Incredible video, Alex! I'm a total nerd for this kind of thing and I've wasted many hours trawling the internet to find out this kind of information. You're explanations make total sense to me. You've basically cleared up all that I have pondered about the dynamics of different tone woods for the past 4 years of being a ukuleleist in 14 concise minutes!! Thank you for all you do and keep this kind of stuff coming :)
I really appreciate comments like this. When I make these videos I begin to feel like I'm just indulging myself rather than offering anyone any actual insight. Reading that someone finds 14 minutes of this entertaining makes it all worth while to me. Thank you
Thanks, Alex! Especially helpful to learn more about tonewood. In order to play without aggravating old hand injuries, I am looking for the softest strings. This video helped guide me on the pairings that may work for my hands and sound I am looking for.
Thanks Alex for another one on this topic - and don't worry, even if it seems a bit boring, this kind of insight is really appreciated by people who look for reliable information. Only thanks to you and your previous videos I started to have any idea about various types of strings for ukulele (before I thought that you just go to the shop and say "strings for my soprano ukulele please"). So, well done!
I just bought my first Ukuleles today, and I had no idea what strings to get (it did come with some obvs, but for when they break/wear out). I've been watching so many videos that compare and I think it wasn't explained in a way that I understood. Alex's way I get! Thank you for making this.
Excellent video, Alex! Very well explained. I love to experiment with different strings sets. Your Ukes With Alex Low G strings have easily become my favourite set and I look forward to trying your new High G set soon. My other go-to strings are Uke Logic, Worth, and Pepe Romero.
Hi Alex, thank you for adressing the never boring subject of ukulele strings again and again. My main instrument is a tenor ukulele I built during a workshop with a German luthier (and him doing a lot of work before and after the 1 week workshop). It has a spruce top with plum back and sides. When it arrived it was strung with clear Martin fluorcarbons and ThomastikInfeld LowG (which was my choice). At first I was a bit disappointed of the sound. It was too "sterile" and lacked warmth. So I switched to a combination of Worth BTs (after having listened to your lecture in strings at the SUS channel) and a Pepe Romero LowG string. With this combination I enjoy a very clear and yet warm sound, which really suits my ears. After your recent videos I think of trying (black) nylon strings next time to find out, if I can get an even deeper sound. What I really like about string changes is that you get a "new" instrument for a small amount of money...
A lot of information and options there Alex, but we all have the benefit of review, pause; rewind / fast forward etc, so thanks for that👍🏻Will make me reconsider my string types and combinations for my small collection.
Hello, Alex appreciate the explanation of the types of strings.and the sounds/ Tones produced that you hear when paired with the divergent wood types on a ukulele. I am new to playing & just bought my first used concert size ukulele in Oct 2021 and new tenor size last month. It’s been fun but have a lot to learn. Have Merry Christmas & a prosperous New year. V/r Dan Anchorage, Alaska
I pretty much wrote off nylon, but maybe after this I’ll try it again. I currently have . KoAloha Koa/Mango split - Sugar Strings . Ohana Redwood top Myrtlewood B&S - Lava Strings (originally I changed from new nylgut to flourocarbon, but a bit to intense) . Rebel Mango - Flourocarbon (the ones they came with, didnt mess with perfection) . Bonanza All Mahogany Baritone - Flourocarbon (too dark with the nylon they came with. It pops more with flourocarbons) . Kamaka Soprano gold label all hog (yes they made mahogany, who knew) Sugar Strings .Ohana all hog 5-string - sugar strings Yes, Sugar strings are lovely
You made me laugh at the end there. So hard to make this kind of point with no sound examples. But strings can completely change the way an instrument sounds and plays, so it's important to learn this stuff Thanks for the information.
Thanks Alex. I love your videos - the best explanations of all the variables that affect ukulele sound that I have found online. I have a couple of Koa instruments and find black and clear nylon strings to be my favourite. I love the warmth and deeper tones it brings out.
Thank you for your videos, I need something on this cheap wood concert uke. I have no sustain, I like loud and bright. Thanks for advice. I needed someone's opinion who knows what the heck they are talking about. I never find you boring, it is so funny when you say that. Subscribed. Well done.
Another wonderful video, Alex. I too love to experiment with different strings on different woods. I also realize everyone’s ear is different and things I’ve found are simply one man’s opinion. You are very generous in sharing your knowledge and it is always appreciated. I’ve learned so much from you and for that, I’m very grateful. When I first started playing I assumed once I found a string I liked that it would sound good on all my ukuleles but I was mistaken. A few of my favorite strings to date are Fremont Black Line on my Mahogany, Kala’s new Elite Strings on my Flame Maple, which are Worth Browns, and Pepe Romero Flourocarbon on my Koa. All of which are tenors. I also think the Pepe Romero Flourocarbon sound fantastic on my Baritone. Even saying this I am continually trying new strings while always stocking a backup set of my favorites. Thank you again for all you do, Alex and Happy holidays, May 2022 give you everything you hope for, Wes
I tried for over a year to get another set of their original ones with the titanium 3rd string. With the new set you get enough string to do two ukuleles. The Worth have a slightly different diameter and although Kala has a nice low G I prefer the Pepe Romero low squeak one. 🤷🏻♂️ Thank you again, Alex, Wes
So so helpful, Alex. I have a Kala solid flamed maple tenor ukulele that came with Nyla Gut strings and I changed them to clear fluorocarbon strings and there is a clear difference between the two. I actually prefer the Nyla Gut strings to the fluorocarbon strings with the maple tone wood. I found them to sound warmer in tone and a bit easier to play. The fluorocarbon strings sound brighter and have more sustain. Thanks so much for posting the video!
Thanks for your service to ukulele players with these videos. I’m going to have another listen and a think. I have an acacia ukulele I used in an open mic and I’m pondering a change of strings to coax out a little more volume (Aquila Reds are loud on my laminate tenor, but I think they’d kill the tone of a solid wood uke). Though next public outing I’ll bring the all rosewood Millar from SUS which seduced me to see how that is in front of a crowd.
😊 I love that... it goes beyond real therapy buying an instrument sometimes. Millar are actually Guns and Phils favourite brand at the shop and I've had one already. They are awesome.
When I told a friend I'd bought a new instrument, showed him and played it, he thought I must have spent £1,000+. The built is perfect, the looks so handsome, the sound and clarity wonderful, and it just loves being played higher up the neck. I'm not a good enough player for it really, but I aspire to be.
Thank you Alex for this video. I don’t live in the UK so couldn’t pop in and purchase from your store so I recently purchased a less expensive ukulele Kala KA - PWC to learn on and as I improve I plan on purchasing a higher quality solid wood instrument. I am one to research a lot and you explaining the woods and strings was extremely helpful. Thank you again.
As a beginner this is very interesting to listen to. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Too bad I’m not in the UK. If you ever come to Texas I’d certainly love to meet you! Your reviews helped me decide on my beautiful Kala SCAC-T.
That was a good video . I like playing around with different strings . It really can make a big difference in some instruments . Thanks for all you do . Have a great holiday .
I had watched most of your string videos when i got my first ukulele. I have a Ohana BK35G and it came with Aquilas with buzzing on the wound strings. based on your videos i tried several fluorocarbons all unwound. i liked the sound of the Worth but found I needed more tension and the browns were a bit too mellow making the ukulele quieter. I ended up with Living Water strings, the D and G are thicker than any other brand i could find with unwound baritone fluorocarbons. the tension is ok for strumming and picking, and the strings only slap when i strum a bit to hard. thanks for all the advice and great videos.
