For an Anuenue AMM3, thinking about low G, worth brown + fremond soloist for the low G? Looking for warm mellow sound and not modifying the nut widening… thanks!
Boy, I'm in the USA, so I wont be visiting this awesome music store anytime soon, but I sure do learn a lot from your videos. Thank you, for all your hard work putting these together for us, & sharing your knowledge.
Wow! That Worth Brown is so much more mellow than the rest. Beautiful sound. I am going to see about getting one of those for my tenor for jazz playing.
Been using worth for a VERY long time! Brown low-g is my go to, they take a longer to stay in tune, but once they are, they stay in tune, aren't as affected by temperature changes as much, and I keep the same strings on for long periods of time
I wish I could patronize your store to pay you back for your hard work. Thank you so much though. I have several of the single Low G strings you reviewed, and needed some input on which one to choose and try. Got them lined up in order of preference based on your review. Here I go!
I absolutely love your videos. Very informative. On my tenor ukulele I have been using the D'addario Tenor Ukulele clear nylon. I have enjoyed them alot. I don't know if they are the best for my ukulele but I like them alot. I had been using Aquila strings but these have made my ukulele sound more consistent through the instrument, warmer with a little more projection to it. Anyway, I just wanted to share that. Keep doing what you are doing. Great job guys!!!
Hi, I've been using the red low G on my Kala tenor for sometime, it outlasts other wound low G's. However, I'm only just trying the other reds in a GCEA set so hopefully won't suffer any snapping! One thing though, the single low G's purchased, are a different guage to the one in the set. Many thanks for your informative videos. Mark
Great Comparison Alex. This video confirmed for me what I had already been using. My favorite wound low G and unwound low G are the Fremont Soloist Wound and the Fremont Blackline Low G.😊
Thanks for the GREAT video! I've been wondering about 'other' low G strings for a while now. And, fortunately, based on this video, I see no reason to switch from the Aquila Reds that I've been using. News Flash: I've been using the Reds for several years, stringing them myself on a wide variety of Ukuleles, and I have had zero (0) problems with them. Nothing has gone wrong, and I think they sound great. And, I do like the feel of them. I'm thinking that the folks who have had problems accidentally kinked them somewhere along the way, and they broke at a weak point caused by the kink. Just a thought. Happy strumming y'all!
After watching the video, and contacting the shop, I fitted a Fremont low G fluorocarbon black, to my Moonbird tenor. As advised, it needed NO modifications which was a concern of mine. I am SO happy with how it sounds/plays. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to high G on this uke because it sounds so full and opens up many options on being able to hear that bass line. Fantastic - I'm very pleased thank you!
Very interesting and informative and thanks for taking the time to put it together, a big debating point among ukulele players at the best of times, high or low, I don’t envy you restring 8 times!! For my part I have always used Aquilla Red series, unwound, low ‘G’ on all my tenor ukulele’s, and I’m very pleased with them, admittedly fitting them is a time consuming job, they are prone to breaking but taking time slowly stretching the string by hand as you tighten it seems to suit them well and prolongs the string life. I have just purchased an Enya Nova U23 concert black carbon fibre ‘travel ukulele’ , to have in the car. As an experiment I have fitted a Worth brown string, part of the Worth BM-LG Flourocarbon set. I like the tone , good sustain and nice to play, on the down side it has taken take a while for the string to settle down, needing to be retuned frequently. Part of the problem maybe because the Enya has a slotted bridge needing a knot to be put in the end of the string, maybe more practice on my part in knotting strings. Maybe it’s not good to compare the Aquilla and the Worth strings in many aspects as of course they are being played on completely different instruments but I’m enjoying playing it with the Worth string.
That's the kind of comment I was hoping for - the Aquila Reds aren't bad but it is so important to let people know why they don't get as much love as other strings. I for one quite like them and don't snap them but probably 40% of those that have ever tried them (especially in the early days) were complaining for refunds. It was a bit of a PR disaster for them. Thanks for watching and chipping in!
I use the Aquila Reds on all my ukuleles, and they are all low G. I have yet to break one, but then I've only been playing for a little less than two years on ukulele. Because of all the reviews I have seen warning of their tendency to break, I have been cautious in my installation. That being said, they are all I use.
Should have seen this video before - such a great source of information. I really appreciate it! I was buying recently an Aquila Lava Low-G set 'cause I wanted black strings on my bamboo tenor uke for visual reasons. I was a little disappointed when I saw that the low-G was silver-wound and not black. So I only changed this low-G with the existing Aquila New Nylgut hi-G - and let the other a little more life. Next set will be a Fremont black set I guess, because wound string begins to annoy me when sweeping with my calloused finger tips on the string.
I wonder if the reasoning could be taken beyond visual since I've read that black plastics are not as vulnerable to UV destabilization as lighter or clear plastics. I have observed the effect in other things but never seen anything in regards to stringed instruments. Restringing is cheap but the tuning process is not.
Hey Alex, That is the most comprehensive comparison of low g strings I have ever seen. Thank you. I have tried three out of the eight but now will have to try a couple more. My favorite of these, hands down, is the Fremont Black Line. But be prepared to turn that knob as they will stretch and stretch for the first couple days but believe me, it’s worth the wait. Another great string not on your list would be the wound low g from Pepe Romero. Great job, thanks again, Wes
What a useful and informative video. I've been a fan of the Freemont Blacklines for a couple of years now and recently swapped high to low G. Now I love them even more! Currently trying a Worth clear on another uke. It's only 2 days old and still stretching in, but think I still prefer the Freemont.
Thanks so much for your excellent, informative comparisons. I tried the Aquila silver wound nylgut on my tenor uke (restrung for left handed) and it works beautifully. Also, did not need to adjust the nut at all, seems to be fine. Greatly appreciate your channel!
Great comparison Alex. I have been happy with the soloist and have not felt any need to change as yet, but I may now have a look at the Aquila 16U. Very sweet sounding Uke by the way.
Thanks for sharing this video. I'm not hearing much of a difference between these strings since you are playing them the same time with other strings. In the future, why don't you try to play just the one string open and fretted at each position like in a chromatic scale? Maybe that will show more distinctly how each of them sound individually.
One can also use fishing line, fluorocarbon. I have a 6 string ( with 2 pairs the C and the A), I found I did not like the pairs when playing single note runs, some double strings mixed with single string notes. Also had some trouble finding strings long enough to tie on properly. I added an extra nut slot cut to play as a 4 string instrument for proper spacing. It was good for you to play the same song bytes with each string but I hear better when they are played side by side, A-B style.
Just watched your SUS theme tutorial - pleasing interlude. BUT... I have to say I love the little interludes you do on THIS low-g string video. Would be up to posting another tutorial on the ones you play here? Thanks! I enjoy your videos. Oh and I just purchased the Worth low G set of brown strings for my Kala tenor. And I LOVE THEM!!!!
Hi there, it's Alex... The rhythm playing on this video is My Girl which I have taught on my own channel Ukes with Alex. I haven't yet taught the other piece but when I do it will be on my own channel where I am posting lessons rather than the SUS channel.
👍very interesting & helpful 👍 !thanks for sharing! My favourite till today was the Fremont soloist, but I’ll give the Worth brown and the the second Fremont a try ...
Thanks for the comparison! I ordered some Worth Brown Fluorocarbon strings as a result. They seemed to have the nicest tone of all the ones I heard. I like the mellow sound.
Hi Alex! I believe I am going to try the Fremont Black Line, first. Thank you from Oregon - in the USA. (or U.S. for all those over the pond.) Love your videos!
