Hmm..........Just how many different sets of strings are there........
There are about a dozen different
mainstream string-making/string-packaging companies worldwide, and each might offer strings made from all kinds of different material (polymer, differential or homogenous) compositions:
For example -
1. nylon
2. recified nylon
3. bionylon
4. nylgut
5. nylgut blends
6. actual old-school cattle intestine (cat-gut)
7. fluorocarbon
8. fluorocarbon blends
9. silver-plated copper
10. aluminum-plated copper
11. chrome flatwound or steel flatwound
12. brass-plated copper
[and all of these wound strings can have any of 8 different
types of
cores and strands, ranging from silk threads, nylon, fluoro, and other composites] and the list goes on, etc..., with wound and unwound sets for ukulele, so you are possibly looking at a permutation of (12 x 12 x 2) different string sets available (or something like that - too early before coffee for me to do math).
Many folks cannot tell the difference (either the feel under the fingers or lack of hearing perception) or just dont care, and play whatever is:
a) cheapest
b) easily available
c) the set all their friends like
d) whatever set (Jake, James Hill, Kimo Hussey) [insert famous uke player here] plays or endorses
Some folks like me, enjoy the choice and variety and are looking for a specific sound, feel, amount of sustain or tension that is NOT the same as what everyone else plays.
To each his own, and YMMV.
String choice is very subjective. We can all be 'correct' in our preferences, but what you like, may be different from what I like, especially on different instruments.
Personally, I find that string tension varies greatly across even the same brand but even with different materials, and the tension and diameter (linear density) greatly effect the tone, sustain as well as intonation.
But like I said, for many folks they don't pay attention to these things for whatever, personal reasons.
I do not judge anyone, but I enjoy the choices available to me at this time.