This explanation of strings and woods is a good start to this investigation, but what would really be better would be to hear these differences on the actual instruments. I've been using white strings because it's easier for me to see against a dark fretboard. So if I had an instrument with a light colored fretboard, then I would be inclined to use darker strings. So at least for me there is a visual aspect to it as well. Perhaps we should expose the sounds to an oscilloscope for qualified data. What I appreciate however, is that just in the last year or 2, luthiers and manufacturers are now making real instruments as opposed to toys. Still waiting for a real archtop cutaway tenor.
Thanks for another very helpful video, Alex! I have mahogany, koa, & mango ukes, and your comments helped validate my impressions of the tonewoods. In general I like clear fluorocarbon strings the best overall, but recently restrung my mahogany tenor with Fremont Blacklines with low G - it sounds beautiful! Thanks again!
The Information on uke strings has always been hard to find... I remember writing a blog about uke strings in 2013 before I started making videos for the shop and in a year it had been viewed over 100k times. I can't believe 8 years later I'm still the one talking about them 😆 funny old world.
Great video, Thanks. It really is a balancing act, strings, wood and your own playing style. I currently have worth clears on my maple tenor and I am really into the sound.
Wonderful information to have and great food for thought. I'm still trying to get the best sound from my acacia uke, so your insight is much appreciated. Thanks, Alex!
I feel like you could go even further into detail (of what is already a complex subject) by discussing how different string types interact with different ukulele sizes. I have a theory that a concert size ukulele might benefit from slightly higher tension strings (flourocarbon?) while a tenor size might prefer slightly lower tension strings (nylon or nylgut?) However, this intuition is based upon a pretty small sample size.
It depends. Nylon is usually stretchy enough that the tension takes care of itself. Fluorocarbon strings I personally prefer a higher tension on a smaller size but soft tension strings sell better across all sizes so its not black and white what others prefer.
I knew you wouldn't let us mango finger-pickers down! Thanks for the informative video, much appreciated as ever. I'm gonna be ordering different strings each time to try out on my Rebel Double Creme. Current using Worth clears, good sound, I like them, though a little tight.
I just ordered a set of worth clears to try on my mango tenor, I was thinking a brighter string would work well with the warm sounding mango, hope it works out
What a really interesting video Alex! I will be watching this one quite a few times & making some notes as I have ukes with all the woods you mention other than Mango! Thank you so much!
Very informative video, Alex! I was hoping you could do a companion video about string tension between the different strings and how that interacts with the different tone woods but I suppose there are so many different manufacturers and formulas that there's no way to simplify it down in a general manner. I'll look into your store when my wife and I travel to Europe later this year 🙂
I loved it when you said “I’m boring myself”! But you said what had to be said. Obviously it’s not all going to be meaningful to each listener, but we pick up drips and drabs, here and there. The main question I have is, what about plywoods? Or, excuse me, laminates? It seems that here we could be all over the place, without knowing what the other woods are in the laminate, how thick the layers are, etc. Any thoughts or rules of thumb here?
You might be boring yourself but you're not boring me. All kinds of different people are interested in all kinds of different things; some of us are fascinated by ukulele wood and string pairings.
I have an Islander MSC-4 solid mahogany concert ukulele that is unbelievably bright. It does not like fluorocarbon strings, very shrill. Next, Aquila Nylgut and Super Nylgut, Fremont Blacklines.
I put brown worth on my spalted maple not long ago and it made it sound too mellow and dull to my ears. So I'm looking forward to recieving your High G Nylon strings and switching it!
I loved this video and found it very useful. I've been using Titanium Fluorocarbon strings on my solid mahogany uke and my solid acacia one. Been considering trying black nylon on my mahogany, and now I think I'm really going to have to give that a go. My only worry is how it will affect the volume. My other two ukes are both solid cedar tops. My baritone is one of the Kalas with the acacia back and sides and the paduak binding. Been planning to switch that one to clear nylon after having really enjoyed those on my other cedar top, a Kremona Coco with solid rosewood back and sides. You will indeed hear any mistake on that uke! Still experimenting with low G strings on the Coco.
8 years ago I scored a 1950s vintage Kamaka soprano pineapple ukulele on Craigslist in Fresno, California. It's my prized possession! Basic Martin soprano fluorocarbons have been my stations of choice on that instrument, but now you've got me thinking that D'addario Blacks might be worth a try. It is a Kamaka after all... Alex, I'd appreciate your opinion if possible. Thanks!
@@UkesWithAlex Good call Alex! Worth Brown Lights were a bust, but the WB Mediums really sing! I think perhaps the lower tension of the short soprano scale isn't enough for the lighter gauge set...??
Really helpful video. I play on an enya feather and the original strings that come on it i can never find, it’s getting about time to replace. Been questionable on what to replace them with.
Alex, ever tried mixing different types of strings on 1 instrument? I have different tonewoods set up with different strings, depending on if it's a strummer or a picker. So for example, I have a mahogany with clear D'Addario's J65, one with Aquila Nylgut and one with Worth Browns... Two spruce-tops, one Aquila (zebra back & sides) and one Worth Brown (rosewood). For me, tone thus strings, depends on the song. I recently set up my Koa tenor with low G d'Addario Platinum wound string, and the C with a J65. For E and A I used Aquila's Nylgut. And it sounds oddly balanced for what I like 😊 (rounded bass and crispy picking but also with some mellowness)... I've tried a similar mix on a mahogany tenor: again wound low G, but with a Nylgut C, and black nylons on E and A. That one is a whole different thing... You should really try to experiment yourself, you have a feel for tonewoods and understanding of the characteristics of strings, so that would make it interesting to see if things work out the way you expect. Give it a go!
I have a fairly new solid Koa. It has D’ Addario Titanium strings and it sounds very weak and tinny. I would love to give it more projection and warm the sound. ❓ OK, maybe clear nylon.
Alex, I have just acquired a 1960's-early 1970's vintage mahogany soprano ukulele. It's has an authentic looking 'Kamaka Gold' label clearly visible through the sound hole and a small 'Made in Japan' label on the rear of the headstock with no other markings whatsoever. It is my understanding that Kamaka collaborated with Japanese musical instrument makers to have koa and mahogany ukuleles produced to their specifications during this era. Also, it's my understanding that imposter ukuleles with counterfeit Gold Labels were made in Japan and sold as Kamakas by the unscrupulous in this era. My ukulele could very well be an example of an imposter ukulele. In any case, it's a quality built instrument. The sound is rather vintage mahogany, minimal sustain, kind of barky and, what Baz might call, "jangly", like the treble end is accentuated a little too much. What strings would you recommend? I've tried Martin M600s and Worth CMs. Both seem to accentuate the jangly barky end, without doing much for the deeper mahogany tones... Thanks
I love these gold label Kamakas. My understanding is that the Japanese love for Kamaka at this time saved the company from going under. String wise, I would have tried the Martin M600's first so if you've gone with them try Worth browns next. Get a set of the fatter strings known as BF (Brown Fats), they simulate nylon strings but with less stretch and that creates a nice chunky, darker sound.
Alex, I am amazed that you can find so many words to describe strings. You mention Chinese koa and Portuguese koa being actually acacia. Do you know about "java koa"? Is that also acacia? I have found some resources describing it as monkey pod or rain tree (albizia saman). I am still not sure what it is.
