Ukulele is a famous instrument; it is fun, easy, and cool to play. Nowadays, many celebrity musicians incorporate the ukulele in their songs.
Moreover, it has become a popular choice for individuals getting into music since it is relatively easy to acquire.
It’s incredible how a good ukulele string set can switch up your instrument’s tune. The ideal strings for your ukulele solely depend on your tune preferences. Whether you are searching for a new set or looking to change your tune altogether, you should be able to find that perfect set in this guide. After all, an impressive ukulele with a great set of strings is a fantastic combination.
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
Topping our list are these fantastic Baritone ukulele strings. The strings are made using pure nylgut with a single aluminum wound, and the nylon strands also feature a single silver-coated wound. Nylgut, Aquila’s new formulation, is made using polymerized plastic and unique additives.
They produce a very close sound to gut strings. From the treble side to the bass side, 1st to 4th, the gauges are approximately 0.027,0. 026, 0.031, and 0.032w. They come in one color; white.
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
These strings are the best for ukulele concerts. When it comes to playability, they are the same as Soprano strings. Again the Aquila 7U strings are made of nylgut, and playing them feels precisely like the Aquila 21U strings. However, there is a difference in the sound they produce.
Furthermore, they come in white, which looks magnificent against dark-wood ukuleles; who doesn’t love a bit of contrast? These are the ideal uke strings to give your ukulele concert a revamp.
They improve your concert’s warmer tone and create a fantastic sound. These strings are suitable for beginners who want to enhance their tuning, though they are good enough for the whizzes.
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
After all the massive positive reviews about the D’Addario uke strings, it’s not a surprise that they have made their way on this list. Not only do these titanium strings have 5-star ratings from almost every customer, but they also offer a wide variety of customized ukulele strings with unique designs to meet your needs.
They come in tenor, soprano, Hawaiian-concert, Hawaiian-tenor, Baritone, and concert sizes. It lets you mix & match and find something that suits your specific tone.
Moreover, these strings are available in nyltech, titanium, and other styles. It allows you to blend all these options to create a unique tune. Their unique design allows you to use them with a GCEA tuning, which means you can modify them to any playing session you prefer.
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
Next on our list is yet another one of the most praised ukulele strings in the market. Their design is quite similar to tenor ukuleles. However, these strings feature Pro-Arte Carbon, which is used for the ukes that tune to the low G.
These strings are designed perfectly for the ideal tune combination and projection. In short, these ukulele strings are the best for advanced players looking to produce lively and smooth tunes.
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
These four strings come in yellow-brown. They produce impressive tunes, which result in an excellent performance. Moreover, Thundergut is a unique, highly compact, and flexible material. It can create exquisite tunes. Besides, it guarantees a quick and steady pitch, and you do not need to overstretch them when tuning.
Its surface is not gluey; instead, they are quite firm when touched, which means you can tune them easily without them slipping from your fingers.
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
These strings are made of nylon monofilament and feature mastic material, which translates to a clear, stable tone and fantastic projection. It has a ball-end build that helps you install these strings quickly. However, strings that need to be tied at the end can be challenging to tie around the instrument’s bridge.
Their exclusive and terrific design prevents them from overstretching when tying at the end, which is quite familiar with standard strings. In short, this exclusive feature can save players much time and energy.
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 a much cheaper option, and they compete with the Aquila and D’Addario strings in terms of quality. The strings feature fluorocarbon material, a combination of fluorine and carbon. Once you install these strings, your ukulele will hardly ever go off-tune, thanks to the fluorocarbon. Besides, your tenor will sound excellent.
The strings are transparent; though they produce powerful sound, they are superbly mellow. When you play a tenor with the Martin M620s, it sounds like you’re playing the harp. They are ideal for beginners and also pros. Moreover, they are relatively easy to play and feel a lot thinner.
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.
