Learning Ukulele with Curt
Gear
I always get asked what strings, ukes, etc that I use. So, here is a selection of the musical gear, computers, etc, that I, currently use. — Curt
Page Updated:
18 November 2024
18 November 2024
My Main Ukuleles
I have two Ko'olau CS (Contemporary Series) Model Tenor Ukuleles, amazing instruments with a cedar top and rosewood sides and backs. One delivered November 2009 and one from February 2017. These are my main performance ukuleles for everything — both with a low G costume tenor set of strings. Basically a number one and a backup being groomed, in-training and backup for live broken string scenarios.
For details and the nitty-gritty regarding the strings I use, checkout this Ask Curt page for my response to: What Ukulele Strings Do You Use?
The Rest of the `Ukulele Gang
- Pono Pro Classic Thinline solid-body tenor and
baritone(SOLD) ukulele. Pretty much any Pono . - Magic Fluke Koa Tenor . • ( high-G, C Tuning ) • Great uke to travel with and my
Always on My Desk, Uke!
. For strings I use Ko'olau Golds (still have a few sets left). - And a few Soprano and Concert ukes I use lying around for lessons.
A Few Past Favorites and any I might have that are currently for sale.
- Lanakai All Koa Tenor - This is made in the USA ( Hawai`i ) ukulele. • ( high-G, C Tuning ) SOLD
- Martin IZ Mahogany Tenor. • ( high-G, C Tuning ) - SOLD • This was and is a remarkable instrument. Probably have to get another one at some time - shouldn't have let it go. Or the 2K tenor that I also had and let go.
- Mya-Moe Classic Tenor. • ( low-G, C Tuning ) - SOLD ( $2700 )
My Ko'olau CS Tenor (have 2)
My First Tenor Ukulele — 2003 • After a failed attempt with a cheap Soprano ukulele in the early 1980s—I gave up. Then come 2003 and the uke bug struck when I re-discovered the Ukulele again.
NOTE: Pretty much have stuck with Ko'olau and Pono ukuleles for since getting to the ukulele (2003).
Guitars
Still do a bit, a very little bit of guitar, mainly in private lessons and for my, occasional entertainment. Also, doing the lead-in music for an on-line show: Rock Stars of R&D , hosted by the amazing John Conway (2020).
- Custom Funky Frets made Tele® that myself and my daughter Kelly put together ( pictured here ) with D'Addarrio .011s and a Fishman Fluence Signature Series Greg Koch Gristle-Tone™ Pickup Set .
- Martin SC-13E - Spruce top and Koa veneer back and sides with its patented Sure Align® neck system, Fishman MX-T pickup.
- Takamine P1M Acoustic - Cedar top with rosewood back and sides. FOR SALE
Strings
In addition to my personal custom string set for my Ko'olau CS Tenors, here are the strings that I typically use on my guitars and ukuleles.
Curt's Personal Ukulele Strings Recommendations
It can be a challenge recommending strings for a particular brand and model of ukulele, as each ukulele responses differently depending on it's construction, material, season, weather conditions, string tensions, tunings, and the players technique. It might seem like a never ending quest — but it's well worth the effort once you find that right combinations of strings for each of your ukuleles. The hard part is to remember what strings you liked the best out of all that you tried. Take notes and even record yourself.
Be sure to try the different string materials that are used for strings: Fluorocarbon, Nylon, Nylgut, Titanium, gut, etc. Ukuleles all respond differently to each string type. Try various tensions, often listed as soft, normal, high, etc. For a low G try wound, smoothwound, flatwound, un-wound. The choices can seem overwhelming at times — but stick with your search and fellow ukulele players recommendations and you'll find the perfect set for that ukulele.
NOTE: Ukulele strings are basically Classical Guitar strings on a ukulele. The only difference is the packaging and the length of the strings. Ukulele (a.k.a. classical guitar strings ) strings are primarily made of materials such as nylon, fluorocarbon (premium fishing line), blended combinations, and other synthetics . The Classical Guitar world has a lot and demanding history of figuring out what string material to use and is a valuable resource.
A Few High-end Options
And, remember these are my, (Curt Sheller) findings. In order of my preferences and ukuleles I use them on.