Where’s your video on saddle material? … I’ve tried some experimenting and found: 1. “BONE” makes it brighter. 2. “EBONY” dulls the brightness a bit but brings out the bass a bit. 3. “PLASTIC” significantly dulls the brightness but significantly brings out the bass. With strings it’s fluorocarbon for brightness or nylon (or nylgut) for more bass. Using the right combination of stings and saddle does the trick regardless of the type of wood or thickness of top or whether solid or laminate.
I have no plans to make a video on saddle material. Whilst it is definitely a factor I can't say I fully agree with your comments that it makes that much difference. Sometimes, on a really shit uke it doesn't make a blind bit of difference what you do with the nut or saddle. You should absolutely make a video on this subject though - I would love to see it and you have clearly spent a lot of time and effort coming to this conclusion. Just because I don't agree with you based on my own experiences doesn't mean I am right and you are wrong.
@@UkesWithAlex ... Well, you can’t polish a turd, so new strings and saddle match isn’t going to improve the sound of a cheap turd significantly. On the other hand, with a reasonable quality uke (solid or laminate) it’s best to try both different strings (quality fluorocarbon or nylon or nylgut) and also saddle material (as described). [Note: The 2 dollar, white-nylon china strings usually sound crappy.] Also change the nut to get just a little bit more or less treble from the open strings. In any case, changing the saddle is easy -- just loosen the strings, pull it out, slide the new one in, and re-tighten the strings; then play it for ten minutes while stretching the (pre-stretched) strings back to normal. Anyway, I found some saddles on eBay. If you go from bone to a plastic saddle (or vice versa) you’ll hear a significant difference. Ebony sounds something in between. (For example, I now have a plastic saddle on a thin-top uke and a bone on a thick-top uke.) Anyhow, I might make a video in the future, but I’m sure I’ll get so few hits (because I don’t make uke related videos) it won’t be worth the effort.
Hi Alex. Thank you so much for your video. I recently acquired a lovely all-solid cocobolo wood tenor ukulele. It arrived with black nylon strings, and I really love the dark sound of them. The problem is that I hate the feel of them. I find them very clunky, too thick, and they hurt my beginner hands. While I am learnimg, I much prefer the feel of a thinner string like the gray Martin deluxe strings. Can you recommend a thinner string that can give the lovely warm, dark tones similar to black nylon?
Hi Alex, another great, well researched video. Could you possibly advise on what strings would be best for restringing my Eight String Tenor? I've strung it with low G and low C as the sixth and Eighth string as I like the sound it produces. The Ukulele is solid mahogany back and sides with a Spruce top. I play in a Ukulele band and occationally solo. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
That plant in the back looks a bit thirsty. Apart from that I´m waiting for a set of flight clear fluorocarbon strings for the barnes & mullins bmuk10c (mahogany) that i´ve bought at sus like 2 years ago and i´m curious how she´ll sound with those.
Thanks for that Alex very interesting, I am getting ready for replacing the strings on my 8 string tenor which has a spruce top and mahogany sides and back I tend to strum more than pick what strings would you recommend Most of my other ukes are fitted with Aquilas which I like, Thanks again Alex 👍
Greatly appreciate your insights. So far, I’ve been happy with Uke Logic soft tensions on both my cedar topped ukes with koa back & sides (Kamaka & aNueNue). Joel recommended them when I bought the Kamaka and I ended up restringing the Lion I got from you guys because I liked the softer feel compared to the blackwaters. I still need to figure which other uke to try your signature nylon set on…what tone woods do you think pair best with them?
Mango stands out to me with my strings and I've been fortunate enough to see customers of SUS buy them to go on all sorts of ukes... Kanile'a, Romero, Big Island and Kamaka Koa Tenors sound particularly nice with them as well. When finding the right gauges of string I was experimenting on Mango, Koa and Cedar/Mahogany ukes. Your Lion would likely 'enjoy them' too. The only wood type I've found my strings don't pair nicely with at the moment is Maple and even then its the more inexpensive ukes like Islanders and Kalas.
Thank you Alex for the information, so helpful! Like all your videos. I have a Kala KA-TEMB Mahogany Tenor, that came with Aquila Nulgut strings. I changed them to D'addario fluorocarbon strings with a lowg, but I would like to try new ones with a different sound. Any recommendations? Thanks again, Happy holidays to you and your loved ones🙌🎄
Alex 🙏Thank you very much... really helpful n interesting🙏 love it 😍 Can you also give some advice on Bamboo ukuleles n on the strings to use with them? I would like to buy the Kala Bamboo tenor... but have still some doubts cause I prefer mellow sounds n don't know if it's going to be too bright... Thank you🙂
It is very bright. Its a good instrument for the price. No recommendations from me other than Worth brown's. I've heard one with them and it sounded really nice and stayed in my mind.
I find hard tension on a Baritone is always best. Unwound sets like worth require a very delicate touch and don't offer as much dynamically. I've always gone for Daddario EJ65B or EJ53B and recently released my own Baritone sets with rotosound that are called 'ukes with alex low d' strings. Finally of the Fluorocarbon sets out there, I don't dislike Uke Logic H-BSW4-P strings but that's about all I've ever found sounds and feels good on a Baritone.
I'm not anti-laminate but the various types of laminates tend to sound fine with Fluorocarbon. They don't have a signature response in the same way particular tonewoods do so it's the kind of thing you would ponder on each individual instrument. I don't like nylon on laminates, that's about all the advice I have.
Hi Alex. I recently ordered an Enya Nova U Concert. It came with a high G string. I wanted to replace that with a low G string so I consulted Enya customer service and they sold me a fluorocarbon low G string. However, after installation, the new low G string is very loose/slack and has a dead/dull tone. Is there a different string I should use?
Hey Alex, great video as always. I'm looking at buying a Millar TA-260G. How do you feel about the D'Addario EJ87T strings that come on it? Based on your comments in the video about Acacia, do you think it's worth swapping them for Worth Brown's? Do you know if those D'Addario's are nylon or fluorocarbon? Thanks!
Daddario titanium strings are a really hard nylon string. They aren't as thin or as bright as clear Fluorocarbon. I think Worth browns would be a great option on those Millars.
Alex my Worth Browns sound beautiful on my Romero but I’m not liking it on my Flight Diana Concert. It does have a sound wave. I like to play songs from the 70’s just for me and my hands are a tad stiff. What’s your suggestion?
That is a tough one. Perhaps clear Fluorocarbon is the best thing then? Martin M600 or Flights own clear Fluorocarbon strings are a good choice if you don't like hard or high tension.
Thanks, I found this interesting and hope you will discuss this further. Are you referring to sound board tone wood or to entire ukulele ? No mention of Port Orford Cedar or redwood soundboards or Claro Walnut backs/sides. Will have to watch your other videos.
I haven't written or filmed extensively about walnut because sonically I find claro walnut quite a bit nicer than Ovangkol. I mention Port Orford Cedar in this video when talking about Spruce and Cedar.
@@UkesWithAlex Will watch again ! POC is quite a bit different from spruce and cedar with interlocking grain , harder than cedar but not as stiff as spruce. It is actually a juniper. My interest is more in building ukuleles rather than playing and have a source of outstanding old growth POC with tight grain. I like to hear players views on tonewood and other aspects.
I remembered Learning about Port Orford Cedar when choosing a tonewood for a uke with Kanile'a and we settled on Alaskan Cedar. My research which admittedly was all Internet based is that POC is a Cypress but the western Reds are Junipers. I'm happy to be wrong but Dr Google did Imply its a Cypress. Before this very moment I can't say I'd spent a lot of time thinking about it 😆 The dozen or so different ukes I've played with a POC top definitely remind me or Spruce but not quite as nice. I like POC but it's never stood out to me as a player or when speaking with luthiers. It might be nice on a guitar but I don't see myself ever buying a uke with one as a top wood.