Love this ukulele… even down here (looong way south!) it sounds gorgeous! Is there an update on strings?(now 2024) Great stringing effort!! thank you Alex…
Very interesting and helpful and it was nice to see you playing a left handed ukulele rather than the upside down circus trick!! With regards to the Thomastik low G & low C strings from my experience when fitted they can only be wound on one or two times after the initial turn before they can snap or stretch out of shape so tension needs to be maintained on the initial feed. They are a great string but require a technique to be mastered.
hi Frank, you mean you can't mount and dismount these strings at will, or is there a special technique required to mount them on the instrument? Thanks for explaining!
@@altviooltom Hi Tom, you can remove and replace once fitted just bear in mind they have less tensile strength than wound so come to pitch sooner than may be expected on tuning.
Hi! 1) Would any of the wound strings you showed us damage a plastic nut if the strings fit nicely into the nut slots? 2) Have you ever made videos showing how to string different types of ukes? There are a variety of bridges and ways to tie knots depending on the bridge type (and whether it has pins or not). I would also assume there are different methods of guiding the strings around the tuning pegs depending on the headstock, type of nut slot, how far the nut is from the pegs, etc - I play guitar, and on the one guitar I own, the manufacturer has very specific instructions about how to wrap the strings around the posts (some are done differently than the rest). Anyway, it would be helpful info if you have this kind of video or can make one. 3) Do you still use the same email you provided at the end of the video? I have an unrelated question pertaining to my disabilities and some other issues, and I’m hoping you might have some advice. Or do you have a way I can send you a pm on social media? Thanks! Much appreciated! 😊
Hi Masha, It depends on the plastic and quality of the nut but generally and wear and tear would happen over a really, really long time so the rate of degradation would be similar on a plastic nut to other materials. There are indeed 2 videos on the channel and on my own Ukes With Alex channel that show how to restring on various bridges. If you search on youtube there are so many people doing really good detailed versions of this particular subject that I don't even feel like the ones I've done are more special or educational than some others like the videos from Uke Like the Pros and Katie at One Music School. My alex@ukulele.co.uk is still relevant. I would prefer that you email me to seeking us out on social media to ask this stuff as we don't often get around to checking our inboxes on facebook/instagram etc but we do check our emails every day. Finally, if you want to follow me you can find me on various socials under the banner @ukeswithalex
Fantastic video, my dude, and so very much appreciated! I’ve been hooked on the Low-G Aquila Red Series for several years. My previous go-to was an Eddy Finn soprano bamboo ukulele, and the Red Series really seemed to compliment the strange tone of the bamboo material very nicely. Recently I saved up some money and bought a Martin tenor ukulele made from solid Koa, it’s a newer model from Martin, it’s called the T1K. I love the new Martin so much that I don’t even bother picking up my other ukuleles anymore! Being unsure about which strings to use with my brand new Koa Martin tenor ukulele, I decided to go with a set of Low-G Aquila Red Series, I really enjoy the way the strings FEEL, and I think they sound as good as, or better than, any of the other Low-G string sets that I have tried. I’m positive that I want to stay with the Low-G tuning, and while I’m totally happy with the Low-G Aquila Red series on my new Martin tenor ukulele, I’ve been thinking about trying out a few different options, just so I can feel the different materials, and, basically I’m just curious about how the different brands and different materials will pair with my new go-to ukulele! Whim I was sure that I wanted to do some experimenting with different strings, I literally had no idea where to even begin! I tried to surf Reddit and some ukulele forums, but I ended up even more confused! This video is literally EXACTLY what I needed in order to begin experimenting with different sets of Low-G strings, I had no idea that there were any UA-cam videos comparing different Low-G strings, and I am most grateful to you for taking the time and energy to make this video! I’m sure that there are several ukulele players out there that were able to learn a great deal from this video, so, I would like to say thank you on behalf of all of the people who you’ve helped and encouraged with your video! This is the first video of yours that I have seen, and I am really looking forward to checking out your other videos as well! I do have a couple quick questions, if you have a moment to respond, at your convenience, that would be awesome! -Can I call you on the phone when you’re working at your ukulele store, and can you help me over the phone to select and purchase a few sets of Low-G strings to get me started with trying out some different string sets? -Have you made a video where you talk about the different single Low-G strings and pairing them with different sets of strings to create unique custom sets of strings? -Do you have any experience with the John Pierce wound ukulele strings? I have tried them, and while the tension on the neck seems a little bit sketchy, they sure have a unique sound and feel to them! -in your experience, are there any Low-G sets that pair well with Koa ukuleles? -Do you recommend any specific sets of Low-G strings for tenor ukuleles? -If had a student that almost exclusively played a Martin T1K Koa tenor ukulele with a Low-G tuning, which set of strings do you think you would recommend? …based on your video, I think I want to try the brown strings first, do you think that’s a reasonable place to start? …thank you in advance for your help, and thank you again for the excellent, helpful, and encouraging video! I’m excited to spend some time watching your other videos, I’m sure there is a ton of excellent information for me to learn on your channel, and I promise not to write novels on all of your videos’ comments sections, I was just particularly impressed and inspired by this video in particular, super glad that I found your channel, it’s exactly what I was looking for, but I just didn’t know exactly what I was looking for until I stumbled across it! Awesome work, my man, thank you!!!
I have not tried John pierce strings or even heard of them before now... sorry I think worth browns or uke logic pinks are a great match for a Martin T1K.
Interesting video, thanks. As a string explorer its worth also looking at Thomastik low G, Orcas, Hilio (hard to find now) I use low G on all the Caravan of Dreams studio recordings and live and generally use Hilos, Freemonts or Thomastiks. It all depends on the uke combination as to the choice
Found this video after I got a wound low G string on. any tips on where/how to get a wound C like your description said? I like the sound of the wound scratching.
have you tried the thomastik-infeld cf27 and cf30 wound strings? I've read online that they are similar to the fremont solosists but better executed. What do you think? Thanks.
They are fine but personally I find them to be too dark sounding. The most annoying thing about them is that they tend to come apart very easily as you put them through a bridge. Sound wise I can imagine a lot of people will like them but they are definitely designed for a violin and not a uke.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore interesting. I thought they were guitar strings to be honest. Ive just bought a solid body mahogany tenor with a low g but it squeaks a lot and it sustains more than the treble strings so i thought id change that. On another note the treble strings sound so much better than my old solid top asacia concert! It had reentrerant clear flourocarbon strings. Im not sure why the new uke sounds so much better to me. Is it the size? Is it the strings (d’adario ej87t titanium)? Is it the all solid aspect? Is it the mahogany? Its a huge upgrade altogether but maybe changing the strings on my concert will make it sound better? Ur channel has so much information to help me with both ukes i havent found more information on strings than here, so thanks for that. Cheers.
Unfortunately I wouldn't know without having your uke in my hands and hearing it. I would just try something darker next time and see what works best. Good luck
Love your videos! I’m in US, but question. I like Worth Browns on my tenor ukuleles. Recently put a D’Addario .028 wound classical guitar string on my solid mahogany. Sounds fine, but I see you recommend a .031. I’m concerned thicker low G might sound boomy. No? Why do you recommend a thicker string? TY! I realize one of your recommended low Gs is .028. This size didn’t require modification of nut slot. 😊
I tried an Aquila unwound low G on my Concert Uke. I didn't like the texture of it plus it sounded very dull compared to the other 3 strings, it was even more noticeable when put through the Amp. Opted to go for a matching set of strings instead of just changing the G and found these, D'Addario EJ99TLG Tenor Low G Pro-Arte Carbon Ukulele Strings. I like the sound and feel of these and now have them on both my Concert and Tenor Ukes. They are quite a fat G which required the nut slot filing for them to fit though.
Hi :) i was in the comment searching for someone to recommend low-g strings for a concert uke too! So you're using the tenor strings on your concert uke too? Do you have any problems with that, besides having to file fit the fatter G to the slot? Thank you!
