Best Ukulele Strings & Best Ukulele String Brands
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Ukulele is one of the most beautiful stringed musical instruments belonging to the guitar family. The most important part on which the efficiency of your performance depends is the ukulele strings. They come in a diverse range and what you choose determines how you will play. It is critical to make the right buying decision as you can only enjoy the full acoustic potential of your favorite ukulele if you have got the right strings.
There are different types of ukulele strings. The difference lies in size and manufacturing material. Let’s consider both one by one.
The ukulele comes in different sizes. These include concert, tenor, baritone, and soprano. It is important to note that all these have different scale length and you cannot use the same set of strings for all these types. When you go for buying a set of ukulele strings, keep in mind your instrument’s size and buy accordingly.
Related: Great Ukuleles, Cheap Ukuleles
What are the Best Ukulele Strings to Buy?
2) D’Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings
- Reputable Brand
- Titanium Monofilament
- Reasonable Rates
1) Aquila New Nylgut AQ-4 Ukulele Strings
- High Quality
- Nylgut Strings
- Great Sound
- Absorbs Less Moisture
3) Martin M600 Standard Ukulele Strings
- Minimizing String Elongation
- Amplified Tone
- Premium Quality
What matters the most in buying a suitable set of ukulele strings is the material these are made of. These are available in a variety of options that are accessible at the diverse budget range. Interestingly, everything from cheap plastic ones to highly durable titanium strings is also accessible online.
Let’s take a look at some of the commonly found types of strings based on manufacturing material.
Nylon
Nylon strings are the most commonly used type of strings. Depending on the type of polymers used, they produce different sounds. The ones that are available at a low budget are manufactured through an extrusion process.
Interestingly, the expensive ones are also made in the same way, but after extrusion, the polymers are grounded. These strings produce good sound, but with the passage of time and at high temperatures, the nylon strings stretch and you may have to retune your instrument.
Fluoro-Carbon
This polymer is conventionally used as fishing line. It is more suitable for those who want a bright and clear sound. The best part about these strings is these are not much affected by the temperature changes as nylon strings do.
Titanium
For the players who are looking for a highly durable and sturdy option to generate a bright sound, the monofilament titanium is an incredible choice. In addition to being a long-lasting option, it also offers high projection and loud volume.
Wound Metal Strings
Mostly, the larger ukuleles with lower notes have these kinds of strings. The wounding materials often used are aluminium and copper, and they give a squeaky.
Steel Strings
These are not commonly used. Only some particular instruments that are made for these strings can use steel strings. Others are more likely to get damaged because of high tension exerted on the neck, bridge, and top of the instrument.
These are some of the types that you will also find online. For your ease, we have brought a list of widely used and most recommended ukulele strings. Take a look at their specific characteristics and choose as per your playing requirements.
10 Best Ukulele String Reviews and the Best Ukulele String Brands
1) Aquila New Nylgut AQ-4 Soprano Ukulele Strings
Aquila is among the most popular brands that manufacture ukulele strings. The set mentioned here is an superb choice for a soprano ukulele, and it is available at a very fair price.
If you want to enjoy an enhanced sound quality, these nylgut strings are way better than commonly used PVDF or Nylon strings. These are designed to deliver a mesmerizing feel in addition to a sweet tone.
Some prominent features include accurate fret intonation and high tuning stability. The composite material used in string manufacturing is a wonderful blend of three synthetic components which combine to give appreciable sound quality. Last but not the least, these synthetic gut strings deliver the feel and sound of genuine gut strings.
2) D’Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings, Soprano
D’Addario Woodwinds is a renowned manufacturer of musical instruments and accessories. It is known well for reliable structure and reasonable rates. This string set is one of their favorite models, and it offers high durability at low prices.
These titanium strings are specially made for soprano ukuleles. A polished finish and smooth feel make this set a desirable option. Players who want high projection and enhanced brightness of sound should go for EJ87S.
This model is made in the USA under a proper quality control check to ensure that players get the best quality possible at a competitive rate. Also, it offers a bright sound and perfect intonation. Lastly, the strings comprise high-grade titanium, and they deliver a warm tone.
3) Martin M600 Standard Ukulele Strings
Martin is a well-recognised manufacturer of premium quality ukulele and guitar strings. The company produces high-quality strings that feature high longevity and good structural quality.
The M600 set of standard ukulele strings is made to deliver a warm and sweet tone in addition to loud sound with enhanced clarity. The size dimensions are 0.4 x 4.2 x 4.2 inches, and they weigh only 1.6 ounces.
If you want to enjoy a traditional mellow tone with high amplification and added richness, here is what you need. The set offers great value for your money, and it is probably the best that you can get at this price range. The new ukulele players and the ones who prefer long-lasting and reliable strings here is an appropriate option.
4) D’Addario EJ65TLG Pro-Arté Custom Extruded Nylon Ukulele Strings, Tenor Low-G
We have included another remarkable set of ukulele strings presented by D’Addario Woodwinds. Just like its all other options, the EJ65TLG also reflects the flawless structural design and comprise supreme manufacturing material.