@@UkesWithAlex Senior moment, cypress it is. No intentions of selling ukuleles, just retirement project and will be gifting some. There are some west coast luthiers who build with it turning out some very nice instruments including ukuleles. I wonder if sound from a top has as much to do with voicing the top as with the species with both contributing to the sound?
I've been trying to find a video I made with a UK builder called Marshall Stapleton... he made a series of identical spec instruments but with tweaks to the top or bracing. The sounds were different but they still had the basic attributes of the tonewood.
I just bought my first ukulele an Ohana tk 50 wg…. I tried the Aquila red strings but don’t like them. What strings would you recommend? ( I play mostly fingerstyle). Thanks.
I Alex I have a Flight Firewall with Áquila red Hi G, I like the sound but C string ring a lot ... What is your opinion. And I have a Pono Mango tenor with Áquila AG x AQ clear green strings, it have a more round sound, but less sustain.
I can't stand the aquila reds... if its ringing a lot maybe try a clear nylon which tends to be thicker and a bit more rounded similar to the aldrine strings.
Hello again, Alex -- I put Worth Brown strings on my Martin T1K , I like the sounds so far, but I wonder if it is normal for Worth Brown's to have a long break-in period.... Mine are just sort of settling in after almost a week.... Not a major issue, just wondering... Thanks, Buzz
A week I'd pretty normal for any strings in my experience. It depends how you fitted them too... I've seen lots of people fit strings in a way where they slacken off for a few weeks.
Thanks for another great video! I want to try low G strings, but I can't decide which uke to put them on! I have a Snail SUC-M1 and a Kala Tri-top in mostly teak with mahogany. Does it make any difference which one I try low Gs on?
It's laminate mahogany so tonally it's limited. I find Daddario EJ65B, Ukes With Alex Low D or Martin M630s are the best for the majority of long scale laminates
Hi Alex, I have a Fender Dhani Harrison tenor ukulele which has the top, back, & sides made from ovangol, neck is nato, and fingerboard is walnut. I want to put a set of low G strings on. Do you have any suggestions on which strings I should purchase? I'm a beginner player and I'm clueless on which low G strings to buy. Thanks for any suggestions 😄
Thanks Alex for your response. So do you mean to use the Aquila 16u on the G and use the Martin M60 C, E, & A strings? I recently watched a UA-cam video by a woman from Wales who teaches ukulele and she was replacing her high G for a low G string. But she only replaced that G string and left the other 3 original strings on. I thought it's better to replace all 4 strings when putting on a low G? Can you only change the high G for low G & leave the other strings on? Thanks again Alex, I've gained a wealth of knowledge about ukuleles from your videos! 😄
Thanks again Alex! Yes the other strings are fresh, I bought the ukulele new about a month ago. I look forward to your videos, cheers and Happy Holidays! 😄🎉
Hi I was wondering what your thoughts would be to increase 😅the warmth and volume of my Uma UK-20ST. I switched out the strings it came with for some Aquila Lava and was not happy with the result . Any ideas would be appreciated.
Very helpful, Alex. Thanks! I have a new cherry tenor, currently strung with clear fluorocarbons. I’m not sure I like the sound with these strings. Any suggestions?
Great video, I have an Anue Nue colour series concert ( my uke of the year) with a freemont sqeekless low g, but I find the tension is to loose compared with the other strings ( I don't recall the brand, but they are what they came with) any suggestions please.
@@UkesWithAlex Sorry, I didn't explain it very well, what I meant was the low g seems to be a lot slacker, it feels like it needs to be tightened although it is in tune, the tension in the C,E & A is perfect, hope this makes sense.
Ok. That's a concert thing. Tuning to a low note on a short scale you will find that's the case with Low G. Try a thicker, tighter low G like a Daddario NYL031W but I think it's only going to make a small difference.
It's a laminate with a big body. It's going to sound big and darker than most ukes regardless of the strings. Just try a few different ones and see what you like best.
This MF knows his strings lol.
Incredible video, Alex! I'm a total nerd for this kind of thing and I've wasted many hours trawling the internet to find out this kind of information. You're explanations make total sense to me. You've basically cleared up all that I have pondered about the dynamics of different tone woods for the past 4 years of being a ukuleleist in 14 concise minutes!! Thank you for all you do and keep this kind of stuff coming :)
I really appreciate comments like this. When I make these videos I begin to feel like I'm just indulging myself rather than offering anyone any actual insight. Reading that someone finds 14 minutes of this entertaining makes it all worth while to me. Thank you
@@UkesWithAlex Ha ha, you shouldn't worry. There will always be some loser like me that lives for this stuff!! 😂
Eloquently put 😅
Llnlbbhh
Your use of language and vocabulary are always so helpful to understand the feelings heard from everything ukulele. Thank you.
Thanks, Alex! Especially helpful to learn more about tonewood. In order to play without aggravating old hand injuries, I am looking for the softest strings. This video helped guide me on the pairings that may work for my hands and sound I am looking for.
Thanks Alex for another one on this topic - and don't worry, even if it seems a bit boring, this kind of insight is really appreciated by people who look for reliable information. Only thanks to you and your previous videos I started to have any idea about various types of strings for ukulele (before I thought that you just go to the shop and say "strings for my soprano ukulele please"). So, well done!
I just bought my first Ukuleles today, and I had no idea what strings to get (it did come with some obvs, but for when they break/wear out). I've been watching so many videos that compare and I think it wasn't explained in a way that I understood. Alex's way I get! Thank you for making this.
Thank you. Its so nice to read about someone who found the video helpful
Excellent video, Alex! Very well explained. I love to experiment with different strings sets. Your Ukes With Alex Low G strings have easily become my favourite set and I look forward to trying your new High G set soon. My other go-to strings are Uke Logic, Worth, and Pepe Romero.
Thanks very much
Hi Alex, thank you for adressing the never boring subject of ukulele strings again and again. My main instrument is a tenor ukulele I built during a workshop with a German luthier (and him doing a lot of work before and after the 1 week workshop). It has a spruce top with plum back and sides. When it arrived it was strung with clear Martin fluorcarbons and ThomastikInfeld LowG (which was my choice). At first I was a bit disappointed of the sound. It was too "sterile" and lacked warmth. So I switched to a combination of Worth BTs (after having listened to your lecture in strings at the SUS channel) and a Pepe Romero LowG string. With this combination I enjoy a very clear and yet warm sound, which really suits my ears. After your recent videos I think of trying (black) nylon strings next time to find out, if I can get an even deeper sound. What I really like about string changes is that you get a "new" instrument for a small amount of money...
Ahhhh, this is soooo great! Not boring at all. Thanks much!!!
I love watching your videos .. you are a wealth of knowledge. Hubby suggested you should have made a chart ... lol. Now I need to listen again.
This video is excellent and certainly not boring to me! Your knowledge is wonderful. Thank you!
A lot of information and options there Alex, but we all have the benefit of review, pause; rewind / fast forward etc, so thanks for that👍🏻Will make me reconsider my string types and combinations for my small collection.
Hello,
Alex appreciate the explanation of the types of strings.and the sounds/
Tones produced that you hear when paired with the divergent wood types on a ukulele. I am new to playing & just bought my first used concert size ukulele in Oct 2021 and new tenor size last month. It’s been fun but have a lot to learn. Have Merry Christmas & a prosperous New year.
