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Ukulele is one of the most popular string instruments among the people of young age group. This small guitar-like instrument has a Hawaiian root. The beautiful sound of Ukulele never fails to please the ears of millions of people. And thousands of aspiring musicians play the Ukulele to back their vocals.
The beautiful tone and heartwarming sound quality of Ukulele directly dependents on the build of its body and the four strings it consists. Hence strings play an essential part in Ukuleles. High-quality ukulele strings help to disseminate an excellent tone and balanced sound. Best Ukulele strings not only affect the quality of tone and sound but also provides smooth playability.
In this article, we will provide you with reviews and other factors about the Ukulele string so that you can buy the best ukulele strings to have a pleasant musical experience.
Overview of the Ukulele Strings
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Factors You need to Know before Buying
Before You buy strings for your Ukulele, you need to know what are the different types of strings. It is essential to note that different types of Ukulele require different strings, and every uke type has a different scale length; the key difference between different types of the string is the length of each type.
Different Types of Strings
As there are four types of Ukulele, there are four types of strings. They are:
1. Soprano Ukuleles
Soprano Ukuleles are the most common type of Ukulele and the smallest among all the other types of Ukuleles. The body size of Soprano Ukuleles is 21 inches, and the scale length is 13 inches long. The tunning of these strings from the top is G, C E, D or A, D, F sharp and D. Soprano Ukulele is suitable for playing chords and rhythms as they have smaller frets.
2. Concert Ukuleles
Concert Ukuleles are slightly bigger than Soprano Ukuleles. The measurement of the body size is 23 inches, and the size of the scale is 15 inches. Sound of Concert Ukulele is slightly deeper and louder than Soprano Ukes. The tunning of Concert Ukulele is same as Soprano G, C, E, D or A, D, F sharp and D. They are great for playing chords and rhythm. You can play solo, but it is likely due to the size of frets in Concert Ukulele.
3. Tenor Ukulele
Again, Tenor Ukuleles are slightly larger than Concert Ukuleles. The Tenor Ukulele consists of a 26 inches body and consists of scales that are 17 inches. Tenor Ukulele produces a deeper sound than Concert Ukuleles. You can play rhythm and play solos as well. With Tenor Ukuleles, you can have the taste of both worlds. The tunning of Tenor Ukulele is G, C, E, D or A, D, F sharp and D and also the tunning can follow the last four strings of Guitar D, G, B, E.
4. Baritone Ukuleles
Baritone Ukuleles are the biggest of all types. Bariton features a body of 30 inches and scale of 19 inches. Baritone Ukes provides a much deeper sound that goes lower than Tenor Ukulele. The playability and tunning of Baritone Ukulele is same as a Tenor Ukulele.
Note: It is essential to know which type of Ukulele you own, or you plan to get to know the type of strings you require. At beginner stage Ukuleles you get strings but if you don't know the kind of Ukulele you own then after your first set of string brakes you may end up getting a wrong set of strings.
Top Six Best Ukulele Strings in the Market
To make your finding of Ukulele strings easy and effortless, we are providing you a review consists of six best high-quality ukulele strings.
1. D'Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings, Soprano
D'Addario is one of the best manufacturers of high-quality strings. It is very popular among the guitarist because they produce strings with such a quality that is sometime uncomparable with the competitors. D'Addario also produces high-quality ukulele strings.
One of the best soprano Ukulele strings of D'Addario is EJ87S Titanium Ukulele strings. EJ87S also comes in different size for other types of Ukuleles and even different styles.
EJ87S Titanium Ukulele strings are made of monofilament material with a purplish colour. Monofilament materials enable the strings to produce a brighter and clearer tone with more volume. Ej87S has a shiny look for having a smooth polish. D'Addario Ej87S is not only a set of string that produces excellent sound, but they also have high aesthetic properties. The tunning of EJ87S is GCEA with the string gauges .028, .033, .040, .029.
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D'addario is known for producing strings with great reputations, and for Ukuleles, it is the same. EJ87S titanium Ukulele string sets never fail to satisfy players who have a taste of the excellent tone and loud volume.
2. Aquila 7U Concert Ukulele Strings Set
Aquila is the name of another famous brand that produces satisfactory strings for the various instrument. Aquila made 7U concerts Ukulele strings with nylgut for more authentic sound.
Aquila strings feature a higher resistance to wear under tension, compared to gut strings as nylgut has better resistance to tension and weather changes.
