Best
Soprano Ukulele Strings
Soprano Ukulele
Strings HIGHLY POLISHED AND SMOOTH SURFACE
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Overall: Produces warm and mellow tones
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Best Feature: Long-lasting and durable soprano strings
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Best
Concert Ukulele Strings
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Overall: Clear and articulate sound
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Best Feature: Bright and projecting tone
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Tenor Ukulele
Strings
Nylgut AQ-106 Tenor
Ukulele Strings FOR A CLEAR AND RESONANT
SOUND
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Overall: Perfect intonation, long-wearing qualities
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Best Feature: more excellent tuning stability
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TedScore™: 9/10
Ukuleles have been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They’re small, portable, and easy to learn.
However, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, choosing the best Ukulele strings is essential. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this post, I’ll provide tips on choosing the best strings for your playing style and preferences. Plus, I’ll share my personal favorite strings for my Concert Uke (it starts with a D and ends with an Addario!)
So, whether you’re looking for a bright, punchy sound or a warm and mellow tone, I’ve got you covered!
Understanding Ukulele Strings
Ukulele strings come in different gauges and tensions, affecting the instrument’s playability and tone.
Lighter gauge strings are easier to play and produce a brighter tone, while heavier gauge strings require more pressure to play and produce a deeper, more resonant tone.
Tension also affects the sound and playability of the strings, with high-tension strings producing a louder and brighter sound, and low-tension strings producing a softer and more mellow sound.
Understanding the gauges and tensions of ukulele strings allows you to tailor your instrument to your playing style and achieve the best possible sound and playability.
Different Types of Ukulele Strings
Ukulele Sizes and Their Strings
Different ukulele sizes require different string gauges and tensions to achieve optimal sound quality and playability.
Let’s explore the various ukulele sizes and the strings that are best suited for each.
Soprano Ukulele
The soprano ukulele is the smallest and most traditional, with a scale length of around 13 inches.
Due to their small size, soprano ukuleles typically have a bright and punchy sound.
It’s best to use lighter gauge strings with a higher tension to achieve this sound. The most common tuning for soprano ukuleles is GCEA.
Our Recommended Soprano Ukulele Strings
Aquila Nylgut Soprano Ukulele Strings
FEATURES: Resistant to changes in humidity and temperature
FEATURES: Low string noise for smooth playing
- Produces warm and mellow tones
- Offers excellent intonation and tuning stability
- Long-lasting and durable soprano strings
- Easy to install and tune
- May produce some finger noise when playing
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
D'Addario EJ87S Titanium Soprano Ukulele Strings
FEATURES: Made from titanium material
OTHER INFO: Features a bright and projecting tone
- Offers excellent intonation and tuning stability
- Resistant to corrosion and wear
- Provides a longer lifespan compared to traditional nylon strings
- May produce some finger noise when playing
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Concert Ukulele
The concert ukulele is slightly larger than the soprano, with a scale length of around 15 inches. This size offers a slightly fuller sound than the soprano, with more volume and sustain.
It’s best to use medium gauge strings with a slightly lower tension to achieve this sound than those used on a soprano ukulele.
The most common tuning for concert ukuleles is also GCEA.
Best Concert Ukulele Strings
Aquila AQ-103 Super Nylgut Concert High G Ukulele Strings
FEATURES: Made from Super Nylgut material
OTHER INFO: Designed for concert ukuleles with a high G tuning
- Produces a warm and full-bodied tone
- Offers excellent intonation and tuning stability
- Resistant to changes in humidity and temperature
- May take some time to break in
- Not suitable for concert ukuleles with a low G tuning
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
D'Addario EJ99SC Pro-Arte Carbon Ukulele Strings
COMES WITH: bright and projecting tone with excellent sustain
FEATURES: Made from carbon material
- Provides a longer lifespan compared to traditional nylon strings
- Produces a clear and articulate sound
- Low string noise for smooth playing experience
- More expensive than some other ukulele strings on the market
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tenor Ukulele
The tenor ukulele is even larger than the concert, with a scale length of around 17 inches. This size offers a rich and full-bodied sound with a lot of sustain and projection.
It’s best to use heavier gauge strings with a lower tension than those used on a soprano or concert ukulele to achieve this sound.
The most common tuning for tenor ukuleles is either GCEA or DGBE.