V/r
Dan
Anchorage, Alaska
Thanks for watching Dan. Merry Christmas
I am not bored to your videos, please continue doing these - at least for me they are valuable!
I pretty much wrote off nylon, but maybe after this I’ll try it again. I currently have
. KoAloha Koa/Mango split - Sugar Strings
. Ohana Redwood top Myrtlewood B&S - Lava Strings (originally I changed from new nylgut to flourocarbon, but a bit to intense)
. Rebel Mango - Flourocarbon (the ones they came with, didnt mess with perfection)
. Bonanza All Mahogany Baritone - Flourocarbon (too dark with the nylon they came with. It pops more with flourocarbons)
. Kamaka Soprano gold label all hog (yes they made mahogany, who knew) Sugar Strings
.Ohana all hog 5-string - sugar strings
Yes, Sugar strings are lovely
You made me laugh at the end there. So hard to make this kind of point with no sound examples. But strings can completely change the way an instrument sounds and plays, so it's important to learn this stuff Thanks for the information.
Excellent video, Alex. Thank you so much. - Tim
Another great video, Alex.. Whenever I watch your videos I am amazed how much I learn from a fun video! You are a master.
Thanks mate
Thanks Alex. I love your videos - the best explanations of all the variables that affect ukulele sound that I have found online.
I have a couple of Koa instruments and find black and clear nylon strings to be my favourite. I love the warmth and deeper tones it brings out.
Great video Alex! Jam-packed with so much clear information from your fantastic wealth of knowledge! Thanks for the lessons…
Thank you for your videos, I need something on this cheap wood concert uke. I have no sustain, I like loud and bright. Thanks for advice. I needed someone's opinion who knows what the heck they are talking about. I never find you boring, it is so funny when you say that. Subscribed. Well done.
I have no context to go on. I'd try clear Fluorocarbon, preferably a fairly high tension one to get the best out of a plank
Absolutely amazing video! I love exploring and experimenting.
Another wonderful video, Alex.
I too love to experiment with different strings on different woods. I also realize everyone’s ear is different and things I’ve found are simply one man’s opinion.
You are very generous in sharing your knowledge and it is always appreciated. I’ve learned so much from you and for that, I’m very grateful.
When I first started playing I assumed once I found a string I liked that it would sound good on all my ukuleles but I was mistaken.
A few of my favorite strings to date are Fremont Black Line on my Mahogany, Kala’s new Elite Strings on my Flame Maple, which are Worth Browns, and Pepe Romero Flourocarbon on my Koa. All of which are tenors. I also think the Pepe Romero Flourocarbon sound fantastic on my Baritone.
Even saying this I am continually trying new strings while always stocking a backup set of my favorites.
Thank you again for all you do, Alex and Happy holidays,
May 2022 give you everything you hope for,
Wes
Thanks Wes. I quite liked Kalas old elite strings but haven't tried the new version! Look forward to seeing those
I tried for over a year to get another set of their original ones with the titanium 3rd string. With the new set you get enough string to do two ukuleles. The Worth have a slightly different diameter and although Kala has a nice low G I prefer the Pepe Romero low squeak one. 🤷🏻♂️
Thank you again, Alex,
Wes
So so helpful, Alex. I have a Kala solid flamed maple tenor ukulele that came with Nyla Gut strings and I changed them to clear fluorocarbon strings and there is a clear difference between the two. I actually prefer the Nyla Gut strings to the fluorocarbon strings with the maple tone wood. I found them to sound warmer in tone and a bit easier to play. The fluorocarbon strings sound brighter and have more sustain.
Thanks so much for posting the video!
Thanks for your service to ukulele players with these videos. I’m going to have another listen and a think. I have an acacia ukulele I used in an open mic and I’m pondering a change of strings to coax out a little more volume (Aquila Reds are loud on my laminate tenor, but I think they’d kill the tone of a solid wood uke). Though next public outing I’ll bring the all rosewood Millar from SUS which seduced me to see how that is in front of a crowd.
They are great ukuleles! Enjoy.
@@UkesWithAlex I’m in love with it.
😊 I love that... it goes beyond real therapy buying an instrument sometimes. Millar are actually Guns and Phils favourite brand at the shop and I've had one already. They are awesome.
When I told a friend I'd bought a new instrument, showed him and played it, he thought I must have spent £1,000+. The built is perfect, the looks so handsome, the sound and clarity wonderful, and it just loves being played higher up the neck.
I'm not a good enough player for it really, but I aspire to be.
Wow, super interesting and informative - thanks Alex!
Thank you Alex for this video. I don’t live in the UK so couldn’t pop in and purchase from your store so I recently purchased a less expensive ukulele Kala KA - PWC to learn on and as I improve I plan on purchasing a higher quality solid wood instrument. I am one to research a lot and you explaining the woods and strings was extremely helpful. Thank you again.
As a beginner this is very interesting to listen to. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Too bad I’m not in the UK. If you ever come to Texas I’d certainly love to meet you! Your reviews helped me decide on my beautiful Kala SCAC-T.
Your knowledge is amazing Alex. Thanks so much.
That was a good video . I like playing around with different strings . It really can make a big difference in some instruments . Thanks for all you do . Have a great holiday .
Thank you! You too
I had watched most of your string videos when i got my first ukulele. I have a Ohana BK35G and it came with Aquilas with buzzing on the wound strings. based on your videos i tried several fluorocarbons all unwound. i liked the sound of the Worth but found I needed more tension and the browns were a bit too mellow making the ukulele quieter. I ended up with Living Water strings, the D and G are thicker than any other brand i could find with unwound baritone fluorocarbons. the tension is ok for strumming and picking, and the strings only slap when i strum a bit to hard. thanks for all the advice and great videos.
This explanation of strings and woods is a good start to this investigation, but what would really be better would be to hear these differences on the actual instruments. I've been using white strings because it's easier for me to see against a dark fretboard. So if I had an instrument with a light colored fretboard, then I would be inclined to use darker strings. So at least for me there is a visual aspect to it as well. Perhaps we should expose the sounds to an oscilloscope for qualified data.
What I appreciate however, is that just in the last year or 2, luthiers and manufacturers are now making real instruments as opposed to toys. Still waiting for a real archtop cutaway tenor.
Thanks for another very helpful video, Alex! I have mahogany, koa, & mango ukes, and your comments helped validate my impressions of the tonewoods. In general I like clear fluorocarbon strings the best overall, but recently restrung my mahogany tenor with Fremont Blacklines with low G - it sounds beautiful! Thanks again!
Very detailed video, thank you so much!!!!! I am a total amateur when it comes to ukulele strings and I loved every piece of info. Stay safe.
Really great video 👍👍👍 Only you talk about these invaluable things. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
The Information on uke strings has always been hard to find... I remember writing a blog about uke strings in 2013 before I started making videos for the shop and in a year it had been viewed over 100k times. I can't believe 8 years later I'm still the one talking about them 😆 funny old world.
Great video, Thanks. It really is a balancing act, strings, wood and your own playing style. I currently have worth clears on my maple tenor and I am really into the sound.
thanks for doing this video it’s so helpful xxx
I think you were the 3rd person last week to ask me... I just thought sod it lets do it. haha
Wonderful information to have and great food for thought. I'm still trying to get the best sound from my acacia uke, so your insight is much appreciated. Thanks, Alex!
