Keeping track of strings

Skrik

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I don't have many ukuleles, but I have forgotten what kind of strings I have on all but the latest one I have changed strings on. I do have a couple of ideas on how to improve the situation, but how do you keep track of which brand you have on which ukulele?
 
Write it down on a piece of paper.
 
:agree:
I usually keep the old strings in the new package and write a note on it to which uke they belong.
 
I write the date and uke on the package label and keep it in the case pocket with an extra set of strings.
 
I write the date and uke on the package label and keep it in the case pocket with an extra set of strings.

Now THERE'S an elegant solution!
 
Easy - all of my ukes have the same kind of strings.
 
I save them well identified and add the strings & ukes to my signature below.
 
I make sure I leave the label from the new strings in the headstock or storage area of the case. I usually leave the old strings in there in case of an emergency.

–Lori
 
Like Sailinguke, I keep at least one extra set of strings on hand for every instrument I have in the case. Besides, it's good insurance. If you ever break a string, you will want to be sure you have a set on hand.

Dan
 
Some good ideas here.

I don't have cases; I keep my instruments on the wall in the living room. I have one gig bag for whichever ukulele I'm transporting at the time. I will, however, be aquiring a soprano case in the next few months, for a specific ukulele that is coming (it is, I promise).

I have been thinking of using a mini filing folder, one pocket for each ukulele, and simply dropping the string label into the correct pocket. Noting in a book would also work for me -- then I could keep a record of the strings I have already tried on each instrument, too.
 
i used to do all the above..
but i am a string junkie..now i put them on and hope i remember..
i used to keep my old string in the package of the new strings..but now when i change strings i put the old ones right into the trash
 
You could also use Evernote or a Google Drive spreadsheet to store them online, and then they'd be available from your computer wherever you are, or even on your phone if you have an Android or Apple phone. That way, when you have the uncontrollable urge to order strings from work you can double-check your supply.
 
I wish the UU Forum signature line allowed a few more characters...then I'd list them here, next to each uke.
 
I did start a string diary and keep records of what I used. But really it does not achieve much because the string product range is always changing and sellers change catalogues. If I want some strings in a hurry, the local music shops only carry a very limited range of strings for all instruments not just ukeleles.
If you do find that you are starting to think about a string diary or such, sit down and ask yourself how your ukulele playing is progressing. Make sure you are not just thinking about strings or buying another uke to avoid the fact that you are not happy with some part of your playing activity and your brain is avoiding the issue. Your ukulele is a musical instrument, and you will get the most fun out of it by playing it, particularly in a group situation. Writing about your string choices wont make you a better player or get you out and about socialising with interesting people. However, if you are an avid collector and like keeping records and stuff, ignore the silly comments here and enjoy doing your own stuff.

Thanks for your concern, but my enquiry is as simple as it appears. A string diary is too much, I think: if I like a particular type of strings, I will simply replace like for like until such time as they become unavailable.
 
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