These strings are made of nylon and offer a reliable playing experience. These are optimized for the tenor ukuleles featuring low G tuning. The set is manufactured in the USA and ensures high quality.
Moreover, the treble strings added are measured with a laser for a consistent and accurate string feel. Interestingly, the set comes in anti-corrosion packaging which provides fresh strings. You will enjoy its unmatched intonation and acoustic projecting tone. Last but not the least the strings have non-ball design for universal usage.
5) D’Addario EJ65B Pro-Arté Custom Extruded Nylon Ukulele Strings, Baritone
We have included another set of extruded nylon string manufactured by D’Addario. For all the players using a Baritone ukulele, the EJ65B is a remarkable option that delivers appreciable sound quality and high projection at a very moderate price. These are optimized for standard DGBE tuning.
Besides, the treble strings are laser sorted, and feature extruded nylon for consistent feel and a warm tone. There is a total of four strings. The first and second have extruded nylon while the third and fourth have a silver-plated copper wound. Moreover, strings have a non-ball end design. These are made in the USA as per the highest quality standard.
6) Aquila Red Series AQ-86 Concert Ukulele Strings
Here is another admirable string set presented by Aquila. This set is made to deliver a pleasant user experience and a very loud sound. The strings comprise improved and high-quality composite material and exclusive design that gives a more responsive performance in addition to enhanced brightness.
Moreover, these strings offer high tuning stability as they don’t absorb as much moisture as most of the synthetic materials do. All the four strings included in the pack have the same diameter but different material density to deliver a consistent feel and improved intonation. Furthermore, it is a suitable pick for concert ukulele.
7) Aquila 89U RED BARI Uke Low-D Tuning DGBE (wound D & G-string)
The 89U from the famous Red series of Aquila is among the most suitable options made for Baritone ukulele. You will enjoy an outstanding feel, commendable elasticity and flawless intonation with these strings. These are also optimized for Low D tuning. The set has four strings in total.
The first and second are Plain E and B while the third and fourth are wound D and G strings. You will find the texture a bit rough, but the strings deliver unmatched feel and performance. It is an expensive option as compared to other models, but the level of performance the set provides is worth spending some money.
8) C.F. Martin & Co. M630 Nylon Acoustic Guitar Strings, Custom
Check out this beautiful and sturdy set of acoustic strings made for baritone ukulele. These are made of good quality nylon that ensures exceptionally high longevity. If you want to enjoy a good quality sound, mellow tone, and high projection, these will serve your needs the best.
The Martin strings are available at a very competitive price, and you would love their amplified and rich tone. The set offers highly responsiveness performance in addition to phenomenal intonation. Players of all levels including beginners, intermediate and pro, would love its sound quality. The best thing is, these are accessible at a very low price.
9) GHS Strings H-T10 Tenor Ukulele Strings, Black Nylon/Aluminum
GHS strings are rightly considered the world leader in producing top quality strings for a vast variety of musical instruments. It has been serving the industry for more than 50 years, and that’s what makes it highly credible.
The H-T10 is one of the most recommended and preferred string set used widely for tenor ukulele. The strings come in fresh airtight and nitro pack and offer beautiful, bright sound with high projection and brilliant amplification.
These black nylon strings provide a mellow, and articulate tone backed by Hawaiian tuning. These are designed to be used by the players of all levels. The strings added feature a lower tension for the easy picking.
10) Aquila 115U LAVA SERIES Ukulele TENOR Low-G Tuning, Key of C – GCEA (wound G)
Aquila offers this beautiful model from its famous lava series. The set is optimized for Tenor ukulele and has low G tuning, Key of C and super nylgut structure. The stunning grey-black color in addition to mother of pearl shimmer makes it a highly desirable option.
Considering sound and mechanical properties, the 115U of lava series is similar to that of white Pearl Supernylgut ukulele strings of Aquila. The G string included is tuned to have one octave lower. Besides, the metallic wound adds to durability. Try this set of strings to enjoy a high-class musical experience at a very affordable price.
Choosing the Best Ukulele Strings
All these are preferred owing to high structural quality and excellent sound. We have encompassed a broad budget range. Whether you are looking for a moderately-priced and durable option or you are searching for a low-priced string set, you are covered.
2) D’Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings
- Reputable Brand
- Titanium Monofilament
- Reasonable Rates
1) Aquila New Nylgut AQ-4 Ukulele Strings
- High Quality
- Nylgut Strings
- Great Sound
- Absorbs Less Moisture
3) Martin M600 Standard Ukulele Strings
- Minimizing String Elongation
- Amplified Tone
- Premium Quality
Identify your playing needs first. As mentioned above different strings offer a different level of brightness and loudness of sound. Go for the one that suits your needs. Moreover, if you are a beginner, you should choose a sturdy and durable set of strings. Here it is important to note that the same strings can give different sound if used on different ukuleles. Thus, what type of ukulele you have is also important to consider.