@@merrygirlguide Yes, I used the D'Addario low G set on my Concert too, and they are still on that one. But since then I have found the Fremont Soloist Squeekless Low G to be an excellent alternative if you don't want to file the nut. Although you may have to tease the slot out a bit if the string is tight.
Alex, I play baritone ukulele. Thou I'm still new to ukulele, is there a string you would recommend for both strumming and finger picking. Thanks for your videos, much appreciated.
The Fremont Blackline String, Worth Clear or Brown Strings, Aquila 71u Red string or not featured but still relevant are the Uke Logic 36P and 42P strings. All available right now on our site.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thank you very much for the answer. I have concert size and just worried if I purchase the wrong string. I need to replace all my set to lower G for the 4th string
Thanks for the video. May I asked a question. I have a Flight Victoria Tenor EQ-A that I like to convert to low g. My question is that it has a compensated saddle. If I convert it to low g will the intonation be off? Do I need a different compensated saddle for the low g setup? Thanks for your help.
Hi there, although I can't be sure I think it is unlikely that a wound low G would result in intonation issues. Its usually just the nut that might need a widen.
Are any of these low G strings thin enough that you don't have widen the slot at the nut to accommodate it? Sry if you answered in the vid, I'm still watching but didn't want to wait, in fear that I'd forget to ask.
I would guess that when you made this video Aquilla had not yet made their wound red series low G. It is oxygen free copper over nylon 6 fiber core. However on the copper wind instead of the wisper of silver they have some kind of really hard coating.
Aquila make too many big changes without changing the product code of the product. Especially with low Gs where they switch from wound to unwound and back almost every batch. The 72u red low G is different to the low G in the set. It's frustrating and as a result we just don't even try to keep up anymore as we are bound to give outdated information.
What the best for electric uke?? I put a red one on and it doesn't come through the amp at all while the other 3 white Aquilas are loud. I thought the metal winding would be best but I think this is not magnetic pickup but piezo so probably a Flourocarbon like the others? Or maybe metal wound is better but just not the reds? Thanks!
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thanks! Any idea why the red would Aquilas make almost no noise at all in the amp? I'll just have to order a few and experiment. Maybe silver wound and flouro. Cheers .
Great video! I'm interested in the Low G sound. Is it preferable to get an instrument that has been set up specifically with that in mind? (ie wider 4th string slot) or can any Uke be converted to low G? Thanks for you reply. Interested in visiting your store. Where are you based?
Great in-depth look at the low g world! Wondering if the Aquila needs a nut adjustment or not? Or should I stick with the Freemont if I want to try out at home and not have to mess around with my uke nut too much? Have a Gretch tenor with Aquila strings on right now. Thx!
Depends on the nut. You will most likely have to widen the slot on any nut for any low G to get the best out of the uke. Thinner ones will fit but not flush In the slot.
It's a bit of a pain in the bum because there is a chance if you have a low action that the high G will rattle around or buzz in the slot once it's been widened - if you widen the slot then a thinner string will sit a fraction lower than it used too... The way to fix this is either by refilling the nut slot with superglue and bicarbonate soda and then filing the appropriate groove back into place... That might sound like a lot of work but the other solution is to replace the nut which creates a whole other host of potential tweaking. I would just try a low G without widening the slot and if you really like it. Widen the slot and roll with the punches. I find that once people go low G with a Tenor, they rarely go back to High g. Hope this helps and other people read this comment... I must get asked this at least once a day in the shop and on other videos 🙈😅🤙 Happy to help 👍👍
just wondering. Since you can use guitar strings for a low G. It is also posible to use baritone strings on a tenor to tune it DGBE (linear)? Some people say no, but I am rather curious since there are much more tenor options to buy it would be easier and cheaper to get a good tenor and tune it DGBE. If the baritone strings definitely don't wpork what would be a combination of strings for this job?
It doesn't tend to work... There may be a combination that does but Tenor scale is generally crap in DGBE whichever strings you use. The best ones I've tried are the GHS Chee Maisel Bari-Tenor strings.
Thank you, this was very helpful. I was thinking about the Worth Brown, but might go with the Worth Clear instead. Question - is it better to replace the entire set of strings or just the G? Also, I would love to know what songs you were playing! Beautiful!
I definitely recommend going for the set for the best results... The music is a piece of my own I mess around with which is C, Am Bb, Dm, Gm to C The other song is My Girl 🤙 All the best
I note that you seem to be saying that these recommended strings work universally across soprano/cuncet/tenor? Regardless of VSL? Or did I miss something? Is low G a tenor thing only?
Thanks for this. I am in a quandary. My low g tenor has Worth browns on the A and E strings and Thomastik-Infields on the G and C strings; I love these for their smoothness and sustain. But they are hard to buy where I live and I don’t think we can get Fremont at all. I am due for a restring and wonder what will work best for me now - I mostly play fingerstyle folk. I HATE restringing so wonder if you have a recommendation as to ease of stringing - you have certainly put me off the Fremont blacks!
We ship strings worldwide for as little as £2 so I wouldn't compromise the strings you already like using for something more convenient. There is nothing out there quite the same as Worth Browns and the Thomastiks are also unique and excellent. The only thing similar to the Thomastiks worth talking about are the D'addario polished brass strings which feel like a violin string and sound a bit more like the soloist. Hope that helps.
Oh Alex you are always so wonderful about replying and I know you must be so busy! It does appear that Thomastik-Infeld uke strings are not distributed in Australia so I’ll go to your website and see how I can order from you. Aguilar sugar strings for a low G tenor have also been recommended to me . I do want to tell you how much I enjoy your reviews. I spent much of last year reading your reviews of tenor ukuleles and this gave me a very good idea of what would suit the music I play. One thing you did help me see was that I needed to spend reasonable money to get what I wanted. So I opted for a brand probably not familiar to you though it is becoming prized in Hawaii - a Barron River hand-crafted by famed Australian (originally American or Canadian) luthier Allen MacFarlane. I was lucky enough to get one second hand at a very good price. And it is BEAUTIFUL!
Meant to say, my daughter will be going to London this year and I’m going to check the location of your store to see whether it will be feasible for her to visit you and stock up on strings for me. Only wish I could do it in person!
Just a thought, if the website doesn't work for you for whatever reason just email us at alex@ukulele.co.uk and we can send a PayPal request. I'm delighted you enjoy our videos, it never fails to amaze me how far around the world these things go. 🙂
Yes its called honest wandering. It is due to be released in a few months under my name 'Alex Beds'. It is also the final showpiece song in my baritone ukulele course at ukeswith.com
I have a Gretsch solid Koa Tenor Uke. I would like to put a Low G on it but I don't know which string to choose? I thought I was going to go for the Aquila grey packet but you didn't demo that one? Can you advise please?
does a low g work on a plastic travel uke like the Flight ones? I have had my TUS soprano uke for almost 4 years now and think I need to change the strings. Any suggestions of what might work well apart for like for like replacement?
So a lot of the plastic board uke manufacturers tell you to use an unwound string but this doesn't work because the soprano scale is too low. I recommend using a fremont Soloist.
I currently own a Ohana TK 20 and a Kala ka eby te tenor ukuleles both which come fitted with Aquila ukulele strings. I would like to replace one of the ukuleles with a low G string. Which low G string would you recommend for each of the ukulele's? Would I be be te r with sticking with Aquila strings for example? Thanks for your videos. Very useful.
