Carbon strings for tuning to E standard with Cordoba mini (20inch scale)

[sirwhale]

In the past I have simply bought high tension carbon strings for the trebles (Savarez Alliance), but the b and g strings still lack tension. They are no more than adequate; when trying to play louder I get fret slap. I know that there is an aquila set made from nylgut but I prefer to use carbon strings. I have found two alternatives:

You can buy a baritone ukulele set of carbon strings from Living Water (or possibly another ukulele carbon string brand).

The guages of the three trebles are:

HT Alliance --> Living Water Baritone Ukulele strings

0.64mm --> 0.62mm (Thinner but I think this is more balanced with the b and g strings)
0.71mm --> 0.74mm
0.86mm --> 0.91mm

Using Arto's string tension calculator:
Scale = 510mm (Cordoba mini)

0.62mm = 6.231 kg
0.74mm = 4.982 kg
0.91mm = 4.746 kg

This isn't too far off the treble tensions for the EJ43 D'addario light tension set and have a nice feel. There is just enough tension there for them to work.

Alternatively, if I want even more tension I could use the extra low d string that comes in the packet:

The guages of the three trebles are:

HT Alliance --> Living Water Baritone Ukulele strings

0.64mm --> 0.62mm
0.71mm --> 0.91mm (the 3rd string being used as the 2nd)
0.86mm --> 1.02mm (the 4th string being used as the 3rd)


Using Arto's string tension calculator:
Scale = 510mm (Cordoba mini)

0.62mm = 6.231 kg
0.91mm = 7.533 kg (a bit high)
1.02mm = 5.963 kg

Although, of course, the thicker the strings, the lower the brightness. So I'll probably stick to the first option.

Another option is to buy the carbon strings individually. You can buy 2m lengths of various Savarez Alliance strings online.

Using Arto's calculator to determine the gauges needed for a tension around 5.5kg (a bit higher for the 1st string) and looking at what is on the market, these strings fit the best:

KF62A = 2 meters of 0.62mm = 6.231 kg (tension on a 510mm scale)
KF77A = 2 meters of 0.77mm = 5.394 kg
KF95A = 2 meters of 0.95mm = 5.172 kg

I will try them all to see which has the best match between tone and tension.

For bass strings:

The best I have seen is: Hannabach 890 MT 1/4 size guitar

[Bikewer]

I just went and bought the Aquila set.... they seem to be fine.

I’ve got the Mine SM-CE model.... It’s what I play most of the time. My only gripe is the pickup system.
I initially tried it with the “A” tuning, and it seemed to work fine. Not so with the “E” string set.... The Bass is way out of balance and tends to “quack” rather badly.

[DownUpDave]

Thank you Sirwhale for the detailed post on string choices for 20" scale length guileles. I have a Romero Creations 20" baritone guilele on order and this info will be very helpful.

This is my first foray into this type of instrument. I have many ukuleles including various baritones. I do a lot of string experimenting with classical guitar strings on baritones and it can make a huge difference in feel and tone.

[sirwhale]

You're welcome. That's why I make these posts. I know that I won't get many views instantly but over the years the thread will come up in searches.