OK. So I have a new Ohana TK-50G that I was underwhelmed with until I switched to Worth Browns. I was struck by the stark contrast in the brashness of the Aquilas that it arrived with vs. the Worth Browns. I shared about that here: http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?133136-Ohana-TK-50G-with-Worth-Browns. After a week of playing it, I still liked the Worth Browns and it fingerpicked well, but it didn't strum well and it was a bit muted.
Today I put a set of Living Water strings on it and this uke just leaped to a next level of playability and sound. It retains the clarity of the rosewood, removes the brashness of the Aquilas, gives it a touch more brightness than the Worth Browns while still retaining warmth, and the notes sing out. And it strums great! I had never tried Ken's Living Water strings before, but now I want to put them on every uke that I have. (My guess is that the Aquilas are still going to be best for my little laminate concert, but I'm willing to give it a go with the LWs.) I've only been playing a year plus and just haven't been in a position to try different string sets, but when I picked up this TK-50G, I knew that I had to find the right set, and right now the right set is LWs.
Today I put a set of Living Water strings on it and this uke just leaped to a next level of playability and sound. It retains the clarity of the rosewood, removes the brashness of the Aquilas, gives it a touch more brightness than the Worth Browns while still retaining warmth, and the notes sing out. And it strums great! I had never tried Ken's Living Water strings before, but now I want to put them on every uke that I have. (My guess is that the Aquilas are still going to be best for my little laminate concert, but I'm willing to give it a go with the LWs.) I've only been playing a year plus and just haven't been in a position to try different string sets, but when I picked up this TK-50G, I knew that I had to find the right set, and right now the right set is LWs.