What’s the big deal about choosing strings?
Strings are the focus of playing the ukulele - making notes on them sound clear and clean. The right strings can make all the difference in the sound of the instrument and your playing enjoyment.
Types of Strings
Most ukuleles are equipped with strings right from the factory and many play well and sound good with those strings. But, there are other types you might want to sample to see how they improve the sound of your ukulele. There are three general types of strings to choose from:
Nylon strings: This is the standard for most ukuleles. They hold up well to strumming and tend to have a lower tension which can make fingering easier. That lower tension is also good for older ukes, putting less strain on their parts. The sound tends to be quieter and more mellow. Nylon strings also tend to be budget-friendly. If there is any fault to Nylon strings it is humidity, which makes them stretch. If you play a lot outdoors or in high humidity conditions, these strings will need lots of re-tuning during play.
Flurocarbon: This extruded string is more like fishing line with a few extra ingredients. It is strong and holds up well to strumming but also can produce a bell-like quality when playing fingerstyle. Because of their bright tone, they show off precision fingerstyle beautifully - but they also show off any mistakes with the same clarity! Their smooth surface makes them a go-to for fast finger-work. Humidity doesn’t seem to bother them as it does nylon strings. The Flurocarbon plays on despite the weather. The cost of a Flurocarbon string set is a bit more expensive than a Nylon set, but strings are not a high dollar item unless you change them very often.
Which strings should you choose?
String choice is a personal preference, although your skill on the ukulele does play a part.
Nylon Strings Considerations:
If you are a beginning uke player, you may prefer the lower tension of Nylon to help you with chording. The lower tension makes the strings easier to press into the fretboard and helps you to make clean chords.
You may also prefer the mellow sound Nylon strings offer. They are the standard for a good reason!
They are budget-friendly too, which means you can sample lots of different brands without too much concern on the cost.
Flurocarbon Strings Considerations:
If you are a finger-style uke player, you may prefer the smooth texture and bright sound of Flurocabon strings. They will show off your precision fingerwork and allow you to “shred” with the best results.
The tension of Flurocaron strings is a bit higher so finger strength and dexterity will be a consideration. But if you are a finger-style player that is already a given.
The cost and variety of string brands will tempt you to try different string sets and, though the cost is somewhat higher than nylon strings, the cost is still a reasonable investment to find the perfect strings for your playing style.
It’s really down to personal preference
String choice is all about what sounds good on your ukulele for the way that you play. It’s good to sample several different brands for the type of strings you prefer (Nylon or Flurocarbon) and plan on changing your strings when the sound becomes dull, they won’t stay in tune, or show any signs of wear (black marks, dents, nicks).
Since the cost of a new set of strings - regardless of type is less than $20, you could sample a different set of strings every time you change your strings.