Did you see the awesome discount I'm giving for these KoAloha ukulele? Check them out and use the code: KOALOHA100 to get $100 off your purchase: store.ukelikethepros.com/collections/koaloha-100
Have always used wound Low G as I like the contrast and metallic twang which pops the bottom end. This being said, the unwound here seems a remarkably rounder, warmer profile. Woods may also contribute.
For me the difference is more in the attack than in the sustain. The wound G has more sound of the pluck. Also, especially if you are electric, the wound string creates a sound if the left hand slides up or down the string, where the unwound string makes no sound
I just put aquila reds with a wound low g on a concert uke. I hear the same effect on the uke you play here with the wound string. It resonates a lot! This gives a real guitar like feel to the playing and I'm not sure I like it yet. The unwound sounds more like the original ukulele sound to me. I'll have to look for a set of those for my next string change.
My assumption was that one would choose a wound low G to avoid working the nut slot to properly accommodate a wider unwound low G string. This thinner wound low G would allow one to switch between high and low G at will with less nut worries. I am only a couple of months into Ukulele (20 year guitar player and amateur luthier however) so I could be tragically mistaken, but it seems to make mechanical sense to me.
Although I agree that this is an interesting demonstration of the difference between these types of strings, I don’t think it’s truly illustrative to compare the sound of two different strings on ukuleles made by different luthiers and of different woods. Koa and Mango already have distinctly different sound and tonal qualities on their own, and will sound quite different when paired off right next to each other. And each luthier will use their proprietary bracing and construction, which will further change the tonal qualities of the instrument. I hear what you’re saying, but if you really want to illustrate the difference, there should be 2 ukuleles made of the same tone wood, and from the same luthier. Just my thoughts.
I've tried both wound and unwound and my first impression was, I didn't like the squeaking you get from most wound strings. Right now, I use an all-fluorocarbon Low G set and although I like the overall sound and feel, I noticed that the G string is considerably thicker (where some may need to widen their nut slot to keep good intonation) but also sounds boomier (feels a bit floppy too). I'd like to try the Fremont Soloist squeakless Low G...I bet it'd be a happy medium. I agree that the wound string has a tighter sound.
Wow Terry! you play like a Pro! ;-) Love that finger picking at 2:30!! That sounded great! That 3:15 metal wound string has a clearer more distinctive sound, but then again soso all the other strings on that instrument. I conclude that it is most likely due to those Fluorocarbons and the type of wood that this incredibly beautiful sound that Tenor is made of. I have always preferred a brighter and clearer sound on all my ukes. QUESTION:I have always been a bit afraid to install a Low G string for the simple reason that it may warp soundboard and or fret board... 🤔What do you think Terry?
I think my preference has to be with the Wound low G. Just something about it for certain tunes that just adds that extra brightness and almost twang sound that just works for me.
Same. I ordered a set of soprano reds with a wound in it by mistake and that wound low g has a mean drone in it. It's pretty aight finger picking but chords sound like trash with it.
First example, I say you pick so cleanly it is hard to tell the difference, but the strum vs pick it is clear that there is a bit more pop and brightness to the wound G. While the unwound string sounds a bit softer, subdued and chill. My wound low G has almost a slight buzz, but not a bad buzz, more like a good gritty fuzz that gives it some character that jumps out. Not mentioned, the wound string for effect of the zippy "scratch" sound effect. It can be played clean or be used to give a slide some extra emphasis, for example in "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Personally, I would rather use a high G for "Im Yours" than a low G. A better example used in 90's rock would be the song "Twice As Hard" by The Black Crowes... band is full of slides purposefully giving it the zippy energy that is trademark of many of their faster upbeat songs. Also many 12-bar blues songs often use metal slides to really emphasize that effect.
I’ve noticed that wound Low Gs tend to drone with the other strings more than the unwound. Then, of course, there is the wound-string squeak. BTW, I suspect that concert and soprano low Gs do not generate the full harmonics, whether wound or unwound, simply because the string is too short to deliver the frequency with all of its nuances.
