My Uke is getting dull

I have a kamaka tenor, which I purchased last year. I've been playing it for awhile, but the strings I have been using is well over a year old. Gradually I have been noticing my uke's tone going down. Is it the strings that are causing this problem?

most likely that's it...change them up and you'll have a brand new uke!

here's a video on changing them if you need it ....http://ukuleleunderground.com/2008/02/18/uke-minutes-5-how-to-re-string-your-ukulele/

I usually don't think to change my strings until I notice that too.

The same thing happened with mine, I bought a new set of d'addarios. Sounded great again!

I agree that it's probably the strings, but I don't know why that should be on a uke. On my steel string guitar, I gather that this is due to crud accumulating between the windings of the strings. However, why should unwound uke strings change?

Brewerpaul said:

I agree that it's probably the strings, but I don't know why that should be on a uke. On my steel string guitar, I gather that this is due to crud accumulating between the windings of the strings. However, why should unwound uke strings change?

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because the nylon is under permanent stress. Usually most of the strings start to sound different after 4 weeks or more. having your strings on for more than a year is a loooong time!^^

I'm not so sure about ukes because i'm new with them but I'll share the maintenance that I do for my acoustic guitars.. I don't think they'll be that different.

Things I look out for that help:
1) Changing strings... especially if you use it a lot. I think changing once a year is a little too long to wait to change strings especially with heavy use.
2) Wiping the strings and fretboard after playing.
3) Washing hands before playing -- lotion, sweat, etc. can accumulate on your guitar (including the strings) that can dull them and affect sound quality.
4) When changing strings, I use Fret Ease (it's a bottle spray I get from guitar stores) and wipe it on the fretboard. It can be also used to the strings and fretboard even you are not changing strings. Only thing is, is before I use it the first time on my guitar, I make sure that it won't damage the finish. So far it's safe with rosewood fretboard. You can check with Kamaka if what's safe to use on the fretboard to recondition it. Dirt tends to accumulate on the fretboard and strings which can affect the sound.

I hope it helps! :shaka:

Whenever my uke gets dull, I like to close my eyes and spin around for three minutes, open my eyes and then play my uke again.









If that don't work i change my strings and my haircut.