Ukulele Strings
Using good quality strings on your ukulele can make a big difference to the way they sound. New ukuleles often come with low quality strings – which can make them sound disappointing straight out of the box. Changing them for something like Worth or Aquila will improve the sound a great deal.
Buying ukulele strings is a little complicated. Two things you have to check before you buy your strings: the size of ukulele and the tuning they are intended for.
It’s very important you check the size of ukulele the strings are made for. Strings will be a different length and thickness depending on what size ukulele they are made for.
Soprano strings
Tenor strings
Baritone strings
You’ll also want to double check the tuning they are intended for. In particular, check whether they are low-G or high-G strings. If you are playing a re-entrant ukulele (which is most common ukuleles) the the G string has to be thinner (and therefore higher) than the C-string. If you get the wrong type, you won’t be able to tune them the other way. Usually, if the description doesn’t state either – they will usually be high-G. If you’re not sure, it’s worth asking.
You can usually use a low-G set of strings on a high-G ukulele with minor adjustments depending on the type of ukulele.
You don’t need to worry so much about whether they are intended for C tuning (gCEA) or D tuning (aDF#B). The tuning are close enough together for it not to matter.
Getting the wrong set of strings happens to everyone. I’ve done it. But finding yourself with a set of strings that don’t fit on any ukulele you have is a great excuse to buy yourself a new ukulele.
The most popular strings are Aquila and Worth. I’ve tried other makes of strings, but always come back to these two.
Worth vs. Aquila String Comparison
In this clip Ken Middleton has Aquila strings on the cutaway ukulele (the one he plays first) and Worth strings on the normal ukulele.
98 Comments
Would it be worth it to put a set of high quality strings on a plastic ukulele?
Jeff: It depends on the quality of the uke. If it’s one of the toy plastic ukes probably not. But if it’s a quality plastic uke, definitely.
Are the strings always nylon? And what would you use on a concert-sized uke?
I second Jess´s question. What would you use for a concert-sized uke?
Hi!
First time poster here.
I bought my first uke two days ago and I already love it. It’s a Greg Bennett UK-50, concert size. The only one they had that wasn’t a toy 🙂
So I’m the third to ask what strings fit a concert-sized uke. As a backup, I bought (without having a clue) D’Addario Pro-Arte tenor strings. Does anyone have an idea about their quality and if they fit a concert-sized uke?
Great website btw!
I am waiting on a Keli’i Koa Tenor that I managed to save for, partly by selling my Pono MTE Tenor.
While selling that Pono, somebody requested information about strings I’d tried on that uke, since I’d mentioned I’d tried a ton of them. Here’s what I wrote, regarding the Pono. Hope it’s of some help….
-Aquila Nylgut are the brightest and most resonant by far. But they aren’t as smooth on the fingers, if you fingerpick, and for me they were too bright for the uke. The Pono is really deep and mellow naturally, and I felt like the Aquilas weren’t complimenting it’s natural sound. They’re definitely awesome strumming strings…just, too bright for the Pono. Still loud and awesome strings though. (*after thought: I am putting Aquilas on the Keli’i)
-Ko’olau Golds were nice and thick and I liked them the first time around. They were meaty-sounding, mellow, calmer, more island-y. Soft feel. But I started feeling like they weren’t giving much volume, and indeed the second time I tried them, later on, I felt they sounded sort of dead at times.
-Worth CT’s were better than the Ko’olau Golds for fingerpicking…they were way smoother and a little louder, but still mellow. Like the Ko’olaus, I felt like they had way, way too little volume for straight strumming.
-Ko’olau Alohi’s are Ko’olau’s “bright” strings, and actually I’d try them again. I liked them a lot but I was eager to hear other strings and didn’t give them much time. They were another in-between Aquila and Ko’olau Golds…they were definitely brighter and more strum-friendly than the Golds, but still I found them a little round and dead at times and sometimes at higher notes.
-Kala Reds had great sound…maybe the best of the ones I tried. They were very bright, only the Aquilas were brighter. But the Kalas are weird…the high G and high A are nylon, and the other two feel like rough nylon cords, wound the same way metal strings are. So when you slide your fret hand along, it makes that squeaky sound that metal strings do. BUT the Kala strings were bright and nice.It’s just that those two low strings sounded just a little different than the nylon ones.