I feel like you could go even further into detail (of what is already a complex subject) by discussing how different string types interact with different ukulele sizes. I have a theory that a concert size ukulele might benefit from slightly higher tension strings (flourocarbon?) while a tenor size might prefer slightly lower tension strings (nylon or nylgut?) However, this intuition is based upon a pretty small sample size.
It depends. Nylon is usually stretchy enough that the tension takes care of itself. Fluorocarbon strings I personally prefer a higher tension on a smaller size but soft tension strings sell better across all sizes so its not black and white what others prefer.
Great video - food for thought! Thanks for sharing
I knew you wouldn't let us mango finger-pickers down! Thanks for the informative video, much appreciated as ever. I'm gonna be ordering different strings each time to try out on my Rebel Double Creme. Current using Worth clears, good sound, I like them, though a little tight.
I just ordered a set of worth clears to try on my mango tenor, I was thinking a brighter string would work well with the warm sounding mango, hope it works out
What a really interesting video Alex! I will be watching this one quite a few times & making some notes as I have ukes with all the woods you mention other than Mango! Thank you so much!
Great video, so useful; thanks a lot Alex!
really appreciate your knowledge
Very informative video, Alex! I was hoping you could do a companion video about string tension between the different strings and how that interacts with the different tone woods but I suppose there are so many different manufacturers and formulas that there's no way to simplify it down in a general manner. I'll look into your store when my wife and I travel to Europe later this year 🙂
Thank you! Super helpful. Not boring at all :)
I loved it when you said “I’m boring myself”! But you said what had to be said. Obviously it’s not all going to be meaningful to each listener, but we pick up drips and drabs, here and there.
The main question I have is, what about plywoods? Or, excuse me, laminates? It seems that here we could be all over the place, without knowing what the other woods are in the laminate, how thick the layers are, etc. Any thoughts or rules of thumb here?
You might be boring yourself but you're not boring me. All kinds of different people are interested in all kinds of different things; some of us are fascinated by ukulele wood and string pairings.
I have an Islander MSC-4 solid mahogany concert ukulele that is unbelievably bright. It does not like fluorocarbon strings, very shrill. Next, Aquila Nylgut and Super Nylgut, Fremont Blacklines.
I like black nylon on Islanders for what its worth
Great info here! Thanks
I put brown worth on my spalted maple not long ago and it made it sound too mellow and dull to my ears. So I'm looking forward to recieving your High G Nylon strings and switching it!
Love the shirt and thanks for the info.
I loved this video and found it very useful. I've been using Titanium Fluorocarbon strings on my solid mahogany uke and my solid acacia one. Been considering trying black nylon on my mahogany, and now I think I'm really going to have to give that a go. My only worry is how it will affect the volume. My other two ukes are both solid cedar tops. My baritone is one of the Kalas with the acacia back and sides and the paduak binding. Been planning to switch that one to clear nylon after having really enjoyed those on my other cedar top, a Kremona Coco with solid rosewood back and sides. You will indeed hear any mistake on that uke! Still experimenting with low G strings on the Coco.
8 years ago I scored a 1950s vintage Kamaka soprano pineapple ukulele on Craigslist in Fresno, California. It's my prized possession! Basic Martin soprano fluorocarbons have been my stations of choice on that instrument, but now you've got me thinking that D'addario Blacks might be worth a try. It is a Kamaka after all...
Alex, I'd appreciate your opinion if possible. Thanks!
I reckon worth browns would be amazing on that uke...
@@UkesWithAlex Good call Alex! Worth Brown Lights were a bust, but the WB Mediums really sing! I think perhaps the lower tension of the short soprano scale isn't enough for the lighter gauge set...??
Really helpful video. I play on an enya feather and the original strings that come on it i can never find, it’s getting about time to replace. Been questionable on what to replace them with.
Alex, ever tried mixing different types of strings on 1 instrument? I have different tonewoods set up with different strings, depending on if it's a strummer or a picker. So for example, I have a mahogany with clear D'Addario's J65, one with Aquila Nylgut and one with Worth Browns... Two spruce-tops, one Aquila (zebra back & sides) and one Worth Brown (rosewood). For me, tone thus strings, depends on the song. I recently set up my Koa tenor with low G d'Addario Platinum wound string, and the C with a J65. For E and A I used Aquila's Nylgut. And it sounds oddly balanced for what I like 😊 (rounded bass and crispy picking but also with some mellowness)... I've tried a similar mix on a mahogany tenor: again wound low G, but with a Nylgut C, and black nylons on E and A. That one is a whole different thing...
You should really try to experiment yourself, you have a feel for tonewoods and understanding of the characteristics of strings, so that would make it interesting to see if things work out the way you expect. Give it a go!
I have a fairly new solid Koa. It has D’ Addario Titanium strings and it sounds very weak and tinny. I would love to give it more projection and warm the sound. ❓ OK, maybe clear nylon.
I would actually go for Worth browns on a KoAloha for protection.
Alex, I have just acquired a 1960's-early 1970's vintage mahogany soprano ukulele. It's has an authentic looking 'Kamaka Gold' label clearly visible through the sound hole and a small 'Made in Japan' label on the rear of the headstock with no other markings whatsoever. It is my understanding that Kamaka collaborated with Japanese musical instrument makers to have koa and mahogany ukuleles produced to their specifications during this era. Also, it's my understanding that imposter ukuleles with counterfeit Gold Labels were made in Japan and sold as Kamakas by the unscrupulous in this era. My ukulele could very well be an example of an imposter ukulele.
In any case, it's a quality built instrument. The sound is rather vintage mahogany, minimal sustain, kind of barky and, what Baz might call, "jangly", like the treble end is accentuated a little too much.
What strings would you recommend? I've tried Martin M600s and Worth CMs. Both seem to accentuate the jangly barky end, without doing much for the deeper mahogany tones...
Thanks
I love these gold label Kamakas. My understanding is that the Japanese love for Kamaka at this time saved the company from going under. String wise, I would have tried the Martin M600's first so if you've gone with them try Worth browns next. Get a set of the fatter strings known as BF (Brown Fats), they simulate nylon strings but with less stretch and that creates a nice chunky, darker sound.
Alex, I am amazed that you can find so many words to describe strings. You mention Chinese koa and Portuguese koa being actually acacia. Do you know about "java koa"? Is that also acacia? I have found some resources describing it as monkey pod or rain tree (albizia saman). I am still not sure what it is.
Where’s your video on saddle material? … I’ve tried some experimenting and found: 1. “BONE” makes it brighter. 2. “EBONY” dulls the brightness a bit but brings out the bass a bit. 3. “PLASTIC” significantly dulls the brightness but significantly brings out the bass. With strings it’s fluorocarbon for brightness or nylon (or nylgut) for more bass. Using the right combination of stings and saddle does the trick regardless of the type of wood or thickness of top or whether solid or laminate.
I have no plans to make a video on saddle material. Whilst it is definitely a factor I can't say I fully agree with your comments that it makes that much difference. Sometimes, on a really shit uke it doesn't make a blind bit of difference what you do with the nut or saddle.
You should absolutely make a video on this subject though - I would love to see it and you have clearly spent a lot of time and effort coming to this conclusion. Just because I don't agree with you based on my own experiences doesn't mean I am right and you are wrong.
