of these strings. Very informative and much appreciated :)
Thanks Alex - most informative and helpful!
That was a wonderful presentation.
I have to admit, that we very rarely get such a well spoken person doing a presentation , as well this, here in the states.
Where English is a second language.
And I’m referring to the native born Americans.🙊
Gear job, thank you.👌
Strings are a very personal choice and I change my opinion and mind all the time.
Aquilas to me make any uke sound ok. Martin fluoros on Martins have a real snappy tight feel and a grear dynamic response. Im currently loving D'adarrio Fluoro's with a Freemont Low G on most of my Chinese Snails and similar Brightsun/moon, Umi etc (havn't tried D'adarrio low g set yet). They also are quite snappy but a little looser feel than the Martins. The Living Waters to me give me the loosest feel. On a good uke, like my KSR Kanilea slotted tenor they really feel good with the hawaiian Koa and I like to get just a microsecond behind the groove with them. They and the uke are what I would term very forgiveable. Im searching for Martins with Low G fluoro but cant seem to find them. I use Freemont dark low G but it would be best as a set.
Just bought some brown fluro from you. Top video!
Great video, very informative. Thanks for taking the time to put it together and to share your knowledge.
Another excellent video, great store, great staff (and customer service).
Gareth Evans thank you!
Thanks... your videos are clear and easy to understand- a real gift for a greenhorn like myself. Subscribed and liked...
Very informative and entertaining. Good on ya!
I'm not too sure that I entirely share that opinion of nylon being such a stretchy stuff, taking soooo much time to settle in. I actually don't feel they take much more time than any other material, BUT they "remain moody", I'd say. I absolutely love nylon strings and half of my ukes are installed with them, whereas the second half is installed with brown or black fluorocarbon (or some special strings such as Reds or Titanium). To sum it up : the most stable strings I've ever had are Aquila Reds (I hardly ever need to tune that uke !), then Fremont Black line (also very stable, from what I personally experienced). But all my ukes equipped with Worth Brown need a little turn of mechanics (micro-stretching), when I want to play. It seems they will never stop extending more and more, and becoming thinner and thinner. I never experienced this with Reds, Nylgut or black Fremont. Concerning the nylon strings, I don't have the feeling that they extend more and more, but that they are way more sensitive to the atmospheric conditions (= extending OR retracting). I noticed I should not try to tune my uke before I play a little while, just to "warm them up", and then only I can tune the uke, if necessary. And it is not always necessary ! The Kamaka I bought probably had pre-stretched black nylon strings as they took no time at all to settle down. I installed myself some Aquila clear nylon or a Ohana cedar top, and black nylon on a mango pineapple, and none of them took much time to settle down. But depending on the temperature, I may need to tune-stretch or tune-unstretch a bit. I'm more concerned about my Worth Brown fluoro, though : because 80% of the time I have to tune-stretch them, and with time they tend to thin down to nothingness. I absolutely love their sound, except for the low-G that tends to loose intonation pretty quickly. Just my 2 cents and own experience/feelings with strings ! 😉
Thanks a lot! Great overview and details for me!
Thank you very much for this informative video. It has been extremely helpful to me. Thanks too for all your other videos, and best wishes from Valdosta, Georgia USA.
First of all, I love listening to someone who truly knows what they are talking about and it it obvious you know your business. Thank you!
I play a Kale KA-SMHT-SC. I have landed on Living Water with a low g. I tell you this to let you know the sound and feel that I prefer. Are there other strings with similar characteristics? Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks again for your opinions and sense of humor. Both are appreciated.
I have found the Worth's and Living waters' to the most similar. Specifically the CF-LG Worth set. The D'Addario Carbons are also quite stiff and worth a try EJ99TLG.
Hope that helps. If you like the Living Waters - I'd stick with them.
Thanks for taking the time to get back to me.
Superb review Alex. As to be expected from the best Ukulele dealership in the UK. Happy New Year and every success for another great year.
Thanks Derek! 🙏 you too
Thanks Alex! Very enjoyable video! 😀
Thankyou for that education...I still mot sure what strings to get ...I am learning Phantom of opere .
Like Taimani Gardner...with Spanishy flamenco Carmen etc....I only have my mahogany soprano...looking to buy a 5 string tenor...what ever Taimani plays....we also have a Tanglewood Java koa...that needs better strings the ones on it are rather thick and dull sounding...and hard on our fingers...🌺
Cheers Alex, A fab' explanation for a beginner like me. Thanks.
