I was scared to attempt this but your video made it super easy. I was so proud I managed to completely re-string my uke for the first time and so easily. Thank you!
I just got my very first ukelele today and got some better quality strings for it. Thanks to your guide, I had the strings changed in no time. Thanks so much.
the knot is known as the timber hitch or the bowman's knot. Having a name for the knot can help. When I was trying to figure out how to tie it once I realized what it was it made so much more sense.
I had my ukulele for almost a year and I didn’t know they would break or need to be changed so mine broke and I didn’t realize until I picked it up and I just had a mental breakdown so this video really helped me , THANKS !!!
I'd like to know what idiots clicked thumbs down, very helpful in changing my aquilla reds which I found sound metallic for mellower worth Browns, thanks Baz.
I did not give it a thumbs down but I can see why someone would, as you tie the knot your hands are in the way, put the camera behind your shoulder so that it can be viewed as the viewer will see it, or move the camera back so that we can see all the instrument, most of the time the important parts are out of shot
Thank you. I was pulling at my strings whenever I was in intermission of playing on my old soprano because I was always told it was good for the strings. Your explanation made sense on the flat spots it creates. It's like a rubber band that is thick. If it stretches; it's going to have flat spots. Never again am I doing that. Luckily..they weren't good strings haha.
One of those things that people see written, repeat it and it spreads and becomes received wisdom - any decent guitar tech will tell you it's about the worst thing to do!
Very nice. The only thing I do differently is to point the loose ends at the bridge downward instead of up, so the last string end doesn’t poke me in the palm. Meaning do the G string first then in order going down as you tie up the knots.
Baz, many, many thanks. Just changed the G strings on two ukes, a 4-string and an 8-string, both Baton Rouge tenors. Used your video playing and pausing as I did each one. So really you should get two 'likes'. Barry E
Love your videos, very thankful for this one. just brought a set of Aquila strings for my £30 tenor, this minute finished fitting them. Yours are the only uke videos I trust!
Peg Winder - just a gadget that makes it much quicker to turn the pegs rather than using your fingertips. Like a winding handle. Not essential, just a time saver.
Nice tutorial...gave me confidence to do the job right. Might be worth mentioning that string quality is also a big factor in how easily and quickly a string will achieve stable tuning. (eg. nasty nylons vs. quality Aquilas)
THANK YOU for the training on how to replace the strings. You gave me the confidence to do it myself for the first time and after having followed your instructions all was well! THANK YOU!!!! :-)
Great tutorial! Have some fret buzz on the E string. hope changing it out will fix the problem. Never worked on a plastic stringed instrument before. How often do you change out your strings? I play about 3 hours a week...
+coffeybreak89 Depends on how much I am playing an instrument. If I am performing regularly, I tend to change them about once every two months - basically when I feel ridges on the underside. If a ukulele is not getting played as much, perhaps leave them for six months. But bear in mind that nylon and fluorocarbon under tension does go brittle with time - so they don't last for ever even if they are unplayed.
Thank U SO much my dad bought my ukulele and one of my strings sounded weird so I removed it and I was panicking a bit because I couldn’t find a video that clear it see and this was the PERFECT VIDEO THANK U👍👍👍
Thank you for this video, after my Lava U broke (amazon very kindle just said send it back) as was in the progress for the 1st time to change strings on a uke this is really helpful! Thanks! Stringchanging is highly annoying xD
It's one of those things to get used to though if you are sticking with uke. It WILL happen again. I actually tell beginners it's one of the first things they should learn.
Only took me a couple tries to get everything right! I had the strings that i bought it with on for almost a year now, i had some grooves in the upper parts. Decided it was time for a change c:
I just bought another Uke yesterday and the C string was really dropping out of tune. Kept playing and retuning it every five mins.and after about 5 hours playing she is more or less staying in tune. Now when tuning sometimes there is a click as the string settles but sometimes it comes from the machine head area which seems a bit strange to me. Would you think the gearing in the tuning pegs could be faulty
I wouldn't say it WASN'T the tuner gear Tom, but I have played a LOT of ukuleles and never seen a gear fail that way. Are you sure the clicking isn't the string. They can make that noise when they slip on the peg or perhaps from the notches they form at the nut suddenly slipping.
The string is not unwinding. I can do maybe two full turns on the pegs with no sound difference. Suddenly there is a bing and she starts to move. My eyesight is not the best but everything seems to be sitting where it should. I first thought it was the string knot as it was a bit loose. Something is amiss. Bridge is solid. Nut is solid. Wonder is there a possible problem with the neck. Maybe its just aclimatising itself to its new home. Nice to have a chat with you any. I am Tom and live in Ireland. Playing stringed instruments for over 40 years but this has me a bit baffled
+Julia Capone Hi Julia - the short but unhelpful answer is - it depends. Personally on some of mine I change them every few weeks! But I wrote this article on the subject which probably tells you my views in more detail. In my view though - if you are having tuning issues and / or you can feel wear on the underside it's almost certainly time to change them. www.gotaukulele.com/2016/01/on-ukulele-string-changing-opinions.html
am a fan... thank you for your helpful vids. some time ago, after working at a guitar store, it "hit" me that guitar strings were basically wire/nylon. Recently i got into ukulele... well, i bought some nylon... to string my bari uke in standard tuning: From 1 a 4, 40# - 30# - 80# - 30#. The sound is good. Admittedly, this is fishing line (30# is labeled "high strength"; 40# "big game"; 80# "premium"). The Mitchell Uke sounds pretty good anyway... seems pretty solid so I expect no damage due to stress but my experience is limited. Am interested in your thoughts. (btw, used 40 on 1st or A, because the 30 nearly slipping out from slot at bridge...).
