Ukulele Strings Compared - Aquila or Worth?

[DanielLytleWilson]

Awesome, what song is this?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@DanielLytleWilson It is not a song. I am just noodling.

[psychostan17]

beautiful playing...just couldn't switch off

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@psychostan17 Thank you.

[hiphopdude89]

Sounds like the worth is a bit softer in tone.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@hiphopdude89 Yes, they are.

[BillEvans1956]

35G strings sound better to my ears.

Nice home you have Ken. Looks very cosy.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@BillEvans1956 It can be cosy, but it can also be very cold.

[newageliberation]

Thank you for taking out the guess work

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@newageliberation Thanks for watching.

[UkeGoesRawrGazzawr]

thanks for posting this :)

hard to tell any difference through computer speakers or headphones but I think im hooked on buying worths for that uke when i get one :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@UkeGoesRawrGazzawr Worths are good.

[MrJocopa]

hello i recently recived a ukelele from my grandmother, but when i tryed to tune it it just didnt sound right. my question is what type of strings is best for a ukeleles sound?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@MrJocopa Try Aquila Stings or Worth.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sorry, there are no tabs.

[sosuperreal]

@KenMiddletonUkulele alright thanks anyway you are one amazing player though.

[kleiboff]

Both sound great on computer speakers !. I prefer Worth although I have strung several ukes (and a banjo) with Aquillas. The Aquilla's are ok (totally useless on a banjo) At this point anything new in my household gets a set of worth strings ASAP.

Ken L

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I often use Worths too.

[marinovskiv]

@KenMiddletonUkulele

Hello, thanks for posting,

i would like to comment that with such a small box as the ukelele, the actual fundamental resonance of the non cataway should be lower than the cutuaway, with as much as 10-15% difference in volume of air contained within them. something to think about when comparing strings with equal variables.

[narwhalattack]

@kleiboff i've been using aquilas on my banjo since august.. and i love them. they've got the perfect snap. i think they sound better on my banjo than steel.

[archivestereo]

The deeper, fuller sound is clearly (to my ears) on the non-cutaway, which I am assuming is the Worth-equipped ukulele, correct? It is funny how I am noticing this same difference in my comparisons (although I am actually using Savarez, which are very similar to Worth, but a little more supple to the touch). You make both sound great, and this is a very valuable exercise! Thanks a million!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks. Yes, the non-cutaway has Worths.

[tnguye36]

@KenMiddletonUkulele Are those the brown or clear worth strings? BM/CM or BT/CT? Thanks!

[itsmimitime]

@archivestereo Which strings do you use exactly? I'm a beginner (tender fingers) but I really enjoy the rich, loud sound similar to worth strings.

[itsmimitime]

@archivestereo Which strings do you use exactly? I'm a beginner (tender fingers) but I really enjoy the rich, loud sound similar to worth strings. I'd really appreciate the help! Thanks!

[archivestereo]

@itsmimitime I use the Savarez and Worth, and find both about equal. If you get worth, get the Clears, if you get Savarez, use the Alliance regulars

[PickinNgrinin]

Wildwood flower. So sweet.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[mrcreigs]

the second guitar has a sweater more crying kind ot sound ... The vibrato seems more effective ...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[phantasmsays]

i like the cutaway, deeper fuller sound

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

True. It has the Aquila strings.

[christien023]

nice video! do you still remember the chords you improvised on? thanks

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, sorry. Thanks for watching.

[artsygala]

I like the strings on the cutaway the best.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

They are Aquilas.

[artsygala]

@KenMiddletonUkulele

I have a Nalu Hokua solid mahogany tenor. I like low G tuning, so I tried Aquila's low G string, which is metal wound. I found it rang louder than the nylgut. So I tried Worth clears,and thought hey sounded a bit too dead.

So now, I have Aquila C, E, and A strings, and Worth's low G. I get the sound I'm looking for with nice soft bass notes, a perfect combo.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sounds good to me.