My pleasure
Hi Alex. Thanks for your quick reply to my question about strings for my brand new Magic Fluke soprano Flea. You really sold me on the brand in your reviews. I will get my shop to put on D'Addario Black Nylan strings. This is probably the closest I can get to the Hawaiian sound I'm seeking on a plastic uke. Do you know Long and McQuaid, the largest music store in Canada with 80 outlets from coast to coast? They have excellent service. Do you know the website "AllForUke" out of Chicago? It's first class, professional and encompassing. Trust you are keeping your business above water in these tuff times. Staying at home means more time for playing the ukulele. All the best from Toronto Canada. Merri-jane.
😎🙌💜
Another great video! I'm in the USA, but I'd sure like to see your store!
Tom E Muncey you’re always welcome Tom. Thanks for watching.
I am only kidding, BUT "try all the strings" says the music store guy 😊ha ha ha good vid👍
😄
Thank you for this information .
Cheers Alex. I'm going to save that D'Addario packet I've got!
I'm a aNueNue black tide fan, by the way - and I'm far from a 'mellow' player. It's the handling and comparative ease of playing especially with barre chords I like.
Good feedback. Thanks for sharing
Great review. Thank you.
Great video!
You guys have great video's.
Todd Johnson thanks Todd.. you can come again mate
Earned my sub......great video!
I am ( trying) restoring my great grandfathers old banjo uke and have put new tuning pegs and a set of nylon strings. Didn't work at all. Then realized it needs a bridge. Hope when it arrives that it finally works or I will be asking some really stupid questions . . .
I had to stretch-out my nylon strings by pulling-up on them (with reasonable care as the "A" string is easy to break) also while trying to not put to much stress on the bridge. I suspect it would take a year for them to stretch out properly without doing this; however, pulling on them, each day for a few days, seems to do the trick. After that they sound significantly better and brighter. The real advantage of nylon strings is that they're relatively inexpensive.
All my donners comes with aquilla strings and made of mohogangy with rosewood fingerboard they sound wonderful when I eventually change my strings I might go with Ernie balls for my two smaller ones and Fender for my Tennor
Very helpful
I have loved watching the videos you make so thank you for making them. I have a Farallon low g and a Clara high g with stock strings which if I’m not mistaken are Oasis fluorocarbons, warm for Farallon and bright for Clara. I’ve not tried any other brand of strings on them. In your opinion, which should I try first if I were to change the strings. I do like unwound strings. Thanks Alex.
I would suggest Worth Browns or Fremont Blacklines. They offer something a bit different to the Oasis strings - slightly mellower with a sweeter ring to them.
When you have the time, do do a video on the strings on the Aquila spectrum of strings.
( pretty please - thanks!)
Audrey Layhoon Giam I will get around to it I promise.
👍😀
I really love the rubber strings
They sound so warm, they have this Hawaiian vibe/sound to them
And u can tune them really low
I've got 4 ukulele in the past 6 month
And I found out ukulele are my FAV instrument and they are always will
Most of my ukuleles cost around 200$-300$
Anyway loved the vid
Great video Alex. One of the best I’ve seen on strings. Helped me to understand a bit more about the characteristics of the different materials.
Is there a string that you would recommend that would take well to be tuned down to Bb reentrant on a decent tenor scale Uke?
I look forward to hearing your views on the bewildering array of Aquila strings. Seems they are bringing out a new string every week!
Clive G hi Clive - thanks for your kind words.
I use my Tenor tuned down a tone and my favourite strings for this are a mixture of Martins on the treble side and fremont soloist and a Ko’olau wound C on the bass.
The Kala Elite Tenor strings also work.. I’ve just tested them before replying to make sure.
Aquila are full on! I don’t know if a video for them will be worth doing or be redundant when they bring something new out next week
Southern Ukulele Store
Thanks Alex. That’s great.
I got a few sets of Strings From Kala Single Filament Reds and Steel Wound Strings Kala Pearls
JodyM2 we have so far only dipped our toes with the Kala Elite strings - they are excellent too
Yea, That's what I put on my Kala Solid Spruce top, you inspired me to change the stock strings I wanted to mellow it out it's quite loud don't know if I went the correct way or not but i like the Elites. Sharing your Videos with my For the Love of Uke F.B. Group Join us
OMG! I needed this video!!! This is why I can't get Nylgut to sound good on my Kiwaya!! She is a wild one! Will try the Titaniums. But could you explain why the Savanahs (?) are better on smaller scale instruments. Is it the sound? What characteristic of the sound do you prefer?
It's the tensions and diameter of the string. Smaller scale Ukes can sound thin and weedy with the wrong strings. If you can comfortably play with something heavier on a Soprano then you can feel and hear a lot more definition between the strings.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thank you for this replay! You guys are great!!!
Kamehamekaha High Gloss Solid Top Mahogany... Beautiful sound.... however my A string sounds harsh "tinny" when not straight strumming ... This machine comes with a wound Magi G string... the other three are nylon. Would changing the A string mellow out the harshness? What do think might work? Thanks 🙂
It depends what you are using... try a dull material like nylon maybe
@@SouthernUkuleleStore I have contacted them to find out exactly what they are.... and have ordered a full replacement set. The G needed to be replaced earlier.... and thanks for answering.