I don't have a favourite and never recommend strings - the choices are too personal. What I like is based on what I have tested and my ear and fingers agree with. Doesn't mean others will agree - and I don't always agree with others either. Beware string recommendations is my advice - trust your own ears and experiment with a few. There is no single best string.
jake meyer I rarely use Aquilas these days for the exact opposite reasons - find them rough and over loud - which really highlights my point - my playing style is clearly different from yours. Doesn't make you wrong if they work for you, they just don't work for me.
Thank you for this video, which I only just discovered now. My standard four-string tenor Lanikai ukulele actually has two holes for each string at the bridge, and I'm not quite sure how that works. I did put on new strings recently by following the example set by the original strings that were on the ukulele when I got if from the store, which seems to involve pulling the string once through one hole and back through the other, and then tying a knot at the end. Nevertheless I would greatly appreciate any further insight on what to do when dealing with that type of bridge (perhaps even another video?). Thanks.
It’s a style you see on some ukes that offers a dual method of stringing. I find the alternative looks ugly and offers no real advantages myself. You can string them in the normal way by avoiding the second hole and stringing through the holes that are in line with the nut.
Excellent tutorial. The only thing I have issue with is the idea to coil the loose ends so you can reuse the rest of the string if there's a breakage at the bridge. If you're worried about dead spots when stretching strings, why on earth would you use a string that's been bent through a tuning machine post hole?
No, of course it wouldn't make for a long term replacement, but.. as someone who played on stage wth uke for a few years and dead get mid set string breaks.. it's a godsend to keeping going quickly! Not a permanent solution though, granted.
Hi. Yesterday I change G and C Aquila Nylgut cords with D'Addario Clear Nylon (EJ65C) and they are losing tuning after 20-30 chords. I understand that are much flexible but it is normal to behave so quickly ? The E and A Aquila cords installed are losing tunning after 2-3 or more days of practice. Do you recommend to change all the strings from the D'Addario set ? Can I reuse in the future the original Aquilas ? Thank you.
Nylon certainly takes much longer to settle than other materials for sure. I have mixed and matched strings before - nothing wrong with it, but it will feel odd if they are of different tensions. Absolutely you can re-use older strings if they are not too worn!
I'm getting a new ukulele for Christmas, and I want better quality strings to go on it. Should I get a set with a low G, or stick with a high one, and why? Looking at websites asking the same question, I'm thinking high, but do you have a different view?
Sorry - I never give string opinions as it is completely personal. What some people like others may not and vice Versa. The reason is we all have different ears and tastes. The answer is simply to try different ones out. Strings are consumables and not a fit and forget thing. I change mine every couple of months.
Hi Barry, thanks for a great video. I actually think I could attempt this now! Question: I’ve not seen this addressed before, but is it ok to use wound strings for all four? I have a low G on my concert Kala and I love the sound. Was wondering what it would be like to have all wound strings. Thank you for all your reviews!! One of these days I’m going to get a second uke and your videos help so much.
Assuming you could get the right gauges (which I have never seen) - in theory you could. The trouble is - the wound string is intended for lower than normal octave tuning - you use a wound on the G, and on larger instruments sometimes on the C (which is usually a fat string anyway) - but don't think they would work on the E and A
I have always had a policy of never recommending particular strings. Various reasons - we all play differently, we all hear differently being the main ones. It's 100% subjective on sound. I see discussions online about the same string brand with some saying they like them as they sound bright and some saying the same because they sound mellow - yet both people are right - because that is what they perceive. So long as you buy a decent string brand from a reputable ukulele store you will be good with ANY of them. My advice to people is buy a few sets and try them, swap them and trust your OWN ears - not the view of somebody else as your perception may not match theirs.
thank you so much! this was very helpful but i'm not sure i did it right. my strings feel like they have a lot of slack in them, even though they are in tune (string by string). when i play a C it still sounds wrong. The C string also is barely wrapped around twice whereas the G string is wrapped many times? I know this is a really old video and you probably don't respond to these anymore but if you do i could really use the help!
that was exactly the problem wow. i was blindly following what my tuner was saying without even thinking of the idea that it might be a whole octave off. thank you so much
GREAT video! Question: if I'm changing all 4 strings...should I change one string at a time or take ALL the strings off and then put the new ones on one at a time? Or does it not matter which way I do it? Mahalo!
