There is a lot of mis-information regrading how to change ukulele strings. The Buster Jones video below IS the BEST video for learning how to change strings on a Classical guitar out there. And, it DIRECTELY applies to any ukulele with a tie
bridge. — Curt
Buster B. Jones (BreshDigitalTV) shows you his fast technique for changing nylon strings. If you're a gut string player you'll love this video. ( YouTube link ). Buster B. Jones (August 24, 1959 — February 2, 2009) was an American guitarist specializing in the fingerpicking style .
A lot can be learned from the classical guitar and guitar fingerstyle world when if comes to strings and even technique that be applied to the ukulele. The reason is simply a longer history of the Spanish guitar and the more advance techniques involved for playing the demanding repertoire required of a classical guitarist.
When?
Other then I want to try a different brand and material.
Here are a few things to look for as to when you should change your strings are:
- Is is hard to get a particular string in tune and stay in tune?
- Does the string
wobble
in a strange way? - Are there any nicks or dings along a strings? You can determine this by running you thumb and index finger over the strings along ALL sides of the string and feel for these. Typically happens at the frets areas.
- Are any wound strings (typically the low strings four and three), wearing out at the frets. These need changing more often then plain strings. The Thomastik-Infeld Classic-N Stainless Steel Chrome strings go a long, long way in solving this problem and a few other problems that a re inherent with wound strings.
As the would string 6 5 4 wear out faster, classical guitar string sets are often available as treble sets of strings 1,2,3 and bass sets of string 4,5,6. And, regardless what a manufacture of ukulele string will tell you — ukulele strings are pretty much classical guitar strings.
How?
Here is another video from String by Mail for learning how to change your ukulele strings. The videos are for classical guitar and apply exactly the same for ukulele.
Changing classical guitars strings made simple and effective. Learn the basic and quick approach to changing nylon strings on your classical guitar. Strings By Mail is THE source for strings when ordering order online. (YouTube link)
NOTE: These techniques for changing strings apply to ukuleles as well with a tie bridge. For ukulele with pin bridges you can tie an Ashley Stopper knot to create a ball end
to hold the strings in.. It also explains why there are so many windings of string on mass produced ukuleles when they come into the store ( Curt, Funky Frets Music Store ).
