Ukulele strings

The strings for the ukulele play a much larger role than for the guitar - the sound of the instrument largely depends on their quality. About what thickness and type of material can be considered optimal, what the AQUILA brand and other manufacturers are known for, novice musicians often have questions. A detailed breakdown of all the important points will help you figure out if guitar strings are right and how to make the best choice.

Ukulele strings only superficially resemble guitar strings, as does the instrument itself. Metal options are not suitable here - all selected materials are of synthetic origin, polymer base. The most inexpensive set of strings is usually included in the sales package. It is with this moment that the complaints are connected that the ukulele does not hold in tune, sounds bad or does not lend itself to mastering at all.

Considering different types of ukulele, it is worth considering that the length and thickness of the strings here will be inhomogeneous. The main thing to consider when choosing a replacement option is the type of tool. The smallest - soprano (standard) - has a scale (the distance from the nut to the bridge of the instrument) 13 inches long, the rest of the categories have a step change of this indicator with a difference of 2 "or 5 cm. It is this parameter that determines the size of the string.

In addition, the classification of ukulele strings implies the division of products into several categories.

• Nylon. A colorless transparent material considered the standard among string bases. The surface is smooth, pleasant to the touch, soft sound is characteristic of nylon.There is also colored nylon: black, with a deeper and warmer tone, red, with a bright and loud tone. Multicolor kits make it possible to diversify the sound of the instrument.

• Fluorocarbon. Carbon strings are thin, dense. They always sound brighter, more suitable for demonstrating performance skills.

• Bioneylon. A product of the new era, created on the basis of organic ingredients. It is famous for its velvety sound.

• Titanium. Strings with such a mark are also polymer, not metal, have a bright purple color, according to other characteristics, they are a compromise solution that combines the features of carbon and nylon.

• Natural veins. They are made from sheep intestines, have a peculiar bright sound, but are much inferior in strength to artificial counterparts.

When choosing the right ukulele strings for your ukulele, it is important to rely on 4 main judging criteria.

• Length. The strings must be sized exactly for the instrument. On the packaging, you should find the appropriate markings - from the largest Bariton to the smallest Soprano. They are sold in sets. Avoid using too long ukulele strings; shortening them will make it impossible to maintain the correct tension.

• Material. Most often, musicians use fluorocarbon or nylon strings. Natural veins are used today only in Hawaii. By default, nylon strings are put on the instrument, the most accessible and widely represented. Some manufacturers subject them to additional laser resurfacing and processing.

• Build. There are only two standard ones - Low G and High G. A note about which tuning is supposed to be present on the package. DGBE kits are available for the baritone, the Open D version can be used on the soprano ukulele. Versions for open tunings are marked with the "for strong tension" mark.

• The presence of a braid. It is most commonly found on G, C strings. It sits on top of a nylon core, and can be copper, silver, aluminum or phosphor bronze crafted. The presence of the braid affects the brightness and volume of the instrument, but may interfere with playing.

When choosing the right strings for the ukulele, it is very important to understand that guitar analogs will not work here - with a different tuning and strong tension, they simply will not withstand the loads. In addition, the metal variants that are tried to be mounted on a miniature Hawaiian instrument give a certain rattle that not all musicians like. It is better to leave the strings from the guitar to the classical instrument, and buy special ones for the ukulele.

There are many manufacturers on the Russian and world markets that deserve special attention. It is their products that musicians who want to fully reveal the potential of their instrument try to choose. There are some points to consider when choosing a string company. For example, for hybrids - gitalele, banjolele - you should look for them from such a giant as AQUILA. For instruments with 6 and 8 strings instead of 4, there is also a trusted manufacturer - D'Addario.

And this is what the top three leaders in the world market look like.

• Aquila Strings. It is one of the few brands dedicated specifically to ukulele products. The company produces strings based on its patented Nylgut material, which combines the authentic sound of intestinal strings with the durability of nylon. The product lines have 5 different series - Bionylon, Super Nylgut, Red Series, Lava Series, New Nylgut. Each has its own merits.

• D'Addario Strings. One of the oldest string manufacturers, specialized in stringing for over 300 years in a row.The Italian manufacturer offers its ukulele product lines, including in partnership with Aquila to jointly create Nyltech. Particularly noteworthy is the Titanium range made from monofilament raw materials with an unusual purple hue. And also available in a series of pure and black nylon, fluorocarbon.

• GHS. The company offers original products in 3 lines - from regular and black nylon, as well as fluorocarbon options.

Ernie Ball strings are often recommended for those new to ukulele playing. They are made of pure nylon and have “balls” on the edges, allowing for fastening without tying knots. More experienced connoisseurs choose strings for their sound. For example, Dunlop brand products made from a special polymer VSD-7 are famous for their "punchy" loudness. Aquila products, partly made from sugar cane, stand out for their sweet and soft exotic sound.