It doesn't really matter - if you have a tie bar bridge like this one I find it best to start on the A string then do the E, the C and the G - but only because it allows you to neatly tuck the spare end at the bridge into the loop of the next string. Equally you could do it G, then C, E, A
Thank you. The two videos I found for how to change the strings on slotted headstocks make the process look much more complicated. This one specifically: ua-cam.com/video/4nrCvmcY9oA/v-deo.html I guess he is just adding extra knots, and cosmetic adjustments.
@@v216 really no need for anything different , trust me. You might need a knot at the tuner, but that may apply to regular tuners too. I’ve never approached slot heads any different myself...
I watched several videos the first time I changed the strings on my solid headstock. Every one of them said to leave slack in the strings or wrap them around the pegs multiple times (as if it were an electric guitar). I followed their advice and ended up with far too many winds after the strings stretched. Your video is the only one I've seen that even mentions the advantages of NOT wrapping the strings or leaving slack. You are 100% correct, I think. I figured you would also be "the voice of reason" for slotted headstocks, too. (I was right!) I'm glad to see there's no need to over-complicate the process. 👍🏻
Is there a string type that is easier to play for a new player? My fingers are pained from mashing that first fret. I seem to need to go to pain to stop the C string from buzzing. Would a different string from the stock Aquila Nylgut help? thanks mate.
The only think I can think of is a lower tension set of strings. Ones that spring to mind are the low tension sets from Southcoast strings. Good strings too.
Depends entirely on the ukulele - with a decent quality ukulele the nut is only very lightly glued in place and a tiny tap with a small hammer will release it - they are easy to replace. Sadly many these days are glued in firmly, or worse, the finish on the headstock and neck is so heavily applied the nut can be embedded in it. Those are terrible to remove without making a real mess of the finish.
Question: I have an Enya EUT M6 and over the weekend, the A string popped. I replaced it with the same strings (D'Addario tenor flurocarbon ) and I haven't reached A4 yet and it feels like they're going to pop. I'm in E4 right now. Is this supposed to be like that? Should I still keep going ? I'm scared to pop it. Its hot where i am so I don't know if that affects anything.
Tuning to the right pitch should never pop a string so i'd keep going. Things that can make that happen on an A string though are sharp finishes at the saddle or nut slot
I never change my car tyres in a panic, I never change my car tyres. 😀 The Ukulele strings look more complex than what they are. Great vid as usual thanks.
My ukulele wouldn't accept the knot into the hole where it is supposed to go. Perhaps the groove is too narrow for the string I wanted to put on it. Is there any way to get the string on?
+Esther Geil What sort of bridge are you using - slotted or a tie bar? If slotted - the knot doesn't need to go in and under the slot - just resting against it is fine - so long as it can't slip through
If the string is too thick that it makes a knot that won't go in slot - I wouldn't widen the a lot myself. What you can do is tie a small glass bead on the end of the string. Never seen a slot so narrow or string so fat that it won't at least lodge against slot (which is all you need)
what string should i use? my ukulele is 16 years old and i havent used it for about 11 years now. what string should i use? cause our place doesnt sell ukulele string. and its a bit far to where the closest store that sells string. can you help me please
Well you do need ukulele strings to be honest to get the right gauges and tensions. They can be bought from loads of places online. Just make sure you get the right set if strings for the size of uke as using wrong ones can cause damage.
First thing is to understand what scale ukulele you have - from there a case of Googling online for ukulele strings for that scale. There are loads of brands - can't say any particular one is best as it depends on the uke and the player - but brands like Aquila , D'Addario and Worth are good places to start.
+Spendalyn I don't I'm afraid: I use a range of strings depending on the instrument. Ultimately everyone's ears, tastes, playing styles and ukes differ. What one person likes another may not and vice verse. I advise trying a few brands and trusting your own ears as to what you like best. They will be the best for you: sometimes I use deep sea fishing line. Seriously!
Not necessarily - in standard tuning the G and A strings are the thinnest, the E is the next thickest and the C is fattest. But in low G tuning they get fatter from A back to G. To be honest I wouldn't think about 'thicknesses' when string changing - the packs you buy have them all labelled.
how can you tell when strings need to be changed? or should it just be per a certain routine? ive had my uke for a few years and only played sporadically but the stings generally retain their tuning and rarely have to be adjusted
There's no fixed period - depends on your play style and frequency. Indications that you need a change are notches on the underside from fret wear or issues with tuning. I change mine every couple of months and can't imagine leaving a set on for a few years! With age, nylon and fluorocarbon strings turn a bit more brittle too which dulls their sound.
