Playing the ukulele is a fun and exciting way to get into music. With its increasing popularity, the ukulele has become a famous instrument for both beginners and professional musicians. Many famous artists include the ukulele in their songs, making it a cool and trendy instrument to play.
One of the most significant factors that can affect the sound of your ukulele is the strings. A good set of ukulele strings can make all the difference in achieving the desired tune. When choosing the ideal set of strings, it’s important to consider your musical preferences and the sound you want to achieve.
Luckily, this guide can help you find the perfect set of strings for your ukulele. Whether you’re searching for a new set or looking to switch up your tune, you can find the right set of strings to make your ukulele sound amazing. With the right strings and a great ukulele, you’ll be playing beautiful music in no time.
What is Ukulele Strings made of?
Typically, these strings come in different materials. The three most common materials are fluorocarbon, nylon, and gut.
When the ukulele was invented in 1879, the strings were designed using gut sourced from sheep intestines. In 1940, people started making strings from nylon since nylon was cheaper and produced a better sound, which was relatively different from the gut’s sound.
Even though some players still like gut due to its sound quality, gut strings were hard to find when nylon became more popular. Currently, fluorocarbon is the preferred material for players today. Many players say it is livelier, louder, and more superficial to changes in temperature. What’s more, it is denser; thus, the strings are available at smaller gauges. On the other hand, it is more expensive than nylon.
Ukulele strings are available in titanium, steel, wound metals, and nylon. Thus, you can see a wide range of strings to choose from.
Top 7 Best Ukulele Strings
Like guitars, you will have to replace the old strings with new ones once in a while. Finding suitable ones can be tricky, especially with the market’s vast array of ukulele strings. Check this in-depth guide to find some of the best ukulele strings available.
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Aquila Nylgut 21U | 4.6 |
| Aquila 7U Concert | 4.7 |
| D’Addario EJ87S | 4.6 |
| D’Addario EJ99TLG | 4.6 |
| Aquila 68U Thundergut | 4.8 |
| Ernie Ball P02326 | 4.7 |
| Martin M620 Tenor | 4.6 |
1. Aquila Nylgut Series 21U Baritone Ukulele Strings
The strings are made from pure nylgut, which gives them a unique sound that’s very close to gut strings. The use of polymerized plastic and additives in the formulation of nylgut ensures that the strings are durable and long-lasting.
One thing that really stood out to me was the single aluminum wound and single silver-coated wound on the nylon strands. This feature is rare in ukulele strings, and it definitely adds to the overall quality of the sound produced by the strings.
The gauges for the strings range from 0.027 to 0.032w, which ensures that you get a well-rounded sound from your instrument.
I was also pleased with the consistency of the sound produced by these strings. From the treble side to the bass side, the sound was well-balanced, and the strings were easy to play. One minor drawback, however, is that the strings only come in one color: white. Nevertheless, this is a minor issue, and it doesn’t take away from the overall quality of the strings.
In summary, if you’re looking for high-quality Baritone ukulele strings that are durable, well-balanced, and produce a unique sound, these strings are an excellent choice.
Features
- Excellent DGBE tuning
- It belongs to the Nylgut series
- Weight- Just 0.317 ounces
Pros
- Produces quality sound
- Durable
Cons
- No color options
2. Aquila 7U Concert Ukulele Strings
If you’re looking to give your ukulele concerts a boost, we highly recommend the Aquila 7U strings. As someone who has tried and tested them, I can attest to the difference they make. These strings feel similar to Soprano strings and are made of nylgut, just like the Aquila 21U strings. However, they produce a warmer and more resonant sound that’s perfect for concerts.
One thing that stands out about these strings is their appearance. They come in a bright white color that looks fantastic against dark-wood ukuleles, adding a pop of contrast to your instrument’s aesthetic.
In terms of playability, they’re suitable for beginners looking to improve their tuning but also great for experienced players.
Overall, the Aquila 7U strings are a fantastic option for anyone looking to add some warmth and resonance to their ukulele concerts. They’re easy to install and provide an excellent sound that’s sure to impress your audience.
Features
- GCEA tuning
- Gauge – 0.0265, 0.0243, 0.0373, 0.0305
- Nylgut series
Pros
- Strings produce a similar sound as that of the original sheep gut
- Tune stability
Cons
- Beginners might find it tricky to use since they are not color-coded
3. D’Addario Soprano EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings
The titanium material makes them incredibly durable, and they produce a beautiful sound that is bright and lively. The fact that they come in various sizes means you can find the perfect strings for your specific type of ukulele.
What really impressed me about these strings is the variety of designs available. I was able to choose the style that best fit my ukulele’s aesthetics. This is a small detail, but it made a significant difference in the overall look and feel of my instrument.
The nyltech and titanium options offer unique tones and allow you to experiment with different playing styles. Additionally, the GCEA tuning means you can use these strings for any playing session you prefer.
The D’Addario uke strings are for any ukulele player looking for a high-quality, customizable set of strings. They’re durable, sound great, and offer plenty of options to suit your needs.