When you listened to the audio samples in the video which low G did you like best? The best thing to do is experiment. I'd probably string the Ohana low G as solid top ukes sound a bit more textured with a Low G. Regarding brand; try a Fremont Soloist first if you can't decide from the samples in the video. 6/10 of the tenor low Gs we sell are Fremont's so people love it ,🤙🤙
@@SouthernUkuleleStore its difficult as I'm listening through the speakers on my phone. I've gone ahead with your recommendation. Just need to learn how to fit it on my Ohana now. I've not restrung a ukulele or guitar before. Please could you recommend a good tutorial for doing it? Thanks.
They won't fit through the bridge or through the nut... Or the machineheads so you are fighting a losing battle. Also the nut width of a baritone is going to be a max width of 38mm and a ubass nut with is usually a minimum of 40mm. Basically, if you want to do it you will have to gut the instrument.
Alex, this was truly a labour of love! I have a wound low G on my Ohana tenor, I think the Soloist per your recommendation. I don't really like the wound-ness of it though, so it's good to know I can use an unwound string without messing with the nut.
Tried fitting my tenor uke with the fluorocarbon low g string set from Fremont yet for some reason the low g is too thick for my bridge and doesn't go in. Had to use steel wound instead to push it down...do I need my uke set up for a low g?
Hi, this is a lot of info for me as Im fairly new to the ukelele world (and never changed a string before), could anyone recommend a low-G for my Enya tenor? I have clear D'Addario strings on there currently (not sure which kind) and don't want to have to make any modifications to fit the low G. Should I choose a wound string? Are they thinner/easier to fit? Thanks in advance!
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thanks so much for replying... enjoying your videos and advice. Hopefully, I'll be able to pop in the shop for a browse and a chat one day!
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Hi again Alex, I am just browsing your website and ready to buy and try that Fremont soloist you recommended but I thought that while I'm shopping I might as well try an entirely new set of strings and I was tempted by the Worth Browns as I play a lot of jazz and I know they come recommended. Having said that, I think that my ukulele (Enya solid wood mahogany tenor with D'addario clear strings) is on the quiet side... would you recommend the Worths? I want a warm, mellow sound but feel like I could do with a bit more volume. Thanks in advance for your advice, always appreciated!!
I don't know I'm afraid Emma - you will have to try some different sets and see what works best. I've found all Enyas to be on the quieter side so I'm not sure what's going to be best. Worth browns are a safe bet for a jazzy sound but jazz and brightness are opposite ends of the spectrum... I'd get some Worth browns 😉
@@SouthernUkuleleStore You're an absolute diamond for replying. I'll order some woprth browns and let you know how they sound. You ship to Spain, right?
What strings do you recommend for a soprano? I hate the Aquila. Which would you recommend for swing and jazz? I was looking at browns but I wasn’t sure which was for a soprano
Hi Alex! Great video but I'm a bit overwhelmed with the choice. I'm looking for a warm, low G. I have a flight Sophia tenor ukulele that has worth brown strings. Which ones would you recommend?thanks!
Try a wound string first as they tend to be richer and warmer than unwound strings. I recommend the Fremont Soloist as it's the most popular and has a smooth texture which people like. 👍
Well, finaly I tried an (unwound) worth clear concert string and I was really disappointed. Is was too low tense and quiet, so I had to put the old wound string of another company on it. Do you have a good look and feel witn unwound concert low g strings except the red aquila?
Great stuff, Alex. Thank you! My spruce/koa Kala came with D'Addario Titaniums, and I've been looking for a low-G set that's a bit more mellow. I'm thinking the Fremonts might be a good way to go. One question... how much should I be concerned about strings that don't perfectly fit the original nut? Do you normally replace the nut when going to thinner/thicker strings? Thanks in advance.
You don't ever really replace a nut unless it's faulty. I find that largely 90% of ukulele strings are a similar gauge and don't create nut issues. If you are switching to a Low G then it is worth going to a guitar\instrument workshop and asking them to widen the nut slot on the G to around a .030 (guitar D) with a nut file... Hope that helps?
Thank you! This is very helpful. While I do want to eventually try an unwound low G, you've helped me decide to try a wound D string instead. As it turns out, the #4 nut slot on my Kala is .029. So I'll try the wound D without nut modification first.
Playing each string
2:21 D'Addario folk
4:50 D'Addario silverwound
7:27 Fremont soloist
9:36 Aquila Silverwound Nylgut
12:24 Worth Brown
14:42 Worth Clear
18:02 Aquila Red Nylgut
21:07 Fremont Blackline
The 4th string is not wound, it's gut like 3&2 but much lighter gauge.
Give me some context. It's definitely a low G and if so what brand?
It sounds like a high G set to he honest.
For an Anuenue AMM3, thinking about low G, worth brown + fremond soloist for the low G? Looking for warm mellow sound and not modifying the nut widening… thanks!
Boy, I'm in the USA, so I wont be visiting this awesome music store anytime soon, but I sure do learn a lot from your videos.
Thank you, for all your hard work putting these together for us, & sharing your knowledge.
The boy does all proud with no ledge
Terrific video. Thank you for all the time and effort you e put into this video. It is much appreciated!
I watch all your videos; enjoy your humor and insights. Well done.
Thanks for taking the time to fit all the strings on the one instrument.
Wow! That Worth Brown is so much more mellow than the rest. Beautiful sound. I am going to see about getting one of those for my tenor for jazz playing.
This is very helpful. Plus, the sound on the music portion of this video is far better than we usually hear on SUS vids. I appreciate it very much!
That's so funny because I use about £1k of audio equipment now and this was shot on an iPhone with a £20 mic... glad you're happy either way. 😄
Well, I must say: all of them sound beautiful to my ears.
Been using worth for a VERY long time! Brown low-g is my go to, they take a longer to stay in tune, but once they are, they stay in tune, aren't as affected by temperature changes as much, and I keep the same strings on for long periods of time
The classical guitar string you used for low-G sounded awesome. Going to do it.
15:40 love that look ❤
Alex. You give so much information and it is always helpful. You also play beautifully. Thank you….KarenLee
I wish I could patronize your store to pay you back for your hard work. Thank you so much though. I have several of the single Low G strings you reviewed, and needed some input on which one to choose and try. Got them lined up in order of preference based on your review. Here I go!
I absolutely love your videos. Very informative. On my tenor ukulele I have been using the D'addario Tenor Ukulele clear nylon. I have enjoyed them alot. I don't know if they are the best for my ukulele but I like them alot. I had been using Aquila strings but these have made my ukulele sound more consistent through the instrument, warmer with a little more projection to it. Anyway, I just wanted to share that. Keep doing what you are doing. Great job guys!!!
Thanks for sharing 🤙
Hi, I've been using the red low G on my Kala tenor for sometime, it outlasts other wound low G's. However, I'm only just trying the other reds in a GCEA set so hopefully won't suffer any snapping! One thing though, the single low G's purchased, are a different guage to the one in the set.
Many thanks for your informative videos. Mark
Great Comparison Alex.
This video confirmed for me what I had already been using.
My favorite wound low G and unwound low G are the Fremont Soloist Wound and the Fremont Blackline Low G.😊
Nice 💪
Thanks for the GREAT video! I've been wondering about 'other' low G strings for a while now. And, fortunately, based on this video, I see no reason to switch from the Aquila Reds that I've been using. News Flash: I've been using the Reds for several years, stringing them myself on a wide variety of Ukuleles, and I have had zero (0) problems with them. Nothing has gone wrong, and I think they sound great. And, I do like the feel of them. I'm thinking that the folks who have had problems accidentally kinked them somewhere along the way, and they broke at a weak point caused by the kink. Just a thought. Happy strumming y'all!
After watching the video, and contacting the shop, I fitted a Fremont low G fluorocarbon black, to my Moonbird tenor. As advised, it needed NO modifications which was a concern of mine. I am SO happy with how it sounds/plays. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to high G on this uke because it sounds so full and opens up many options on being able to hear that bass line. Fantastic - I'm very pleased thank you!