...when I was a little boy my Dad showed me how to tie a knot for a sinker... ...on a fishing line...Its exactly the same except it went 5 to 7 times around...LoL...;--),,,,, ...
i am seriously getting frustrated at my ukulele right now cause i cannot physically get my strings to get to the right pitch. it gets to the point where the peg refuses to come close to the right pitch. please help me before i break this ukulele
+mrgameandmusic It's very difficult to assist fully without hearing it. My tips for people struggling is as follows 1. Get a clip on tuner - BUT - don't use it for the first stage - reserve it for fine tuning 2. Get a reference pitch for your four notes GCEA - this can be a piano keyboard or a website like Get Tuned that will play you reference notes 3. Tune the strings using your ears to get them as close as possible to the reference sounds. Close your ears if it helps. Bear in mind that A, E, C will go down in pitch and G will then go up unless you are using re-entrant tuning 4. Use the clip on tuner to fine tune to pitch. Another option is to find someone else with a ukulele and tune it to that (assuming it is in tune). Not sure what you mean when you say the peg refuses to get close - you mean they are getting too tight? If they are, it sounds like you are over pitch - the strings should be taught but moveable!
i just can't get my strings to get to the right octave. aside from the G, since i want to use G3 instead of G4, none of my strings seems to get to the right octave until it gets to the point of which the string is wound all the way around the peg. even if i get about a whole step close to the right pitch, my tuning peg will just refuse to move, which is another nuisance within itself. this is really aggravating me because i want to learn how to play ukulele, but i can't learn if i can't use it in the first place.
+mrgameandmusic Still not quite following - take the strings off - tie them on the bridge then pull through the tuning peg keeping them taut. They will start to wind and you should be in region of right pitch with 2-4 winds around the peg - if you are filling up the peg with windings, you are starting with the strings too slack. Not entirely sure what could stop the peg moving.
I was having a problem with the very thing you said was easy (knotting and threading through the slotted bridge). The strings seem to thick to fit through the slot. Any advice?
Sometimes the holes can be a little tight but never personally had that problem. Might just need to run something through the holes to very slightly widen them?
I was scared to attempt this but your video made it super easy. I was so proud I managed to completely re-string my uke for the first time and so easily. Thank you!
One of those things that every uke owner should learn really. Glad it helped!
I just got my very first ukelele today and got some better quality strings for it. Thanks to your guide, I had the strings changed in no time. Thanks so much.
Kevin Organ My pleasure!
One of my popped off whilst I was playing! So, I really needed this, thanks!
I've had my ukulele for almost a year and I hadn't changed the strings until just now and this helped me so much. Thanks :)
awkwardsince1998 no problem!
the knot is known as the timber hitch or the bowman's knot. Having a name for the knot can help. When I was trying to figure out how to tie it once I realized what it was it made so much more sense.
I had my ukulele for almost a year and I didn’t know they would break or need to be changed so mine broke and I didn’t realize until I picked it up and I just had a mental breakdown so this video really helped me , THANKS !!!
This video helped me tons! I just got a ukulele and I had to change the strings and forgot how! So thank you
I'd like to know what idiots clicked thumbs down, very helpful in changing my aquilla reds which I found sound metallic for mellower worth Browns, thanks Baz.
+uknavynige Not sure either! Would love anyone who did down vote to tell me how they would do it better? Thanks man!
I did not give it a thumbs down but I can see why someone would, as you tie the knot your hands are in the way, put the camera behind your shoulder so that it can be viewed as the viewer will see it, or move the camera back so that we can see all the instrument, most of the time the important parts are out of shot
Thank you. I was pulling at my strings whenever I was in intermission of playing on my old soprano because I was always told it was good for the strings. Your explanation made sense on the flat spots it creates. It's like a rubber band that is thick. If it stretches; it's going to have flat spots. Never again am I doing that. Luckily..they weren't good strings haha.
One of those things that people see written, repeat it and it spreads and becomes received wisdom - any decent guitar tech will tell you it's about the worst thing to do!
Thanks for the guide, I just used it for my first re string of my tenor ukulele, worked perfect first time.
My pleasure Shane
I would appreciate a video on changing strings on pin bridge bridge uke please
I will if I get the time - but it really is as simple as tying a large enough knot - putting the whole and putting the pin in.
Very nice. The only thing I do differently is to point the loose ends at the bridge downward instead of up, so the last string end doesn’t poke me in the palm. Meaning do the G string first then in order going down as you tie up the knots.
Fair point - but personal preference - I find this way pokes me in the palm less on the other direction - works both ways though!
Baz, many, many thanks. Just changed the G strings on two ukes, a 4-string and an 8-string, both Baton Rouge tenors.
Used your video playing and pausing as I did each one.
So really you should get two 'likes'.
Barry E
Thanks!
Thanks! This was the 'how to' video I could follow most easily. I now have a set of Martin M600s on my uke.
Thanks!
Thank you for this. You do it the right way! No knots.
5onCover Thanks
Love your videos, very thankful for this one. just brought a set of Aquila strings for my £30 tenor, this minute finished fitting them. Yours are the only uke videos I trust!
Thanks so much!
Thanks!
You're welcome - thank you!
The best video that I've seen on stringing the uke. Thank you!
My pleasure!
Great video - thanks! Could you explain what the brown thing is that u use on the tuners. What does it do?
Peg Winder - just a gadget that makes it much quicker to turn the pegs rather than using your fingertips. Like a winding handle. Not essential, just a time saver.
Awesome, very clear and to the point
No problem
Thanks sir. Your site and tutorial was the easiest we found.
+lajugeote Thank you!
Nice tutorial...gave me confidence to do the job right. Might be worth mentioning that string quality is also a big factor in how easily and quickly a string will achieve stable tuning. (eg. nasty nylons vs. quality Aquilas)
Just changed my first string set "Happy Days" Thank you for making it so easy 🙂😊👍
Glad it helped!
