The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Baritone Ukulele Strings

The baritone ukulele has a stunning, deep, rich tone that makes it stand out from other ukulele sizes. But a huge factor in getting the most out of your baritone uke is having the right strings on it. With so many types of strings available, it can be tricky knowing where to start your search for the perfect set.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baritone ukulele strings – from the different materials and gauges to popular brands and general string changing tips. You’ll learn all the variables that affect a string’s tone so you can find your ideal balance of warmth, brightness, volume, and playability.

Understanding Baritone Ukulele String Materials

The materials your strings are made from dramatically affect how they sound and feel. Here’s an overview of what you’ll encounter when shopping for baritone uke strings:

Nylon Strings

Nylon has been a popular ukulele string material since the mid 20th century. Nylon strings have a smooth, warm, rounded tone. This makes them a great choice for vintage and folk styles where you want a mellow sound.

The tradeoff is that nylon stretches more than other materials. This means it holds tuning poorly and needs frequent tuning adjustment. Nylon is also relatively inexpensive and easy on the fingers for beginners.

Fluorocarbon Strings

Fluorocarbon is a synthetic alternative to nylon that has become very popular. Fluorocarbon strings have a brighter, louder sound than nylon, with more volume, projection and sustain.

The increased density of the material also means fluorocarbon holds its tuning better. However, it is more expensive than nylon. So fluorocarbon is ideal for players who want greater tone and stability.

Wound Strings

Wound strings have a nylon or fluorocarbon core, wrapped with a metal winding, usually copper or nickel. The metal winding allows wound strings to be heavier, providing louder projection and a very bright, crisp tone.

However, the windings create friction against the fingers when fretting, making wound strings more difficult to play. But they are popular for getting great volume out of baritone ukes.

Titanium vs Aluminum Wound

For wound strings, the specific metal affects tone too. Titanium winding is the brightest of all options. It has more clarity and projection for cutting through loud environments. Aluminum winding has a more mellow, vintage tone. So if a bright sound is harsh on your uke, aluminum may help tame it.

Baritone Ukulele String Gauges

The specific gauges (diameters) of each string also influence how baritone ukes sound and play. Here are the key considerations when choosing gauges:

Light vs Heavy Gauges

Light gauges around .020″ to .025″ are much easier to press down and allow quick, nimble playing across the fretboard. But the tradeoff is volume and tone suffers compared to heavier strings.

Heavier gauges in the .028″ to .040″ range deliver much louder projection and richer tone, especially on wound strings. But quick chord changes are harder and barre chords take more finger pressure and control.

Balanced vs Unmatched Sets

Some baritone uke string sets have a gradual balanced increase in gauge across the 4 strings. This results in balanced tension and tone across the ukulele’s range.

Other sets are unmatched, with different gauges tailored for each string’s character. For example, having a heavier .036″ wound G string for greater volume on the lower range. Unmatched sets allow customization of tension and tone.

Common Gauges

Some examples of popular gauges for baritone uke strings:

.020″/.024″/.030″/.036″ – A very light set for easy playability
.024″/.032″/.036″/.044″ – A balanced set providing a good mix of tone and feel
.026″/.036″/.044″/.052″ – A heavier set for maximum volume and projection

So consider whether you’d prefer the high playability and comfort of light strings versus the richer tone of heavy strings when choosing gauges.

How to Select the Best Strings for Your Needs

Now that you understand the elements that affect string tone, how do you choose the right ones for your baritone ukulele and playing style? Here are some key factors to think about:

Match Strings to Your Playing Style

For strumming: Use a light gauge for quick chord changes. Nylon or fluorocarbon work well.
For fingerpicking: Heavier unwound strings give warmth. Wound strings provide volume/projection.
For certain genres: Bright strings suit strident melodies. Warm strings suit mellow tunes.

Factor in Your Ukulele’s Construction

Polyurethane ukes: Bright tone pairs well with fluorocarbon/titanium strings.
Laminate ukes: Warmer wood body balances warmer strings like nylon/aluminum.
Solid wood ukes: Brighter tone balances well with warmer nylon and aluminum strings.
Electric/pickups: Use brighter materials like fluorocarbon/titanium to cut through.