Flouracarbon strings on the outdoor ukelele which is a polycarbonate material.
Any thoughts?
Excellent video.
Polycarbonate is so tough to read. They all sound a bit samey to me on Outdoor/Klos etc
I have been watching so many of your videos in the past 3 years since I have started to play the ukulele. They are all so very informative, so thank you. Recently, I upgraded my ukulele and bought a OHANA CK-350G Solid HAWAIIAN KOA, I love it. It sounds beautiful. I think it is a really good instrument especially for the price tag. Would you advise me to use black nylon strings with it? Thank you. :)
I think there is something special about Worth browns on Ohanas actually. Give Worth BM or BE strings a go 🙂
Supper Groovy Duded!!!!
“‘Stretch Armstrong’, circa Xmas 1994”, haha, love these little anecdotes.
This is a very helpful video!
I have been studying the ukulele for a little while as I had just ordered my very first one, which will be instrument number 12. I only have one instrument store near me and has only one type of strings, the Duck's Deluxe clear premium nylon. Whenever I get stringed instruments, I like to stock up. However, they didn't have much of a selection for me to chose from. I believe my uke will be coming with the white nylons. I'm definitely at the beginners stage, and am at a loss of which strings I would prefer with limited options. If you don't mind me asking, which strings would be better in your opinion for mixed music, such as rock, soft rock, classic, gospel, country, etc. I watched your video, but am not sure which would be better. Even if I have to order online. Thank you.
I really would just get used to the uke first before playing around with the strings. It sounds like vlesr fluorocarbon would be a good choice for you.
If you buy Flourocarbon fishing line ,what diameter or breaking strain would be best ?
So, if I understood you correctly, for my Kanileas. dump the Aquilas and string up with "clear fluorocarbon" strings? Is that correct?
Even Kanile'a themselves have made that very switch now in the years since I made this video.
I personally use clear nylon on Kanile'a ukes... basically anything except aquila is worth a go next time you change the strings
@@SouthernUkuleleStore
Are you saying "fluorocarbons" are the way to go, and if so, which is your prefereence, please?
Try Worth CT or Martin M620 first if you want specific recommendations. If you want nylon like me, buy 'Ukes With Alex strings'
Very very helpful! I too am newbie (Feb 2020) - intermediate beginner - this is a good reference vid... I heard this 2-3 months ago but had no idea then what i was doing... Now to really hear about wood: mahogany vs acacia... Oh, Alex, I heard that comment in reference to what the purple titanium is good for -- that if you have a ukulele that is not behaving itself ... staying out late drinking - it will tame it..." Hilarious!! and in great straightfaced Brit fashion. Check out 20:18-32... Now, where is your wood tutorial?
ruclips.net/video/xIqp0ufnBgM/видео.html
I think it might be the Mahogany vs Koa video.
Thanks for another great video.
Perhaps I could still ask everyone for a bit of advice though. I just got a Flight Victoria concert and I'm a total beginner. I actually bought a 100$ Oscar Schmidt which was pretty nice and fell so in love with the ukulele instrument that I decided to go for an improver right away.
I'm finding the fluorocarbon strings very grippy and tough on my fingers. I would like a set with mellow sound with a low G, I'm playing by myself in a duplex. Are black nylons also very stretchy?
Thanks 😊
I don't think changing the strings is goings to make a dramatic difference at this point in your learning to the tension but if you want to try something softer I recommend D'addario EJ53C strings paired up with a Fremont Soloist low G.
Was your Oscar Schmidt Ukulele also a Concert? If so and you found the Aquila strings that they come with to be a bit easier on your fingers then perhaps try them on the Flight.
All the best, good luck
Do you have a video on the different models of U-Basses and styles of strings for them?
We do a ubass comparison video that you will find with most ubass searches but not one that specifically covers the subject of ubass strings. It's hard for us to do as filming the video would cost us about £300 just in strings
Southern Ukulele Store 😬😬 yeah that’s understandable. Manage your resources wisely. Thanks for your response. I always enjoy watching your videos!
Hi great video , I have a kala soprano uke with aqilla strings would clear fibro sound better on it ? Ps I am a beginner but my uke won’t stay in tune & was told it could be the strings 🤔
Clear Fluorocarbon will sound brighter. It depends on the uke really and what it's made of. A new set of strings often improves poor tuning. Strings do wear out... best of luck
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thanks for getting back , I have a kala soprano
Yes but that could be about 25 different wood combinations... without being rude, it's like me asking you what type of car you have and you saying a Ford. 🙂
I recommend looking at some of the other videos I have done on tonewoods to learn more about the way different wood combinations have dramatic effects on the sound.