THANK YOU for the training on how to replace the strings. You gave me the confidence to do it myself for the first time and after having followed your instructions all was well! THANK YOU!!!! :-)
+Tony Rogers my pleasure
Thanks a lot, i just changed my first set of strings on my own following your video :)
Cool!
Great tutorial! Have some fret buzz on the E string. hope changing it out will fix the problem. Never worked on a plastic stringed instrument before. How often do you change out your strings? I play about 3 hours a week...
+coffeybreak89 Depends on how much I am playing an instrument. If I am performing regularly, I tend to change them about once every two months - basically when I feel ridges on the underside. If a ukulele is not getting played as much, perhaps leave them for six months. But bear in mind that nylon and fluorocarbon under tension does go brittle with time - so they don't last for ever even if they are unplayed.
Thank U SO much my dad bought my ukulele and one of my strings sounded weird so I removed it and I was panicking a bit because I couldn’t find a video that clear it see and this was the PERFECT VIDEO THANK U👍👍👍
No problem! Thanks
Thank you for this video, after my Lava U broke (amazon very kindle just said send it back) as was in the progress for the 1st time to change strings on a uke this is really helpful! Thanks! Stringchanging is highly annoying xD
It's one of those things to get used to though if you are sticking with uke. It WILL happen again. I actually tell beginners it's one of the first things they should learn.
Only took me a couple tries to get everything right! I had the strings that i bought it with on for almost a year now, i had some grooves in the upper parts. Decided it was time for a change c:
Btw.. tons more beginners tips (the stuff tutor books gloss over) here www.gotaukulele.com/p/beginners-guides.html?m=0
Thanks Baz, really nice clear tutorial. I've just done my first ever full set change, and it only took a few minutes, even without a peg winder 😁
Glad it helped Anna!
easy peasy 😁
Yeah - it's not so bad. I actually heard of some people who pay people to change their strings. Seems crazy to me considering how easy it actually is!
Watched your vid and got it right the first try. Cheers mate!
Nice one!
thankyou I got my second uke today for my b-day I can change guitar strings but not uke so thankyou for showing me
Glad it helped!
Enjoyed that very much. I never knew about creating flat spots when tugging a string. It's something I have been guilty of doing.
Yep - At a push (mid gig) I have done it, but if done harshly it's a sure fire way to shorten string life.
I just bought another Uke yesterday and the C string was really dropping out of tune. Kept playing and retuning it every five mins.and after about 5 hours playing she is more or less staying in tune. Now when tuning sometimes there is a click as the string settles but sometimes it comes from the machine head area which seems a bit strange to me. Would you think the gearing in the tuning pegs could be faulty
I wouldn't say it WASN'T the tuner gear Tom, but I have played a LOT of ukuleles and never seen a gear fail that way. Are you sure the clicking isn't the string. They can make that noise when they slip on the peg or perhaps from the notches they form at the nut suddenly slipping.
The string is not unwinding. I can do maybe two full turns on the pegs with no sound difference. Suddenly there is a bing and she starts to move. My eyesight is not the best but everything seems to be sitting where it should. I first thought it was the string knot as it was a bit loose. Something is amiss. Bridge is solid. Nut is solid. Wonder is there a possible problem with the neck. Maybe its just aclimatising itself to its new home. Nice to have a chat with you any. I am Tom and live in Ireland. Playing stringed instruments for over 40 years but this has me a bit baffled
Thank you, my Ukulele just happens to be an Ohana so it made it really easy for me to follow along.
This sort of bridge is one of the two most common you will find. Not just Ohanas use this style
how often should I change the strings on my ukulele? I play it quite frequently, and I haven't changed them since I got the uke a year ago
+Julia Capone Hi Julia - the short but unhelpful answer is - it depends. Personally on some of mine I change them every few weeks! But I wrote this article on the subject which probably tells you my views in more detail.
In my view though - if you are having tuning issues and / or you can feel wear on the underside it's almost certainly time to change them.
www.gotaukulele.com/2016/01/on-ukulele-string-changing-opinions.html
This is the best uke restringing video I've found! Finally, I've managed to master this!
Thank you!
AGSparkles My pleasure!
am a fan... thank you for your helpful vids.
some time ago, after working at a guitar store, it "hit" me that guitar strings were basically wire/nylon. Recently i got into ukulele... well, i bought some nylon... to string my bari uke in standard tuning: From 1 a 4, 40# - 30# - 80# - 30#. The sound is good. Admittedly, this is fishing line (30# is labeled "high strength"; 40# "big game"; 80# "premium"). The Mitchell Uke sounds pretty good anyway... seems pretty solid so I expect no damage due to stress but my experience is limited. Am interested in your thoughts. (btw, used 40 on 1st or A, because the 30 nearly slipping out from slot at bridge...).
You'd be surprised at how many big brand packs of strings are actually just re-labelled guitar strings!
TY. That waas really helpful. :)
You're welcome!
Ahhh...a good vid as always. Thanks for the help I just bought Aquila strings hey make a difference what's your favorite type of string?