Features
- Weight – 0.06 pounds
- Produces a wide range of tones
- Sturdy
Pros
- Vibrant and quality sound
- A dynamic and upbeat tone
Cons
- Suitable for trained players only
4. D’Addario Pro-Arte Tenor Low G Ukulele Strings – EJ99TLG
These strings were designed specifically for ukuleles that tune to the low G, and the result is an excellent combination of tune and projection.
Playing with these strings was a breeze. They were smooth and easy to handle, and the sound they produced was lively and full. It’s no surprise that they are a top choice for advanced players. One of the standout features of these strings is their durability. They are made with high-quality materials that can withstand frequent playing and heavy use. We were also impressed by the level of precision in the design, which ensures an optimal playing experience.
These Pro-Arte Carbon ukulele strings are for anyone looking to take their playing to the next level. They are worth the investment for the improved sound quality and durability they provide.
Features
- Lightweight
- Perfect dimensions
- Tenor ukuleles with Low G tuning
Pros
- Carbon strings are easy to play
- It comes with appropriate marking and great color-code
Cons
- They are quite warm, which at times results in unclear tunes.
5. Aquila 68U Thundergut Ukulele Strings
We recently tried out the Thundergut ukulele strings, and we were blown away by their impressive sound. The strings come in a unique yellow-brown color and are made from a highly compact and flexible material, which produces exquisite tunes. We found that they were quick and steady in pitch, and we didn’t have to overstretch them when tuning.
One of the standout features of these strings is their non-gluey surface. Instead, they have a firm texture that makes them easy to tune without slipping from your fingers.
We also found that they were comfortable to play, and their quick response time allowed us to produce lively and smooth tunes.
Overall, we would highly recommend these strings to anyone looking to take their ukulele playing to the next level. They are perfect for advanced players who want to create an excellent performance and produce a sound that truly stands out. With their unique color and impressive performance, these strings are sure to make any ukulele shine.
Features
- Anti-slip surface
- Sturdy thundergut material
Pros
- Amazing performance
- Installing them in your ukulele is relatively easy
Cons
- A little bit heavy (1.6 ounces)
- They are somewhat uncomfortable to play
- Quite expensive
6. Ernie Ball Nylon Ukulele Strings – P02326
The mastic material used in their construction really enhances their sound, providing a clear and stable tone with great projection. Installing them is also a breeze, thanks to their ball-end design that makes the process quick and easy.
One thing that really stood out to us was the fact that these strings don’t overstretch when tied at the end, which can be a common problem with other strings. This saves a lot of time and effort for players and is a real testament to the quality and craftsmanship of these strings.
Features
- Nylon monofilament ensures high-quality tones
- Lightweight
Pros
- Bright tone
- Installing is easy
- Excellent strum
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Quite slippery
- Resonates briefly
7. Martin M620 Tenor-Gauge Fluorocarbon Ukulele Strings
These strings are incredibly affordable, especially when compared to some of the more high-end options like Aquila and D’Addario. Despite their lower price point, the quality of these strings is right up there with the best of them.
One of the standout features of these strings is the fluorocarbon material they’re made of, which is a combination of fluorine and carbon. This unique material ensures that your ukulele stays in tune, even after extended periods of playing. In fact, I’ve found that my ukulele hardly ever goes off-tune when I use these strings.
But the best part about the Martin M620s is the sound they produce. Despite being transparent, these strings produce a powerful and mellow sound that is perfect for a tenor ukulele. When I play my tenor with these strings, it sounds like I’m playing a harp. And while these strings are great for beginners, they are also suitable for pros who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality option.
Lastly, the strings are relatively easy to play and feel a lot thinner than some of the other options out there. All in all, I would highly recommend giving the Martin M620s a try if you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable ukulele string option.
Features
- High-quality fluorocarbon material
- Easy installation
- Smooth surface
Pros
- Durable strings with excellent tune
- Quite cheap
- They work well with no issues
Cons
- Not durable
CHECK OUR BEST VIOLIN STRINGS REVIEW
CHECK OUR BEST VIOLA STRINGS REVIEW
Frequently Asked Questions
GCEA is the most common way to tune your ukulele. It means that the G string is tuned an octave higher than projected. Most players play the Low G tuning, where the G is slanted beneath the C, due to the wide range of tunes you achieve, especially when tuning ukuleles with long necks like baritones, concerts, and tenors.
On the other hand, baritones are tuned to DGBE, similar to a guitar’s first four strings. You can also adjust your Ukulele to Pipa (ADEA), Viola (CGDA), Hawaiian slack tune (GCEG), and open G (GBDG).
The standard numbering of ukulele strings is 4-3-2-1. Thus, when you hold the instrument in your hand, number 1 is nearest to the floor, while number 4 is the closest to the ceiling. This arrangement matches the GCEA string notes.
Our Top Pick
The Aquila 21U strings are our top pick. Low G and D strings have a vigorous and stable tune. The nylgut strings feel soft and are fantastic to play on, and they are long-lasting.
For a long time, Aquila strings have been the standard ukulele strings. The Aquila 21U offers separate strings, which means you do not have to switch all the strings because one is damaged.