I remember speaking with you John. Always happy to help.
Alex.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore yep... great service as always!
Thanks Alex nice demo love the tune your plying , I watch all your videos and very much enjoy
Cheers
Very interesting and informative and thanks for taking the time to put it together, a big debating point among ukulele players at the best of times, high or low, I don’t envy you restring 8 times!!
For my part I have always used Aquilla Red series, unwound, low ‘G’ on all my tenor ukulele’s, and I’m very pleased with them, admittedly fitting them is a time consuming job, they are prone to breaking but taking time slowly stretching the string by hand as you tighten it seems to suit them well and prolongs the string life.
I have just purchased an Enya Nova U23 concert black carbon fibre ‘travel ukulele’ , to have in the car. As an experiment I have fitted a Worth brown string, part of the Worth BM-LG Flourocarbon set. I like the tone , good sustain and nice to play, on the down side it has taken take a while for the string to settle down, needing to be retuned frequently. Part of the problem maybe because the Enya has a slotted bridge needing a knot to be put in the end of the string, maybe more practice on my part in knotting strings.
Maybe it’s not good to compare the Aquilla and the Worth strings in many aspects as of course they are being played on completely different instruments but I’m enjoying playing it with the Worth string.
That's the kind of comment I was hoping for - the Aquila Reds aren't bad but it is so important to let people know why they don't get as much love as other strings. I for one quite like them and don't snap them but probably 40% of those that have ever tried them (especially in the early days) were complaining for refunds. It was a bit of a PR disaster for them.
Thanks for watching and chipping in!
I use the Aquila Reds on all my ukuleles, and they are all low G. I have yet to break one, but then I've only been playing for a little less than two years on ukulele. Because of all the reviews I have seen warning of their tendency to break, I have been cautious in my installation. That being said, they are all I use.
Love the warmth of the Fremont --- that's what i want to try next...
Beautiful melody and not a bad looking/sounding ukulele :) My favorite was the brown, wow!
thanks, recently bought a banjolele and debating switching it a low G tuning so this is very helpful.
I am having a hard time getting the intonation right on my banjolele. But I also want to put a low G on
If you use a ruler to measure the distance and then tweak it you will eventually get there.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore I've been really trying, I just don't think I know how to do it right. Seems like every adjustment leaves weird sour tones.
Thank you for this very needed comparison!
Fluorocarbon! That's what's in my fishing reel!
Should have seen this video before - such a great source of information. I really appreciate it! I was buying recently an Aquila Lava Low-G set 'cause I wanted black strings on my bamboo tenor uke for visual reasons. I was a little disappointed when I saw that the low-G was silver-wound and not black. So I only changed this low-G with the existing Aquila New Nylgut hi-G - and let the other a little more life. Next set will be a Fremont black set I guess, because wound string begins to annoy me when sweeping with my calloused finger tips on the string.
I wonder if the reasoning could be taken beyond visual since I've read that black plastics are not as vulnerable to UV destabilization as lighter or clear plastics. I have observed the effect in other things but never seen anything in regards to stringed instruments. Restringing is cheap but the tuning process is not.
@@gausscone I'm using now Fremont black line low-G on the mentioned Tenor for about 6-7 months and I'm still happy with them
I have used the reds on my baritone ukulele now for 2 years no problems great sound i use low D very nice strings .
Hey Alex,
That is the most comprehensive comparison of low g strings I have ever seen. Thank you. I have tried three out of the eight but now will have to try a couple more. My favorite of these, hands down, is the Fremont Black Line. But be prepared to turn that knob as they will stretch and stretch for the first couple days but believe me, it’s worth the wait.
Another great string not on your list would be the wound low g from Pepe Romero.
Great job, thanks again,
Wes
thank you so much! this was a great video,i'm buying a new tenor uke and i would love to have a low g. this was super informative and helpful
Thank you for a great and in-depth review.
What a useful and informative video. I've been a fan of the Freemont Blacklines for a couple of years now and recently swapped high to low G. Now I love them even more! Currently trying a Worth clear on another uke. It's only 2 days old and still stretching in, but think I still prefer the Freemont.
Thanks so much for your excellent, informative comparisons. I tried the Aquila silver wound nylgut on my tenor uke (restrung for left handed) and it works beautifully. Also, did not need to adjust the nut at all, seems to be fine. Greatly appreciate your channel!
This was really great. Thank you!!
Always an education, thanks, Alex 😊
Great comparison Alex. I have been happy with the soloist and have not felt any need to change as yet, but I may now have a look at the Aquila 16U. Very sweet sounding Uke by the way.
It's the best uke I've ever played... Still can't believe it's mine to be honest.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Hi. Your playing is so lovely as is the Uke. Can I ask what make the Ukulele is please?
A Sumi Kobo Sakura Koa Tenor
Thanks for great video again, Alex!
Thanks for sharing this video. I'm not hearing much of a difference between these strings since you are playing them the same time with other strings. In the future, why don't you try to play just the one string open and fretted at each position like in a chromatic scale? Maybe that will show more distinctly how each of them sound individually.
One can also use fishing line, fluorocarbon. I have a 6 string ( with 2 pairs the C and the A), I found I did not like the pairs when playing single note runs, some double strings mixed with single string notes. Also had some trouble finding strings long enough to tie on properly. I added an extra nut slot cut to play as a 4 string instrument for proper spacing.
It was good for you to play the same song bytes with each string but I hear better when they are played side by side, A-B style.
Just watched your SUS theme tutorial - pleasing interlude. BUT... I have to say I love the little interludes you do on THIS low-g string video. Would be up to posting another tutorial on the ones you play here? Thanks! I enjoy your videos. Oh and I just purchased the Worth low G set of brown strings for my Kala tenor. And I LOVE THEM!!!!
Hi there, it's Alex... The rhythm playing on this video is My Girl which I have taught on my own channel Ukes with Alex. I haven't yet taught the other piece but when I do it will be on my own channel where I am posting lessons rather than the SUS channel.
I could listen to you play Ukulele all day!😆
Very kind. Thank you
👍very interesting & helpful 👍
!thanks for sharing!
My favourite till today was the
Fremont soloist, but I’ll give the
Worth brown and the the second
Fremont a try ...
Thanks for the comparison! I ordered some Worth Brown Fluorocarbon strings as a result. They seemed to have the nicest tone of all the ones I heard. I like the mellow sound.
I would agree they are the mellower option on the whole. 👍 enjoy
Hi Alex! I believe I am going to try the Fremont Black Line, first. Thank you from Oregon - in the USA. (or U.S. for all those over the pond.) Love your videos!
Nice choice!
Love this ukulele… even down here (looong way south!) it sounds gorgeous! Is there an update on strings?(now 2024) Great stringing effort!! thank you Alex…
Very interesting and helpful and it was nice to see you playing a left handed ukulele rather than the upside down circus trick!!
With regards to the Thomastik low G & low C strings from my experience when fitted they can only be wound on one or two times after the initial turn before they can snap or stretch out of shape so tension needs to be maintained on the initial feed. They are a great string but require a technique to be mastered.
hi Frank, you mean you can't mount and dismount these strings at will, or is there a special technique required to mount them on the instrument? Thanks for explaining!
@@altviooltom Hi Tom, you can remove and replace once fitted just bear in mind they have less tensile strength than wound so come to pitch sooner than may be expected on tuning.
@@frankwright3852 thanks for the caution!
Hi!
1) Would any of the wound strings you showed us damage a plastic nut if the strings fit nicely into the nut slots?
