Ukulele string comparison

[xelanhua]

Thank you so much for this! Exactly what I need! I just have a cheap little Mahalo but I adore playing it and want to make her SING!! I'm going to watch your video a few times and make a choice! Thank you again for this!! :)

[muddmuller]

Thanks for the vid. Very informative and just a good thing to watch.

[MSTFreak]

Great video! I was looking for what strings to buy. Worth strings!

[wwelti]

@MSTFreak Good Choice! I wish you happy uking :)

[nickdollar]

- Galli strings 0:15

- Aquila genuine gut 1:51

- Worth (brown, medium)  3:26

- Uke 24 Excellence 5:00

- Aquila nylgut 6:44

[muckybootsfarm]

My vote is for the Aquila nylgut-to my ear they have greater projection and sweetness than the others.

[tintindwarf]

Dude, you kind of look like Jeff Buckley. Anyways, great vid. Thanks for sharing.

[todanceXtolive]

thanks so much for uploading this! and haha i've just had this playing in the background all afternoon. it's so calming. :).

[Sh0wBiZ94]

wow you have talent!

i need help because im about to buy an ukulele and i would like to know the types of different ukuleles and the differences because i've seen that theres about 5 types, i guess, and they are from different sizes and i dont get whats the difference... so yeah

i would apreciate alot if fou answer me :)))

cheers!

[Predator12212]

I found this video so useful! I bought myself the Aquila Nylgut before i watched it and i wansnt sure whether it was a good choice. It sounded noticably better and I could see a difference from the stock strings :)

[Garabaja]

Hey wwelti, do you recommend putting those top quality strings on a cheap ukulele? Will it improve the sound? I have a $25 ukulele, and cheap strings

[wwelti]

Hi, and thanks.

The ukulele I used in this comparison is a very cheap one (but not a bad one!). A really bad uke can't be cured with strings, neither can strings improve the setup. But not all cheap ukes are bad. There are good ones, and when set up well, good strings will improve their sound a lot.

Good strings are essential for the sound of an ukulele, and make a huge difference, even (or should I say: especially) with less expensive instruments.

[Garabaja]

Thanks for the quick reply!

My uke, though cheap, is pretty decent and sounds fine. The only problem, intonation goes off a little bit up the fretboard (closer to the body). I measured it and on the 5th fret on a string sound is about 5 Hz higher than it should be. And that is just about a difference a human ear can hear. I'm fine with that, I don't play up the fretboard that often, all the chords are in first 5 frets :) It could be up to the strings though.

[Garabaja]

I'm going to change the strings. I love the sound of Worth's and genuine gut Aquilas... So my strings will be almost as expensive as the whole uke :)

[wwelti]

To be honest, this is exactly the case in this video: The uke was indeed VERY cheap (but I still think it's really good for the price!). I paid only 14 Euro for it. Most ukes in this price range are utter crap, but this one is amazingly good.

5 Hz off is definitely audible. However there are several possible reasons for this. And yes, the strings are one of them. Are all strings a bit off in the same range, or is it just a single string? Unfortunately, it can also happen that the uke is off.

[Garabaja]

Wow, real gut aquilas sound really renaissance-like!

[avonflow]

Great playing. Lovely tunes, found the Minuet in your e-book, thanks for posting. E-book is brilliant !

[wwelti]

Thanks :)

[Spunksnake]

Great video, I've decided to get Worth strings when I get my new tenor uke. I also downloaded your e-book and it's fantastic, but I was wondering where I could find a tab for Guantanamera.

[wwelti]

Thanks.

Sorry, the Guantanamera isn't available as tab...

[avonflow]

Where did you down load the e-book ?

[wwelti]

google for "solo ukulele für einsteiger" :)

[wwelti]

oops, i see you already found it :)

[mynyddbodafon]

lovely player, a smile would be great!

Mart

[jonnaheed]

this may sound a bit weird but i have recently purchased a ukulele and im sure i have 4 of the same string. am i just imaging this?

[wwelti]

Are all 4 strings of the uke the same gauge? I have only seen this once with a very cheap instrument.

Often the original strings of an uke are not very good. (However some cheap ukes are not very good altogether ;) ).

[FatFreddyJohnson]

You play beautifully. Thank you for the comparison, but also thank you for the entertainment as well. :)

[0goku]

how do u know what strings u have and what are the best strings to use?

[wwelti]

I buy them and compare them ;)

[JChoneybell]

Thankyou!! Great video. Very precise.

[welshparachutes]

what are your prefered string to play on the standard GCEA tuning?

[wwelti]

Hi, I'm using both brown worth and aquila nylgut strings regularly.

[welshparachutes]

thanks :)

[1Calusa]

Hello. I just got a soprano uke and it has Worth strings on it. I don't know how long they have been on it so, how often should they be changed?

