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 longer 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 Ko'olau CS Tenor ukulele and come from two different ThomastikInfeld classical guitar sets (specs below)). And, have available through 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 set of the Ko'olau Gold strings I use on a Solid-top Tenor Fluke (High G, C Tuning).

Backup Options

• Savarez Alliance Strings - Savarez Alliance Strings
• Hannabach Strings - Hannabach Strings

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, Tenor Fluke it prefers 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

$20 USD

Savarez Tenor Ukulele Set

Savarez Alliance String Option

This 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.