Aquila 7U string set provides a sound that has a traditional feel to it. The sound of Aquila 7U string set is bright and sounds more like pure gut strings. They have the perfect intonation, and the tunning settles faster than other strings. The sound is rich and full of crisps that pleases the ear of listeners and players. 7U nylgut strings are comfortable to play and also has a decent shiny look.
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If you are looking for a nostalgic, classic mood and sound then using Aquila 7U Concert Ukulele Strings Set can please you. This string provides a traditional feel like real gut strings. Aquila 7U string set is also durable and comfortable.
3. Ukulele strings M600 by Martin & Co, Fluorocarbon, Soprano/Concert Strings
Martin and Co is one of the oldest and reputed company for manufacturing guitar with exceptional qualities. They also make Ukuleles and strings for all type of Ukuleles. The brand has a tradition for making high-quality strings, and for Ukulele, it is the same as well.
M600 Ukulele string set is an exemplary work of Martin and Co. M600 is a perfect string set for precise tuning as it is made of fluorocarbon. M600 consists of a higher tensile strength that enables the strings to hold tuning for extended periods.
The mellow and warm sound of M600 never fails to please the players. They are highly professional and comfortable to play, as well. The thin gauge of M600 enables the player smooth playability and comfort with a softer tone. M600 consists of excellent features at a very affordable price range.
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If you want a string set that holds the tunning for a more extended period and provides a mellower sound, then M600 is perfect for you. In studios or even in shows you may require a set of strings that hold the tunning for long then this string set is highly preferable. Also, if you are a beginner M600 will provide smooth playability for you to play with comfort.
4. Aquila USA 115U Low G Tenor Uke Set - All Lava Nylgut
Aquila has made its place among the instrumentalists for making strings of excellent quality. They manufacture strings with innovation that offers the smooth player playability and fantastic sound. The also put an aesthetic value in all the strings, making them look and sound exceptional. Aquila 115U is a set of string that consists of a unique design.
Aquila 115U is one of the best Tenor Ukulele string as it consists of lower G tunning. The lower G string has a metal wound of silver player copper, and rest of the strings C, E, A strings are Aquilas classic Nylgut strings.
The sound of 115U provides a traditional ambience similar to gut strings and a little bit of deep flavour. It is difficult to explain the sound of the strings as they are a mixture of traditional Hawaiian sound mixed with a deeper touch to it. In short, the sound is deep and sweet at the same time. Aquilla 115U is a grey colour string set inspired by volcanic rock. It is unique and useful at the same time. The specification of 115U makes it best Tenor Ukulele string.
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Aquila 115U is one of the unique Ukulele string set. 115U consists of a unique look and a sound that combines depth with sweetness providing an exceptional vibe to the listeners and the players.
5. D'Addario EJ88C Nyltech Ukulele Strings, Concert
When it comes to strings, D'Addario is highly reliable and high-quality brand manufacturing strings for a century. Their innovative and ergonomic ideas always lead the to manufacture strings that are exceptional to their competitors. For Ukulele Ej88C is a string set that consists of features as such.
D'Addario Ej88C made with nyltec is a brilliant set of strings. D'Addario made the string set EJ88C in cooperation with Aquila. The combination of two excellent string manufacturers gave out this unique string set. EJ88C has a high tensile strength that provides stable tunning along with durability.
EJ88C produces a warmer tone with high brightness. The tone of EJ88C also sounds very authentic and traditional. EJ88C is a perfect set of strings because it also enables players comfortable playability along with durability.
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D'Addario EJ88C string is one of the best Ukulele strings. It consists of all features to be the ideal Ukulele string set. When two of the best manufacturers combine to make a string set, doubtlessly it would be one of the best. The sound quality, durability, tunning and comfortable playability of EJ88C created a benchmark for the other manufacturers to produce string like this.
6. D'Addario EJ65TLG Pro-Arté Custom Extruded Nylon Ukulele Strings, Tenor Low-G
Ones again D'Addario took place in this review with EJ65TLG Pro-Arte Custom Extruded Nylon Ukulele strings that are of low G tunning made for Tenor Ukulele. D'Addario mostly produces strings of such quality that gives hard competition to the other manufacturers. And in case of Ej65LTG is another best tenor Ukulele string set.
D'Addario engineer these strings especially to be of a low-G tuning that helps to produce more profound and melancholic sounds to develop from your Ukulele that is unique to you.
The nylon strings of EJ65TLG is modified to have very accurate and fine-tuned treble strings. EJ65TLG, Pro-Arté Tenor Ukulele strings feature an Extruded Clear Nylon, Non-Ball End.