2) Have you ever made videos showing how to string different types of ukes? There are a variety of bridges and ways to tie knots depending on the bridge type (and whether it has pins or not). I would also assume there are different methods of guiding the strings around the tuning pegs depending on the headstock, type of nut slot, how far the nut is from the pegs, etc - I play guitar, and on the one guitar I own, the manufacturer has very specific instructions about how to wrap the strings around the posts (some are done differently than the rest). Anyway, it would be helpful info if you have this kind of video or can make one.
3) Do you still use the same email you provided at the end of the video? I have an unrelated question pertaining to my disabilities and some other issues, and I’m hoping you might have some advice. Or do you have a way I can send you a pm on social media?
Thanks! Much appreciated! 😊
Hi Masha,
It depends on the plastic and quality of the nut but generally and wear and tear would happen over a really, really long time so the rate of degradation would be similar on a plastic nut to other materials.
There are indeed 2 videos on the channel and on my own Ukes With Alex channel that show how to restring on various bridges. If you search on youtube there are so many people doing really good detailed versions of this particular subject that I don't even feel like the ones I've done are more special or educational than some others like the videos from Uke Like the Pros and Katie at One Music School.
My alex@ukulele.co.uk is still relevant. I would prefer that you email me to seeking us out on social media to ask this stuff as we don't often get around to checking our inboxes on facebook/instagram etc but we do check our emails every day.
Finally, if you want to follow me you can find me on various socials under the banner @ukeswithalex
Thanks from Northern California! I have the brown Worth and I like it, but will try a wound string as well.
WORTH BROWN
Fantastic video, my dude, and so very much appreciated! I’ve been hooked on the Low-G Aquila Red Series for several years. My previous go-to was an Eddy Finn soprano bamboo ukulele, and the Red Series really seemed to compliment the strange tone of the bamboo material very nicely. Recently I saved up some money and bought a Martin tenor ukulele made from solid Koa, it’s a newer model from Martin, it’s called the T1K. I love the new Martin so much that I don’t even bother picking up my other ukuleles anymore! Being unsure about which strings to use with my brand new Koa Martin tenor ukulele, I decided to go with a set of Low-G Aquila Red Series, I really enjoy the way the strings FEEL, and I think they sound as good as, or better than, any of the other Low-G string sets that I have tried. I’m positive that I want to stay with the Low-G tuning, and while I’m totally happy with the Low-G Aquila Red series on my new Martin tenor ukulele, I’ve been thinking about trying out a few different options, just so I can feel the different materials, and, basically I’m just curious about how the different brands and different materials will pair with my new go-to ukulele! Whim I was sure that I wanted to do some experimenting with different strings, I literally had no idea where to even begin! I tried to surf Reddit and some ukulele forums, but I ended up even more confused! This video is literally EXACTLY what I needed in order to begin experimenting with different sets of Low-G strings, I had no idea that there were any UA-cam videos comparing different Low-G strings, and I am most grateful to you for taking the time and energy to make this video! I’m sure that there are several ukulele players out there that were able to learn a great deal from this video, so, I would like to say thank you on behalf of all of the people who you’ve helped and encouraged with your video! This is the first video of yours that I have seen, and I am really looking forward to checking out your other videos as well! I do have a couple quick questions, if you have a moment to respond, at your convenience, that would be awesome! -Can I call you on the phone when you’re working at your ukulele store, and can you help me over the phone to select and purchase a few sets of Low-G strings to get me started with trying out some different string sets? -Have you made a video where you talk about the different single Low-G strings and pairing them with different sets of strings to create unique custom sets of strings? -Do you have any experience with the John Pierce wound ukulele strings? I have tried them, and while the tension on the neck seems a little bit sketchy, they sure have a unique sound and feel to them! -in your experience, are there any Low-G sets that pair well with Koa ukuleles? -Do you recommend any specific sets of Low-G strings for tenor ukuleles? -If had a student that almost exclusively played a Martin T1K Koa tenor ukulele with a Low-G tuning, which set of strings do you think you would recommend? …based on your video, I think I want to try the brown strings first, do you think that’s a reasonable place to start? …thank you in advance for your help, and thank you again for the excellent, helpful, and encouraging video! I’m excited to spend some time watching your other videos, I’m sure there is a ton of excellent information for me to learn on your channel, and I promise not to write novels on all of your videos’ comments sections, I was just particularly impressed and inspired by this video in particular, super glad that I found your channel, it’s exactly what I was looking for, but I just didn’t know exactly what I was looking for until I stumbled across it! Awesome work, my man, thank you!!!
I have not tried John pierce strings or even heard of them before now... sorry
I think worth browns or uke logic pinks are a great match for a Martin T1K.
I bought a set of Reds not long ago and the low g was a wound string. First time I have seen that
I prefer low G tuning. Your playing sounds lovely 😊
Thank you
Interesting video, thanks. As a string explorer its worth also looking at Thomastik low G, Orcas, Hilio (hard to find now) I use low G on all the Caravan of Dreams studio recordings and live and generally use Hilos, Freemonts or Thomastiks. It all depends on the uke combination as to the choice
I wanted to feature thomastiks but have been waiting for stock to arrive for most of October and gave up in the end... Thanks for the info.
I think they (for most ukes) along with Freemonts to my ears sound most musical
Great video guys
Thanks for the all the info. ( Martin )
Found this video after I got a wound low G string on. any tips on where/how to get a wound C like your description said? I like the sound of the wound scratching.
We sell them...
@@SouthernUkuleleStore I found the Ko'olau set with wound G on your website. No luck finding the wound C.. got a link?
The wound C is made by Daddario and sold individually
Super vid , V informative . keep em coming Alex. No Aquila Lava's though ?
Thanks Alex.
I like the sound of the red the best
Nice! Great ukelele also!
have you tried the thomastik-infeld cf27 and cf30 wound strings? I've read online that they are similar to the fremont solosists but better executed. What do you think? Thanks.
They are fine but personally I find them to be too dark sounding. The most annoying thing about them is that they tend to come apart very easily as you put them through a bridge. Sound wise I can imagine a lot of people will like them but they are definitely designed for a violin and not a uke.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore interesting. I thought they were guitar strings to be honest. Ive just bought a solid body mahogany tenor with a low g but it squeaks a lot and it sustains more than the treble strings so i thought id change that. On another note the treble strings sound so much better than my old solid top asacia concert! It had reentrerant clear flourocarbon strings. Im not sure why the new uke sounds so much better to me. Is it the size? Is it the strings (d’adario ej87t titanium)? Is it the all solid aspect? Is it the mahogany? Its a huge upgrade altogether but maybe changing the strings on my concert will make it sound better? Ur channel has so much information to help me with both ukes i havent found more information on strings than here, so thanks for that. Cheers.
Unfortunately I wouldn't know without having your uke in my hands and hearing it. I would just try something darker next time and see what works best. Good luck
Love your videos! I’m in US, but question. I like Worth Browns on my tenor ukuleles. Recently put a D’Addario .028 wound classical guitar string on my solid mahogany. Sounds fine, but I see you recommend a .031. I’m concerned thicker low G might sound boomy. No? Why do you recommend a thicker string? TY! I realize one of your recommended low Gs is .028. This size didn’t require modification of nut slot. 😊
Recommended after trial and error. Seems to be the right tension and balance with other unwound treble strings.
I tried an Aquila unwound low G on my Concert Uke. I didn't like the texture of it plus it sounded very dull compared to the other 3 strings, it was even more noticeable when put through the Amp.
Opted to go for a matching set of strings instead of just changing the G and found these, D'Addario EJ99TLG Tenor Low G Pro-Arte Carbon Ukulele Strings. I like the sound and feel of these and now have them on both my Concert and Tenor Ukes. They are quite a fat G which required the nut slot filing for them to fit though.