Once again, none of this is meant rudely but things often come across that way in text form. Have a good evening and give a new set of strings a try as they normally solve the tuning stability issue you are having.
Thanks a lot for this informative video ! I’ve tried so many strings and that’s right : it depends on the size/wood/quality for the instrument. Lately I’ve purchased an Islander MAT-4 and I absolutely love the bright and direct sound of maple. Especially for fingerpicking. But I would like to make it juuuuuust a little bit mellower for strumming. I’ve tried the Kamaka strings that I bought from your website on my concert mahogany and I loved them … but I think this would not be a good combination. What would you suggest ?
Try the ukes with Alex clear nylon strings or if you want a big brand set - the Daddario EJ65T. 🙂
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thank you 😊
I think you're right about the fluorocarbon.
Hi all. I’m looking for the “perfect” string set for my Klōs carbon fiber Uke. I read a lot about the various woods, a couple of which I also have but the Klōs is a bit different. Very mellow and basey (low g) without the clarity I’d like. I’ve got browns on it now. Any recommendations?
Sadly I found the KLOS to always have an almost distant mellow and low mid frequency heavy sound. I'm not sure you can really take that away from it. If you want clarity I'd try a really hard tension clear Fluorocarbon string next
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thx for your response. It came with D’Addarios, (hi g). Then tried D’Addario EJ99TLG.I’ve tried Worth clear, Worth brown, Oasis bright hi g GPX, Uke Logic soft tensionS-SW4-C,(I like low G better but not a fan of wound strings) which seem to be some of the better choices I’ve tried. Recommendations for low G unwound?
I would like to change my factory uke strings on my Enja beginner set up (about 60$ range) to a Low G set and would like your recommendation on which brand strings would work best for my "plastic" bodied ukulele
Hi Alex, On one of your vids you mentioned the Aquila 16U low G string. Wanted to try it so I got the tenor string... Can I use the 16U tenor string on my Concert Uke as well Thanks Alex from America
It should be fine. I've used that string on concerts before 👍
Aquila 9U for concert low G , best low G I've ever heard, no drone, easy on the fingers and very easy to tie.🙂
True beginner here... what is the typical gauge for a set of concert ukulele strings? i.e., G = ? C = ? E = ? A = ? Thanks!
Amazing video about strings. The 20min is worth it! Congratulations! I'm in Spain but definitively I'm going to visit the store once I'm visiting UK. I really enjoyed this video and the online service is also very good. All my questions were answered by email and I'm still deciding which uke and extra strings I'm going to buy... I would love to have a Pono steel string baritone (UL4-30 is my preference..), but I think all ponos steel strings are out of stock in the SUS. Do you think you are going to have it again? Thanks Alex and team! You are awesome!
Pono have had a bit of a change around... What steel strings they are going to make will become clear in the new year. Thanks for watching and please do say hi when you visit!
Hi Alex, Thank you so much for good info about different kinds of Ukulele strings. I play a banjo kind of instrument called Rabab, which is one or more feet longer than Ukulele.I need Nylgut or Titanium purple strings for that which is more than 115 centimeter in length. Please let me know where can I get these strings ?
That's really not my specialty I'm afraid... You should probably buy some purple nylon fishing line and see how it matches up.
Thank you so much for this video. I am a beginner and I'm trying to improve the sound. I have a laminated Makala. Would you please recommend me something sweeter and mellower than nylgut? Greetings from Mexico.
Thanks for watching:
There isn't a lot you can do to the sound of a thick laminate agathis wood instrument. I would say that super Nylgut is the best all round choice as it masks a lot of the flaws of thicker laminate instruments. If you were to use black nylon, you might achieve a mellower sound but not sweeter.
Thanks for your quick answer! My next instrument will be a solid mango :).
Hi Alex…thanks so much for this video. I just got a Nova U carbon fibre tenor uke and it came with D’Addario titanium strings and the Enya E6S. The titanium sounds good but kills my finger tips. I am going to have to change them. Do you happen to know what strings would be best for a carbon fibre ukelele. I believe the Enya strings are flora carbon. I usually like a mellow sound. ❤
I'd stick with what's on the nova u already. The difference in sound between materials is negligible. Not in a negative way but being made of that material it can only sound like a nova-u. All the best.
The concert version of the Nova U carbon fiber comes with fluorocarbon strings I believe. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive. I'm hoping I'll like the strings on it. Hard to tell from just RUclips what the sound is like for sure. I'm going to be a brand new player and learning on it.
Great video. Is there a good string that can mellow a laminate uke that sounds bright with aquilas?
Yes, Black Nylon will be mellower than Aquila. Think of the chart I showed in the video... it applies to laminate Ukuleles too 👍
ThankQ