Tahitian ukulele strings

Rob Uker · Mar 25, 2021

I want to build a Tahitian ukulele.
They are usually 8 stringed and each string is double up and tied to a tailpiece.
So I need to buy strings that are twice as long as normal tenor strings.
Does anyone know where I can buy these?

ripock · Mar 25, 2021

Worth strings come twice as long as they need to be. You can actually cut them in half and have two sets.

Also, I know that there are some people that use spools of fishing line to string up their ukuleles. I don't do it myself and therefore have no details for you, but at least you have a lead to search for

saltytri · Mar 25, 2021

I've seen a lot of Tahitian ukuleles in their native habitat. It seems very unlikely that anyone packages string sets. Figure out what lb. test works for your scale length. Buy some fishing line. I'd be surprised if they use any sort of fancypants fluorocarbon. If you're going after the authentic look, make sure you get the yellow-green fluorescent stuff.

Moore Bettah Ukuleles · Mar 25, 2021

I think something like 12# fishing line is pretty common. Use the same for all 8 strings.

hawaii 50 · Mar 25, 2021

i have seen string sets at The Ukulele Site not sure on their website but you can send a message and find out but like David and Chuck say all the gauges are the same 12 lb test sounds about right

Rob Uker · Mar 25, 2021

Thanks so much!!!
I never have seen one up close.
How do they sound?

merlin666 · Mar 25, 2021

Are they with steel or synthetic strings?

saltytri · Mar 25, 2021

Rob Uker said:
How do they sound?

Somewhere in between a conventional ukulele and and underpowered banjo. A key to the Tahitian sound is the very fast drumming style that can be seen in YouTube vids. When those guys get rockin', it's really its own kind of magic. Very special and unique.

patico · Mar 26, 2021

tahitian ukelele fan

Hi.
I'm super fan of Tahitian Ukelele

In Tahiti and Easter Island they use a yellow fishing line, Tortue 0,40 or 0,45 in all strings. Thats what i still use. I bought one of each, 100meters, so it should last for a long time.
I recently uploaded a video showing how to play a traditional Tahitian song called Himene Tatarahapa, in the version of master Vehia Paraue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_BWMSGyng

Rob Uker · Mar 26, 2021

Thanks Patico,
The video was awesome and your advice was extremely helpful.

patico · Mar 27, 2021

This is the fishing line...
but you need to look for 40 or 45
(depicted is 20)

https://www.etuseuren.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=296260

Rob Uker · Apr 3, 2021

Thanks. I’ll check it out for sure.

Wiggy · Apr 3, 2021

This looks like fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXHuKSvRtFE

They may be tuned: gg CC EE AA

-Wiggy

fretie · Apr 3, 2021

patico said:
Hi.
I'm super fan of Tahitian Ukelele

In Tahiti and Easter Island they use a yellow fishing line, Tortue 0,40 or 0,45 in all strings. Thats what i still use. I bought one of each, 100meters, so it should last for a long time.
I recently uploaded a video showing how to play a traditional Tahitian song called Himene Tatarahapa, in the version of master Vehia Paraue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_BWMSGyng

That is some fun playing! I really enjoyed your video.

Tahitian ukulele strings

Rob Uker

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ripock

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saltytri

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Moore Bettah Ukuleles

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hawaii 50

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Rob Uker

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merlin666

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saltytri

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patico

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Rob Uker

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Rob Uker

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Wiggy

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