Question on changing of strings

[Remmurts]

I bought a new Pono AB Acacia Baritone last week from The Uke Site and have a question about changing strings.

When one decides to try different strings, is there a problem with the nut slots? In other words, if changing the original strings to flurocarbon, will there be a problem?

How important is it to maintain proper diameter before there is an issue?

Thanks in advance for any and all opinions!

 

[Ukecaster]

Should be no issue with most any string set, unless you choose some low-G set with a big fat low-G string, which can be too fat for some uke nut slots.

 

[ubulele]

Baritones are usually slotted for linear G tuning (low 4th), so if you switch to a set with a reentrant 4th (particularly if you also switch to C tuning), the new 4th string may be a bit narrow for the slot, which can lead to some buzzing. (The string may also sit lower in the slot, which can also introduce buzz.)

I have a baritone which I re-strung in reentrant G tuning with no issues. Partly this is because wound strings are significantly thinner than corresponding non-wound strings, so the diameter difference between the wound low 4th and the high non-wound 4th is small. On the other hand, when I've put non-wound low 4ths on baris, I've had one or two snap because the nut slot (being too narrow) shaved into the string as it was tuned up. Since I don't like non-wound low 4ths—too lax, thuddy and dull-sounding—this is no longer a problem for me.

In short, the larger the diameter difference, either way, the more likely you are to experience problems, but if your new set is similar in both tuning and general composition, don't worry about it.

 

[peanuts56]

I play Fremont Black Lines which are a small diameter. I tried another set that was significantly bigger in diameter. The strings were ok but they grooves on my callouses were too narrow.