-Fremont Blackline Strings are the ones that are on there now. I think they’re the closest thing to a bright AND thick sound. They sound and feel really awesome. BUT I can kind of hear how they sound a little like a cheap keyboard version of a uke, sometimes. Some people mentioned it. I’d use them or the Kalas for the most part. Maybe the Ko’olau Alohi strings, maybe. The Fremonts are pretty but I can see how some might be turned off.
I have a Lanikai cut-away tenor uke with sound pickup tuned with a low D. When the original strings started sounding dead, I decided to try better quaility classical guitar strings. Finst I bought Savarez (about $10 ast Sam Ash). Since the uke is shorter than a guitar, i used the second guitar string (B) as the high A uke string and so on down to the guitar A sting for the low D on the uke. I got a tremendous sound – rich, loud, resonant. After a few days, however, I became concerned over how tight the strings were to get proper pitch and feared that I might damage the uke. So I got another set of Savarez and started with the high E guitar string for the uke A string. The sound is still very rich and loud, but not as good as when using the larger strings with the higher tension. There are several top brands of classical guitar strings, and I plan to try different ones every four to six months or so. If you think your uke is strong enough, I would go with the higher tesnion lower guitar strings, But either way, the sound is VERY good.
I bought my first ukelele 2-3 weeks ago now and I’ve never learned how to play an instrument before. Your website has REALLY REALLY HELPED. But unfortunately I need a little more help.
Its a Lanikai LU-21, and no matter how hard I try to tune it (since it already sounds bad) it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I have a feeling its because the strings are bad quality and I’ve been looking at buying the Aquila strings however I have no idea which ones to get? Any advice?
Please help! 🙂
Hi!(: I got a ukulele last Christmas, I’ve been playing it for a whie now, I’m wondering my ukulule keeps making a squeaky sound when I switch to a new note, it just recently started doing that? Is that normal? Because it wasn’t doing that before? (And I’ve left the same strings that my ukulele came in). Hope you can help!
Thanks!
I am new to the ukelele and so far I am really enjoying it! As far a strings go, is it better to get nylon or brass strings? I have noticed that with the nylon strings they seem to stretch a lot, and was wondering what the differences in string types were?
After looking at a few articles (Making your Mahalos into Martins, Aquila Strings, and this one) I’ve decided that my comments need to go here.
First up:
Ko’olau Strings. http://www.koolauukulele.com/strings.html
They actually have multiple different varieties of strings now (head over to http://www.elderly.com: http://elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=ko%27olau+strings&x=0&y=0 for a full listing of Ko’olau strings)
Anyway, the strings that Ko’olau makes aren’t as “popular” as Aquila strings, but wow do they make a difference.
I have an Applause Soprano. It sounded dull, not bright. I put Aquila strings on it and it sounded louder, but still didn’t have that traditional ukulele tone I wanted. I stumbled onto Ko’olau strings while looking for another set and snapped up Ko’olau Gold. They were (are) what I’ve been looking for: traditional “island” sound, bright, mellow, not too loud.
When I got a Lanikai Concert, it came strung with Hilo strings and actually sounded ok. But when restrung with Ko’olau ‘Alohi Low G strings, it really popped; more projection and a less muddy tone.
Anyway, my point being: I completely agree that quality strings will make nearly any ukulele sound better; but I’d disagree that Aquila strings are the best. In my experience, Ko’olau makes ’em better.
Note of Caution: Ko’olau Gold strings take FOREVER to break in. You’ll be tuning them for a few months before they settle down.
My opinion: Ko’olau ‘Alohi strings are the best I’ve ever put on any ukulele.
NOW… to all the folks asking what to put on their Concert ukes:
It depends:
If you like the traditional “My Dog Has Fleas” sound of the ukes of old, then go with all nylon strings in Standard tuning.
IF, however, you’d a more guitar-ish sound out of your concert (like I do) then go with Low G tuning: Nylon set with a Wound 4th.