I recently purchased one of the exact Romeros in this video. It was my first low G, and like this one is wound. I only have two other high G tenor ukes. I love this Romero and it does have boomy kind of sound to the voice. However, after five weeks the sound of the low G is a little overpowering to me and the wound low G does have a lot of noise with it, not really a buzz but just metallic noise that is starting to bother me. I am considering having it replaced with a Fremont soloist unwound low G.....
Interesting. I am just experimenting with an unwound low G on my tenor. I need better control of my thumb, so it doesn’t sound floppy and loose when I play. I like that it isn’t as overpowering as the wound Gs that I’ve always played before.
I like the unwound. The wound gives a more metallic sound. I have the wound and it still makes me grit my teeth when I hear it vibrate when strumming. It is not very forgiving. As a beginner I may change my mind later as I get better with chord changes.
Great points. I agree with you the unwound has a smoother softer sound. Some say they don’t like the string noise of the wound strings when you slide up the neck
This was great. :) They sound completely different to me... the wound sounds brighter to me ... the unwound sounds a little more muted. At least over my crappy iPhone speaker.:)
I like the unwound a bit better but either will do. I have a beginner question, please. My uke came with a high G string. Would I have to modify my nut or bridge to accommodate the unwound low G or the would low G?
You don't need to modify your ukulele other than changing the G string. However, not all types of ukuleles work with a low G. Anything smaller than a concert is not going to give you good results.
I think it depends on each particular uke. Some just sound better with the wound and same with the unwound. It would if been interesting to use one uke with wound and unwound. I have both ukes you are demonstrating with and find the KoAloha 25 sounds great with unwound and wouldn't change it. But would be interesting to hear it with a wound. Now I have the Remero tenor replica and a Tiny tenor. i did experiment with an unwound low g and it just didn't seem to pop. I kept the worths on 1st,2nd and 3rd strings but replaced the low g back to the wound string and found it a better fit. As with any strings, it's what feels and sounds good to you. Again it would of been interesting to hear the KoAloha with a wound. Also i noticed the pepe romero low g string is very smooth and some folks don't use a wound string because it tends to wear on the fret board. Anyways, great subject to talk about. Thanks
Last week I changed the low G string on my KoAloha Opio tenor from the unwound KoAloha string to a wound Fremont string. It sounds "cleaner " with the wound string. I don't have a strong preference one way or the other but will keep the wound on this and keep the unwound on my future MVP. 😉
This was great. I’ve never had this demonstration or explanation. The wound sounded somewhat edgier to me. At this moment, I prefer the unwound. Of course I may be biased. 😊I just ordered that model Koaloha. Lucky lucky me.
I’m just a beginner but the wound sounds smoother to me. Less pop, but I like the unwound as well. If I picked I would go with the wound. Great demonstration. Thank you!
Much prefer the unwound strings. Don’t like squeaky wound strings. I think freemont do a smooth wound low g string that is squeakless but haven’t tried them. I use living water strings that I prefer. At the end of the day it is personal preference
I agree Terry. Good to have one of each. I can’t decide which I prefer they both sound great and both have their place in different pieces of music. I have the Koahola tenor unwound and the Romero wound. Prefer KoAloha
Both of those Ukes are so beautiful! I like the sound of the unwound better, but I LOVE the look of the one that’s wound 😂 The one that’s wound doesn’t have the same warm sound as the uke gives
Quite late answer, but in case you still haven't learned it and would like to: The song seems to be a part of the song named Cascade on which he did a tutorial in: ruclips.net/video/C4TwJweLYh8/видео.html The strumming pattern is (supposing low G - 1, C - 2, E - 3, A - 4): 1-4-3, 2-4-3
The Flamenco style (you play beautifully) I prefer the Unwound. I might get listening fatigue with the Wound - a bit too bright in the first piece but prefer the Wound in the slower bluesy style. I'd like to hear you play more. Thanks
Next video (the one I’ll subscribe with) should be about using low G strings on soprano and concert ukuleles. I prefer tenor ukuleles with low G (wound and plain, I’m still experimenting on them) strings as they are easier to transpose guitar and Guitalele chord shapes. Plus most of the people I jam with use soprano and concert instruments with high GS.