Hi :) i was in the comment searching for someone to recommend low-g strings for a concert uke too! So you're using the tenor strings on your concert uke too? Do you have any problems with that, besides having to file fit the fatter G to the slot? Thank you!
@@merrygirlguide Yes, I used the D'Addario low G set on my Concert too, and they are still on that one. But since then I have found the Fremont Soloist Squeekless Low G to be an excellent alternative if you don't want to file the nut. Although you may have to tease the slot out a bit if the string is tight.
Alex, I play baritone ukulele. Thou I'm still new to ukulele, is there a string you would recommend for both strumming and finger picking. Thanks for your videos, much appreciated.
I always find the Martin M630 strings are winners for Baritone ukes
Would you normally need to file the nut and saddle?
Depends on the uke. Usually the nut needs a gentle widen out the first time.
Hi. Which one is suitable for concert size, and the material of the string is not metal
The Fremont Blackline String, Worth Clear or Brown Strings, Aquila 71u Red string or not featured but still relevant are the Uke Logic 36P and 42P strings. All available right now on our site.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thank you very much for the answer. I have concert size and just worried if I purchase the wrong string. I need to replace all my set to lower G for the 4th string
Thank you!!🤗
Would you put a Low G string on a Concert? If so which one would you recommend.
Yes I would - I use low G on concerts all the time. I found the Fremont Soloist works best closely followed by the Worth Clears unwound strings.
Thanks for the video. May I asked a question. I have a Flight Victoria Tenor EQ-A that I like to convert to low g. My question is that it has a compensated saddle. If I convert it to low g will the intonation be off? Do I need a different compensated saddle for the low g setup? Thanks for your help.
Hi there, although I can't be sure I think it is unlikely that a wound low G would result in intonation issues. Its usually just the nut that might need a widen.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thank you so much for your advice.
Any thoughts on the Pepe Romero low G set by LaBella? They came stock on my Romero Grand Tenor and they are my first low G strings I have played.
They are slightly fatter and higher tension than most other sets but I really like them and they to great on the Grand Tenor.
Are any of these low G strings thin enough that you don't have widen the slot at the nut to accommodate it? Sry if you answered in the vid, I'm still watching but didn't want to wait, in fear that I'd forget to ask.
I would guess that when you made this video Aquilla had not yet made their wound red series low G. It is oxygen free copper over nylon 6 fiber core. However on the copper wind instead of the wisper of silver they have some kind of really hard coating.
Aquila make too many big changes without changing the product code of the product. Especially with low Gs where they switch from wound to unwound and back almost every batch. The 72u red low G is different to the low G in the set. It's frustrating and as a result we just don't even try to keep up anymore as we are bound to give outdated information.
What the best for electric uke?? I put a red one on and it doesn't come through the amp at all while the other 3 white Aquilas are loud. I thought the metal winding would be best but I think this is not magnetic pickup but piezo so probably a Flourocarbon like the others? Or maybe metal wound is better but just not the reds? Thanks!
I find wound Low Gs sound better plugged in personally. Either will be fine.
A piezo works on pressure and contact so it doesn't matter.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thanks! Any idea why the red would Aquilas make almost no noise at all in the amp? I'll just have to order a few and experiment. Maybe silver wound and flouro. Cheers
.
Have you made sure the pickup strip is making even contact?
Nice work.
Great video! I'm interested in the Low G sound. Is it preferable to get an instrument that has been set up specifically with that in mind? (ie wider 4th string slot) or can any Uke be converted to low G? Thanks for you reply. Interested in visiting your store. Where are you based?
It is optimum to do that but your nut might already be wide enough. Give it a try.
5:33 which one is the string on the bottom?
It's in the description
Great in-depth look at the low g world! Wondering if the Aquila needs a nut adjustment or not? Or should I stick with the Freemont if I want to try out at home and not have to mess around with my uke nut too much? Have a Gretch tenor with Aquila strings on right now. Thx!
Depends on the nut. You will most likely have to widen the slot on any nut for any low G to get the best out of the uke. Thinner ones will fit but not flush In the slot.
Cool! Thanks for the info and for explaining the characteristics of all these different strings! :)
If I widen the nut, will this make it difficult to go back to high G if I chose to do so in the future?
It's a bit of a pain in the bum because there is a chance if you have a low action that the high G will rattle around or buzz in the slot once it's been widened - if you widen the slot then a thinner string will sit a fraction lower than it used too...
The way to fix this is either by refilling the nut slot with superglue and bicarbonate soda and then filing the appropriate groove back into place... That might sound like a lot of work but the other solution is to replace the nut which creates a whole other host of potential tweaking.
I would just try a low G without widening the slot and if you really like it. Widen the slot and roll with the punches. I find that once people go low G with a Tenor, they rarely go back to High g.
Hope this helps and other people read this comment... I must get asked this at least once a day in the shop and on other videos 🙈😅🤙
Happy to help 👍👍
or, embrace the low G world and be done with it! :). Solid advice! Thanks a lot! Cheers!
just wondering. Since you can use guitar strings for a low G. It is also posible to use baritone strings on a tenor to tune it DGBE (linear)? Some people say no, but I am rather curious since there are much more tenor options to buy it would be easier and cheaper to get a good tenor and tune it DGBE. If the baritone strings definitely don't wpork what would be a combination of strings for this job?
It doesn't tend to work... There may be a combination that does but Tenor scale is generally crap in DGBE whichever strings you use. The best ones I've tried are the GHS Chee Maisel Bari-Tenor strings.
Thank you, this was very helpful. I was thinking about the Worth Brown, but might go with the Worth Clear instead. Question - is it better to replace the entire set of strings or just the G? Also, I would love to know what songs you were playing! Beautiful!
I definitely recommend going for the set for the best results...
The music is a piece of my own I mess around with which is C, Am Bb, Dm, Gm to C
The other song is My Girl 🤙
All the best
I note that you seem to be saying that these recommended strings work universally across soprano/cuncet/tenor? Regardless of VSL? Or did I miss something? Is low G a tenor thing only?
Concerts are usually fine. I would check individual product descriptions for soprano information
Thanks for this. I am in a quandary. My low g tenor has Worth browns on the A and E strings and Thomastik-Infields on the G and C strings; I love these for their smoothness and sustain. But they are hard to buy where I live and I don’t think we can get Fremont at all. I am due for a restring and wonder what will work best for me now - I mostly play fingerstyle folk. I HATE restringing so wonder if you have a recommendation as to ease of stringing - you have certainly put me off the Fremont blacks!
We ship strings worldwide for as little as £2 so I wouldn't compromise the strings you already like using for something more convenient. There is nothing out there quite the same as Worth Browns and the Thomastiks are also unique and excellent. The only thing similar to the Thomastiks worth talking about are the D'addario polished brass strings which feel like a violin string and sound a bit more like the soloist.
Hope that helps.
Oh Alex you are always so wonderful about replying and I know you must be so busy! It does appear that Thomastik-Infeld uke strings are not distributed in Australia so I’ll go to your website and see how I can order from you. Aguilar sugar strings for a low G tenor have also been recommended to me . I do want to tell you how much I enjoy your reviews. I spent much of last year reading your reviews of tenor ukuleles and this gave me a very good idea of what would suit the music I play. One thing you did help me see was that I needed to spend reasonable money to get what I wanted. So I opted for a brand probably not familiar to you though it is becoming prized in Hawaii - a Barron River hand-crafted by famed Australian (originally American or Canadian) luthier Allen MacFarlane. I was lucky enough to get one second hand at a very good price. And it is BEAUTIFUL!
Meant to say, my daughter will be going to London this year and I’m going to check the location of your store to see whether it will be feasible for her to visit you and stock up on strings for me. Only wish I could do it in person!
We sell Barron River- very nice choice!
