Strings Using classical guitar strings for tenor uke

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.
 
tbeltrans said:
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.
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There are three important aspects when determining tension of a string: the weight (per linear inch) of the string, the frequency of the note you're tuning to, and the scale length (nut to bridge) of the instrument.

So yes, the scale length of the instrument in question will play a part in the overall tension of that string, and the lesser the tension, intonation can start to become an issue.

However, there's one thing we need to be clear about. TENSION is the amount of force that is put upon the instrument when a string is tuned to a pitch. FLEXIBILITY is how well that string reacts under your fingers when you're playing. They are both related, however are not one and the same. That's why I have an issue with classical strings being labeled as "high tension" or "low tension," because while they may actually be, the difference can be minimal, but the flexibility will be very different. And then, what IS "high tension" at that point?
 
I have a completely different take on this subject.

I use the top four strings from a Savarez Yellow Card classical set...the set with ALL wound strings: silver plated copper over nylon strand core for a low G, and then nylon wound over stranded nylon core for the C, E, and A. This is a great sounding set, and though they're not cheap, they last forever. I wear out the low G's at a rate of about 3:1. This is an unbelievably great sounding set...harmonics are true, every string sounds like the one next to it, and they do last a long time. I run a bit of 600 grit sand paper over the tops of the strings...about six strokes... to cut down on string squeak.

Here's a test. Fret your G string at the 5th fret and play it; then play the open C. Do they sound exactly the same? Repeat for C string ( @ 4th fret) with open E, repeat with E (@ 5th fret) with open A. The sound of one string should sound just like the next at the same pitch. They never do when you compare a wound string to a plain one, and I personally just don't like the sound of plain nylon strings all that much.

Fret wear...why worry about it? Do you refrain from driving your car because you're worried about brake and tire wear? Frets are made to be level, crowned, and polished when they wear a bit, and replaced when they're too far gone to LCP. Fret wear is just not a valid reason to reject any type of string.
 
Hi Rick, of course the possibity of fret wear is not a good reason to reject any strings. But if there are alternatives I like which reduce the possibility of fret wear, why not?
 
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.
 
Rick Turner said:
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.
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If there existed tires that do not wear out and brakes that last forever, would you not buy them? 'Nuff said.
 
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..

One Bad Monkey said:
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.
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One Bad Monkey said:
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.
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Can one string bend (playing style) with those pin nuts? I always wondered about that.
 
coolkayaker1 said:
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.
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It's not like I'm a rebel or anything like that. I buy uke strings like all of you. It's just that I'd been dissatisfied with many low G strings, so I thought to experiment. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

But there's been a development: I discovered South Coast low G flat/smooth wound strings. These are GREAT and should be kinder on frets than roundwound strings.
 
mm stan said:
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..
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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.
 
One Bad Monkey said:
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.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this. I hope this settles it.
 
mm stan said:
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..
Click to expand...

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.
 
Kekani said:
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.
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Haha Aaron

I think your Ukulele had something to do with it selling so fast...I saw it... beautiful work!...
keep building them like that..great price and no need inlays....unless you feel like doing all the work..

I like South Coast HML-RW strings now...G an C metal, Chuck using them on most of his ukes nowadays and Andrew using on many of the shop ukes too.....
 
Kekani said:
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.
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Aloha Aaron and OBM
...I do like the Salvarez Corum 504 RH Polished 4th string...got it on one of my ukes with 504RH strings.... I've tried the T-2 too and they did not work for me though..
I guess what I am saying...for and average person with no connection to guitar strings to test, it could get real expensive with lots trials and errors...also what might work for one ukulele, it might not work for another or others...Sticking to prepackaged strings where the testing is already done cuts down on the on trials and errors, and saves money... I would love to be able to test alot of strings but it is not to me financially feasable to me .....
 
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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.
 
When I first started playing, I used to try all different strings and constantly check intonation but now that I've played 3 years, I stick with one set (Southcoast HML-RW) and they sound pretty good on all my ukes. I'm sure there could be better strings but I'm satisfied. I trust my ears, which isn't as good as a tuner but I'm spending a lot more time playing. BTW, I do have a tiny indentation on a fret or two of my koa Moore Bettah, can't remember but it wasn't a big deal.
 
On my tenors, I use Alliance Savarez standard tension plain KF strings 540R for the A, E, and C strings. The high E as my A string, the B as the E string, and the G as my C string. For a low G, I use a Daddario Pro-Arte D Light Silverplated Copper Wound D string (J4304). The wound G is a .028 gauge. I buy them as single strings on JustStrings.com. These were recommended to me by David Hurd, who made the Kawika ukuleles, and I've had great success with them.

http://www.juststrings.com/sav-541r.html
http://www.juststrings.com/sav-542r.html
http://www.juststrings.com/sav-543r.html
http://www.juststrings.com/dad-j4304.html
 
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Kekani said:
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.
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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.. :)
 
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mm stan said:
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.. :)
Click to expand...

My string sets have been divulged for a long time, most recently in a thread in Buying Tips. Maybe Len can link it - it was a very old thread, which means this is not something new. Just the fact that David Hurd recommended them tells you how long as well.
 
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