My ukulele came with a wound low g. After only two weeks, the string developed a buzzing sound that was horrible. I traded it out for a high g nylgut string, and I prefer the sound so much more. So I guess this ukulele will have a high g string, and my next one with be an unwound low g string
ordered a tenor not knowing it came with a low g string I still don’t know how to tune the low g string what is an Octave down is it - 50 on a ukulele setting on a clip on tuner or is it a g on the guitar setting or cand i just tune it to standard GCEA im so confused
Can I do a low G on a concert uke? I have a Lanikai concert that I want to play with a low G...I have several other concert ukes with high G and I want to experiment with a different sound. What strings do you recommend?
I am trying to find a full set of unwound low G strings for my tenor ukulele . Also looking for unwound low D set for my baritone ukulele . I don't care what material they're made of , although I would prefer titanium . Can anyone steer me in the right direction ?
Thankyou, still trying to find the 90 or 100 seagur blue line fluorocarbon line that Baz at Got a uke recommends, not had any luck yet here in Aus. Am using guitar G strings at the moment. Where do you source your low G strings, smooth or wound?
I prefer the unwound low G. Can someone recommend a brand/set with unwound low-G? I like Aquila brand strings but I can't seem to find a set with unwound low G.
Good to see the difference! I like the more "open" unwound sound. Currently have a high G and considering getting a low G, and will probably lean towards an unwound one.
If you never got that low G string...DO IT. I fell in love with the sound ended up playing through everything I know for a few hours just so I could hear them all with that lusciousness. So worth it.
@@orionishi6737 I love to play songs both in high and low G. Some do sound better with high G, but I LOVE the low G sound most of the time. So on days when I have extra time, I take out my two favorite ukes (one high G and one low) and play away. My husband doesn't understand why I have to practice with two ukes and trying to explain just makes his eyes glass over, but it's one of my favorite things to do.
I read somewhere that wound strings don't last as long as unwound. Any truth to that? Also, I wonder if the wound string is going to be hard on my fingers.
I had a wound Low G and the squeaking drove me crazy! I had the instrument switched to a fluorocarbon unwound low G, but the nut and string slot at the bridge had to be modified. The modification wasn't well done, and I have since heard of a "squeakless" low G wound string. Is that what you were playing, because I did not hear you squeak across the low G?
It might have been more obvious if you had used 2 identical uke's. I actually think the difference is the difference between the two uke's and has nothing to do with the strings. Be safe. 👎☮️🌞🦠😷
First of all you NEED to realize that once you tune a string to High G, it does not work well to Lower the string to Low G. Make sure you have extra stings or you will get frustrated. Ukes are Very temperamental because of a short scale length.
Did you see the awesome discount I'm giving for these KoAloha ukulele? Check them out and use the code: KOALOHA100 to get $100 off your purchase: store.ukelikethepros.com/collections/koaloha-100
Done all steps
Have always used wound Low G as I like the contrast and metallic twang which pops the bottom end. This being said, the unwound here seems a remarkably rounder, warmer profile. Woods may also contribute.
For me the difference is more in the attack than in the sustain. The wound G has more sound of the pluck. Also, especially if you are electric, the wound string creates a sound if the left hand slides up or down the string, where the unwound string makes no sound
I just put aquila reds with a wound low g on a concert uke. I hear the same effect on the uke you play here with the wound string. It resonates a lot! This gives a real guitar like feel to the playing and I'm not sure I like it yet. The unwound sounds more like the original ukulele sound to me. I'll have to look for a set of those for my next string change.
You can buy an unwound red string now separately.
My assumption was that one would choose a wound low G to avoid working the nut slot to properly accommodate a wider unwound low G string. This thinner wound low G would allow one to switch between high and low G at will with less nut worries. I am only a couple of months into Ukulele (20 year guitar player and amateur luthier however) so I could be tragically mistaken, but it seems to make mechanical sense to me.
