How do I string and tune a ukulele?

[FDM]

Hello, I hope it's okay to post this here. I'm a bassist who recently received a soprano it just needs strings. I plan on using it for acoustic gigs and was wondering how do I go about putting strings on it and tune it? Thanks in advance.

 

[eyedoc]

Hello, I hope it's okay to post this here. I'm a bassist who recently received a soprano it just needs strings. I plan on using it for acoustic gigs and was wondering how do I go about putting strings on it and tune it? Thanks in advance.

It depends on whether you have pins pull through or a tie block. It would help to post a picture.

 

[bbkobabe]

Do one at a time, and tune as you go.

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

Welcome, FDM! As a bassist, Im guessing you’re familiar with the basics of installing strings, and standard tuning is GCEA reentrant.

 

[FDM]

It depends on whether you have pins pull through or a tie block. It would help to post a picture.

It depends on whether you have pins pull through or a tie block. It would help to post a picture.

 

[ploverwing]

First string is A4, second is E4, third is C4, fourth is G4 I believe, in scientific pitch notation. Buy either nylon/nylgut or fluorocarbon strings, not steel. Anything for soprano ukulele from a local music store should fit the bill. See also tuning ukulele.

Enjoy!

 

[Wiggy]

You are lucky. You have a "slot" bridge, so you literally can put on (or remove) one string at a time as they will all be independent.

First, clean the uke while all the strings are off. Use normal guitar polish on the body and whatever you use to clean your fretboard. Then polish the frets so they are smooth.

Buy a gCEA soprano string set. Some like fluorocarbon, and some like nylon. You are a bass player so may want nylon as they are "fatter" feeling.

For the thickest (center) strings, tie a simple about an inch away from the end.

For the thinnest "A" string, tie a figure 8 "classical" knot so the knot is bigger and won't tend to pull through the slot. Do that also for the "g" string. The slots do not look worn. That is good.

<edit> At the tuners, leave the string ends long as they will likely stretch and need to be unwound/pulled tight/rewound to take up slack. Leave several (3-4) inches on the ends for at least 2 weeks while the strings settle.

 

[bilbo56]

You are lucky. You have a "slot" bridge, so you literally can put on (or remove) one string at a time as they will all be independent.

I don't understand this. Why can't you change one string at a time with other bridge styles?

 

[Wiggy]

The "tie-block" style bridge typically has each string tied through a twisty loop with its loose end under the next adjacent string(s). In that case, you must loosen the adjacent string(s) to remove and replace a single string.

How to Restring and Tie Ukulele Strings + Which Knots to Use | FretExpert

Much like a child learning how to tie their shoelaces for the first time, re-stringing an instrument like a ukulele or guitar can be a…

www.fretexpert.com

Yes, you can avoid this by cutting short each end at its knot but some may not like "the look" of that.
There are many ways to route or terminate the strings. Beads come to mind.

 

[merlin666]

I don't understand this. Why can't you change one string at a time with other bridge styles?

Sometimes with the string through bridges the g and c and e and a strings are tied together, so you have to cut off both for string change. But strings are cheap and most people switch whole set when they wear out.

 

[barnstorm]

The "tie-block" style bridge typically has each string tied through a twisty loop with its loose end under the next adjacent string(s). In that case, you must loosen the adjacent string(s) to remove and replace a single string.

How to Restring and Tie Ukulele Strings + Which Knots to Use | FretExpert

Much like a child learning how to tie their shoelaces for the first time, re-stringing an instrument like a ukulele or guitar can be a…

www.fretexpert.com

Yes, you can avoid this by cutting short each end at its knot but some may not like "the look" of that.
There are many ways to route or terminate the strings. Beads come to mind.

Yeah, appreciate that this is the only method that looks right to lots of people, but a knot is so much less fussy.

And the nice thing about a figure-eight vs. a regular knot is that under tension the quarter-inch or so that’s left past the knot is pulled flat against the back of the bridge, so there’s nothing to poke you or catch on your sleeve.