Very nice playing!

[wwelti]

Hello, Thanks. Worth Uke strings don't wear out so quickly. If they look good, they're probably still OK. If you see little dings at the strings where they hit the frets, you might think about changing them. I use them for more as a year usually.

[franulele]

Thank you for taking the time & expense to make such an informative video! I've never heard genuine gut strings on a uke. What a pleasant surprise! Now I'd like to get a set & give them a try.

[asalistics]

i personally think the first string you played was the best sound, its galli, its sounds great on soprano, i have a makala soprano with GHS strings and they sound great

[IanKusekSoloArtist]

are martin crystal strings good?

[wwelti]

I don't know, I haven't tried them so far.

[MachTwang]

I have tried them and do not like the tone. Also they are only strings I've ever had break on my ukuleles, I do not recommend them at all.

[wwelti]

Thanks for the update :)

[bobyman121]

thanks for posting this video =] im glad that i was able to see this please, i also play ukulele =] comment my videos and maybe subscribe if you want im hoping to get to know everyone in the youtube community better =]

[MongoStylin]

First off your VERY GOOD!! i was wandering if uke strings were nylon or metal...they sound nylon...which is good cuz my firngers hate calasis...im buying a uke very soon!

[wwelti]

Hello, don't worry, the strings are nylon. If you get a soprano and tune it GCEA, the tension is very low. Just be sure to get a good one, often the action is too high. (this even happens with good ukes regularly, I often sand down the nut slits a bit to improve playability)

[CosmosPhile]

This is GREAT!!!! I looked up how to change the strings on my uke, but I learned a lot from this video, too. Please tell me: how do you decide when it's time to change your strings? What do you listen or watch for? Also, what criteria do you use to decide which strings work best with your uke?

[wwelti]

Hello! I think strings don't wear out so quickly on the uke (at least not on soprano). So I change strings when I want a new sound on an uke ;) However it greatly depends on what kind of player you are. Unfortunately you have to try to decide which strings work best. There seems to be no common rule.

[cariboubill]

They all sound good when you play them. I have 3 Kalas, concert, tenor and baritone, all with Aquilas. I put some aquilas on an old Johnson baritone that I bought for $60.00 Unbelievable how good it sounds. I do think Worths sound just about as good. ...Bill

[llx2o1]

i wish you were my teacher ^^,

[wwelti]

Thanks Toan :) ... nice strummin' on your Koko Tenor :)

[bigcmoore]

With the low G of corse

[wwelti]

However, I'm not playing low G here...

[bigcmoore]

thats that just placed an order for Aquila Nylgut strings 4 my pineapple uke

[podoz]

thank you so much, very helpful! I agree with most that the worth and nylgut sound the best.

[stodd32]

my ears like the worth strings

[TeleTubeee]

Thanks for your experimentation, hard work, and posting this for all to learn from.

Doug

San Francisco, California USA

[pru005]

i think i like the worth strings and aquilla genuine gut, thanks alot for this!

[crossbonepower]

I must say, this video has been the most helpful in comparing strings. Though, I am uncertain what type of strings I should be using on my uke. I have an ovation applause soprano. since its made of a fiber sorta looking material, I dont know what kind of strings would properly go with them. the ones on there right now arent as good as the one that came stock. im using some really cheap GHS strings : / what do you recommend? many thanks in advance and thanks for the great videos! <3

[wwelti]

Hello, thanks for your comment :)

Unfortunately you have to find it out yourself. Every string type will feel and sound different.However I don't like GHS strings. Try some Worth or Aquila Nylgut, I'm sure they will make a big difference for you!

[ukeforChrist]

ive tried applause ukuleles and they sound excellent with worth strings. either that or you can experiment with koaloha's personally made strings. if you are looking for longer lasting, warm, and resonant strings go with D'addario ukulele strings. happy playing =]

[pinayanip]

Awesome! I'm purchasing my first ukulele, and someone suggested to change the strings to Aquila Nylgut. I wanted to see what they'd sound like before I bought the strings, so thanks so much for this video!

[crabtrap]

wundabar! now i know which strings to replace my crappy GHS strings on my oscar Shmidt uo5 . i liked the Worth the best -good volume and warmth even in that spruce top uke you have there .

galli strings sounded like a wounded cat stuck in a banjo!

(im using HQ pc speakers)

[wwelti]

Hello, thanks. However the top of the uke is agathis, not spruce. The Worth strings are very good tho.

Regards, Wilfried

[pinoyboy805]

hey how much are uke strings usually?

[wwelti]

Not much compared to the price even of a cheap uke. Don't save on the strings, they can make all the difference.