I agree
Although I agree that this is an interesting demonstration of the difference between these types of strings, I don’t think it’s truly illustrative to compare the sound of two different strings on ukuleles made by different luthiers and of different woods. Koa and Mango already have distinctly different sound and tonal qualities on their own, and will sound quite different when paired off right next to each other. And each luthier will use their proprietary bracing and construction, which will further change the tonal qualities of the instrument. I hear what you’re saying, but if you really want to illustrate the difference, there should be 2 ukuleles made of the same tone wood, and from the same luthier. Just my thoughts.
I've tried both wound and unwound and my first impression was, I didn't like the squeaking you get from most wound strings. Right now, I use an all-fluorocarbon Low G set and although I like the overall sound and feel, I noticed that the G string is considerably thicker (where some may need to widen their nut slot to keep good intonation) but also sounds boomier (feels a bit floppy too). I'd like to try the Fremont Soloist squeakless Low G...I bet it'd be a happy medium. I agree that the wound string has a tighter sound.
Wow Terry! you play like a Pro! ;-) Love that finger picking at 2:30!! That sounded great! That 3:15 metal wound string has a clearer more distinctive sound, but then again soso all the other strings on that instrument. I conclude that it is most likely due to those Fluorocarbons and the type of wood that this incredibly beautiful sound that Tenor is made of. I have always preferred a brighter and clearer sound on all my ukes. QUESTION:I have always been a bit afraid to install a Low G string for the simple reason that it may warp soundboard and or fret board... 🤔What do you think Terry?
I think my preference has to be with the Wound low G. Just something about it for certain tunes that just adds that extra brightness and almost twang sound that just works for me.
I have just purchased an 8 string Uke . I find the drone from the Wound G overpowering the other strings.
Same. I ordered a set of soprano reds with a wound in it by mistake and that wound low g has a mean drone in it. It's pretty aight finger picking but chords sound like trash with it.
Both sound great, I prefer unwound because it sounds warmer to me.
I agree, great ears
First example, I say you pick so cleanly it is hard to tell the difference, but the strum vs pick it is clear that there is a bit more pop and brightness to the wound G. While the unwound string sounds a bit softer, subdued and chill. My wound low G has almost a slight buzz, but not a bad buzz, more like a good gritty fuzz that gives it some character that jumps out.
Not mentioned, the wound string for effect of the zippy "scratch" sound effect. It can be played clean or be used to give a slide some extra emphasis, for example in "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Personally, I would rather use a high G for "Im Yours" than a low G. A better example used in 90's rock would be the song "Twice As Hard" by The Black Crowes... band is full of slides purposefully giving it the zippy energy that is trademark of many of their faster upbeat songs. Also many 12-bar blues songs often use metal slides to really emphasize that effect.
I’ve noticed that wound Low Gs tend to drone with the other strings more than the unwound. Then, of course, there is the wound-string squeak. BTW, I suspect that concert and soprano low Gs do not generate the full harmonics, whether wound or unwound, simply because the string is too short to deliver the frequency with all of its nuances.
Forget about wound and unwound the way you play is just awesome😊
I recently purchased one of the exact Romeros in this video. It was my first low G, and like this one is wound. I only have two other high G tenor ukes. I love this Romero and it does have boomy kind of sound to the voice. However, after five weeks the sound of the low G is a little overpowering to me and the wound low G does have a lot of noise with it, not really a buzz but just metallic noise that is starting to bother me. I am considering having it replaced with a Fremont soloist unwound low G.....
Interesting. I am just experimenting with an unwound low G on my tenor. I need better control of my thumb, so it doesn’t sound floppy and loose when I play. I like that it isn’t as overpowering as the wound Gs that I’ve always played before.
I like the unwound. The wound gives a more metallic sound. I have the wound and it still makes me grit my teeth when I hear it vibrate when strumming. It is not very forgiving. As a beginner I may change my mind later as I get better with chord changes.
Great points. I agree with you the unwound has a smoother softer sound. Some say they don’t like the string noise of the wound strings when you slide up the neck
This was great. :)
They sound completely different to me... the wound sounds brighter to me ... the unwound sounds a little more muted. At least over my crappy iPhone speaker.:)
I like the unwound a bit better but either will do.
I have a beginner question, please. My uke came with a high G string. Would I have to modify my nut or bridge to accommodate the unwound low G or the would low G?