I don't have a favourite and never recommend strings - the choices are too personal. What I like is based on what I have tested and my ear and fingers agree with. Doesn't mean others will agree - and I don't always agree with others either. Beware string recommendations is my advice - trust your own ears and experiment with a few. There is no single best string.
I like Aquila because playability and softness and a lower sound. I just like getting everyone's opinion!
jake meyer I rarely use Aquilas these days for the exact opposite reasons - find them rough and over loud - which really highlights my point - my playing style is clearly different from yours. Doesn't make you wrong if they work for you, they just don't work for me.
Thank you for this video, which I only just discovered now. My standard four-string tenor Lanikai ukulele actually has two holes for each string at the bridge, and I'm not quite sure how that works. I did put on new strings recently by following the example set by the original strings that were on the ukulele when I got if from the store, which seems to involve pulling the string once through one hole and back through the other, and then tying a knot at the end. Nevertheless I would greatly appreciate any further insight on what to do when dealing with that type of bridge (perhaps even another video?). Thanks.
It’s a style you see on some ukes that offers a dual method of stringing. I find the alternative looks ugly and offers no real advantages myself. You can string them in the normal way by avoiding the second hole and stringing through the holes that are in line with the nut.
Excellent guide.. what size uke is your favourite Barry?
Neal Whitehouse honestly don’t have one - play all the sizes
Excellent tutorial. The only thing I have issue with is the idea to coil the loose ends so you can reuse the rest of the string if there's a breakage at the bridge. If you're worried about dead spots when stretching strings, why on earth would you use a string that's been bent through a tuning machine post hole?
No, of course it wouldn't make for a long term replacement, but.. as someone who played on stage wth uke for a few years and dead get mid set string breaks.. it's a godsend to keeping going quickly! Not a permanent solution though, granted.
Also a better choice if you are doing testing of string sets and want to swap and change to work out what you like.
Good points.
Hi. Yesterday I change G and C Aquila Nylgut cords with D'Addario Clear Nylon (EJ65C) and they are losing tuning after 20-30 chords. I understand that are much flexible but it is normal to behave so quickly ? The E and A Aquila cords installed are losing tunning after 2-3 or more days of practice. Do you recommend to change all the strings from the D'Addario set ? Can I reuse in the future the original Aquilas ? Thank you.
Nylon certainly takes much longer to settle than other materials for sure. I have mixed and matched strings before - nothing wrong with it, but it will feel odd if they are of different tensions. Absolutely you can re-use older strings if they are not too worn!
@@GotAUkulele Thanks a lot for your advise 👍
Hi Sir, what kind of strings did u use for this? Thank you
+Caren Keith Cruz honestly can't remember ! Possibly Worth brand. But it really doesn't make any difference. You change all types in the same way!
Excellent, thank you.
You are welcome!
I'm getting a new ukulele for Christmas, and I want better quality strings to go on it. Should I get a set with a low G, or stick with a high one, and why? Looking at websites asking the same question, I'm thinking high, but do you have a different view?
Sorry - I never give string opinions as it is completely personal. What some people like others may not and vice Versa. The reason is we all have different ears and tastes. The answer is simply to try different ones out. Strings are consumables and not a fit and forget thing. I change mine every couple of months.
what type of ukulele is that? :)
btw, thank you for the video. i just got my ukulele and this video helps me to change my ukulele in the future. ^_^
Hi Barry, thanks for a great video. I actually think I could attempt this now! Question: I’ve not seen this addressed before, but is it ok to use wound strings for all four? I have a low G on my concert Kala and I love the sound. Was wondering what it would be like to have all wound strings. Thank you for all your reviews!! One of these days I’m going to get a second uke and your videos help so much.
Assuming you could get the right gauges (which I have never seen) - in theory you could. The trouble is - the wound string is intended for lower than normal octave tuning - you use a wound on the G, and on larger instruments sometimes on the C (which is usually a fat string anyway) - but don't think they would work on the E and A
@@GotAUkulele Thank you, that makes sense! I’ll just keep my low G.
It would be nice to know what strings to use. No one ever seems to think of that, from a beginners point of view.
I have always had a policy of never recommending particular strings. Various reasons - we all play differently, we all hear differently being the main ones. It's 100% subjective on sound. I see discussions online about the same string brand with some saying they like them as they sound bright and some saying the same because they sound mellow - yet both people are right - because that is what they perceive.
So long as you buy a decent string brand from a reputable ukulele store you will be good with ANY of them. My advice to people is buy a few sets and try them, swap them and trust your OWN ears - not the view of somebody else as your perception may not match theirs.
@@GotAUkulele yes sounds like a fair point. Thank you for your reply and great content on your channel.
thank you so much! this was very helpful but i'm not sure i did it right. my strings feel like they have a lot of slack in them, even though they are in tune (string by string). when i play a C it still sounds wrong. The C string also is barely wrapped around twice whereas the G string is wrapped many times? I know this is a really old video and you probably don't respond to these anymore but if you do i could really use the help!
