Ukulele strings are most often made of nylon. A synthetic fiber that is cheap, easy to produce, and found in everything from ropes to clothing. Nylon is hard, strong, and somewhat elastic.
A nylon string on an instrument is always under tension (unlike, for example, a rope). Over time, its elasticity decreases. Not least because a string is also subject to wear and tear; nail and skin particles, sweat, dust and other debris sneak into the small cavities of the nylon. Over time, the string also conforms to the frets and becomes somewhat crooked. If the string doesn't break, it will eventually become stiff and dirty, sticky, and no longer behave as it did when new. In practice, it becomes harder to tune and keep in tune, fingers don't glide over it as easily, and it loses tone and volume.
Without going into detail, I can mention that different strings from different manufacturers and models have different properties, such as hardness and durability. The more expensive, the better the quality, generally speaking… as with everything else. Usually, when you buy a stringed instrument, the manufacturer always equips it with the cheapest possible strings. However, in recent years, it has become more common for more expensive ukulele models to come with slightly better strings from the factory, and for this to then be used somewhat as a sales trick.
Many ukulele players I know have never changed their strings at all. Ever. They have the same strings that were on when they bought their ukulele. This also applies to many guitarists. If they were to change strings, they would find that the ukulele was easier to tune, that it generally felt more comfortable to play, and that it sounded better and louder.
Buy a pack of good quality strings – and even if you only change strings once in the ukulele's lifetime – you will have significantly improved the conditions for your beloved ukulele. I recommend that you change strings at least once a year. A tip is to sign up for our so-called Stringmix subscription. We will then send you a pack of strings, preferably once a year. Read more about Stringmix HERE
I change strings myself every 1-2 months, depending on the ukulele in question. But that's because I play often, hard, and intensively – and I like the feeling of playing on new strings.
/Marcus Roos
