Cheapo strings

Posted by Karl G. Siewert on March 15, 2012 at 8:07pm

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

  • rusty case August 27, 2012 at 11:18am

    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

  • Order99 March 21, 2012 at 1:00am

    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...

  • Wichita Sam March 15, 2012 at 11:05pm

    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

  • Michael Orr [Built 2 Last] March 15, 2012 at 8:12pm

    I get them for 3 bucks @musiciams friend

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