can you re-use strings?

seanmorr · Jan 15, 2014

Hi all,
thinking about trying to string my own uke for the first time.
My question is can I keep the old strings and re-use them, or are they done once they come off?
thanks

SailingUke · Jan 15, 2014

It all depends on how long they were on.
If you are replacing them because they are dead, then most likely you won't want to reuse them.
I usually keep a new set in the case for spares in case I break a string. This is also the set I will use when changing strings.
If you don't have an extra set of new strings for spares, I suggest keep the ones you take off in the case for emergency use.

d-mace · Jan 15, 2014

I keep them also. I put them in a baggie along with a card saying what they are.

Ukulele Eddie · Jan 15, 2014

Yes. I have been experimenting with different strings and so takin them off with plenty of life left. Just be sure to mark each so you know what it is for later re-use.

I was a bit nervous but found out stringing is pretty easy. Lots of great videos available.

Kevs-the-name · Jan 15, 2014

It funny, I was thinking this exact question recently.

I have just purchased a Kolahola which has Fremont strings on.
These are really good, but I really want to try living water strings on it.
However, if I'm not happy, I would want to put the Fremonts back on...

Now I know!
Thanks.

DaleR · Jan 16, 2014

Buy extra strings and keep them around always. Throw the old ones away!

It is like a reed player keeping old reeds that have lost their life...let go...

PereBourik · Jan 16, 2014

Kevs-the-name said:
It funny, I was thinking this exact question recently.

I have just purchased a Kolahola which has Fremont strings on.
These are really good, but I really want to try living water strings on it.
However, if I'm not happy, I would want to put the Fremonts back on...

Now I know!
Thanks.

My KoAloha is really picky about strings. She does best with Worth CL.

cantsing · Jan 16, 2014

If the strings on your uke were trimmed after they were installed, which is very common, they will be shorter than a new set of strings. Putting them back on with no extra string length to work with could be more difficult than installing a new set, especially if you are new to stringing. Some people don't trim their strings at the headstock, which would avoid this issue.

Cindy

vanflynn · Jan 16, 2014

You can swap strings around, back and forth, no problem. I do it with a new uke to find out which I like best. Put each one in it's own baggie though. A "G" looks like an "A" sitting on a table.

Take note that strings do have a lifespan. If you run your fingernail under the strings and there are grooves where the frets are then don't use them. If they have a couple months worth of playing they may not be as lively as a new set.

WARNING: This activity can lead to USAS (ukulele string acquisition syndrome). You will find yourself buying $30 worth of strings to get the free shipping for orders over $50 at Elderly

strumsilly · Jan 16, 2014

vanflynn said:
You can swap strings around, back and forth, no problem. I do it with a new uke to find out which I like best. Put each one in it's own baggie though. A "G" looks like an "A" sitting on a table.

I reuse them if they look ok. I like to try lots of different strings until I find the best fit for a particular uke. I have found in some sets, the 1st and 4th are exactly the same string.

Manalishi · Jan 16, 2014

I always carry a new set in my case,BUT....I also carry strings I have
removed.I never play strings until they are 'dead' so they are still in
effect 'usable'. I do this so that in the event of a break at a gig or
whatever,I can slap on an 'oldie' with a good chance of it holding its
tuning quickly,to finish the gig in comfort! Of course,I also always take
more than one uke with me,just in case!

seanmorr · Jan 16, 2014

thanks for all the responses!

Nickie · Jan 16, 2014

I have done that, although I don't make a practice of it....I turned them around though, to get the fret marks away from the frets...

Kevs-the-name · Jan 19, 2014

PereBourik said:
My KoAloha is really picky about strings. She does best with Worth CL.

I tried out the Living Water strings today...
Now I LOVE these strings on all of my other Ukes, can't recommend them enough!

But I really didn't like them on the KoAloha.
...swapped them back within the hour!

And. I can now say without hesitation, that YOU CAN RE-USE STRINGS!!!

can you re-use strings?

seanmorr

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SailingUke

Uke legend in my own mind

d-mace

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Ukulele Eddie

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Kevs-the-name

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DaleR

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PereBourik

Ukulele don't judge

cantsing

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vanflynn

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strumsilly

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Manalishi

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seanmorr

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Nickie

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Kevs-the-name

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