Low G problems on Concert Uke-please help!

insula

insula

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I need advice-diagnosis-of a major frustration with Low G tuning-every time I attempt to put a Low G set (first Aquila, then Mahana) on my Makai solid mango concert (which I love to death), the strings sound like garbage. I mean really bad-like a sonic boom is coming out of the soundhole (tuning & intonation is fine, checked & double-checked). I'd like to be able to play some classical & do some more fingerpicking (I have Rob MacKillop's Gaspar Sanz book & Mark Nelson's book ready to go) with Low G to make my uke sound a bit more like classical guitar. Is this just wrong-do I need a tenor strung Low-G, or can I produce the desired sound on my concert? Any suggestions welcome-Gracias.
 
just say no to low G!
 
Low G doesn't seem to work right on concert or sopranos. I only string low G on my tenors.

And to play classical, you will probably benefit from the larger and longer fretboard of the tenor size.
 
My KoAloha Concert sounds fantastic with a low G. I asked them for a low G string, but I don't know which strings they use. I tried a South Coast low G set on a former concert, and it sounded good, also. It's fun to have a low G to try different songs!
 
insula said:
I need advice-diagnosis-of a major frustration with Low G tuning-every time I attempt to put a Low G set (first Aquila, then Mahana) on my Makai solid mango concert (which I love to death), the strings sound like garbage. I mean really bad-like a sonic boom is coming out of the soundhole (tuning & intonation is fine, checked & double-checked). I'd like to be able to play some classical & do some more fingerpicking (I have Rob MacKillop's Gaspar Sanz book & Mark Nelson's book ready to go) with Low G to make my uke sound a bit more like classical guitar. Is this just wrong-do I need a tenor strung Low-G, or can I produce the desired sound on my concert? Any suggestions welcome-Gracias.
Click to expand...

The "sonic boom" problem is something that is pretty common when switching to low G. You usually have to alter your thumb technique to play that string softer to get a more balanced sound. Eventually, you won't even think about it when you switch ukuleles from re-entrant to low G.

If the other strings are sounding OK, experiment with different brands and types of low G strings until you find something that sounds good on your uke. A non-wound string might give you a more even tone. I have a couple of concert sized ukes tuned to low G, so it can be done.

–Lori
 
Thanks for the input, everyone-I currently have plain Aquilas on my uke now, will try to find an unwound lowG to see if that helps. I also once read that a classical guitar string could be used in place of a wound low G, forgot which mm though. When I feel the wound metallic string, I guess I go back to guitar mode anyway, like I should be playing alternating bass. ( now that's an idea-alternating bass & Carter-style ukulele!)

Cheers & Happy Labor Day to all.
 
I have low g Worth Medium Browns on my Ohana concert and it sounds pretty good. The g is a non- wound string and it fit the nut without adjustment. Might be worth a try.
 
Maybe you're plucking too hard on the G string? I tried a wound low G on my concert (Koolau Mahanas); I liked the sound but prefer the high G on that uke. It's maybe partly your ear adjusting too. I wouldn't be too quick to change strings.

Additionally, I have the MacKillop book with Sanz's songs. I know that's for high G ukes. Nelson's "Fingerstyle Solos" book is for high G, but I'm not sure it's the one you're referring to. MacKillop's book sounds great on a high G concert. I feel transported in time when I play.
 
It's about scale length. Low g works best on a baritone, and less well as the scale length decreases. That being said, there are some folks here who are happy with a low g on their concert. Hopefully, they will chime in. With wound strings, the wound C string mitigates the low g a bit. You've got some good advice re: check the nut slot, etc. Good luck
 
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