It could be that you are an Octave below the right one - in other words you are still at a C note but need to go up to the next C note.
wow thank you so much!! ill definitely try fixing that then!!!
that was exactly the problem wow. i was blindly following what my tuner was saying without even thinking of the idea that it might be a whole octave off. thank you so much
GREAT video! Question: if I'm changing all 4 strings...should I change one string at a time or take ALL the strings off and then put the new ones on one at a time? Or does it not matter which way I do it? Mahalo!
It doesn't really matter - if you have a tie bar bridge like this one I find it best to start on the A string then do the E, the C and the G - but only because it allows you to neatly tuck the spare end at the bridge into the loop of the next string. Equally you could do it G, then C, E, A
Any chance of a tutorial for slotted headstocks? Thank you
It''s not really any different - only that the posts are on their side not sticking up - everything else is identical.
Thank you. The two videos I found for how to change the strings on slotted headstocks make the process look much more complicated. This one specifically: ua-cam.com/video/4nrCvmcY9oA/v-deo.html I guess he is just adding extra knots, and cosmetic adjustments.
@@v216 really no need for anything different , trust me. You might need a knot at the tuner, but that may apply to regular tuners too. I’ve never approached slot heads any different myself...
I watched several videos the first time I changed the strings on my solid headstock. Every one of them said to leave slack in the strings or wrap them around the pegs multiple times (as if it were an electric guitar). I followed their advice and ended up with far too many winds after the strings stretched.
Your video is the only one I've seen that even mentions the advantages of NOT wrapping the strings or leaving slack. You are 100% correct, I think.
I figured you would also be "the voice of reason" for slotted headstocks, too. (I was right!) I'm glad to see there's no need to over-complicate the process. 👍🏻
@@v216 yep - if you wrap them first you will end up with far too many winds. Uke strings stretch LOADS!. Only exception I guess are wound strings.
Is there a string type that is easier to play for a new player? My fingers are pained from mashing that first fret. I seem to need to go to pain to stop the C string from buzzing. Would a different string from the stock Aquila Nylgut help? thanks mate.
The only think I can think of is a lower tension set of strings. Ones that spring to mind are the low tension sets from Southcoast strings. Good strings too.
Is it difficult to replace a broken nut or should I have a music shop do it? Thank you in advance.
Depends entirely on the ukulele - with a decent quality ukulele the nut is only very lightly glued in place and a tiny tap with a small hammer will release it - they are easy to replace. Sadly many these days are glued in firmly, or worse, the finish on the headstock and neck is so heavily applied the nut can be embedded in it. Those are terrible to remove without making a real mess of the finish.
Awesome Video! Thank you so much :)
no problem
Does this string you add is much smaller than the the next string on this ukulele?
Haim Peretz sorry I don’t follow your question. I was changing the g string just for a demo. All strings differ.
@@GotAUkulele yes, but the 3 string are bigger than the 4 string (top)? Not like guitar..
Haim Peretz yes - that’s the way a standard uke is. It’s re-entrant tuning. The G string is higher pitched than the next two. An octave above
Thank you so so so much
My pleasure!
This was very helpful!
My pleasure!
Very good! Thanks :)
Question: I have an Enya EUT M6 and over the weekend, the A string popped. I replaced it with the same strings (D'Addario tenor flurocarbon ) and I haven't reached A4 yet and it feels like they're going to pop. I'm in E4 right now. Is this supposed to be like that? Should I still keep going ? I'm scared to pop it. Its hot where i am so I don't know if that affects anything.
Tuning to the right pitch should never pop a string so i'd keep going. Things that can make that happen on an A string though are sharp finishes at the saddle or nut slot
Thank you, I guess I just have to plough through it. Bought some extra strings just in case I break it.
I never change my car tyres in a panic, I never change my car tyres. 😀 The Ukulele strings look more complex than what they are. Great vid as usual thanks.
Might look complex, but incredibly simple.
Where do I buy a specific string because I broke my g string (gcea basically the first thick one) and I don’t know where to get it so I can replace it
All ukulele specialist shops that I know of will sell them
My ukulele wouldn't accept the knot into the hole where it is supposed to go. Perhaps the groove is too narrow for the string I wanted to put on it. Is there any way to get the string on?
+Esther Geil What sort of bridge are you using - slotted or a tie bar? If slotted - the knot doesn't need to go in and under the slot - just resting against it is fine - so long as it can't slip through
slotted. It didn't want to stay in place, though, and kept coming off, so that I couldn't fasten the peg-end.
If the string is too thick that it makes a knot that won't go in slot - I wouldn't widen the a lot myself. What you can do is tie a small glass bead on the end of the string. Never seen a slot so narrow or string so fat that it won't at least lodge against slot (which is all you need)
what string should i use? my ukulele is 16 years old and i havent used it for about 11 years now. what string should i use? cause our place doesnt sell ukulele string. and its a bit far to where the closest store that sells string. can you help me please
Well you do need ukulele strings to be honest to get the right gauges and tensions. They can be bought from loads of places online. Just make sure you get the right set if strings for the size of uke as using wrong ones can cause damage.
oh. gonna search more info about ukulele then. im so into playing ukulele. thanks :)
Check out www.gotaukulele.com for lots of beginner advice. Cheers
First thing is to understand what scale ukulele you have - from there a case of Googling online for ukulele strings for that scale. There are loads of brands - can't say any particular one is best as it depends on the uke and the player - but brands like Aquila , D'Addario and Worth are good places to start.
