Recommendations for DGBE Strings for 19" scale

[SoCal]

My apologies if this has already been addressed in another thread. I have been playing 20" scale baritones and recently have acquired two 19" scale instruments: a Bruko and a Kala Tenor XL: both very fun instruments. I play DGBE tuning, and the shorter scale (20" going to 19") seems to relieve the string tension a bit, which has allowed me to try some different strings. I'm looking for some recommendations.

My go to on the 20" scale has been D'Addario Nyltech or Aquila Lava. Those sets seem similar, and I love them both on the 20" scale. On the other hand, on the 19" scale, those strings sets on the DG strings feel a bit floppy. I tried a combo of Martin's Baritone strings for DG, with D'Addario's Nyltech for BE. That works. I've also tried D'Addario Carbons, which sound great for DGB strings but slightly dull for the E string. So my inkling is to continue to combine the Martin and D'Addario Nyltech sets, but I'm curious if anyone has any recommendations. Thanks in advance.

 

[stevejfc]

Uke Logic Baritone strings with smooth wound low D . Also, you can buy their low D separately and pair with Living Waters GBE strings.

 

[Wiggy]

D'Addario Pro-Arte classical sets are available in light, normal, hard, and extra hard. The individual string gauges are listed on the label for each.

I often choose strings from different sets to get the tension and tonal "string" balance I like.

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[anthonyg]

I use Aquila New Nylgut DGBE strings on my 19" scale baritone's and like them just fine. I did try a set of Dunlop Baritone ukulele strings one time and they had higher tension than the Aquila's so you might like them. They lasted longer too.

 

[SoCal]

A 19" scale baritone has the same (general) scale as a "1/4 size" guitar, so if you're looking to raise the tension a bit over a standard bari set, you could try the top four strings of a 1/4 guitar set.

I like A tuning on my 19" bari (using standard bari strings).

I'm not looking for the tension to be too high, but enough so that it stays in tune and sounds full. Would you say the top four strings on the guitar set is an even higher tension than a regular baritone string set?

 

[SoCal]

Uke Logic Baritone strings with smooth wound low D . Also, you can buy their low D separately and pair with Living Waters GBE strings.

Thanks for this. I have never tried Uke Logic. Do you have a recommendation between soft and hard tension on this?

 

[SoCal]

It is always good to discuss strings.

I use several approaches to finding strings for my baritone. Often I go through baritone strings faster than the other sizes, especially the wound strings. If you are playing a lot, you will wear out wound strings, some players will change them for every lesson or show, or every fortnight. So you can go through a few sets and you may avoid expensive sets unless you are getting paid well.

The most common is to just use a classical guitar set, the inside strings which are A D G B on the classical guitar. I try to buy Black Label Augustine strings, which are supposed to be the lowest tension. Classical sets can be the most economical and they are easy to find at most guitar shops.

I also use Aquila white nylon, if they have some in the shop when I am there.

The third choice is to find some strings on line like the Aquila reds (not often sold in my local shop).

Thank you so much for this explanation with the classical guitar strings.

 

[Counter]

I use UkeLogic soft tension on mine.

 

[SoCal]

I use UkeLogic soft tension on mine.

Cool. Thanks.

 

[bunnyf]

I'm not looking for the tension to be too high, but enough so that it stays in tune and sounds full. Would you say the top four strings on the guitar set is an even higher tension than a regular baritone string set?

I use the middle 4 strings of a classical set. I like Savarez. Low squeak, tension good and not too pricey.

 

[stevejfc]

I like the UL soft tension for the feel.....but me thinks the hard tension has a bit more "ping"