Just a thought, if the website doesn't work for you for whatever reason just email us at alex@ukulele.co.uk and we can send a PayPal request.
I'm delighted you enjoy our videos, it never fails to amaze me how far around the world these things go. 🙂
Does the song he was playing have a name? I would very much like to try and learn it.
Yes its called honest wandering. It is due to be released in a few months under my name 'Alex Beds'. It is also the final showpiece song in my baritone ukulele course at ukeswith.com
Love your music!!!
I have a Gretsch solid Koa Tenor Uke. I would like to put a Low G on it but I don't know which string to choose? I thought I was going to go for the Aquila grey packet but you didn't demo that one? Can you advise please?
Aquila have only recently launched specific lava and sugar single low Gs... personally I would go for the Aquila 16u on your uke.
does a low g work on a plastic travel uke like the Flight ones? I have had my TUS soprano uke for almost 4 years now and think I need to change the strings. Any suggestions of what might work well apart for like for like replacement?
So a lot of the plastic board uke manufacturers tell you to use an unwound string but this doesn't work because the soprano scale is too low. I recommend using a fremont Soloist.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thanks will give them a try
@@SouthernUkuleleStore to your knowledge are wound strings likely to cause any damage to the plastic fretboard being metal?
Beginner question here: Does the G string come as 1 string in the pack, are is it a 4 string set in those packs?
It can be both. Many companies sell low G strings individually or as part of full sets.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thanks so much for replying!
I’m a beginner. I will have my first concert ukulele in a few days. Its a concert Enya Nova U. What kind of string should I buy for a low G? Thank you
Worth clear
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thank you
I like to play flamenco, blues and Rockabilly - is there a low g string that is better suited for this type of music
Any wound string should suit. I'd try a Fremont Soloist first.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore thank you my friend
I currently own a Ohana TK 20 and a Kala ka eby te tenor ukuleles both which come fitted with Aquila ukulele strings. I would like to replace one of the ukuleles with a low G string. Which low G string would you recommend for each of the ukulele's? Would I be be te r with sticking with Aquila strings for example? Thanks for your videos. Very useful.
When you listened to the audio samples in the video which low G did you like best?
The best thing to do is experiment. I'd probably string the Ohana low G as solid top ukes sound a bit more textured with a Low G.
Regarding brand; try a Fremont Soloist first if you can't decide from the samples in the video. 6/10 of the tenor low Gs we sell are Fremont's so people love it ,🤙🤙
@@SouthernUkuleleStore its difficult as I'm listening through the speakers on my phone.
I've gone ahead with your recommendation. Just need to learn how to fit it on my Ohana now. I've not restrung a ukulele or guitar before. Please could you recommend a good tutorial for doing it? Thanks.
If you search back through our channel there is a video demonstration 👌
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Brill thank you very much
Why is the 4th string a lighter gauge than the 3rd and 2nd.
With Low G strings that would only be the case with a wound string. The winding enables you to have a thinner string that can handle a lower pitch.
Would a wound low G be ok with, say, a misi pickup?
Yes
What would happen if you put Thunder Black bass strings on a baritone? Thank you, Bob
They won't fit through the bridge or through the nut... Or the machineheads so you are fighting a losing battle. Also the nut width of a baritone is going to be a max width of 38mm and a ubass nut with is usually a minimum of 40mm.
Basically, if you want to do it you will have to gut the instrument.
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Brilliant. Thank you.
Alex, this was truly a labour of love!
I have a wound low G on my Ohana tenor, I think the Soloist per your recommendation. I don't really like the wound-ness of it though, so it's good to know I can use an unwound string without messing with the nut.
Tried fitting my tenor uke with the fluorocarbon low g string set from Fremont yet for some reason the low g is too thick for my bridge and doesn't go in. Had to use steel wound instead to push it down...do I need my uke set up for a low g?
If you want a ukulele set up low G then you do usually have to widen the nut slot. The bridge shouldn't need modification, that's quite unusual.
Is it ok to use a guitar string on a tenor ukulele for low G? Could it affect the instrument ?
Use a classical guitar D string ..
Anything else is probably a bad idea
Tks
Hi, this is a lot of info for me as Im fairly new to the ukelele world (and never changed a string before), could anyone recommend a low-G for my Enya tenor? I have clear D'Addario strings on there currently (not sure which kind) and don't want to have to make any modifications to fit the low G. Should I choose a wound string? Are they thinner/easier to fit? Thanks in advance!
I recommend an Aquila 16u Tenor wound string or a Fremont Soloist. Both of these will require less or hopefully no but modification if you're lucky. 👍
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Thanks so much for replying... enjoying your videos and advice. Hopefully, I'll be able to pop in the shop for a browse and a chat one day!
@@SouthernUkuleleStore Hi again Alex, I am just browsing your website and ready to buy and try that Fremont soloist you recommended but I thought that while I'm shopping I might as well try an entirely new set of strings and I was tempted by the Worth Browns as I play a lot of jazz and I know they come recommended. Having said that, I think that my ukulele (Enya solid wood mahogany tenor with D'addario clear strings) is on the quiet side... would you recommend the Worths? I want a warm, mellow sound but feel like I could do with a bit more volume. Thanks in advance for your advice, always appreciated!!
I don't know I'm afraid Emma - you will have to try some different sets and see what works best. I've found all Enyas to be on the quieter side so I'm not sure what's going to be best. Worth browns are a safe bet for a jazzy sound but jazz and brightness are opposite ends of the spectrum...
I'd get some Worth browns 😉
@@SouthernUkuleleStore You're an absolute diamond for replying. I'll order some woprth browns and let you know how they sound. You ship to Spain, right?
What is the formula for that Fremont string. I would like to wind one up myself.
You would have to ask Fremont for that... It's a flat wound alloy string so harder to reproduce than a round wound...
What strings do you recommend for a soprano? I hate the Aquila. Which would you recommend for swing and jazz? I was looking at browns but I wasn’t sure which was for a soprano
Black Nylon for Jazz...
@@SouthernUkuleleStore is that the same brand ?
No. Try Daddario EJ53S
@@SouthernUkuleleStore ty!
Hi Alex! Great video but I'm a bit overwhelmed with the choice. I'm looking for a warm, low G. I have a flight Sophia tenor ukulele that has worth brown strings. Which ones would you recommend?thanks!
Try a wound string first as they tend to be richer and warmer than unwound strings. I recommend the Fremont Soloist as it's the most popular and has a smooth texture which people like. 👍
@@SouthernUkuleleStore left handed baritone ukulele
I'm using D string from classical guitar. Works fine.
Half of the strings featured are classical guitar strings.
Well, finaly I tried an (unwound) worth clear concert string and I was really disappointed. Is was too low tense and quiet, so I had to put the old wound string of another company on it. Do you have a good look and feel witn unwound concert low g strings except the red aquila?
I've never found an unwound string for the concert scale that worked well. If you found the red worked for you I would stick with that.
Great stuff, Alex. Thank you! My spruce/koa Kala came with D'Addario Titaniums, and I've been looking for a low-G set that's a bit more mellow. I'm thinking the Fremonts might be a good way to go. One question... how much should I be concerned about strings that don't perfectly fit the original nut? Do you normally replace the nut when going to thinner/thicker strings? Thanks in advance.
You don't ever really replace a nut unless it's faulty. I find that largely 90% of ukulele strings are a similar gauge and don't create nut issues. If you are switching to a Low G then it is worth going to a guitar\instrument workshop and asking them to widen the nut slot on the G to around a .030 (guitar D) with a nut file... Hope that helps?
Thank you! This is very helpful. While I do want to eventually try an unwound low G, you've helped me decide to try a wound D string instead. As it turns out, the #4 nut slot on my Kala is .029. So I'll try the wound D without nut modification first.