How to Change ʻUkulele Strings - Step-by-Step Slotted Headstock Tips

[@JuniperCo]

Thank you 🙏🏽. I’m gonna need to watch this a few times 😩😘😘

[@Sir-Uke-A-Lot]

Perfect timing Brad. I was just about to change the strings on my slotted baritone for the first time. Thanks.

[@jackgarratt1365]

Every time I restring my slotted, head-stock ukulele, I use this video. It's simple and clear.

[@Tunafisher69]

Good guidance. One suggestion. You can eliminate the slippage of the c and e strings by winding them to the outside vs inside, reversing how you wound the g and a strings. This pulls the strings against the prior winds vs having them drift apart on the tuning peg.

[@BradBordessa]

My OCD would really hate this, but functionally this would be a smart move. Thanks!

[@Tunafisher69]

@@BradBordessa I get that! I came across this type of winding advice on a Martin slotted headstock video a couple of years ago, and use it for my slotted headstock guitars. It works great, and also keeps the string from rubbing against the wood.

[@tmb9126]

ugh. thank you for fast forwarding through the actual parts I needed.

[@MattDahlberg]

Brad, this video is absolutely fantastic. Thanks for posting!

[@BradBordessa]

You're welcome! Hope all is well, Matt.

[@GeneBlack]

Thank you, sir. I had no idea that "more wraps" could cause tuning problems. A Slotted headstock is nice although it is harder to string, at least for me. But now I know how and I saved this video so I can see it next time I need to restring my slotted headstock uke.

[@HoodsGoods]

Dude. Nice ukulele. That one is moore bettah than most!

[@BradBordessa]

Mahalo! I'm very spoiled

[@JM-my2wf]

This was very helpful. Really appreciate you taking the time to offer these tips. Just got an Ohana tk 70w and trying out some different strings (Martin 620) and all this is new to me. Thank you.

[@BradBordessa]

Glad you liked it!

[@Justin-fb7ni]

nvmd my last comment. this is the best slotted stock ukulele restring video.

[@pedrosanchezpalma4443]

Fantastic video. One question, from your experience, when going for a low-G set of strings (tenor case), can I have the issue with the nut of the G note needing to widen the groove? In my case it is a Anuenue AMM3 and I am a bit scared of needed for place for the 4th string... thanks!

[@BradBordessa]

Yes, depending on the low-G style (usually wound strings are better than unwound), you might need to widen the nut slot for it to sit all the way down. You're not going to break anything by trying so it might be worth putting on the string to see if you have any problems. Worst case scenario the string will sit up too high. If you feel brave/crafty, you can fold up a piece of fine grit sandpaper to the appropriate width to widen the slot.

[@jasneskis]

Thank you for restringing on camera. I am moving up in the uke world from $40. uke to Kala KOA open headstock cut away concert. It arrived today with Aquila strings. I planned to put on Worth Brown light as many advanced players recommended. They are on now because of this tutorial. Now from you, I find I need Joel uke logic strings. They are now on my list and I will try when new strings are needed. Do you recommend hard tension or soft tension strings.

[@ic_1234]

Is it bad if the loose end is to the opposite side you mentioned?

[@BradBordessa]

Not really. Main drawback is the upwards end can poke your hand if it's resting on the bridge. Structurally there shouldn't be any difference in how well it holds the string

[@madprincess1123]

I am trying to learn Jump but the video is a little unclear can you do an updated version with like chord charts and finger-styling/ strumming thank you!

[@elearninghigheredk12]

Just a word to the wise. If you have ANY problems with wound strings, toss them straight away. Mine tend to loose their core, or outer winding, through various mishaps (multiple ukuleles and guitars!). The latest one got caught on a cleaning cloth at the bridge end. Other times they were not been fitted correctly and simply unraveled. In the latest incident the outer winding came off or loose. Because I didn't realize, I tried to tighten the string and it literally acted like a saw on the nubone. If you hear a weird noise. Stop. Replace. Never use a string like this with a problem. Secondly, be careful when cutting any metal wound strings (e,g, low g's or c's). I forgot to release tension and it caused quite a but of mischief when it snapped. It can damage your ukulele. Nylon etc is less of a trouble. I hate wound strings. Just saying. And now that I have learned how to replace my own strings. Bye bye luthier.

[@SalmaChalbi]

You're so cute.