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I’m late to the party but wanted to chime in anyway. I’ve tried a bunch of these tuning apps and have found PanoTuner to be the best fit for me. It’s very easy to use!
I’ve been experimenting with strings for about a year and a half (since acquiring my current ukulele). In hindsight I’m not exactly sure what I was trying to accomplish. Maybe finding the magical strings that would make me play like Andrew. But alas, ‘twas not to be.
So, in theory I have been trying to find a good combination of sound and playability. After going through eight or ten different sets of strings I finally settled on Worth Clear Fluorocarbon CT63.
I’m getting better volume along with nice sound and playability. I believe these are the strings Kanile’a currently uses for their new instruments (at least as of a few months ago).
In conclusion, I think that selection of strings comes down to a number of personal preferences. And, especially with a new instrument, there is a break in period to contend with. This includes changes in the uke itself and in the way each of us plays in order to get it to sound the way we want.Coincidentally I have essentially the same uke you are considering. Mine is a KA-STG. So it’s a tenor but the same mahogany and spruce construction. I’ve had it for more that two years and have been very happy with it.
I started with a very inexpensive instrument to be sure I was going to continue playing. Once that was determined I did some research and bought the Kala. I think it plays well, stays in tune, sounds good and has pretty decent intonation. Overall IMHO it is a very good value.
Happy to answer any questions about it.I had mentioned above some thoughts about musical instruments breaking in over time.
I should also have mentioned that the physical properties of the instrument may only be part of the equation.
Specifically, I’m thinking that, perhaps just an importantly, the person playing the instrument also goes through a process as well. We all have our own playing style that we are comfortable with, but with a new, in this case, ukulele it may require us to alter our style a bit to get the result we want.
I have noticed that the musical result I’m getting now is different from what is was initially. Could it be the uke breaking in? Could it be me breaking in? Or maybe a combination of the two…
Thoughts?Couple of things. I’m currently using the D’Addario Humidipak system. I have one pack under the peg head and another inside the body between the second and third strings. I’m in NH so heating season is in full force and the (heated) air is quite dry.
Just wanted to mention one other thing as to my consultation with Andrew. I had already decided on a Kanile’a before communicating with him. He was, however, most helpful in discussing some of the other design parameters- especially the configuration of the neck itself. I’m sorry if I gave the impression that he recommended a particular brand as he did not.
I also meant to comment on your experience as to the performance of your ukulele changing over time.
I think this is a fairly common occurrence with new instruments and in fact I’ve experienced it in the past myself. It makes sense that instrument parts will settle in a bit as the playing proceeds and new stresses are applied to the previously unattached pieces. So I guess the moral is to play a new instrument as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing/hearing how things develop.I’ve already experimented a bit with strings. In addition to the Aquilas that came from the factory, I tried the D’Addario titaniums, and currently Aquila reds are in use. To be honest I haven’t noticed all that much difference so far. Exactly which strings were you referring to?