Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bob Johnston on April 28, 2017 at 3:01pm

I have the same situation so I hope someone answers your post that has the solution. I was contemplating using banjo strings but most banjos have a much longer scale. I might try it anyway.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on April 28, 2017 at 7:47pm

I found these, Bob.

https://m.thomann.de/gb/pyramid_ukulele_steel_string_concert.htm?gc...

Hopefully they'll work for what you need but if not then David found some longer ones (posted/linked below).

Permalink Reply by Bob Johnston on May 1, 2017 at 4:31pm

Alright!!  I didn't know someone actually made metal uke strings.  Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on April 28, 2017 at 4:50pm

Well Dani and Bear, here's the way I approach this sort of problem The notes on a concert uke are gCEa from 4th string to first. Now consider the short 15' scale and what electric guitar strings would be tuneable up to those pitches? I've never actually done this so here's a guess coming from other experiences. I'd start with a light electric set which has a .009 for the e string I believe that would tune up to A440 on 15" scale with no problem for the 1st string. The 2nd string in the set is likely a .011 and could tune to the E note of the uke's 2nd string. The 3rd string of the set could be brought up to the uke's C. Now it gets a bit tricky for the 4th string because most ukes have a higher note for the 4th than for the third but it doesn't have to be. Many players prefer low G tuning and you could use the 4th string from the electric set for that. If you want the more traditional high G you'll need another .009 or .010 to achieve that. Here's a set that should work

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GHS-BOOMERS-009-Roundwound-Electric-Guitar-...

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on April 28, 2017 at 7:39pm

Thanks Jim. My hero, as always! I like the for arguments of a low G on a ukulele but will have to decide whether to move away from traditional learning practices by going for low G. I like the idea anyway.

Found these now too so the day may be saved but it depends on the shipping costs with our useless Sterling right now lol. I may give your option a try first and see how it goes. Thanks again you wonderful fella ya!

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on April 28, 2017 at 7:40pm

https://m.thomann.de/gb/pyramid_ukulele_steel_string_concert.htm?gc...

Permalink Reply by David L. on April 28, 2017 at 6:12pm

Hi Bear and Dani,

Looking here https://www.thomann.de/gb/risa_tenor_ukulele_lpstyle_sb.htm?glp=1&a...
they suggest a set of strings at the bottom which are gauges 10, 13, 17, 26 tuned
low G,C,E,A(i.e. Exactly the same as a set of rotosound electric 10s which would be cheaper to buy.
(If you are unsure of low G tuning read this http://www.gotaukulele.com/2011/02/ukulele-beginners-what-is-low-g....).

The scale length for the advertised guitar is around 17" and with yours being 15" you might need to move up to electric 11s or alternatively tune up each string an extra half step if the strings are too floppy.

Regards,
David

PS more electric ukes here that use electric guitar strings http://www.southernukulelestore.co.uk/c/Risa

Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on April 28, 2017 at 6:39pm

I believe that will work too!

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on April 28, 2017 at 7:45pm

Thanks for the help, David. Finally found some but then didn't update here because I fell asleep due to awful sleeping patterns right now. Not to worry (about the sleeping patterns). Thanks so much for spending time looking for the solution, David. I thought something connected to the Risa instrument might work but couldn't find anything anywhere. Problem solved now anyway but thank you so very much again.