Ukulele steel strings are a type of string made out of metal and found on some ukuleles. These strings are more resilient than standard nylon, brass, and steel strings. They create a brighter sound as well as having longer sustain than their nylon counterparts. There are five main strings available on ukuleles: nylon, steel, brass, tone-bar, and synthetic. Each string type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Buying Guide
You should consider the following factors before purchasing the best Ukulele Steel Strings:
Tension
You should understand how much tension is required by the Ukulele you are buying. Some Ukulele steel strings require a lower tension than others. Usually, it will say which string type it requires on the headstock of the Ukulele.
String Gauge
Strings with a higher gauge are more resilient and can withstand higher tensions. Strings with lower gauges are more vulnerable and may break under high tensions.
Tensile Strength
The tensile strength of a string is determined by its thickness and gauge and how many metallic elements are present within the string. They are available in thinner or thicker sizes.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the amount of movement a string will go through when bent. Flexible strings will over time grow out over time. They are ideal for beginners in Ukulele playing since they have a lower chance of breaking under high tension. Furthermore, flexible strings have a brighter sound.
Resistance
Resistance is how much tension you can apply to the string. It will affect the overall sound of the string.
Quality
Quality is essential for Ukuleles because it helps to maintain tone quality over time. The better quality strings are produced, the more likely they are to last longer.
Pros and Cons of Ukulele Steel Strings
- They produce a brighter sound than nylon. They also have a longer sustain time due to the nature of the string material.
- They increase intonation and tuning abilities because of their higher tensile strength (resistance).
- You can use them as an alternative if your ukulele snaps, as they will not tarnish over time like brass strings.
- They produce a brighter sound than nylon. Compared to steel strings, they are more expensive and require particular installation and instructions for replacing tension and maintenance.
- They require a higher tension than nylon. They also have a longer sustain time due to the nature of the string material.
Ukulele Steel Strings: The Best String for Your Ukulele
Here are the most popular string sets:
Seagull Soprano Steel String Ukulele
These strings are made by Seagull and have a gauge of .010-.046 with a limited lifetime warranty. They are constructed using high-grade materials that will stay in tune longer than others. They are very affordable for musicians just starting out or even ukulele enthusiasts with a growing collection of instruments in their homes. These strings produce an in-tune note when testing them in the right key. However, they do not produce the most attractive tone compared to other steel string options on the market.
These strings are known for their strong intonation abilities and will help you play double stops on your Ukulele neck with greater ease. These strings allow the player to play with open tunings and flat wounds with ease and access to many different types of chords. These strings are also known for their durability and will easily last you longer than any other string on the market.
Soprano Ukulele Steel Strings
These strings are made by Aquila and have a gauge of .012-.052 with a limited lifetime warranty. They are constructed using nickel wound wire which produces an even tone across the fretboard. They are also made in both light and heavy tension for beginners or anyone wanting to achieve optimum playability across the fretboard. These strings will give you fantastic intonation abilities while creating a crisp, clear sound coming off each string. The drawbacks of these strings include a more extended break-in period and a more rigid feel to the strings when compared to other ukulele steel strings.
Poca – Poco – Premium Tenor Ukulele Steel Strings
These strings are made by Poca and have a gauge of .010-.046 with a limited lifetime warranty. They are constructed using high-quality materials, including nickel-wrapped wire and Enviroplas wrap for extra durability and long-lasting use. They produce an even tone across the fretboard and will give you tons of great tones to choose from. These strings can be ordered in either tension or lighter tension for those that would like a heavier feel to their Ukulele, as well as lower or high tuning capabilities.
They produce a warmer tone than most ukulele steel strings and will provide the player with a range of different chords and songs to choose from. They are pretty affordable and will give you a high level of playability and performance, ideal for any ukulele enthusiast.
Soprano Ukulele Steel Strings: Aquila Nylgut Strings Extra Light
Made by Aquila, these strings have a gauge of .012-.052 and come with a limited lifetime warranty. They produce an even tone across the fretboard but can be hard on your fingers when compared to other steel string options on the market. They will give you a bright and smooth tone that comes off each string when appropriately tested. They are a bit on the cheaper side when it comes to ukulele strings, so this will not be a good choice if you want a long-lasting investment in your Ukulele. However, they can last you up to twice as long as traditional ukulele strings and will play well with different types of ukuleles and different playing styles.
Soprano Ukulele Steel Strings: Martin M170 Medium Light (Martin 49MG) (Pack of 6)
Made by Martin, these strings have a gauge of .012-.052 and come with a limited lifetime warranty. They produce a bright tone across the fretboard but can sometimes go out of tune over time. They are made explicitly for ukuleles that have a longer scale length and those that have been converted from classical guitars. These strings may be a bit more expensive when compared to others on the market, but they will produce a great tone and add a certain comfort level to your ukulele playing techniques.
Soprano Ukulele Steel Strings: Aquila Nylgut Strings Light (Aquila AMSL)
These strings are manufactured by Aquila and have a gauge of .012-.052 with a limited lifetime warranty. They produce an even tone across the fretboard and will give you excellent intonation capabilities while providing exceptional playability across the fretboard of your Ukulele. They are built with a nylon string core and will not be as durable as other ukulele steel-string options. However, they will give you a great tone and feel with each strum of the strings.
Conclusion
These ukulele steel strings will produce a great tone and give you playability across the fretboard of your instrument. When selecting a string, make sure to take into account the strength of your fingers and your preferred tone, as well as how much you want to spend on a new set.