[KarenTbone]

It sounds like the action is higher on the cutaway. What are the strings on that one? This is the tenor I've been thinking of buying and I like the way the strings sound. I've noticed that a higher action on my guitars sounds clearer and louder. So it's always a compromise between an easy playing action and a good sound.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The action is about the same on both. But it is higher than most inexperienced players would like and, you are right, it does give a better tone.

[DRAPERT520]

What kind of Aquila strings are on the Ohana (without cutaway)?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Just regular ones.

[MyIpodandMe]

Aquila? Worth? Aquila? Worth?

I'm gona buy a ukulele soon and I can't decide which strings to get. I'm not sure if I should buy a cheap $25 mahalo or spend some more money on a Lanikai LU-11.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

As a general rule, go for the best uke that you can afford. If you buy a cheap uke you will be wanting a better one very soon.

[graesson]

The Worths sound a little more clear and "Hawaiian" to me. I only have one Ukulele (from Poly Gardens on Oahu) and have only played Aquila's. However after hearing your test I think I would like an Ohana TK35 or 70CG with the Worths. Thanks for posting. gb

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I really rate Worth brown strings, not for every instrument though.

[Calligraphy31]

Just wondering what strings would go best for the "Kala Jazz Tenor Ukulele" and you think it would sound better tuned in Low G or High G?

Btw, I' m only a novice and hardly can tell the difference between the Aquilla and Worth strings. They both sound really great!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I'd stick with the Aquilas that come as standard.

[Calligraphy31]

Oh ok! Also should I tune the tenor with Low G or High G? or is that just personal preference?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It depends which string you have fitted. look at the diameter.

[moldyoreo]

The Worths are much more authentic sounding to my Hawaiian ears. Mahalo.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[GiantPandas]

Is that tune from Forrest Gump on 2:02?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think it probably is.

[tucumalo]

@GiantPandas absolutly yes!! Forest Gump suite - Alan sylvestri...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much for the comment.

[bunnydrumming]

what wonderful playing! I'm so tempted to buy a ukulele but not sure whether to go for the concert or the soprano - and if i will be able to teach myself as i've played piano and accordion but not guitar! hmmm!

you produce such a wonderful sound - very jealous

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks. The sound comes with practice. Either a soprano or a concert would be good.

[BlindLemonJaffaCake]

what's the piece of music starting on 2 minutes Ken? I recognise it from somewhere but can't place it.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think it is the opening theme from the film Forest Gump.

[kelseykbazar]

i prefer the sound of the worths but i prefer the look of the aquilas. why would you make BLACK strings?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The Worths are brown. A lot of people hate the look of white strings.

[kelseykbazar]

Interesting, i always seemed to like that look. Guess it's all about the sound of the music anyways.

Thanks

[m2x3808]

hey are u playing a song called "it is well" in on part or is all this improv on the spot?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No, I'm just making something up. I think Wildwood Flower is in there and maybe a couple of other things.

[freackykit]

HI Ken...

Even thouh the Worths are mellower, the Aquila strings appear to project more volume. Is this true or just a false impression from the factors of being played on different ukes?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, Aquilas are loud and powerful.

[chinchyrabbit]

I just orderd the tk-35cg and cant wait for it to arrive!! I actually use d'addario pro arte ukulele strings you should try them they are very nice! i was wondering what kind of tuning knobs are on the ukulele plastic or what i cant get a very good look from the picture?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

D'Addario string are the only other brand that I recommend. White plastic tuning keys.

[chinchyrabbit]

thank you and keep up the good reviews!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.

[JohnnyUku]

I have played both kinds. I like playing the Worths better. In my opinion they are easier to fret. However the sound of the Aquilas in this test is better than I remembered. However - overall - I prefer Worths.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for the comment.

[mmbrown82]

I like the Aquila's.

I just want to add your playing is beautiful. :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.

[AlexMoores]

the aquilas sound mellower to when picked and brighter when strummed.. strange.

the differences aren't huge on this instrument anyway but with some other materials incl. laminate ukes, plastic, maybe even koa, the strings may show more of a difference. Thanks for the comparison!

