Improving entry level ukuleles by changing strings (2024)

modwitch said:

I think improved setup and new strings are two super valuable things to explore with less expensive instruments. I’ve been using a $60 Enya laminate mahogany concert as my experiment uke - high G, low G, baby baritone strings, wound/unwound, adjusting the nut, adjusting the saddle. All good learning, marked improvements, and it’s pretty similar to your Kala.

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Intermediate Acoustic-Electric Concert uke wanted. CONFUSED!!!

Hmmm good point that there could be some setup things influencing the sound, too. I can't say I've noticed anything off about the setup but who knows what I'll notice with different strings. To be fair it doesn't sound bad by any means but worth seeing if something makes it sound just a smidge better!

scrambled_eggs said:

Experimenting with strings can be so fun! And you get to familiarize yourself with uke maintenance too which is fun. I like Uke Logic soft pinks but have been enjoying the Ko'olau Aho's recently too.

Aloha! On top of that, I think lower quality mass produced brands use the lower tension strings stock because it means you can just use a high action of 3.0 or 3.5mm and not have to worry about a setup or fret level/dress. Especially if they are made in a huge batch and then have to sit for months before they are sold to a dealer, and then more months or years after that before sale to a customer. The maker can more or less even sell direct then. They probably can also loosen control a bit on who their dealers are for their ukes knowing the setup won't be as big a deal---with those particular strings.

But less reputable dealers will claim a "full setup" but just shine the frets and maybe lower the action as opposed to the actual fret level and dress. Or sometimes they outsource the setup to 3rd parties and quality can vary.

In my mind the fret level/dress is an essential part of the "setup" process, especially if you want strings with higher tension or a lower action.

I have learned the hard way that not all setups are created equal and not all general luthiers or guitar luthiers care much about ukulele--you might not be taken seriously. My recommendation to any that took the time to read my little rant about poor qual ukes, please always go with a reputable ukulele specialist for setups when you can friend! Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

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Ooooo I will definitely add the Uke logics and Ko'olaus onto the list to try. Not gonna lie, I have a thing for pink and am wishing I knew about those to get some with today's order. Next time!

I can't say anything was promised about a setup on this particular instrument. I just decided I wanted to play, read up a small amount about ukuleles on the internet, and wandered off to the closest local music shop. Maybe slightly more likely to have a decent setup buying in Hawaii versus places where the ukulele is less popular, but still most likely it is just however it came from the manufacturer. Regardless now that the lower tension strings are mentioned I do wonder how much of it feeling easy to play comes from that. We will see what it feels like with different strings.

rainbow21 said:

Quick search looks like they come with Aquila Nylgut.

Change to fluorocarbons... and one of the well known and liked brands. Get worth clear (brighter) or brown (mellower), understanding that these include length for two sets. Or Living Waters, or Martin M600. There are a few others. But only get one set and see if it works, because it still is a cheap ukulele that limits how good it might sound (don't try a second or third brand/set if first not okay). Betting the change to one of these will work.

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I definitely have some Worth browns coming, that's what's on my Koaloha though I'm not sure what tension they are. They're just what was on it when I bought it used, and I've been happy with them, so I got a couple different tensions. I have Martin M605s coming, too. And a couple other options. If I don't like them on the Kala I can always see if I like different strings on the Koaloha any differently and I figure best way to figure out what I like best is to try a variety out! Much cheaper switching strings than buying a whole new ukulele though eventually I will be also getting another ukulele, too, of course.