6 Best Ukulele Strings 2020

A common misconception for new ukulele players is that there is a standard set of strings for all ukuleles.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

Below, we help you understand which are the best ukulele strings for the different types of ukuleles.  Don’t get stuck on the idea that there is one perfect size or type for every single ukulele. There are many factors that will help you determine which are right for you, so don’t buy strings until your read our article!

Buying Considerations

Before you choose your strings, here are a few things to consider:

  • Ukulele Type. The type of ukulele and the type of tuning they are intended for determine the string type. We’ll discuss this more in detail below.
  • Quality. If you want to go for the cheapest option, then you may be cheating yourself out of decent sound quality.

If you are serious about playing, then you should invest in some quality strings rather than opting for the least expensive ones.

  • Test. Ukulele strings are very affordable, so the best thing to do is purchase a variety of brands and string materials in order to test them out.

The best way to get a good feel for them and to become familiar with their sounds it to try them out yourself.

Just be sure to order them in the correct size and tuning for your ukulele!

Top 6 Ukulele Strings Comparison Table

PictureNameUkulele TypePriceRating (1-5)
Picture
Name
Ukulele Type
Price
Rating (1-5)
1. Aquila New Nylgut AQ-4 Soprano Ukulele Strings - High GSoprano$$$4.7
2. Aquila USA Aquila Tenor Ukulele StringsTenor$$$$4.7
3. Martin M600 Standard Ukulele StringsSoprano, Concert$$4.6
4. D'Addario EJ87S Titanium Ukulele Strings, SopranoSoprano$$4.3
5. D'Addario EJ87B Titanium Ukulele Strings, BaritoneBaritone$4.3
6. Aquila 89U RED BARI Uke Low-D Tuning DGBEBaritone$$$$4.3

Most Common Ukulele Sizes and Tuning

Depending on the size of your ukulele, the scale length and string tension will differ.

Ukuleles typically come in soprano, concert, tenor and baritone sizes, and each one with different tuning needs.

Ukuleles will require either reentrant or linear tuning.

Reentrant is where the G string is tuned to the G above C and E.

Linear is where the G string is tuned down an octave to create a wider tonal range.

Here are the types of strings to get for the following ukuleles:

  • Soprano. reentrant, high-G
  • Tenor. reentrant, low-G
  • Baritone. DGBE

String Materials

You’ll notice that there are many string materials as you browse the different brands.

  • Nylon or Nylon Mixes. The standard option. This material isn’t affected by humidity but they can be by temperature. A quick retune will solve the problem.
  • Titanium. This monofilament is strong and durable. It will give your uke a brighter tone with more projection and volume.
  • Fluorocarbon. This is a polymer, which was originally developed to be used as fishing line.
  • Wound Nylon. These have a nylon core wrapped with polymer. Best for baritone and tenor ukuleles.
  • Wound Metal. Made from either copper or aluminum, these are best for large ukuleles.

Nylon is the most common material, but if you have the chance to try out some of the other materials then we encourage you to do so. You won’t know if you like them until you try!

Top 3 Best Ukulele Strings Reviews

1. Aquila AQ-4

These Italian-made strings are a favorite brand for Ukulele players, and you’ll find that they offer a wide variety of strings.

One of their signature features is the nylgut, which is a synthetic material, that is used to make the strings. It combines the strengths of nylon and gut strings, which a natural fiber that is found in the walls of animal intestines.

The sound is much better than traditional nylon or PVDF strings that give a sweet, warm tone as you play. They absorb less moisture than other types of strings, adding improved intonation and accuracy as you play.

If you need a set of high-G strings for your soprano uke, you’ll want to try this brand.

2. Aquila USA 10U

Again, the same great company makes strings for all ukulele sizes.

These are also high-G and made of nyglut but are designed for tenor ukuleles rather than soprano.

Aquila is a brand that doesn’t disappoint, which is why you see it twice on our list!

They make some of the best ukulele strings in the industry.

3. Martin M600

If you prefer standard fluorocarbon strings to traditional nylon or titanium, try the Martin M600s.

These produce a mellow tone with exceptional longevity, appropriate for both concert and soprano ukuleles.

They are very durable and sound as good on day 200 as they did on day 2.

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