@@UkesWithAlex ... Well, you can’t polish a turd, so new strings and saddle match isn’t going to improve the sound of a cheap turd significantly. On the other hand, with a reasonable quality uke (solid or laminate) it’s best to try both different strings (quality fluorocarbon or nylon or nylgut) and also saddle material (as described). [Note: The 2 dollar, white-nylon china strings usually sound crappy.] Also change the nut to get just a little bit more or less treble from the open strings. In any case, changing the saddle is easy -- just loosen the strings, pull it out, slide the new one in, and re-tighten the strings; then play it for ten minutes while stretching the (pre-stretched) strings back to normal. Anyway, I found some saddles on eBay. If you go from bone to a plastic saddle (or vice versa) you’ll hear a significant difference. Ebony sounds something in between. (For example, I now have a plastic saddle on a thin-top uke and a bone on a thick-top uke.) Anyhow, I might make a video in the future, but I’m sure I’ll get so few hits (because I don’t make uke related videos) it won’t be worth the effort.
Very helpful
Hi Alex, what about laminate ukuleles, for example spalted maple ?
Hi Alex. Thank you so much for your video. I recently acquired a lovely all-solid cocobolo wood tenor ukulele. It arrived with black nylon strings, and I really love the dark sound of them. The problem is that I hate the feel of them. I find them very clunky, too thick, and they hurt my beginner hands. While I am learnimg, I much prefer the feel of a thinner string like the gray Martin deluxe strings. Can you recommend a thinner string that can give the lovely warm, dark tones similar to black nylon?
Hi Alex, another great, well researched video. Could you possibly advise on what strings would be best for restringing my Eight String Tenor? I've strung it with low G and low C as the sixth and Eighth string as I like the sound it produces. The Ukulele is solid mahogany back and sides with a Spruce top. I play in a Ukulele band and occationally solo. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
That plant in the back looks a bit thirsty. Apart from that I´m waiting for a set of flight clear fluorocarbon strings for the barnes & mullins bmuk10c (mahogany) that i´ve bought at sus like 2 years ago and i´m curious how she´ll sound with those.
what about the red series aquila or the savarez uku strings? Good video, thank you for your expertise .
Alex which type of string would you use on a uke with a solid cedar top and acacia back and sides? Thanks for all your videos. Very helpful
What do you want from the uke?
I've been trying some different strings myself I've been mix matching low g trying to get that just right sound it can be frustrating sometimes
Thanks for that Alex very interesting, I am getting ready for replacing the strings on my 8 string tenor which has a spruce top and mahogany sides and back I tend to strum more than pick what strings would you recommend Most of my other ukes are fitted with Aquilas which I like, Thanks again Alex 👍
Greatly appreciate your insights. So far, I’ve been happy with Uke Logic soft tensions on both my cedar topped ukes with koa back & sides (Kamaka & aNueNue). Joel recommended them when I bought the Kamaka and I ended up restringing the Lion I got from you guys because I liked the softer feel compared to the blackwaters. I still need to figure which other uke to try your signature nylon set on…what tone woods do you think pair best with them?
Mango stands out to me with my strings and I've been fortunate enough to see customers of SUS buy them to go on all sorts of ukes... Kanile'a, Romero, Big Island and Kamaka Koa Tenors sound particularly nice with them as well. When finding the right gauges of string I was experimenting on Mango, Koa and Cedar/Mahogany ukes. Your Lion would likely 'enjoy them' too.
The only wood type I've found my strings don't pair nicely with at the moment is Maple and even then its the more inexpensive ukes like Islanders and Kalas.
@@UkesWithAlex Thanks for the quick reply and recommendations!
Thank you Alex for the information, so helpful! Like all your videos. I have a Kala KA-TEMB Mahogany Tenor, that came with Aquila Nulgut strings. I changed them to D'addario fluorocarbon strings with a lowg, but I would like to try new ones with a different sound. Any recommendations? Thanks again, Happy holidays to you and your loved ones🙌🎄
Ukes With Alex Low G strings... You've tried Nylgut and Fluorocarbon, why not try nylon next!
@@UkesWithAlex thanks, I will! Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄
Awesome video! I’ve just picked up the Kala Macawood Tenor. Which would this be comparable with, you think? Thanks in advance!
Alex 🙏Thank you very much... really helpful n interesting🙏 love it 😍
Can you also give some advice on Bamboo ukuleles n on the strings to use with them?
I would like to buy the Kala Bamboo tenor... but have still some doubts cause I prefer mellow sounds n don't know if it's going to be too bright...
Thank you🙂
It is very bright. Its a good instrument for the price.
No recommendations from me other than Worth brown's. I've heard one with them and it sounded really nice and stayed in my mind.
@@UkesWithAlex Thank you n Merry Christmas 🎅
Thankyou I still struggle with what strings to have for my Kala
Which Kala?
@@UkesWithAlex ka-sseby T bought from SuS a few years back
Think they nylgut
The factory strings are nylgut. Personally I would think a reasonable tension clear Fluorocarbon would be a good match... Worth CT or uke logic S-HG-C
@@UkesWithAlex brilliant
When it’s due for a restring I’ll bear that in mind
Thanks Alex
Thanks for the great video Alex. There is much food for thought. What strings would you suggest for a Bamboo Tenor?
Bamboo doesn't have wild dynamics. Any kind of fluorocarbon is probably going to be a positive choice
@@UkesWithAlex Thanks Alex. That makes sense. I give Worth Clears and Worth Browns a try and see how I get on. Thanks again, Andy
Not boring at all 🙂
Any recommendations for Baritone ukulele players? There is almost no information available for that instrument string-wise
I find hard tension on a Baritone is always best. Unwound sets like worth require a very delicate touch and don't offer as much dynamically.
I've always gone for Daddario EJ65B or EJ53B and recently released my own Baritone sets with rotosound that are called 'ukes with alex low d' strings.
Finally of the Fluorocarbon sets out there, I don't dislike Uke Logic H-BSW4-P strings but that's about all I've ever found sounds and feels good on a Baritone.
Thanks, Alex. Very helpful. Not mentioned: HPL or other high-quality laminates (aka Kiwaya). Any thoughts for a strummer?
I'm not anti-laminate but the various types of laminates tend to sound fine with Fluorocarbon. They don't have a signature response in the same way particular tonewoods do so it's the kind of thing you would ponder on each individual instrument.
I don't like nylon on laminates, that's about all the advice I have.
Hi Alex. I recently ordered an Enya Nova U Concert. It came with a high G string. I wanted to replace that with a low G string so I consulted Enya customer service and they sold me a fluorocarbon low G string. However, after installation, the new low G string is very loose/slack and has a dead/dull tone. Is there a different string I should use?
Put a wound string on. Enya say they are a bad choice because they rub the plastic fingerboard but I've seen no evidence of that.
Hey Alex, great video as always. I'm looking at buying a Millar TA-260G. How do you feel about the D'Addario EJ87T strings that come on it? Based on your comments in the video about Acacia, do you think it's worth swapping them for Worth Brown's? Do you know if those D'Addario's are nylon or fluorocarbon? Thanks!
Daddario titanium strings are a really hard nylon string. They aren't as thin or as bright as clear Fluorocarbon. I think Worth browns would be a great option on those Millars.
@@UkesWithAlex Thanks Alex!
Alex my Worth Browns sound beautiful on my Romero but I’m not liking it on my Flight Diana Concert. It does have a sound wave. I like to play songs from the 70’s just for me and my hands are a tad stiff. What’s your suggestion?
That is a tough one. Perhaps clear Fluorocarbon is the best thing then? Martin M600 or Flights own clear Fluorocarbon strings are a good choice if you don't like hard or high tension.