In either set up, yes, I DO recommend you find Ko’olau ‘Alohi and string those onto your Concert uke.
AND, to Audrey, if you’re still checking in here:
1. Get a good digital tuner like the Intelli IMT500 and make doubly sure that the strings are perfectly in tune.
2. Make sure you’re holding the uke correctly: http://ukulelehunt.com/2008/03/26/ten-tips-for-ukulele-beginners/ See Tip #7.
3. Check the frets on your Lanikai. Get a tape measure and measure from the Nut (the strip of bone or plastic at the top of the fretboard) to the 12th fret. Then measure from the 12th fret to the Saddle (the strip of bone or plastic that “ends” the strings run). These two measurements should be the same.
On my Lanikai Concert, the measurements are more than an 1/8 inch off (5mm), which means my uke goes out of tune pretty fast as I go up the fretboard.
If your uke sounds off no matter what you do, this could be part of the problem.
4. If everything checks out (or you don’t care about the setup being slightly off) then get a set of quality strings: Aquila Nylagut or Ko’olau ‘Alohi.
Quality strings make a big difference!
Just got my boyfriend a Stagg US40-S, I love it already… just have to get me one! But I got D’Addario strings for it, are they any good?? :s
Jake Shimabukuru uses D’Addario strings. Depends which ones and some strings are better on different ukes or for different uses.
Any decent strings that cost a few quid are going to be better than the strings that come with a <£50 uke.
Since they don’t make low A-strings for ukuleles, can I use a low G-string (wound or unwound) and crank it up 2 half steps to “A” without breaking it? Art Wynters,Las Vegas
Can a tenor ukulele be tuned like a concert using low g wound strings??
Chalk me up as another fan of the Ko’olau Alohi strings.
I’ve got an entry-level Luna that came with Aquila strings. I really liked the sound and the volume of the Aquilas, but after a bit they started sounding a bit dull, so I thought I’d swap and give the Ko’olau strings a try.
Like expected, they took a few days to settle, but the sound is really nice. Mellower than the Aquilas, but not subdued at all. They’ve got a nice, bright projection and seem to feel a bi softer. I have to say, I dig the sound.
The one negative is actually more about the construction of the ukulele. After switching the strings, I noticed that the G has way more sustain and the C tends to have some really booming resonance – way more than the Aquila. I may try to just deaden the part of the top to muffle it a bit, but it’s quite noticeable. Maybe that will go away after a few more days as the strings do their final settle.
Anyway, my two cents is that either the Aquilas or Ko’olau Alohis are a good bet.
Oh, and I really dig your site. It’s a stone groove.
hello,
I’m a guitar player from Israel and i just order may first ukulele (a kamoa tenor E-T) i did’t check if its high or low g ukulele, latter i found out that it is a low G and already shipped.
my question is:
can i put a high G string on a low G string ukulele?
thank you
I have a concert and a tenor. I practice on my concert and play my tenor. The difference is that I have strung my tenor to play an octive lower than standard. Although I like the sound, the action is a little more firm than I would like it to be – it is harder to play.
I have learned that a D string for a Classic Guitar can be used as a low G for a Tenor, which of course can be stepped up one whole note to be a low G. So I have a Martin Darco string for the low G.Both silver plated wound.
My low C is a D’Addario NYL043w. Which is silver plated wound on nylon.
My low E is a Classic guitar A or fifth string, a GHS brand T5S Silvered Copper Wrap.
My low A is a GHS Classic Guitar D or fourth string T4S Silvered Copper Wrap.
I love the deep rich sound, but I have developed this through trial and error and could probably acheive better tone and action if I knew what I was doing. And if all 4 strings were the same manufacturer and construction.
Any advice or direction would be appreciated.
