Andy Chen
Well-known member
Let's just say, I love the Pro Arte strings for ukulele on my Blackbird tenor, and I found out they are actually classical strings repackaged for the ukulele. Hence, I am curious ro use more classical nylons.
This is quite an interesting thread, and having a real string specialist involved is much appreciated. So, here is my question, following on what you have said...
Is there any difference involving the pressure/pull placed on a ukulele when considering scale length that the strings were intended to be used for and what about the "rated" tension of the strings (i.e. low tension, high tension, and whatever other tensions there may be). I see classical guitar strings having this nomenclature, but do not know if strings intended for use on ukuleles have this distinction.
I have a completely different take on this subject.
I use the top four strings from a Savarez Yellow Card classical set
Are you really concerned about fret wear? Boy, I can suggest an easy hundred things to be more concerned with in your life.
This is a non-issue. If this is really something you have in the upper 99 things to worry about, I want your life, not mine.
This is ridiculous...even more ridiculous than not driving your car...if you have one...for fear of wearing out tires or brakes.
Fuggedaboudit!
Sorry, but frets count as "consumables" in the instrument world. "Use them up, wear them out, make due, or do without."
If you're not wearing your frets out, you're simply not playing enough.
Come on now...get real about the music...and the music is more important than the uke.
Chances are you already have been, but never knew it.
Here's there the difference is. You (the player), think of strings in terms of "This is the A string for the ukulele, this is the E string for the ukulele, etc.."
Whereas I (the guy that works at a string company), think of those same strings in terms of "This is a .022 tie end, this is a .028 tie end, etc.."
Technically, there is no such thing as a "classical guitar string," or a "ukulele string." It's just a tie end string that we package for classical guitar, and may also package for ukulele, or any other instrument that utilizes tie end strings on their bridge, depending on the specific needs of that instrument.
It's the same with a loop end string. The instruments that use a loop end string are mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, and more. They use the exact same strings; it is only when they are packaged is where the delineation lies.
Can one string bend (playing style) with those pin nuts? I always wondered about that.That's one of the reasons I bought my custom ukulele from Jerry at Boat Paddle. His nut isn't slotted, but uses a pin to allow the string to stay against. I can change strings to whatever gauge I want and never have to adjust the nut. I wish he'd allow us to get those as a retrofit to other ukuleles, as I'd put it on all of mine.
I see it as Stan does. Especially as OneBM and the original poster himself, AC, make it clear that they are the same, just relabeled.
If the answer is that one already had the guitar strings lying around unused, then one would answer the question for themselves by putting them on the ukulele. For the rest of us, we buy a packet of four uke strings.
thank you for your response....Let me rephrase that....why would I not use packaged ukulele strings sets before figuring out my own with guitar strings..
You definitely would. A lot of research in terms of determining tension as well as stringing up an instrument and playing them has gone into putting those sets together. And from there, we then do a round of prototype sets that we send out to fellow players (either ones that we know personally, or are in our artist family). When the feedback is collected, THEN a packaged set of strings is produced.
So yes, there's no reason that you shouldn't buy the pre-packaged sets, if for the convenience alone.
But there are many folk that would like to start experimenting to find their "perfect" set, and that's where the question of "can I use a classical guitar string on my uke?" usually comes into play.
thank you for your response....Let me rephrase that....why would I not use packaged ukulele strings sets before figuring out my own with guitar strings..
Because there's more research in Guitar Strings, than ukulele strings, all things being equal, which they're not. That was my thoughts, anyway. For me, there is WAY more availability in different Classical Guitar (packaged) strings than `ukulele.
For instance, I was given a set of Savarez " `'ukulele" prototype strings years ago. My feedback to the company was "No. You need to based the strings (tenor) off your Alliance series". My opinion at the time, and still true today.
If you didn't notice, Ramon plays with Savarez Alliance J540's on his `ukulele. For a classical guitar, capo at the 5th, and you get GCEA on the first 4 strings. This is roughly about 17" as well. Guess what? Tenor scale, from Classical Strings.
Personally, ever since I couldn't get D'Addario Bronze wound 4804's 4th string in their Pro Arte series individually, readily, I searched for an alternative. I was led to Aranjuez, which I mixed with D'Addario T2's on my most recent instrument that went to Andrew. Must've been good - less than 24 hours in his hands. I like the "bronze" wound rather than "silver" wound because the transition from wound to unwound is more transparent, in my opinion, and on my instruments.
Aloha Aaron and OBMBecause there's more research in Guitar Strings, than ukulele strings, all things being equal, which they're not. That was my thoughts, anyway. For me, there is WAY more availability in different Classical Guitar (packaged) strings than `ukulele.
For instance, I was given a set of Savarez " `'ukulele" prototype strings years ago. My feedback to the company was "No. You need to based the strings (tenor) off your Alliance series". My opinion at the time, and still true today.
If you didn't notice, Ramon plays with Savarez Alliance J540's on his `ukulele. For a classical guitar, capo at the 5th, and you get GCEA on the first 4 strings. This is roughly about 17" as well. Guess what? Tenor scale, from Classical Strings.
Personally, ever since I couldn't get D'Addario Bronze wound 4804's 4th string in their Pro Arte series individually, readily, I searched for an alternative. I was led to Aranjuez, which I mixed with D'Addario T2's on my most recent instrument that went to Andrew. Must've been good - less than 24 hours in his hands. I like the "bronze" wound rather than "silver" wound because the transition from wound to unwound is more transparent, in my opinion, and on my instruments.
Stan, think about what you just said. Doesn't make sense. If guitar strings are a trial & error for ukulele, why wouldn't 'ukulele strings fall into the same category? Just because they're packaged, doesn't automatically mean they'll work. It was trial & error for me like most people. I actually installed Aquilas at one time.
Aloha Aaron..
Ha ha Yes I mean for the average consumer...guitar and uke strings testing takes time and money...I have tried some and I got a whole bunch of useless sets I threw away
and still have...ha ha...only use for them now is when I get a broken string and need it for emergencies...LOL financially and time for me it is not feasable
sure I might get lucky and find a right combination ....but with the amount of ukes I have, it makes me wonder why I dont take the convienience path and get packaged strings
But I do see your point...wanting to try and find and figure out a better set....you have the oppertunity and means to do so.... I will wait till you devulge some of your most promising and favorite string combos to me then
Yes I did see Ramons kamaka....pretty nice one.. I know he made sure he got the right one
BTW, that was a very nice uke you made that sold by andrew..almost Immediately ....wow man it looked amazing..