For my main Ko'olau CS Tenors (2009, 2017), which I have 2 of and both are C Tuning with a Low G.
- Thomastik-Infeld - Classic-N Strings — These are the custom set of strings that I use for my both of my Ko'olau CS Tenor ukuleles and come from two different ThomastikInfeld classical guitar sets (specs below)). And, are available through our family Funky Frets Music Store .
- Ko`olau Guitar & Ukulele Company - Ko`olau Alohi & Manaha Strings — Curt's choice for all other ukes. Still have a few sets of the Ko'olau Gold strings I use on a Solid-top Tenor Fluke (High G, C Tuning). And, on my Pono solid body tenor ukulele.
Backup Options
- Savarez Alliance Strings - Savarez Alliance Strings
- Hannabach Strings - Hannabach Strings
2022 Update — After many, many years, 2003 to 2022 I used Savarez Alliance strings for strings one, two, and three. I've now gone full Thomastik-Infeld. I've used their strings forever on my guitars and since 2019 I've used the Classic-N CF27 and CF30 Chrome Steel Flat Wound strings for the Low G and the C string on my Ko'olau CS Tenor Ukuleles. Their strings are pricey but well worth it.
Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N Strings
Abe Lagrimas came through Funky Frets during his 2018 east coast tour for a concert and workshop, and I noticed a different C string when I played his Ko'olau CS tenor, the same model I play. Abe was using a Thomastik-Infeld CF27 – 3rd string (g) .027 Chrome Steel Flat Wound string for his C string. It had great balance and didn't wear out as quick at the frets as a round would string typically does.
I use a low G, so I got the CF27 for the C string three as well as a Thomastik-Infeld CF30 - 4th string (D) .030 Chrome Steel Flat Wound for a low G. I play a Ko'olau CS tenor as well and this string combination is great. I don't know why I didn't consider Thomastik-Infeld before, I've been using their guitar strings on my guitars for decades. A bit pricey, but given that you use less of them, over time it is well worth it.
The Curt Sheller Custom Tenor Uke Set (available at Funky Frets) is a combination of singles from two Thomastik-Infed Classic Guitar sets. The Classic N Supernova and The Classic Guitar sets.
The below custom string sets are what I'm currently using for my two Ko'olau CS Tenors in Low
G, C tuning. For my Solid Koa Top Pono and Magic Fluke Tenor Fluke it they Ko'olau Golds or Ko'olau Golds Manaha strings.
$20 USD
Ko'olau CS Tenor Tenor Ukulele Set
Thomastik-Infeld String Options
Curt's custom set is available at Funky Frets Music Store, Boyertown, PA USA and on the on-line store .
- String 1 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic Guitar, Carbon Nylon Hybrid Material CPK24 (.024in/62mm, 19.40lbs/8.80KG) tuned to A (A4)
- String 1 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic Guitar, Carbon Nylon Hybrid Material CPK27 (.027in/69mm, 14.55lbs/6.60KG) tuned to E (E4)
- String 3 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N Supernova CF27 Chrome Steel Flat, .027, 039 (.027in/69mm, 14.20lbs/6.50KG) tuned to C (C4) a.k.a. Middle C
- String 4 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N Supernova CF30 Chrome Steel Flat, .030, 039 (.030in/76mm, 14.70lbs/6.50KG) tuned to G (C3) a.k.a. Low G in the Uke world
Tension Note: This set is a higher tension, so be sure to verify with the manufacture or builder that the ukulele can handle it.
$20 USD
$25 USD
Savarez Tenor Ukulele Set
Savarez Alliance String Option
These are the strings I used prior to 2022 an are still a great option, I only switched because of my access to TI strings and my personal preference for the flat-wound option. The gauges, the material, the feel are the same for the plain strings.
- String 1 — Savarez Alliance KF Plain Treble Standard Tension .024, 541R (.024in/62mm, 17.44lbs/7.9KG) tuned to A (A4)
- String 2 — Savarez Alliance KF Plain Treble Standard Tension .027, 542R (.027in/62mm, 13.02lbs/5.9KG) tuned to E (E4)
- String 3 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N CF27 Chrome Steel Flat, .027, 039 (.027in/69mm, 14.20lbs/6.50KG) tuned to C (C4) a.k.a. Middle C
- String 4 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N CF30 Chrome Steel Flat, .030, 039 (.030in/76mm, 14.70lbs/6.50KG) tuned to G (C3) a.k.a. Low G in the Uke world
$20 USD
C Tuning, High G
This is the set that (Curt) currently recommends for tenor ukuleles in C Tuning with a High G
.
