Lapyang
Well-known member
I finally got a hold of a set of Aquila Sugar Strings. I planned to put in on my new Fred Shields Soprano. However, I realized I ordered a concert set instead of soprano. According to mimmo, it is OK to put the concert on soprano. Anyway, my Fred Shields Soprano has a 14 inch scale length, so concert strings might not be a bad idea.
The uke came originally with "fishing lines", according to Mr. Shields. To me, the sound and feel resemble closest to Worth light tension clear strings.
The Aquila Sugar strings are of thicker gauges. Bright, crisps and loud with long sustain. To my ears, volume is at least 20% louder than FC strings. The sugar gave me a "flurocarbon strings on steroid" feel. It did squeak quite a bit on dry fingers. I put on hand lotion and the squeaks went away. I also felt higher tension on my fingers with the sugar.
I am usually a FC strings guy but I like the sugar strings. In fact I like it a lot. I will order a few more sets and try them on my other Ukes.
This one is the original FC strings.
This one is the Aquila Sugar.
The uke came originally with "fishing lines", according to Mr. Shields. To me, the sound and feel resemble closest to Worth light tension clear strings.
The Aquila Sugar strings are of thicker gauges. Bright, crisps and loud with long sustain. To my ears, volume is at least 20% louder than FC strings. The sugar gave me a "flurocarbon strings on steroid" feel. It did squeak quite a bit on dry fingers. I put on hand lotion and the squeaks went away. I also felt higher tension on my fingers with the sugar.
I am usually a FC strings guy but I like the sugar strings. In fact I like it a lot. I will order a few more sets and try them on my other Ukes.
This one is the original FC strings.
This one is the Aquila Sugar.