Thanks, I found this interesting and hope you will discuss this further. Are you referring to sound board tone wood or to entire ukulele ? No mention of Port Orford Cedar or redwood soundboards or Claro Walnut backs/sides. Will have to watch your other videos.
I haven't written or filmed extensively about walnut because sonically I find claro walnut quite a bit nicer than Ovangkol.
I mention Port Orford Cedar in this video when talking about Spruce and Cedar.
@@UkesWithAlex Will watch again ! POC is quite a bit different from spruce and cedar with interlocking grain , harder than cedar but not as stiff as spruce. It is actually a juniper. My interest is more in building ukuleles rather than playing and have a source of outstanding old growth POC with tight grain. I like to hear players views on tonewood and other aspects.
I remembered Learning about Port Orford Cedar when choosing a tonewood for a uke with Kanile'a and we settled on Alaskan Cedar. My research which admittedly was all Internet based is that POC is a Cypress but the western Reds are Junipers. I'm happy to be wrong but Dr Google did Imply its a Cypress. Before this very moment I can't say I'd spent a lot of time thinking about it 😆
The dozen or so different ukes I've played with a POC top definitely remind me or Spruce but not quite as nice. I like POC but it's never stood out to me as a player or when speaking with luthiers. It might be nice on a guitar but I don't see myself ever buying a uke with one as a top wood.
@@UkesWithAlex Senior moment, cypress it is. No intentions of selling ukuleles, just retirement project and will be gifting some. There are some west coast luthiers who build with it turning out some very nice instruments including ukuleles. I wonder if sound from a top has as much to do with voicing the top as with the species with both contributing to the sound?
I've been trying to find a video I made with a UK builder called Marshall Stapleton... he made a series of identical spec instruments but with tweaks to the top or bracing. The sounds were different but they still had the basic attributes of the tonewood.
How about Ebony? Any recommendations?
I just bought my first ukulele an Ohana tk 50 wg…. I tried the Aquila red strings but don’t like them. What strings would you recommend? ( I play mostly fingerstyle). Thanks.
Clear Fluorocarbon... Martin m600s
I Alex I have a Flight Firewall with Áquila red Hi G, I like the sound but C string ring a lot ... What is your opinion. And I have a Pono Mango tenor with Áquila AG x AQ clear green strings, it have a more round sound, but less sustain.
I can't stand the aquila reds... if its ringing a lot maybe try a clear nylon which tends to be thicker and a bit more rounded similar to the aldrine strings.
@@UkesWithAlex thanks, already changed now to see the diference, I have a spare new aldrine strings.
Hello again, Alex -- I put Worth Brown strings on my Martin T1K , I like the sounds so far, but I wonder if it is normal for Worth Brown's to have a long break-in period.... Mine are just sort of settling in after almost a week.... Not a major issue, just wondering... Thanks, Buzz
A week I'd pretty normal for any strings in my experience. It depends how you fitted them too... I've seen lots of people fit strings in a way where they slacken off for a few weeks.
What would you recommend for a banjolele?
Hi,
which strings are good for Flight ukulele toner acoustic electric please,? The nylon or Aquila? Thanks
You haven't even told me the type of wood.
Thanks for another great video! I want to try low G strings, but I can't decide which uke to put them on! I have a Snail SUC-M1 and a Kala Tri-top in mostly teak with mahogany. Does it make any difference which one I try low Gs on?
Is the tri top a Concert or Tenor? If you have a Tenor I'd put the low G on that first.
If both are concerts, I'd probably do the Kala myself.
@@UkesWithAlex Thanks for the reply! They're both concerts, so I'll try it on the Kala! A tenor is next on my list, but not any time very soon.
I play a Kala KA-BE laminate mahogany baritone. Is there a string set you might recommend?
It's laminate mahogany so tonally it's limited. I find Daddario EJ65B, Ukes With Alex Low D or Martin M630s are the best for the majority of long scale laminates
KAI kit 700 Cedar Top, Bocote back and sides. Stock..D'Adario? What would you recommend?
I recently put some uke logic pink Fluorocarbon strings one of these and it sounded amazing.
Uke Logic S-HG-P
Wht abt Walnut Ukulele?
Which brand of black nylon would you recommend? Low G? Thanks!
Daddario EJ53T with an Aquila 16u low g is a safe choice
Hi Alex, I have a Fender Dhani Harrison tenor ukulele which has the top, back, & sides made from ovangol, neck is nato, and fingerboard is walnut. I want to put a set of low G strings on. Do you have any suggestions on which strings I should purchase? I'm a beginner player and I'm clueless on which low G strings to buy. Thanks for any suggestions 😄
Hey,
Walnut is a weird wood to be honest... I would try a set of Martin M60 strings with a wound Low G like an Aquila 16u
Thanks Alex for your response. So do you mean to use the Aquila 16u on the G and use the Martin M60 C, E, & A strings? I recently watched a UA-cam video by a woman from Wales who teaches ukulele and she was replacing her high G for a low G string. But she only replaced that G string and left the other 3 original strings on. I thought it's better to replace all 4 strings when putting on a low G? Can you only change the high G for low G & leave the other strings on? Thanks again Alex, I've gained a wealth of knowledge about ukuleles from your videos! 😄
It's upto you... if the other 3 strings are fresh then you don't have to change them.
Thanks again Alex! Yes the other strings are fresh, I bought the ukulele new about a month ago.
I look forward to your videos, cheers and Happy Holidays! 😄🎉
Hi Alex. In the pursuit of perfection, would you recommend that I spend more time playing or more time changing strings?
Haha, If you have the right uke and string combination there shouldn't be anything that gets in the way of your pursuit for perfection.
Hi I was wondering what your thoughts would be to increase 😅the warmth and volume of my Uma UK-20ST. I switched out the strings it came with for some Aquila Lava and was not happy with the result . Any ideas would be appreciated.
Try some worth browns or a black nylon string...
Worth BF
Daddario ej53t
🙂
@@UkesWithAlex Would the Worth Strings be the ones that say "Fat" Full Set 63 inches
Brown Fat = BF
Very helpful, Alex. Thanks! I have a new cherry tenor, currently strung with clear fluorocarbons. I’m not sure I like the sound with these strings. Any suggestions?
Cherry is more like mahogany than the other woods... I'd probably move to a Worth brown or Fremont Blackline next.
Great video, I have an Anue Nue colour series concert ( my uke of the year) with a freemont sqeekless low g, but I find the tension is to loose compared with the other strings ( I don't recall the brand, but they are what they came with) any suggestions please.
I don't understand your question. What is it you find loose? The low G? The factory strings and what are the other strings you have tried? Sorry
@@UkesWithAlex Sorry, I didn't explain it very well, what I meant was the low g seems to be a lot slacker, it feels like it needs to be tightened although it is in tune, the tension in the C,E & A is perfect, hope this makes sense.
Ok. That's a concert thing. Tuning to a low note on a short scale you will find that's the case with Low G. Try a thicker, tighter low G like a Daddario NYL031W but I think it's only going to make a small difference.
@@UkesWithAlex Thank you, have a great Christmas and a Happy new year
Very cool video! But, um... (you left out redwood)
Cedar/Redwood- in this context there isn't much of a difference.
@@UkesWithAlex gotcha. Thought it was worth a quick mention like you did with POC.
So an islander super tenor what is your advice. Thanks again alex
It's a laminate with a big body. It's going to sound big and darker than most ukes regardless of the strings. Just try a few different ones and see what you like best.