[geoffsuke]

hi, i was wondering what mic your using there, does it connect straight up to your computer. how so? i was thinking of getting a behringer c-3 mic but wasn't sure if you could or how it connected to the computer

[wwelti]

Hello! I'm using the AKG C2000B. No, you can't connect it straight to your computer. You need a preamp with phantom power supply. The same is true for the C-3.

[jeresacoustic14]

what kind of ukulele would be great for a beginner?

[wwelti]

Hello! Depends on what you want to pay and what you expect :) -- Kala is good if you want a cheap one. Brüko is good if you want a sturdy one with good workmanship and massive woods for a reasonable price. Ohana SK-35 or better is good if you want ohe with sweet sound. The Flea is great if you like the shape, and want one which is loud, with good action and perfectly smooth fretboard. KoAloha is good if you want a delicate koa uke.

[jeresacoustic14]

thank you because i am having a hard time picking with uke i want

[wwelti]

Sure, it's not so easy to pick the right one. If you have questions, feel free to send me a message.

[UKISOCIETY]

The Uke24s made the uke sound a bit like a vintage Martin Style 0. Nice and choppy. I like my sopranos to sound like that.

Thanks for this!!!

[wwelti]

Thanks, it's always a good idea to try different strings! It's amazing, but all strings sound different! Regards, Wilfried

[cleashy]

Hi, can you tell me whether steely or nylon strings are better for a uke?? I cant decide

[wwelti]

Hello,

you can't use steel strings for an uke -- it would be damaged by the increased tension. There are exceptions to this rule -- but you have to watch out.

[cleashy]

ah ok thanks! was getting a little confused, cheers

[RubberDiBung]

I found the difference between the strings quite large (using monitor speakers).

I agree with you that Galli is the worst. Aquila genuine gut sound a little thin.

It's hard to decide which of the remaining strings sound best. I find that Worth sound the most ... massive? (satt in German) I like that, but they seem to be missing some crispness. On the other hand both Uke 24 Excellence or Aquila nylgut sound quite crisp, but not quite as powerful as Worth.

[wwelti]

Yes, the differences are large indeed!

Actually I'm not decided on which strings are "best". I think it's good that there are so many different strings with a different sound -- besides all the strings I used in the test are decent and can be recommended if you want the specific sound of them, IMHO.

Regards, Wilfried

[RubberDiBung]

Thank you so much for this video. I just bought my first ukulele a few weeks ago (an Ortega RU-11) and I'm thinking about getting different strings.

[wwelti]

Hello! Yes, It pays off to try different strings!

[RubberDiBung]

Wow. Just wow. I decided to replace the original strings on my uke by Worth strings (BE), and the difference is really impressive. It's not only that the new strings sound better. They're also much easier to tune, and fret intonation (Bundreinheit) has improved a lot.

[wwelti]

Great! Indeed, good strings make such a difference! :)

[Dapperdick]

Thank you so much for the comparison. Any chance of getting the tab for Gunatanamera? I downloaded your books and have been working on several pieces. I love your arrangements. Thank you for all your effort.

[wwelti]

Hello, and thanks. I wish you a happy new year :) Sorry, I haven't tabbed the Guantanamera so far. I also fear it might be a legal problem to release tabs for it, because the song is not old enough -- copyright issues...

Regards, Wilfried

[forcifer87]

Hey there great vid! I'm just getting into playing ukes so the comparison was very helpful. Anyway, I was wondering, where can I find these books that Dapperdick mentioned? I love your arrangements too and would love to give them a shot. :)

[wwelti]

Hello, thanks! You will find them at ukulelehunt. Just search there for my name :)

Regards, Wilfried

[raulcalderonbird]

I like your playing very much, wwelti. Do you tried Nygut in a classical guitar? Your opinion will be very appreciated.

[wwelti]

Unfortunately no. I got only one single classical guitar. However, it needs new strings. Perhaps it's a good idea to try aquila for the classical guitar. Thanks for the suggestion. Regards, Wilfried

[ukebucket]

Wow! This is incredibly helpful. Thanks!!!

[wwelti]

Thanks Amber :)

[phillipsderek]

Wonderful playing and a great comparison of the difference in sound. I have filed this one away in my favorites for future reference. Thanks!

[wwelti]

Thank you :)

[fritzhermann]

great work and great playing.

this will be helpful for many ukers.

[wwelti]

Thanks Fritz! I hope so :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Gut strings sound incredible for the minuet. the Galli strings gave a wonderful full sound for Guantanamera. Nylgut were pretty good also for both. Surprisingly, I felt the Worths sounded horrible by comparison to the others - disappointing because I always use them on mahogany instruments. Excellence were not even in the picture.

That's my opinion anyway, Wilfried.

Really great playing by the way.

KEN

[wwelti]

Hello Ken!

