Cheapo strings

I'm nearly done with my first build. It's a ukulele. I know that the better the strings, the better the sound, but right now I don't have strings on hand, and it's driving me crazy that I can't just string it up and get to strummin'!

I'll buy the real thing come payday, but in the meantime, what options are there for dirt-cheap string material? I tried your basic nylon fishing line, but it didn't work at all.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Orr [Built 2 Last] on March 15, 2012 at 1:12pm

I get them for 3 bucks @musiciams friend

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on March 15, 2012 at 4:05pm

try some 50 and 100 pound monofilament fishing line.   I like yellow or red... you can probably go to the local fishing store that refills reels from bulk spools and score 10 feet of each for a $ 1 or.... free!!!!  more than enough to string up your uke.

 

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Permalink Reply by Order99 on March 20, 2012 at 6:00pm

I've been substituting Light Banjo strings on mine with  only minor differences in tone, and fine-grade stainless Craft wire in a pinch. Still sounds pretty much like a Ukulele when I (badly!) play it...

Permalink Reply by rusty case on August 27, 2012 at 4:18am

I am about to try string trimmer line for a CBG bass.

..I should have inquired about the free piano on craigslist that showed up a few weeks ago.  I didn't because I moved one... once.  I learned.

It might not be so bad if I went to pick it up from the donor, with a sawzall and sledgehammer !   :-)

A lot of good tone wood in them, also...

Best

rc

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