[jhummus]

one potiential flaw in this comparison....because the non cut away has more space for depth..wouldnt it naturally sound louder and a little better no matter if it had aquillas or worths on them?... ive been using aquillas for a while now and honestly im just "curious" about worth strings....but seems like no one carries them here on Oahu Hawaii.....

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

At the time I didn't have two identical instruments. Even if I had, they would not have been identical sounding.

Try PuaPua on Hawaii or any Ohanba dealer on the mainland.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[ukulelerat]

i think the none cutaway sounds the best to me much fuller to me.

which strings are on it?

[KenMiddletonMusic]

Worths.

[ukulelerat]

wow excellent test. i'm impressed, i thought you were going to say aquila.

[CallsThunder]

Thanks Ken for the comparison. Just ran over to UU and saw which uke had which strings. I prefer the worths.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I do too on this particular instrument, but not on my koa ukes.

[hemiola111]

WOW. I'm a semi beginner at ukulele and that strumming... wow!

I'm not sure which uke had which strings, but for strumming, the uke with the non-rounded shoulder sounded better when strummed to me. The other uke (with rounded body) sounded too twangy when strummed. As far as picking, it I'm too much of a beginner to tell. :)

Thanks so much for posting this!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think your comment makes a lot of sense. The Aquila strings are great for strumming and the Worths for finger-picking.

[triggerhare]

Gosh those ukes sound phenomenal. I can't much on which sounds better because I like the tone of both, one being a bit more woody than the other but both being wonderful tones.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, there are advantages in both types of strings.

[asalistics]

yes i am more into the strumming , so aquila is the way to go for my soprano makala, but i heard aquila strings are hard for the fingers?

[kjacobs210]

I'm liking the Worth strings but you've compared them first hand. Any suggestion for strings on a Mainland Mahogany Concert?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

On that instrument, I personally would go for brown Worths.

[IanKusekSoloArtist]

are brown nylons a clearr brown like the clear whites?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It depends on the make.

[lacefreak]

I am new to trying to play the ukulele so both strings sound wonderful to me.Then again you make everything sound great so It may not matter what you bring :-) I do have Aquila strings on my starter uke so perhaps I will try some Worth strings next time for my own test. Thank you for the video. I found it really interesting to hear them side by side.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Aquila make a truly great string. Don't be too quick to change them.

[lacefreak]

Never fear. I like how they sound on my Honu Soprano so I will leave them on while I take beginner classes. I'm afraid I have a bit of UAS (Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome) since I also have the Aquila strings on a SS Stewart Banjo Ukulele that I purchased on E-Bay. They sound great even on that insturment :-)

[asalistics]

yes you lacefreak, you dont have to change your strings for now, they are one of the best for uke

[tinroofblowdown]

thanks for this Ken.

I'm going to get some Worths for my Ohana CK50G. I think they'll give my picking more impact.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

On that instrument the picked notes will certainly be clearer.

[r9QFyqmV]

Having only played on the Aquillas I don't know which I like the feel of better. They sound just about alike to me.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[ValerieValirah]

I love both, but the reason I prefer Worths is because, for me anyways- I feel like I can get more of a dynamic sound from them.

Aquila's have a wonderful rich sound with sweet overtones. But, it's hard to play them and not have the sound be "BAM!" I just haven't been able to make Aquila's sound subtle.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Good point, Valerie. Thanks for the comment.

[benmealer]

Incredible playing, Ken. I was rooting for the Worths, but after listening to them, to mey ear. the Worths sound loose and a little sloppy. I like the Aquilas.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

You're in the minority, but I think I pretty much agree with you. Aquilas are a great all-round string. I had a factory tour a couple of weeks ago -fascinating.

[benmealer]

I've been thinking of this for the past couple of days and listening to cliff Edwards and his strings sound alot more like the worths to my ear which seems odd to me if the aquilas are made to be like synthetic gut. maybe if i had a soprano i would prefer the worths. I guess it all goes back to doing what sounds good to you on the uke your playing.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The two strings are so different. It's a really difficult choice. Aquilas strum just great and Worths pick like a dream.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Here are the results.