Thanks for your comment. Great to hear a different opinion. Now may I ask how you are listening? (Speakers? Headphones?) ;) Wouldn't it be boring if we all had the same preferences?

I also find it interesting that some people told mey they can't hear much difference at all ;) -- and it's somewhat great that you hear SO MUCH difference.

With best Regards, Wilfried

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I'm listening through my laptop speakers (harmon/kardon). Even at low volume the difference was quite marked. Could be the instrument of course. However, the strings sound similar on my instruments (Worth and Aquila) and they are larger.

[wwelti]

Ok, thanks for the information. Honestly I have to say I wouldn't trust even the best laptop speakers on earth. They can't be too bad, since you can hear the difference. But I guess with good headphones you might judge the strings differently.

The instrument is a phenomenon. It's my cheapest uke, but it's most remarkable. It's very well playable, it got a very unique sound and a monster sustain ;)

[HenrySpock]

Love the Guantanamera. :)

[wwelti]

Thanks :)

[dominiquedv]

I bought an ukulele and your explanations shall be useful to me. Now another question, in the shop where I bought the ukulele it was said to me, it is tuned : A D F" A. But in my chord book they give another tuning: G C E A. What is the best?

[dominiquedv]

Oh! Entschuldigung, du redest Deutsch! Ja, hoffentlich verstehst du auch englisch, dann brauche ich nicht meine Frage zu wiederholen!

[wwelti]

Hallo! Ja, bei den "Ukulelenlehrern" in Deutschland ist ADFisH Stimmung üblich... aber nicht etwa weil sie viel toller ist, sondern einfach weil das in einigen alten deutschen Lehrbüchern so steht.

Ich persönlich bevorzuge die GCEA-Stimmung. Vor allem auch weil die besten verfügbaren Saiten für GCEA ausgelegt sind, aber es ist auch sonst in vieler Hinsicht eine praktische Stimmung. Ich empfehle jedem Einsteiger GCEA.

Viele Grüße, Wilfried

[oldwhtman]

Did you play in the reverse order of your string preference? I have a terrible ear, but it sounds like the later ukes sounded a little better.

[wwelti]

Hello Mike!

Actually the order is more or less random. The strings which I use most time are worth and nylgut. However the other strings are not bad, sometimes I'm in the right mood for a different sound :)

[EarlyguardMusic]

Vielen Dank für den schönen Vergleich! :)

[wwelti]

Bitte sehr, Thomas :)

[kd5txo]

Mahalo for this video. It's always good to have head-to-head, unbiased comparison of different brands of strings. Luckily, your recording equipment is able to capture the differences perfectly. I have settled on Aquila Nylgut...but may now give the other brands a look...My parents just gave me a couple of sets of Martin M600 FLUROCARBON (new formulation) strings and I will give them a try soon. Thanks again for your generosity.

[wwelti]

Thanks. There seem to be a lot of new strings around. I admit I don't know most of them! Regards, Wilfried

[dominiquedv]

Oh: your parents gave to you strings. I must say also when I was at my parents's home, they never buy strings for my guitar! I got only one time guitar strings as gift, it won them in a contest. But people never thought I could appreciate such a gift.

[wwelti]

Huh? My parents? How do you come to this conclusion? Actually I bought the strings from different shops.

[dominiquedv]

Ich meinte nicht Dich. Ich antwortete kd5txo, der das in seinem Kommentar geschrieben hatte.

[wwelti]

Oops. Sorry, I sollte beim Antworten besser aufpassen :)

[dominiquedv]

Nicht schlimm!

[billkilpatrick]

grazie mille! - one of the two, top quality charango strings that i know of are made by aquilacorde - so we're in "accord" there. wonder if mimmo does a set in real gut ...

great video, wilfried - science marches on!

[wwelti]

Thanks Bill. Yes, Aquila makes really good strings for charango too. One day I'll get a charango :) Regards, Wilfried

[diez]

Very interrestingvideo and nice version of La Paloma. It seems worth brown are good in fingerpicking, but for struming Aquila are better.

[wwelti]

Thanks. (I believed the song is Guantanamera...)

Actually I'm never sure which strings I perfer for which task. I tend to use worth and aquila a lot though.

[diez]

Guantanamera, you're right!

[bingcro]

where does one purchase these worth brown strings and are they expensive.You play beautifully even when you look so serious if i could play like you i would be smiling all day long

[wwelti]

Hello, you can get them at theukuleleshop. They are expensive, but indeed worth the money.

Please forgive me, its so difficult to control the uke and a face at the same time ;)

[UkuleleKorea]

Well done. I know this job takes long time. In this video recording, worth brown seemed generally good on your style.

[wwelti]

Aloha! Thanks for your comment. Indeed I like the brown worth a lot. They're really good and make the uke sing :)