Vintage Kamaka question…

[Blank Williams]

So I have a lovely vintage Kamaka soprano, (probably from the late 70’s) that I love but…it’s almost banjo-bright and loud! What are some strings types that are good for taming brightness? I think it had the original black nylons when I got it but they were very dull sounding to me. It’s currently wearing Worth browns. Any suggestions welcome!

 

[Teddy]

So I have a lovely vintage Kamaka soprano, (probably from the late 70’s) that I love but…it’s almost banjo-bright and loud! What are some strings types that are good for taming brightness? I think it had the original black nylons when I got it but they were very dull sounding to me. It’s currently wearing Worth browns. Any suggestions welcome!

I had an older 60s or 70s pineapple. Big fan of oasis strings, pretty sure I had the warms on mine and thought it sounded great.

 

[Blank Williams]

I still haven’t tried Oasis strings, I’ll look into them!

 

[merlin666]

Fluorocarbon strings are harsh and more suitable to brighten laminate Chinese ukes. To warm it up get some quality Nylon or Nylgut strings. I have New Nylgut on my white label tenor and to me she sounds like angels singing and other musicians who heard me play also have complimented it.

 

[Blank Williams]

Merlin, do you think the tension of Aquilas would be ok on a thin-topped vintage uke?

 

[merlin666]

Merlin, do you think the tension of Aquilas would be ok on a thin-topped vintage uke?

I don't see why not, they have sets for different sized ukes that are supposed to give best tension for each size. I think the Nylgut tension tends to be a bit lower than some fluorocarbon sets.

 

[kkimura]

So I have a lovely vintage Kamaka soprano, (probably from the late 70’s) that I love but…it’s almost banjo-bright and loud! What are some strings types that are good for taming brightness? I think it had the original black nylons when I got it but they were very dull sounding to me. It’s currently wearing Worth browns. Any suggestions welcome!

How about a set of ko'olau Mahana strings?

 

[Blank Williams]

Kkimura I’ll look into those as well. I’ve never heard of them but I’m all for suggestions.

 

[VegasGeorge]

What's on there now? I actually like the Kamaka strings on mine. I have a white label Kamaka Soprano that was my first Ukulele, and I keep the Kamaka strings on it. Mine was probably made around 1984.

 

[Blank Williams]

What's on there now? I actually like the Kamaka strings on mine. I have a white label Kamaka Soprano that was my first Ukulele, and I keep the Kamaka strings on it. Mine was probably made around 1984.

I have worth browns on there now. I was thinking about giving the Kamaka strings another chance. I love it, but it sounds like a KoAloha to me and I’d rather have a more warm “island” sound.

 

[Blank Williams]

Just put some spare Aquilas that I forgot I had on it. Much better! Still has a ton a volume but it “fattened” it up a bit and took away some of the harshness. I should have known, I really like Aquila strings on most (not all) of my ukes.

 

[Blank Williams]

Made a quick video it anyone is interested!

 

[Teddy]

If it's just volume you're worried about too, try using the side of your thumb instead. Can get a bit of a softer touch.

 

[merlin666]

Made a quick video it anyone is interested!

Sounds great to my old ears, like the ukes George Harrison used to play.

 

[Blank Williams]

Sounds great to my old ears, like the ukes George Harrison used to play.

Thanks, the Aquilas instantly brought it to the sound I wanted. Very happy with it now.

 

[VegasGeorge]

Yeah, I like! I've noticed that the Aquilas are the go to standard around here. Many advanced players experiment and use other string sets, but they've always got the Nylguts to fall back on. They always sound good.

 

[John Colter]

That sounds really good!