Ukulele String Question

[cigarfan]

Hey cigarfan....how long did it take for those Aquila Reds to settle in? I tried a single low G Aquila Red last year and it took forever it seemed to get it to stop stretching. I did like the feel of it though.  I have a set of clear Worths on it now with low G and it's better as far as not stretching as much. Are the reds considered brighter than the Worths?

It seemed like a week for them to completely settle. The higher strings a little faster.

I'm beginning to really like them though. They are thinner than most with no wound strings (lowG) and hard ... more like guitar strings ... I like that. Sound is good but hard to compare cause it took a week to settle and now I can't quite remember exactly what the Worths sounded like. Ugh!

[TaylorGirl]

Thanks! I think I'll have to try a set of those.  I like low G, unwound. 

I know what you mean about changing uke strings.  I have a slot-head, and never changed anything but steel strings before.  Learning how to "tie" them at the bridge was a challenge, but I got it done.  Took me a lot longer than if I were changing strings on one of my other instruments.  But, it probably gets easier/faster with experience. 

[azslacker]

Just wait until you get into 8 stringers. By the time all 8 stop streching and settle in, it's time to change strings again.

[TaylorGirl]

Oh sure, that's all I need!

[cigarfan]

Just wait until you get into 8 stringers. By the time all 8 stop streching and settle in, it's time to change strings again.

Interesting. How does the 8-string sound? Are the 4 pairs octave strings? That's cool that two strings go in the same hole with one bridge pin. Interesting.

[azslacker]

The G and C strings are octave pairs. E and A are unison. The 8 string ukes are great for fast strumming and vocal accompaniment.

[azslacker]

  A really unique sounding uke is the 6-string with octave pairs on the C and A strings. Here's a video demo of the 6 and 8 stringers.
  http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-jbC9QSa1P4E/hilo_guitars_6_string_and_8_string_ukulele/

  Here is a great falsetto singer playing a six string.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oexEjwJXCeM