I have a Tenor Koa Pili Koko and had them with Aquila’s for awhile. But after changing them over to Ko’olau golds made a whole lot of difference in tone and resonance of sound holding much better. The separation of each string rang out just beautifully, especially for picking. But every ukulele will never sound the same, it always depends on the tone wood each time. I’m not putting Aquila’s down but you never know what your ukulele will sound like when you do change strings. It’s good to experiment. Quality strings does make a difference.
i was gifted a ookulele for my 52nd birthday it is a luna concert size with the cool design on it.
yes i am planning on trying other strings but the main thing is playing it. it has a sweet spot. it seems to be that little space between the sound hole and the base of the neck. I mean Bam these Aquila’s sing my wife says wow i am surprised at the sound. I have seen these type if discussions take place before, film vs digital,NIKON vs Canon,Ginger vs Mrs Howell, Fender vs Gibson
Hands down Nikon, film but medium format size, Ginger but with Mrs Howells money.
Some of the best music we all have ever heard was played on instruments that were primitive and second hand.
Love music
I’ve heard that a wound G and C make for a mellow tone, which I like. I have a concert. Will it work to place a tenor wound C on the concert (have been unable to find a set with wound G and C for the concert size instrument)? Or is there a string manufactured who makes a set with wound G and C that you could recommmend? Love the website!
My friend suggested Martin strings for my uke. Are Martin strings pretty good too?
Martin M600 strings sound great on my Kiwaya laminate and they sound fine on my KTS-5 as well.
They do feel a bit thin and they are not the loudest. But they seem to tune with a very even tension and sound balanced, seem come between the more modern long sustain and the old-time plunk.
I’ve been playing a soprano Kala with high-G Aquilas for a few years, and I’m only now starting to gig with it more consistently. So far, I have been extremely pleased with this set-up.
My playing style is fairly aggressive and rock-inspired, which means my strings take a lot of damage over the course of a set. Does anybody have a suggestion as to the most durable strings? I want to get the right balance of endurance, volume and brightness. Thanks! This site is a wonderful resource.
I got my concert uke two years ago (its a Laka…very pretty little thing, nice sound). It’s currently strung with Aquilas, high G.
Now, I want to restring it to low G…should I restring the whole thing at the same time? Loving this site…thanks for the info! x
I got my concert ukulele a month ago and I must say my top favorite strings are Aquila the new Nylgut material. They are soft and very flexible therefore they resonate so much better than stiff nylon. I love them!
I have a Kala Ka Kc Concert Ukulele and find that the Aquila Nylgut strings give this Uke a really great sound. There is plenty of volume, heaps of sustain, and just the right combination of bright & mellow tones to bring the best out of this instrument.
what are your thoughts on putting soprano strings on a tenor?
I’ve found a source of cheap aquila soprano strings.
I understand soprano strings are a tad thinner (less than 1/10mm) and have less tension.
Also has anyone dyed their strings funky colours?
Ta for any replies.
plus has anyone a review on the new red series unwound low g aquilas? or the eco freindly Bionylons?
what is the difference between plain and forth wound strings, apart from price?
i bought a martin smith soprano its still got its factory strings on it its tuned to g c e a and its plays ok at the nut end but ive noticed when you go down the g string frets 8and 9 sound exactly the same get past these frets and its ok again theres no problems with the other strings so to me its a mystery.
I am gonna restring my used Kamaka 6-string tenor..I ordered it from Hawaii and so have never chosen what strings…are Aguila the way to go? Thanks!
I play a Kamaka Concert.
I had Ko’olau Golds and really enjoyed them.
When I started playing with a group with guitars, drums etc. I switched to the Aquila’s. I needed the brighter sound. They lose brightness after about 4-6 months after playing “hapa-haole and haole-hawaiian” gigs.
For the hulas I would go back to the Ko’olau Golds
and just play acoustic. I prefer ‘dat anyways, yeah…
Hi, I have a pineapple shaped uke, and I really don’t know what kind of strings to get for it.. Any idea?
Rebecca, your pineapple shaped uke should be a pineapple soprano I believe. Since it’s a Soprano, I would recommend Aquila Nylgut for it. Get the BioNylon if you like, it’s environmetally friendly!
The Koolau Golds with the wound 3rd and 4th have a nice mellow sound. But the Aquilas have that brighter more resonant sound so I am presently using the low G Aquilas and replacing the 3rd string with a wound 3rd from D’Addario. The wound strings seem to give a longer last and more resonance on the notes and have a nice honky tonk sound playing jazz or blues.
