Ukulele Strings Comparison - Aquila Nylgut vs. Pro-Arte Extra-Hard Tension Guitar Strings

Hackmodford explained in his video that ukuleleist Jake Shimabukuro uses clear nylon classical guitar strings on his tenor ukulele. D'Addario Pro-Arte Extra hard tension strings, more precisely. (see his video for the details)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzLF5owZz1s

So I thought I'd try them out. Before you read my preference, watch and listen to the differences between the strings. Let me know your impressions in the comment section. Thanks.


My conclusions.
Both are hard to the touch. Pro-Arte strings feel "slicker" - smoother, which many have helped my fingers move a bit quicker. I think my fingers hurt a bit after playing them. But I liked the sound of the guitar strings very much. Aquilas sounded a bit "thinner" to my ears - which is not a bad thing, necessarily. The Aquilas might have a bit more punch to them when picking, but both sets sounded very similar in punchiness. I preferred the guitar strings after listening back to the recording.

I like the fact that you can purchase strings individually at "Strings by mail" online. I was able to pay less than $7 for the four strings and I will probably try out some lessor-tension strings later on. It'll be fun to experiment. At least, fun for dopes like me! :O There are a few classical guitar string brands I'd like to try out. Someday.. someday... !

Here are the actual string names:
J4401 for G
J4402 for for E
J4403 for C
J4401 for A
Notice that the same ones are used on the G and A strings.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• yt:stretch=16:9
• jake
• shimabukuo
• strings
• guitar
• ukulele
• comparison
• tenor
• aquila
• pro-arte
• Mainland
• red
• cedar

[avonflow]

I like the Aquila best, the sound is crisper and clearer, the Pro-arte sound a bit dull and muted in comparison. I tried some Pro-arte on my concert uke and I think the sound was too mellow, they lacked the "zing" of Aquila or Worth, I also found that any slight movement when pressing down the string sent it out of tune.

[UKISOCIETY]

@avonflow interesting.

[stinkylungs]

Do the Pro arte's have a low g?

[UKISOCIETY]

@stinkylungs I would assume that they have that gauge, although I don't know what it would be.

[NeuroAxis]

Daleks and Ukuleles rule! haha you're right Aquila Nylgut sounds better with an Hawaiian zing!

[MangoKid1000]

please tell me the chords for the song at 2:51!

[dvmagic]

What is the name of the song starting around 1:00? I've heard it so many times before and I can almost hear the lyrics in my head, but today I'm drawing a blank.

[avonflow]

Sorry, must make a correction - the strings I used on my concert uke were Pro arte concert uke strings not the extra hard tension guitar strings used in the video.

[acbaltimore]

It pains me to say this, but I think the DA's killed the aquilas on that uke. Just ordered a set from UU.

[ukeaddictify]

i use nylgut, and i am going to try out the pro arte's...... but the the pre arte, aquila, and worth are the best 3 out there... so either way you cant go wrong!... hey! get a uke for each! i have o ne for my normal and one for my low G...