19 people preferred the Worths. 5 people preferred the Aquilas.16 people liked both. 5 people said that the Worths were better for picking and the Auilas for strumming.

[ukeKaLori]

I think if I had to choose one, it would be the non-cutaway set. I liked it's brightness on the picking sections especially. However, the cutaway strings were better for the strumming, and were much louder during the strumming sections. Since I'm more of a picker, I go with the non-cutaway strings.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I agree with you.

[tshirtandties]

Man i love ohanas :D

I cant wait to buy my next, it will probaply be a tenor, i wish there was a ohana distributor in the UK :(

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Why? What difference would it make?

[tshirtandties]

Saves having to wait longer lol

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

We have no plans to go through a distributor in the UK. We have some excellent dealers however, both in the UK and nearby countries like France. Every Ohana is now available in Europe.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Interesting point, Tony.

[fenwinds]

For me it's the Worth strings. I changed from Aquilas on both my mahogany and koa ukes as Aquilas sound a bit "tinny"

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I have just visited the Aquila factory. Mimmo puts a great deal of thought into his strings. It was a fascinating tour.

[fgyar]

After several listenings I prefer the non-cutaway most of the time, but the Aquilas really shine when strummed. Right hand noise while playing Aquilas had me try Worths on several of my instruments. I do have Aquilas on my tenor Fluke and my Lanikai spruce top/maple soprano. All my others have Worth clears right now. Thanks Ken.

Regards,

Ray

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I pretty much agree with you Ray.

[rbeetsme]

Thanks Ken for this comparison. I am looking to replace the Aquilas on my 8 string because I think they are a bit to changy for me. I am interested in toning it down a bit. The Worths look like the right way to go.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sounds good to me.

[GrumpyCoyoteTunes]

Cutaway - just a snappier attack. The other (the Worths I presume) is wonderfully clear and responsive too, but that distinctive attack makes a slight difference. I say slight - because, they both really sound great.

One thing, when you do post the result - could you chat a bit about feel? Honestly, the tone is so high quality on both, sometimes it comes down to feel and playability.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I'll certainly do that, Coyote. I get on to it straight after I get back from the Paris Festival.

[ukebrudders]

Did you leave your tuner on?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Sorry, don't understand.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes I did. I can see it now.

[ukebrudders]

The tuner thats sitting on the table looks like its on.... Just looking out for your battery life! :)

[jakewildwood]

I like the sound of the cutaway better m'self, Mr. Ken. A hair drier and more "old fashioned" sounding. I tend to think Worths sound great if you're looking for jazzy bell/smooth sound, but the nylguts give a much more vintage tone.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Just been to the Aquila factory in Vicenza. Amazing process. Mimmo is a real enthusiast for perfecting his strings.

[phillipsderek]

Lovely, effortless playing Ken. A joy to watch.

I have experimented with both Worth and Aquila strings myself, in fact I think I could have picked which uke was strung with each by just listening.

In general I think they both sound great but I have found they seem to suit different ukes.

I think I would give the Worths the nod on these particular ukes.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Derek. I probably agree with you.

[obrien135]

I liked the Ohana sound the best

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

So do I.

[loondoo]

Hi Ken,

I've used the Worth's and enjoy their nice bright sound and note separation.

I am just starting to check out the Aquila's on a soprano I built and notice that they are definitely softer sounding and easier on the fingers (I'm using the hard tension Worths).

For your comparison however, it's hard to say; the Worth's seem to do better in the fingerstyle parts, while the Aquila's seem to shine more on the strumming parts. Tough call!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Your last comment is really spot on, I believe.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It does, doesn't it.

[verrecchia805]

Ken,

your playing is beautiful. i pick the ohana without cutaway.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

That one is the one I own.

[fourteentwelve]

I've watched right through to the end of this Ken, and I still can't decide which I like best. They both sound great with you playing them! I do think that certain ukes sound better with certain strings. I have tried both Aquila and Worth on my Kanilea and much prefer the Worth, however I prefer Aquila on my Flea.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Interesting, Michelle.