You don't need to modify your ukulele other than changing the G string. However, not all types of ukuleles work with a low G. Anything smaller than a concert is not going to give you good results.
I think it depends on each particular uke. Some just sound better with the wound and same with the unwound. It would if been interesting to use one uke with wound and unwound. I have both ukes you are demonstrating with and find the KoAloha 25 sounds great with unwound and wouldn't change it. But would be interesting to hear it with a wound. Now I have the Remero tenor replica and a Tiny tenor. i did experiment with an unwound low g and it just didn't seem to pop. I kept the worths on 1st,2nd and 3rd strings but replaced the low g back to the wound string and found it a better fit. As with any strings, it's what feels and sounds good to you. Again it would of been interesting to hear the KoAloha with a wound. Also i noticed the pepe romero low g string is very smooth and some folks don't use a wound string because it tends to wear on the fret board. Anyways, great subject to talk about. Thanks
Last week I changed the low G string on my KoAloha Opio tenor from the unwound KoAloha string to a wound Fremont string. It sounds "cleaner " with the wound string. I don't have a strong preference one way or the other but will keep the wound on this and keep the unwound on my future MVP. 😉
This was great. I’ve never had this demonstration or explanation. The wound sounded somewhat edgier to me. At this moment, I prefer the unwound. Of course I may be biased. 😊I just ordered that model Koaloha. Lucky lucky me.
I’m just a beginner but the wound sounds smoother to me. Less pop, but I like the unwound as well. If I picked I would go with the wound. Great demonstration. Thank you!
Much prefer the unwound strings. Don’t like squeaky wound strings. I think freemont do a smooth wound low g string that is squeakless but haven’t tried them. I use living water strings that I prefer. At the end of the day it is personal preference
Apart from the fact that you are a superb demonstrator, I like using a wound low G
What brand of unwound low g do you use and where can you get them. I’m having a hard time finding a set😊
Thankyou both are good hard desion but the wound for me in australia
I agree Terry. Good to have one of each. I can’t decide which I prefer they both sound great and both have their place in different pieces of music. I have the Koahola tenor unwound and the Romero wound. Prefer KoAloha
I’m placing an order for a tenor ukelele with low g string put in, but not sure about wound/unwound…Now thanks to your video I gave an idea.
I have tried both and I like the unwound the best.
Both of those Ukes are so beautiful! I like the sound of the unwound better, but I LOVE the look of the one that’s wound 😂 The one that’s wound doesn’t have the same warm sound as the uke gives
I want to learn the first song you played - the one with fast fingerpicking at 2:30 and 3:11! What is the name of it? It’s beautiful. ☺️
Quite late answer, but in case you still haven't learned it and would like to:
The song seems to be a part of the song named Cascade on which he did a tutorial in: ruclips.net/video/C4TwJweLYh8/видео.html
The strumming pattern is (supposing low G - 1, C - 2, E - 3, A - 4): 1-4-3, 2-4-3
Thanks for me, anyways :)
Would've liked to know what set of strings so we know what to buy?
The Flamenco style (you play beautifully) I prefer the Unwound. I might get listening fatigue with the Wound - a bit too bright in the first piece but prefer the Wound in the slower bluesy style.
I'd like to hear you play more. Thanks
Next video (the one I’ll subscribe with) should be about using low G strings on soprano and concert ukuleles. I prefer tenor ukuleles with low G (wound and plain, I’m still experimenting on them) strings as they are easier to transpose guitar and Guitalele chord shapes. Plus most of the people I jam with use soprano and concert instruments with high GS.
nice.
My ukulele came with a wound low g. After only two weeks, the string developed a buzzing sound that was horrible. I traded it out for a high g nylgut string, and I prefer the sound so much more. So I guess this ukulele will have a high g string, and my next one with be an unwound low g string
ordered a tenor not knowing it came with a low g string I still don’t know how to tune the low g string what is an Octave down is it - 50 on a ukulele setting on a clip on tuner or is it a g on the guitar setting or cand i just tune it to standard GCEA im so confused
Can I do a low G on a concert uke? I have a Lanikai concert that I want to play with a low G...I have several other concert ukes with high G and I want to experiment with a different sound. What strings do you recommend?
