Ukulele Strings

The ukulele, pronounced YOO-kə-LAY-lee, originating from the Hawaiian word ʻukulele, is a member of the lute family with roots in Portuguese tradition and widespread popularity in Hawaii. Typically featuring four nylon strings, its tone and resonance depend on its size and construction. Ukuleles are available in four main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

Traditionally, ukuleles sport a figure-eight body shape reminiscent of small acoustic guitars. However, they also appear in unconventional forms like cutaway, oval, known as "pineapple" ukuleles introduced by Kamaka Ukulele company, boat-paddle, and even square shapes, occasionally crafted from vintage wooden cigar boxes.

Varieties of ukuleles include soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone, with less common types such as sopranino, bass, and contrabass ukuleles. Additionally, there are banjo ukuleles and electric ukuleles. The soprano, often termed "standard" in Hawaii, was the original and second smallest size. The concert size emerged in the 1920s, offering a slightly larger body and increased volume with deeper tones. Subsequently, the tenor was introduced, known for its amplified sound and rich bass. In the 1940s, the baritone, resembling a compact tenor guitar, was developed. More recent additions include the contrabass and bass ukuleles.