[doogey9]

Ken,

every once in awhile i'd close my eyes or try to shift away from looking at the ukes....

of course your playing makes them both sing, but i think i may have like the 'non-cutaway' uke the best....

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Todd.

[iamblinkin]

Excellent video Ken and beautiful playing. I think both sets sound great, although the non-cutaway benefitted at times from having a slightly sharper, less-soft sound giving each note a distinct stage, while the cutaway had a more mellow, soft sound that allowed the notes to blend together a bit more. Just noticed Erich mentioned similar feelings. In the end I'd have to vote non-cutaway, but could definitely see a reason to have both available!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Perceptive comment. Thanks very much.

[Noold]

Second ukulele, the second little riff you do. and the 3rd ukulele you pickup picks up where you left off....that song.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Wildwood Flower

[scsesc]

Excellent work, Ken. The switch at about 5:22-5:24 is great: open string is still ringing on the cutaway when you lay it down and start on the other. No real preference for my part - depends on the uke and the style of music. If I had to choose, I guess I would go for the non-cutaway: slightly better separation and marginal advantage in the harmonic response, but admittedly a little less fundamental.

Best, Erich

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

A very thorough response Erich. Thanks very much.

[soupdragon78]

Wow. What I tough decision! I use Aquila on all my ukes but after this I might buy some Worth's and do a "Pepsi challenge" of my own. Say hi to the nice folks in Italy for us...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Worths are worth a look (no pun intended).

[UnluckyMum]

I think I prefer the cutaway but its hard to decide :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Brave decision, Caroline.

[mctrmt]

Aquila vs Worth! The battle of the century!

I have always found it impossible picking a favorite of the two- still can't do it, but I sure enjoyed hearing you play.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you Mary-Anne.

[Noold]

You wouldn't happen to have sheet music to any of these arrangements?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Which arrangements? I don't really know what I played.

I have just listened and I played "Wildwood Flower". There is a free download of this on my website.

Thanks.

[UkesterBrown]

Very good demo. I think it is important to remember that Aquila were designed to mimic gut string sound -hence the "nylgut". Bosko and Honey have a video tour where these are made that is very interesting to watch. The Worth in this test definitely sound more "steely" and guitar like to me. Thanks again for a nice demo.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I shall be visiting the Aquila factory on Friday. Really looking forward to it.

Thanks for the comment.

[tarmenmin]

I would say that the aquila strings sounds the best... A bit brighter sound?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for that.

[TokyoUketarist]

Ken are there any differences in the tension, gauge or feel(rough or smooth)? I had a set of low G Aquilla strings but they were rough and thick to me. Also the low G string was flat wound and just came off after only a few days of playing which I hated. I've never used Worths but they sound better to me a more even tonality. Are the Aqulla a higher tension they seem to have a brighter attack?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

The Aquilas feel a little rougher, harder and thicker. But they do produce a lovely rich, traditional sound

[casetone2514]

I like the sound of both sets of strings but the cutaway ones sound slightly better in the higher register and the standard in the lower register - that may be something to do with the uke body, though. When strumming, the individual strings are more distinct in the cutaway but the tone is richer in the standard - again, this may be more to do with body shape - I don't know.

I would be happy with either set of strings as long as I could play as well as you, Ken.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Surprisingly, the body shape doesn't make a big difference. It's pretty much all down to the strings.

Thanks Tony.

[headonz]

Fascinating, I was going to change to Worths but the Aquila clearly project better ,such a usefull and helpfully comparison Ken ,did you lower the action on the Ohana TK-35g in the end ,if so by how much??

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I did lower it a bit at the nut and a bit at the saddle. That's as precise as I can be.

[krabbers]

wildwood flower melody was sweet one of my favourite songs . i could here a bit of fool on the hill as well

strings??? i think my ears need changing cos i cannot decide .

i did see some worths on ebay but it said double length ? does that mean you can use it for two sets ?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, they seem expensive, but each pack has two sets of strings. You just cut them in half.

Thanks K.

[irvingjohn]

I like the cutaway.  Awesome melodies Ken.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Hi John. Thanks.

[CallsThunder]

I like the cutaway sound.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for the comment.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.