Hello!
I bought a new uke and it is a cheap wooden one with nylon strings and I want to buy new Aquila strings but I want to know:
1. Is it worth putting good quality strings on a cheap uke?
2. What strings to buy and where do buy them?
3. How to determine what type of ukulele you own (soprano etc…)
Your help would be very much appreciated, this site has helped me so much!
Also, another question, can you reuse your strings on other ukes? And how often do you have to replace them? Thanks!
I want to start experimenting with steel strings, so is there any kind of ukulele in particular that I should buy because I know that some aren’t designed to withstand the tension of the steel strings? Thanks!
I’m surprised not much is being said about Worth Strings. I bought a KPK(ckeck them out)which came with Worths. All I’ld ever played before were Aquias – ouch! at first Worths hurt my fingers since they are so much thinner therefore smaller pressure points on fingers – but after getting used to them I love them! I’m re-stringing my laminate ukes with them to try & get their muddy sound out.(laminates all seem to be muddy-I learned the hard way Worths take getting used to & are most expensive but they beat Aquila for punch & clarity. Comments?
I’ve always preferred Aquila Premium strings. I have just bought a Kala _ SMAC – S, Solid Acacia Soprano. I had Guitar Brother fit Orcas Black Fluro carbon Light Low G strings to the soprano. “SICK”. I cannot believe to full . mellow beautiful sound. There is not mush said about these strings, you can get them in light, medium and Hard. I chose the light as I’m have a few problems because I ran a power saw over my left hand , and it is a lot easier to play with the light strings.The strings are made in Japan, Check out http://www.maurue-jp.com. I certainly recommend these strings, give them a go, you wont be disappointed. In Australia a set costs $14.95 au.
I am interested in how often you should change uke strings? I have an ANueNue soprano that I purchased in April and it had Aquila strings on it. It sounded great until this week. It has developed a duller sound, plus it seems like the A string is “buzzing.” I thought I was maybe sloppy on my fretting but it there is a slight buzz when I play it open. Could it be old strings? It holds a tune very well, so it doesn’t seem as though the strings are stretching. I haven’t been able to find any advice on line about how often to change the strings.
Any advice would be appreciated……
Hi all. as a beginner I bought a Kala KA-SMHC from MGM back when he sold on eBay. It came setup and I believe with Aquila strings to replace the stock ones. I’ve really started playing in earnest lately and am learning to finger pick better but I don’t believe I’m getting the full sound I should be from the uke when using my fingers (preferred) and not a pick. The uke is tuned and holds it’s tune well but I’m not real happy with the sound. It seems dull almost as if the strings are too soft loose. Thanks for your input.
One other question. Is there much difference in the tone and volume of picking a Soprano as opposed to a Concert?
Hi I have a vintage ukulele which was pretty cheap as I am a begginer but if I change the strings how much better will it be? Does the sound depend on the type of ukulele or just dependant on the type of strings ? Thanks
Think of a stringed instrument as a ‘system’. The strings work with the instrument itself. So the sound will depend on both. I bought a 1950s Martin soprano and when I replaced the strings it absolutely increased in volume and sound quality a lot.
To Al Be’s question: since the concert is larger it will sound bigger in tone and volume.
Hope this helps.
would i be able to use guitar strings on a Ukulele. Phosphor Bronze type
What adjustments need to be made on my ukulele if I wanna replace the high-G string to a bronze low-G string? FYI mine is a concert size uke. Thx.
Tex
Assuming the low G is made for concert size, probably the only adjustment you may wany to consider is the notch in the nut. It is most likely a bit too narrow to accommodate the thicker low G. It can be played but will wear both the notch and the string. I’ve done it but it’s just not kosher.
Does anyone know about Aquila red low g strings?
I use Worths at the moment.
Thanks for your time.
Gary
I use Aquila on my Flea soprano and they sound fantastic,and i also use them on my Risa acacia concert and they also sound great.I have just got hold of a Takamine tenor and have restrung it with Worths and i must say they are brilliant,its so hard to decide which is best..
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