Recommended Tenor Ukulele Strings
Aquila Super Nylgut AQ-106 Tenor Ukulele Strings
COMES WITH: Aquila's latest advance in synthetic gut ukulele strings
FEATURES: Natural pearl colour, super-smooth playing surface
- Less stretchy than previous strings, more excellent tuning stability
- Perfect intonation, long-wearing qualities
- When first installed, these strings can take some time to stretch and settle into their proper tension
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Martin M630 Tenor Ukulele Strings
FEATURES: Made of high-quality fluorocarbon material
OTHER INFO: Low-tension design for easy playing and reduced finger fatigue
- Warm and clear tone
- Smooth and comfortable feel, with minimal finger noise and squeaking
- Excellent intonation and tuning stability
- May require some stretching and settling in
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Baritone Ukulele
The baritone ukulele is the largest and deepest-sounding ukulele, with a scale length of around 19 inches. This size offers a warm and mellow sound closer to that of a classical guitar than a traditional ukulele.
It’s best to use the heaviest gauge strings with the lowest tension to achieve this sound. The most common tuning for baritone ukuleles is DGBE.
Best Baritone Ukulele Strings
D'Addario EJ65B Baritone Pro-Arte Custom Extruded Nylon Ukulele Strings
FEATURES: Made from custom extruded nylon material
OTHER INFO: Easy to install and tune
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to install and tune
- Provides a comfortable playing experience with low-string tension
- May not be suitable for players who prefer a brighter or more projecting sound
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Aquila Red Series AQ-89 Baritone Low D Ukulele Strings
FEATURES: Made from a unique blend of Nylgut and red copper powder
OTHER INFO: Designed for baritone ukuleles with a low D tuning
- Produces a rich and dynamic sound
- Provides exceptional pitch accuracy and tuning stability
- Features a bright and powerful tone
- May not be suitable for players who prefer a warmer or mellower sound
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tuning and Maintenance of Ukulele Strings
Sure, here are some tips for tuning and maintenance of ukulele strings:
Tuning Your Ukulele Strings
- Use a digital tuner or tuning app to ensure accurate tuning.
- Tune each string in the correct order (G-C-E-A for standard tuning).
- Use the tuning pegs to adjust the tension of each string until it produces the correct pitch.
- Stretch the strings gently after tuning to help them settle into their new tension.
Maintaining Your Ukulele Strings
- Keep your ukulele in a stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity to prevent damage to the strings.
- Clean your strings regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and sweat.
- Use a string lubricant to reduce friction and prolong the lifespan of the strings.
- Replace your strings when they start to sound dull or lose their tone, which is usually every 3-6 months for regular players.
Storing Your Ukulele Strings
- Store your extra strings in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture damage.
- Keep the strings in their original packaging or a sealed container to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.
- Label the packaging with the type and gauge of the strings to make it easy to identify them later.
Best Ukulele Strings
Summary
There isn’t a right or wrong when choosing the best ukulele strings. It’s all about what you feel works for you. And fortunately enough, they’re not the most expensive things in the world; so my advice is to buy as many as you can for your first round, and give them a try.
As promised, I reveal my favorite strings for my concert Uke. Drumroll, they are the D’Addario EJ99SC Pro-Arte Carbon Ukulele Strings. They just work for me; they have great sound and great feel, and they’re relatively cost-effective.
Strings made from high-quality materials like fluorocarbon or nylon produce a warm, full-bodied sound, while titanium or steel strings produce a brighter, more percussive sound.
The gauge of the strings is also important, with thicker strings producing a louder, more resonant sound and thinner strings being easier to play.
Popular brands like Aquila, D’Addario, and Martin Strings are known for producing high-quality, durable strings that produce a consistent, reliable sound.
Ultimately, experimentation and personal preference are key to finding the perfect strings for your ukulele.
Happy strumming!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Check out my new article, the TOP 10 BEST UKULELES: IN-DEPTH BUYING GUIDE now.
hi so i was thinking about maybe starting to learn an instrument cause my friend said it could be fun and i like music and stuff but i dont really know anything about ukeleles but this article seems pretty detailed but also a lot and im just wondering how do i even get started like what size ukele should i buy if i’ve never played anything before? thx
Interesting take on steel strings. I’d argue though, they might not be the best for all ukuleles, especially traditional ones. Isn’t there a risk of damaging the instrument with the added tension?
Actually, steel strings can be safe if your uke is built for them! Always check with the manufacturer first.
TechTerry has a point. I’ve seen too many hopefuls ruin their soprano ukes with steel strings.
Just got my first uke and this guide is gold! Thanks!
Lewis, your comprehensive guide on ukulele strings is a breath of fresh air. As someone deeply entrenched in the classical music scene but a novice in the ukulele domain, I find the multitude of string options quite fascinating. Could you elaborate on the tonal differences between fluorocarbon and Aquila Nylgut strings? I’m particularly interested in how they compare in terms of sound brightness and projection.