Consider Your Skill Level

Beginners: Lighter gauges are easier to press down. Smooth nylon/fluorocarbon prevent finger pain.
Intermediates: Can handle heavier gauges for better volume. Balance playability and tone.
Advanced: Often use custom matched sets and experiment with materials.

Factor in Tuning Stability Needs

Nylon stretches more, requiring frequent tuning.
Fluorocarbon holds tune very well with minimal stretching.
Wound strings generally have the best tuning stability.

Look at Your Budget

Good nylon strings can cost as low as $5-10.
Fluorocarbon averages around $10-15.
Wound strings and advanced synthetics run $15-30+.

By evaluating all these elements, you can zero in on your ideal baritone strings. Test different materials and gauges until you find the set that perfectly suits your uke and playing needs.

Top Baritone Ukulele String Brands

Reputable brands producing high-quality strings are important for getting the most out of your baritone ukulele. Here are 5 top options popular with baritone players:

D’Addario

D’Addario makes excellent baritone uke strings offering different tone profiles:

EJ87B Pro-Arte Nylon – Warm, round tone at a budget price
EJ88B Pro-Arte Composite – Balanced warm/bright tone for the price
EXP42 Wound 3rd Strings – More projection while keeping soft 1st/2nd strings
Nyltech Titanium – Very bright tone optimized for projection

Aquila

Aquila specializes in advanced synthetic materials for great tone and longevity:

Red Series – Made from a proprietary synthetic, offers bright, focused tone
Super Nylgut – Provides a warm vintage tone from premium nylon
Major 3rd Strings – Uses an unwound 3rd for mellow fingerstyle tone

Worth

Worth provides quality strings for affordable prices:

Clear Nylon Strings – Basic nylon set at a budget-friendly cost
Brown Fluorocarbon Strings – Bright, loud tone with excellent tuning stability
Custom Light Strings – Extremely light gauge for easy playability

Living Water

Living Water strings aim to provide a vintage fingerstyle tone:

Black Nylon Strings – Slow-taper nylon for round vintage tone
Bluegrass Strings – Heavier gauges and wound 3rd optimized for old-time/bluegrass

Oasis

Oasis makes popular half-wound hybrid sets:

Half-Wound Sets – Wound lower strings only, balances playability and tone
Titanium Wound Strings – Very bright sounding while still easy to press down

Trying sets from different brands allows you to find which ones match your tonal preferences the closest.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Strings

To keep your baritone uke sounding its best, you’ll need to change the strings periodically as they age. Here are some guidelines:

When to Change Strings

Old strings lose liveliness and go “dead” over time
Wound strings can corrode and sound dull
Accidental string breakage necessitates replacement

How Often to Change Strings

Nylon/fluorocarbon – Every 6-12 months for frequent players
Wound strings – Every 3-6 months as they lose brightness faster

Changing Strings Step-by-Step

Tune old strings to pitch and mark string positions
Remove old strings from uke
Clean fretboard and bridge
Insert new strings through bridge holes
Wind and lock strings through tuning pegs
Stretch and tune up new strings
Check string spacing at nut and frets

Settling In the New Strings

Allow 1-2 days of playing for new strings to settle and stabilize tuning
Lubricating the nut and bridge with pencil graphite reduces friction

By methodically following this string changing process, you’ll avoid potential headaches. And your baritone will stay in top playing form.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal baritone ukulele strings involves weighing many variables from materials and gauges to your playing needs and budget.

Give ample consideration to the tone profile you want from your baritone uke. Test different string sets to find your perfect balance of warmth, brightness, volume, and playability.

Reputable brands like D’Addario, Aquila, and Worth provide excellent string options built to last. Treat your baritone uke to fresh strings periodically to keep it sounding its very best.

With the right strings, your baritone uke’s deep resonant voice will captivate and inspire you. The full, ringing tone will fill any room and delight audiences. Let your musical creativity soar on the broad wings of your baritone’s incredible voice.