The wound string to me gives an overall fuller richer sound & a bit of a uke/guitar feel haha. Where as the unwound sounds more muted.
Great video!!! I like the unwound better.
Your unwound playing sounds good. Mine sounds like it's vibrating a lot. Maybe it's too bright for my playing.
I am trying to find a full set of unwound low G strings for my tenor ukulele . Also looking for unwound low D set for my baritone ukulele . I don't care what material they're made of , although I would prefer titanium . Can anyone steer me in the right direction ?
Thankyou, still trying to find the 90 or 100 seagur blue line fluorocarbon line that Baz at Got a uke recommends, not had any luck yet here in Aus. Am using guitar G strings at the moment. Where do you source your low G strings, smooth or wound?
Search for 80 LB shock leader
I prefer the unwound low G. Can someone recommend a brand/set with unwound low-G? I like Aquila brand strings but I can't seem to find a set with unwound low G.
How to get the strings
Do you cut or curl the low G string?
i like the wound low g it is more active in sound
I like the unwound. The sound I believe resonates more
Good to see the difference! I like the more "open" unwound sound. Currently have a high G and considering getting a low G, and will probably lean towards an unwound one.
If you never got that low G string...DO IT. I fell in love with the sound ended up playing through everything I know for a few hours just so I could hear them all with that lusciousness. So worth it.
@@orionishi6737 I DID get the low G and very glad I did. As you say, quite luscious! Thanks for the encouragement!
@@orionishi6737 I love to play songs both in high and low G. Some do sound better with high G, but I LOVE the low G sound most of the time. So on days when I have extra time, I take out my two favorite ukes (one high G and one low) and play away. My husband doesn't understand why I have to practice with two ukes and trying to explain just makes his eyes glass over, but it's one of my favorite things to do.
@@NOLAMikki yeah, some just don't work right...or need something changed. I solved that problem by getting a 5 string uke 😆
3:30 sorry I think he took too long to answer the question so here’s a time stamp for it.
Done all steps
Great
The unwound sounds better but it's up to those who wanna get a tenor as well.
I read somewhere that wound strings don't last as long as unwound. Any truth to that? Also, I wonder if the wound string is going to be hard on my fingers.
Was surprised how quickly I wore through the wound (Aquila red) but haven't used an unwound so far
I like the unwound.
I prefer the more resonating sound of wound g. Unwound sounds closer to high g I think.
I had a wound Low G and the squeaking drove me crazy! I had the instrument switched to a fluorocarbon unwound low G, but the nut and string slot at the bridge had to be modified. The modification wasn't well done, and I have since heard of a "squeakless" low G wound string. Is that what you were playing, because I did not hear you squeak across the low G?
I use the Wound Low G on my Concert Ukulele when I'm in low G tuning cause the Wound Strings have a bigger punch.
Wounded sounds more like a ukulele
The unwounded almost sounded like a Guitar... I'll get the woulded one ❤
A Flatwound Low G String (use a Flatwound Classical Guitar D String) might be newer.
Why are there 5 string ukuleles?
Different ukes with completely different sounds. Apples & oranages
Wound
It might have been more obvious if you had used 2 identical uke's. I actually think the difference is the difference between the two uke's and has nothing to do with the strings. Be safe. 👎☮️🌞🦠😷
Jump to 5:30 to know the difference. Rest is all junk
as davie504 says, it's not a ukelele, it's a tropical bass...
The Wound Strings tend to have a bigger sound.
You need better camera or editing man. It looks very bad for today standard and your qualiti going down to compare to your old videos
holy cow, just get to the information instead of dragging it out - we ain't got all day
unfair comparison... two different brands with different sounds.
try it with identical ukes!
Dude,your to busy trying to show off How good you are that you can't even hear the string being played,
First of all you NEED to realize that once you tune a string to High G, it does not work well to Lower the string to Low G. Make sure you have extra stings or you will get frustrated. Ukes are Very temperamental because of a short scale length.