Ukulele Strings

A small instrument with big character, the ukulele is all too often underrated. This four-stringed member of the guitar family has a lighthearted, classic sound that adds a fun Hawaiian flavor to any music. A skilled player can wow any audience with the ukulele, as long as he or she has the instrument fitted with the right strings. Because of its compact size, the ukulele derives a large portion of its final sound from the strings. This makes it important to make sure your strings are properly tuned and in good condition. When it's time to re-string your ukulele, you'll find several different varieties to choose from. Modern ukulele strings are usually made of nylon polymers, with the exact composition varying from string to string. The thicker strings are often wrapped in a metal such as aluminum or copper, which can have a subtle effect on the tone. It may take some experimentation to discover which strings are right for you. Standard strings are excellent for most scenarios, but if you are a serious ukulele performer, you may want to consider trying out a set of titanium strings. These ukulele strings provide a louder sound than nylon strings, with greater clarity and projection that make them more easily heard in an auditorium and better-defined when picked up by a microphone. Ukulele strings are made to specific lengths and thicknesses for each of the four sizes of the instrument: soprano (standard), concert, tenor and baritone. In order for the strings to fit properly and have the correct sound, make sure that the strings that you pick match the size and tuning of your ukulele. If your instrument uses paired courses of strings, you will need enough replacements to swap out all six or eight. With a great pair of strings, you can give your ukulele a whole new sound. Whether you're onstage in a concert hall or busking at the local market, a ukulele with fresh strings is an unassuming instrument that can surprise your audience with its mellow, lively style.