D'Addario never fails to provide the highest quality and performance. Just not their product but they also made Environment friendly, corrosion resistant packaging for strings to be fresh at all time.
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There is no doubt that D'Addario strings are always topnotch. If you don't have issues with the budget, then this is one of the best Tenor Ukulele strings.
Buying Guide for the best Ukulele strings
There are some key factors and features of Ukulele strings that makes the best Ukulele strings. Factors like material and pros and cons of each material, Sound and Tunning.
Materials
Different tonal quality and sound quality depends on different materials of strings. Different types of strings produce their individual sound and style.
1. Gut strings
Traditionally Gut strings were the first type of nylon strings used for Ukuleles and other kinds of string instruments. The primary material for making Gut string is different animal guts as the name refers. They produce a warmer and mellow sound.
Pros:
- They are very durable
Cons:
- Sounds very squeaky
2. Nylon Strings
Nylon strings are the most used and common type of strings., they produce various sounds because of the utilization of polymer. These strings provide excellent sound. In high temperature, nylon strings may increase in length for which players may have to retune it again.
Pros:
- It is thin, sturdy-strings,
- Mellow and sweet ukulele tone.
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Fluorocarbon (plastic) strings
Fluorocarbon Strings are alternatives to Nylon strings. Many musicians use fluorocarbon strings because it produces a bright and clear sound. Fluorocarbon strings remain unaffected in temperature changes. Even in higher temperature, the string tends to stay as it is.
Pros:
- Good intonation
- Suitable for all sort of players
Cons:
- None
4) Titanium Strings
Titanium strings are very sturdy and highly durable. Titanium strings also produce a sharp and bright sound. This monofilament-titanium is an excellent choice if you want an excellent sounding durable set of strings. The last long and sound loud.
Pros:
- Sturdy string
- Long-lasting
- Fine tone
Cons:
- None
Tunning
Tunning is an essential factor for Ukulele. The standard tunning of Ukulele is GCDA where the G string is some time from higher octave or lower octave. You need to what type of set you require for your Ukulele.
For Tenor and Baritone Ukulele there are alternative tunning like the higher four strings of a guitar which is DGBE for which you will require a different type of strings. If you have a tenor Ukulele, you must know the features DGBE string set to get the best Tenor Ukulele strings.
Tunning of Ukulele may often fall. A useful string set that consists of higher tensile strength provides a sustainable tunning that is good for extended playing hour.
Sound and tone
Since there are different strings made of different materials; hence the sound and tone may vary from one another. The combination of High, Mid and Low make an ideal sound.
Some string set has a mellow and warm tone, and some strings produce a brighter and more transparent tone. What is the best sound among them? It depends on you and your taste or even your requirements. The sound produced by different type strings are already written above so you can have an idea of which string produces which type of sound.
Durability
Materials that are resistant to temperature and tension are most likely to last long. It is not right that all sturdy string sets do not produce a good sound. You can surely find a string set with durability with the sound that you like.
Comfort and playability
For beginners, comfort and playability are one of the most useful factors. Learners at the beginning stage don't have the habit of playing hence playing with strings that consist thicker gauge or that are too sturdy may not be comfortable. Therefore beginners must find out a suitable ukulele and a set of strings.
FAQs
What strings are best for Ukulele?
It depends upon the player's requirement, but usually, good brands produce quality strings such as Marti & Co, D, Addario, Aquila
Are ukulele strings supposed to be plastic?
No, Nylon is the best material for ukulele strings. Direct plastic strings do not produce a good quality sound.
What are the four strings on a ukulele?
From the top of the 4th string is G. The 3rd string is C. The 2nd is E and the 1st string is A.
Why does my Ukulele sound bad?
Ukulele may sound bad at times when they are not correctly tunned.
Should ukulele strings be tight?
Well tightening the string will turn your string to play in a higher pitch. You must tighten or loosen the string according to the tunning.
Conclusion
So here are some useful instructions that may help you to find the best Ukulele strings. High-quality Ukulele strings are the best playing, performing and even recording. In this article, we have organized all the information that will help you to find such a set of string that will increase your interest in playing more.
Take your time before you choose a set of string. Take expert suggestion if required. There is plenty of information that you may find on the internet as well as around you. From this article, you probably have all the ideas that will guide you to get strings of a different type. Even if you don't find the preferred brand, then you can always match the characteristics of a right string and find the best Ukulele strings.
It does not matter if you are professional or beginner or just want to learn ukulele, a good set of string, will never fail to provide an excellent experience. And we have written this article so that you don't apply much effort. We wish good luck finding the best Ukulele string.
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