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Original Post By:
steve-o-reno
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Date: 8/31/2010 11:44:08 PM |
I recently acquired a nice used 6-string uke. It’s not my first, but it is a bit different so I have a few questions for any 6-string players out there.
It has a slotted head stock and when I turn the tuners they creak a little.
Is this normal?
Can the posts through the wood be lubricated?
And is there a special way to tie off the strings on this type of tuner?
After a search here for posts on string preferences, I see it’s been a while since the last comments were made so I’d like to hear any new, or old, opinions if you have any.
This uke appears to have Hilo strings
(g cC e Aa) and they sound pretty good, although there appears to be some discoloration on the wound A, so they might be a bit old.
What strings are you currently using and happy with? And why?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might want to share.
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Posted By:
Yosef 1965
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Date: 9/1/2010 9:42:47 AM |
| I have a 6-string uke (won't mention brand) and I have been playing for some time. If your tuners are making noise, sounds as though they need some lubrication. If your wound string is discolored, it needs replacing. I have been using Worth strings and find them to be be very easy to play and sound good as far as how to tie the strings off, search youtube for re-stringing ukuleles you will find some helpful info.....Shalom......Tom 1965
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Posted By:
Frank B
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Date: 9/1/2010 11:02:46 AM |
| Steve-o, my advise is to listen to Bobby McFarren's song, Don't Worry - Be Happy. A metal shaft turning in a hole in wood is going to creak especially if it has pressure forcing it to one side of the hole. Friction tuners creak too. So you really don't need a lubricant. My concern about the lubricant is that it will be absorbed into the wood and will very likely discolor it. If you decide to use lubricant try to find a dry graphite spray. As to installing new strings, the process should be same. The Stew-Mac website had a video that was good, and Rig Sauer of Risa posted an instructional video on YouTube as well. The only real problem I've had with a slotted headstock is the outside strings have a tendency to wind around the part of the shaft between the hole and the outside of the headstock. That makes the string rub against the wood where the string enters the slot. So, I make sure the string winds toward the inside edge of the slot. That's a bit awkward to do, but it puts the string more in the center where the string enters the slot. This may not be important, but I wanted to mention it since you ask. I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck. Frank B.
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Posted By:
steve-o-reno
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Date: 9/3/2010 10:47:44 PM |
Thank you gentlemen. All words of wisdom.
This is a used custom Ko'olau 6-string that sounds wonderful and I just want to take good care of her. Thanks so much for your advice. It's really appreciated.
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Posted By:
Wiley
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Date: 9/3/2010 11:17:38 PM |
| I've been using Worth's Clear C-6 set on my Pono. Got 'em from MGM. I can't imagine a compelling reason to move to any other. They are as bright as they should be for hula accompaniment, and thanks to the stings' lightly thinner gauge, the doubles are easy to finger.
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Posted By:
WildChild
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Date: 9/4/2010 7:21:49 AM |
| I got a 6 string with the wound A, and just hated the sound. So I got an Aquila 8 string set and used the 6 that I needed - you get a choice of low or high G. Now my 6 string sings. It has octave C's and unison A's The sound is much brighter than Hilo.
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Posted By:
steve-o-reno
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Date: 9/4/2010 3:01:06 PM |
| Hey, getting the 8-string set is a really good idea. You know I've tried both unison and octave As, and I like both for their different sounds. I just can't settle on one so I change strings a lot.
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Posted By:
ralphiewho
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Date: 9/4/2010 3:02:56 PM |
Steve:
There are several options but one you might consider is the fluorcarbon set from Mya Moe.
Ralph
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Posted By:
steve-o-reno
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Date: 9/6/2010 9:58:11 PM |
| Thanks Ralph. I didn't know they offered strings, but they look interesting..
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Posted By:
Ukulele Bartt
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Date: 9/8/2010 12:45:10 PM |
| I have a 6-string tenor, and I use Worth brown strings on it. Sometimes I switch to Kala Red, but those are wound.
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Posted By:
singndance
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Date: 9/8/2010 4:00:11 PM |
| Anyone else have a 6-string soprano out there - wanna chat with you.
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