Strings are one area where different ukuleles might prefer different strings. A ukulele can be very opinionated as to the stings that it likes and brings out its best. Basically, your mileage might vary.
For my (Curt) Magic Fluke Solid Top Tenor Fluke I use Ko'olau Golds. I have a few sets left for personal use, as these are discontinued.
- String 4 — Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N, Carbon Nylon Hybrid Material CPK24 (.024in/62mm, 19.40lbs/8.80KG) tuned to G (G4)
Strings one, two, and three are the same as the Low G, C Tuning sets above.
Sources of Some Great Information On-line
For a ukulele string recommendation that you can pretty much find at any music store, go with Martin Ukulele strings - which are fluorocarbon and their new premium strings are a special Aquila string.
For some great information on strings checkout the Strings by Mail — String Basics page .
Note: Ukulele strings are really just strings and typically classical guitar strings, cut shorter and re-packaged as ukulele strings.
Checkout this detailed listing of the set of strings that I've put together and use for my Ko'olau CS Tenor user.
Ukuleles
Both the
Ko'olau
and and Pono
ukuleles have a radius fingerboard which does make a big difference in ease of playing. The Ko'olau and Pono are all strung with a low G. For high G, C tuning I grab an American made all Koa Magic Fluke. Other than Pono, I've only found the Godin Multiuke to have a radius fingerboard in a mass-produced ukulele.And with our
Funky Frets
music store – that is, naturally, heavy into ukuleles and a load of ukuleles in stock at all times. I'm in a position to play pretty much what I want — but it's the Ko'olau CS Tenor that gets the most action. That and a Pono solid-body are the only performance ukuleles I perform with in concert.Amplifiers
For amplifiers, I use an AER Compact 60 as my main amp for any acoustic instruments (guitar and ukulele) and it works great with the Tele and bass. Backups or if I need a PA include Fishman PA or one of the Fishman Loudbox series of amplifiers. Typically, no effects and for a DI I only use Fire-Eye , L.R. Baggs , Radial Engineering or Fishman .
I really like to keep the gear simple. No endorsements or artist models for me. I like to make my choices and not be locked in to or be put in a position to recommend a specific a brand of gear, other than Ko'olau and Pono. The same gear as I have will never make you sound like me, and I'll never sound like me by using your gear.
Harmonicas
Since 1972 I've played numerous Hohner Blues Harmonicas. And, lately it has been Lee Oscar and now a Seydel 1847 Classic. The Seydel harmonics are one of the finest harmonicas being made. Seydel has been making harmonicas since 1847.
The 1847 is the result of Seydel's more than 175-year of experience in manufacturing high-quality harmonicas. The first serial-produced Richter-diatonic harmonica with stainless steel reeds.
Effect Pedals
Checkout the Ukulele Gear pages for recommendations based on what I use.
I do have a bunch of the LRBaggs Align Series of Acoustic Pedals
that I fool around with.Computers and Software
Pretty much been an Apple / Mac person since 1987 with introduction of the Mac II and the advent of Desktop Publishing (DTP) via Aldus PageMaker and Quark Express. And, now also Linux Pop!_os by System76 on a Thelio with an AMD processor from System76.
Checkout the Credits Page for more info on the software and computers I use the most.
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On the web since 1992 and a Mac since 1987 (Mac II) • Serving up Ukulele content since 2003 ( 22 years ago ) • Lets Kanikapila!!! v12.13.0 (8.2.23) • And, since Sept 2020, happily on Pop!_OS Linux & COSMIC-DE and a System76 Thelio . Half the cost of the iMac and a real treat to use. I use it for ALL development work. Only wish the Affinity Suite of apps by serif where available on Linux (and I do know you can run them in Wine with a few hacks).
This sit has ben profesionaly red. awl tpyos aree free and no aditonal chrge • I'm blaming it on “jazz” fingers. “Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.”
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