What type of strings do you recommend?
+Spendalyn I don't I'm afraid: I use a range of strings depending on the instrument. Ultimately everyone's ears, tastes, playing styles and ukes differ. What one person likes another may not and vice verse. I advise trying a few brands and trusting your own ears as to what you like best. They will be the best for you: sometimes I use deep sea fishing line. Seriously!
is the winder necessary?? Can i just use my finger??
Course you can. Winder just makes it quicker
GotAUkulele thank you soo muchh
Top man, thank you.
Thanks!
Very nicely done! Thank you. :0)
My pleasure!
is it from thick to thin? im sorry i really got no idea
Not necessarily - in standard tuning the G and A strings are the thinnest, the E is the next thickest and the C is fattest. But in low G tuning they get fatter from A back to G. To be honest I wouldn't think about 'thicknesses' when string changing - the packs you buy have them all labelled.
how can you tell when strings need to be changed? or should it just be per a certain routine? ive had my uke for a few years and only played sporadically but the stings generally retain their tuning and rarely have to be adjusted
There's no fixed period - depends on your play style and frequency. Indications that you need a change are notches on the underside from fret wear or issues with tuning. I change mine every couple of months and can't imagine leaving a set on for a few years! With age, nylon and fluorocarbon strings turn a bit more brittle too which dulls their sound.
how many inches is your uke?
Depends on the scale
Okay I did what you said but my uke sounds like an acoustic guitar now? Please help
Not sure what you mean 'sounds like an acoustic guitar'?
I'm no expert but will titanium strings damage the bridge?
+Kenny McCormick It's just a name - they are not made of titanium - they are fluorocarbon
Oh ok thank you
Thank you very much!
i tried so many times but it kept coming undone at the bridge at the bottom and no matter how many times i twisted round it just came undone :(((
...when I was a little boy my Dad showed me how to tie a knot for a sinker...
...on a fishing line...Its exactly the same except it went 5 to 7 times around...LoL...;--),,,,,
...
thank you
Nuru - its an Ohana TKS-15e
thanks
No problem!
Thankyou
You’re welcome 😊
i am seriously getting frustrated at my ukulele right now cause i cannot physically get my strings to get to the right pitch. it gets to the point where the peg refuses to come close to the right pitch. please help me before i break this ukulele
+mrgameandmusic It's very difficult to assist fully without hearing it. My tips for people struggling is as follows
1. Get a clip on tuner - BUT - don't use it for the first stage - reserve it for fine tuning
2. Get a reference pitch for your four notes GCEA - this can be a piano keyboard or a website like Get Tuned that will play you reference notes
3. Tune the strings using your ears to get them as close as possible to the reference sounds. Close your ears if it helps. Bear in mind that A, E, C will go down in pitch and G will then go up unless you are using re-entrant tuning
4. Use the clip on tuner to fine tune to pitch.
Another option is to find someone else with a ukulele and tune it to that (assuming it is in tune).
Not sure what you mean when you say the peg refuses to get close - you mean they are getting too tight? If they are, it sounds like you are over pitch - the strings should be taught but moveable!
i just can't get my strings to get to the right octave. aside from the G, since i want to use G3 instead of G4, none of my strings seems to get to the right octave until it gets to the point of which the string is wound all the way around the peg. even if i get about a whole step close to the right pitch, my tuning peg will just refuse to move, which is another nuisance within itself. this is really aggravating me because i want to learn how to play ukulele, but i can't learn if i can't use it in the first place.
+mrgameandmusic Still not quite following - take the strings off - tie them on the bridge then pull through the tuning peg keeping them taut. They will start to wind and you should be in region of right pitch with 2-4 winds around the peg - if you are filling up the peg with windings, you are starting with the strings too slack. Not entirely sure what could stop the peg moving.
You should’ve had your hands in the frame better while tying the knot.
REALLY old video before I had a camera I could direct. May do a repeat in due course, but for now... it's not a complex knot is it? Timber hitch?
You've got a happy face :D
ha ha!
I was having a problem with the very thing you said was easy (knotting and threading through the slotted bridge). The strings seem to thick to fit through the slot. Any advice?
Sometimes the holes can be a little tight but never personally had that problem. Might just need to run something through the holes to very slightly widen them?
I got it to work then it popped and hit my face 😭😭😭😭
Nothing more annoying! It happens!
I still can't change my ukulele strings :(
+Dablue 14 practice practice practice!
GotAUkulele I'm surprised you responded to a three year old video
I get the notification of comments all the same - no matter how old they are.
🤙👍
Your hands and the string go out of view at the most critical moment. 😕
It's pretty obvious though and I do it twice - double loop tie off at the bridge.
@@GotAUkulele Not terribly obvious. I just tried it four times and ultimately moved on to a different video so...
@@jocelyn7733 Ah well, sorry about that.