Ukulele String Comparison: Aquila Nylguts Versus D’Addarío Titanium Strings

[@lestorhaslam7635]

Aquila Nylgut strings sound brighter and pleasing the D'Addario Titanium sound dull in comparison. Great video., thank you.

[@wonderrob3225]

I fell madly in love with ukelele a couple months ago. I've been playing my fingers and thumb to shreds though. Could you suggest to me some softer easier to play strings? Thanks

[@snaphappee]

I hear quite a difference. I prefer the nylguts when strummed - it seems to be a fuller sound - but I like the Titaniums picked.

[@pdadrums7452]

Loved the Aquila. Nice to hear you mention the Southern Ukulele Store, they are a great bunch of guys. Recently bought my beautiful Kanile'a ukulele from there.

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

Yes, I love their KZbin channel. Do you live in the UK?

[@pdadrums7452]

@@girlmeetsuke2980 Sorry I missed your comment earlier, yes I live in a small country town called Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire in the UK. Quirky but we love it. Can I ask where you are in the USA? I must say again I have loved watching your feeds this evening. Will definitely be watching in future.

[@robertfrisbee]

The aquila strings are louder and a more pleasing tone to me. I do like your staining the fingerboard and bridge, nice touch ! Thanks for the video !

[@josephbiancorosso3179]

I don't think it's close. It's either the toy sound or the Aquila sound which is way more professional. I think that Aquila strings revolutionized the Uke world. Nice job on your thorough reviews.

[@Jackson.T]

Then get a bariuke or a guitar and maybe it won't sound like a toy

[@wonderrob3225]

I fell madly in love with ukelele a couple months ago. I've been playing my fingers and thumb to shreds though. Could you suggest to me some softer easier to play strings? Thanks

[@bobbraun7290]

Thanks for mentioning the feel. I'm looking for something with less tension than Aquila Nylgut so I can eliminate D'Addario Titanium strings.

[@JagBetty]

That’s what I’m finding at the moment Bob, the tension on those nylguts at first was ok but a few weeks in and I think I going to flip over to tiger for a bit and see if there is a difference.

[@donnas7762]

In my opinion the Aquila sound better. The D'Addario makes it more quiet and almost a little tinney. The D'Addario strings sounds better finger picked than strummed. If I had to chose strings, I think I would whether listen to the Aquila on this instrument. I would like to hear what Living Waters on it. I LOVE the Southern Store!

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

Thanks for the comment. And for the reminder- I wanted to include a link to The Southern Ukulele Store’s video.

[@coldfusionmusical]

I was surprised, from what I heard, the Aquila sounded clearer during the sound comparison, it sounded better than the D'addario during the sound comparison but the D'addario sounded better when you were doing the review though. Unfortunately, during the sound comparison, for the D'addario, the uke didn't sound quite in tune (could be because you just changed it and it still didn't stay in tune yet), that could affect the listener's experience, and perhaps because of that I found the Aquila sounded better.

[@tagacale1733]

aquila = warm. d'addario = tinny

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

I've been using the titaniums and making great progress with them. They do hurt my fingertips, and they're kinda rough on my thumb too. After watching this video, I ordered some aquila. Like you said, you really have to dig in to get the titanium to project. For me as a beginner and casual player it's not worth the extra effort. The titaniums were an interesting string. Their high tension forced me to replace my plastic bridge and nut with bone. I thought it was my inexpensive Mitchell uke that was to blame, but I didn't realize until now that the strings are high tension - I just knew it was better than the floppy rubber bands that the Mitchell came with. One thing that excited me about the titanium was that it held its tune very very well after the initial break-in. I expect the aquila will be less impressive in this dimension.

[@ronats]

How long does it take for the initial break-in? I put the titanium on my Pono MC. Loved the sound, but it hurt my fingertips. I put back the old strings after just a week

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

@@ronats I'd say the titanium broke in over a week, then I'd only have tune them weekly. I switched over to the nylon D'addario which have to be tuned daily, but they're so much more playable it's worth it. The titaniums never stopped hurting my fingers and weren't loud enough, the custom extruded nylon solves both of those problems and my playing has really progressed as a result. ✌️

[@ronats]

@@rockclimbinghacks9222 aah, my old strings were also D'addario clear nylon. They're so comfortable and allow me to play tunes i normally can't play. However, they made my concert uke sounds like a soprano :(

[@idkillforcill]

@@ronats Are the clear nylons the same things as fluorocarbons?

[@ronats]

@@idkillforcill hey, they are different

[@CGT-lu8gw]

The D'Addario Ti strings make your uke sound a bit like a resonator. Also, the sustain is shorter. Probably best used for ragtime tunes, in my opinion. Thanks for the comparison!

[@CateEales]

Hard for me to hear the difference, even with headphones, but interesting comments on the feel. I really love how the fret board came out!

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

I do too!

[@neverstoplearning2]

As a beginner, the feeling of the strings is paramount! I recently switched to Martins, and oh man, they feel so good on my tender finger tips.

[@wonderrob3225]

I fell madly in love with ukelele a couple months ago. I've been playing my fingers and thumb to shreds though. I'll try those Marrtins. Do you think it will help?

[@wonderrob3225]

Its 2 years later. You are no longer a beginner. How is your playing today ?

[@dangnabbit2]

Do you know what brand of strings that are on the Kala Ike’s? I’ve used D’Addario after the original strings and have not liked them as much as the originals.

[@stoneyrunva]

The aquila strings are more jangly. The titaniums are warmer. Aquila suits soprano/concert. Titaniums for tenor/baritone. Just depends on the sound the player likes. Is the intonation that far off on this Kala uke? Or, was it out of tune?

[@paulkleinkramer5065]

Is it just me or is the intonation a bit off kilter with the Titanium strings? Nylguts work wonders on any uke with a laminate top, that's for sure. For a solid tone wood top instrument like your fantastic Koaloha, fluorocarbons might be the better choice.

[@brucefrye2292]

A lot of times, your intonation is affected by where your string height is.

[@paulkleinkramer5065]

BTW, I like the way you chuck. Sounds tight, bright and percussive.

[@ShasCho]

I was admiring that as well. Do you use the ball of your thumb? It sounds great!

[@timelyuke]

Well , this was quite a surprise for me. I really didn’t care for the D’Addario either strumming or finger style. They just seemed flat.

[@jenniferlehner1849]

I think the Aquilas have a slightly fuller or thicker sound, and I prefer them on this uke. I think the D’Addarios have more clarity and note distinction, but the sound is a little brittle and thin to my ears.

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

Thank you! You are always so good at describing sound.

[@jenniferlehner1849]

@@girlmeetsuke2980 Thanks! I try. It's surprisingly difficult to describe sound!

[@JohnOtis_203]

I'm generally not the biggest fan of the Nylguts, but I have to admit they sound a bit rounder to me for this particular uke . . . . Thanks for posting!!

[@DanielFlores-ku8os]

I watched this video twice, both times with different, nice, and neutral sounding speakers. Each time you played a piece with the Titaniums it seemed like you started quite soft and then worked into the playing level you wanted. To me personally I think the Titaniums have a more clear and articulate sound. Though they can sound a bit tinny with the high notes. The Aquilas have, what to me personally, is their normal slightly boomy and slightly muddy Aquila sound that works real well with strumming and suffers a bit when finger picking. I noticed the Titaniums were much less forgiving when your finger placement was slightly off creating slight scratching/buzzing/squeaking type sounds. I have tried them myself and found that I did not care for their intonation up up and down the fretboard when doing chord melody arrangements. I tried them on a couple concert ukuleles and think they may have worked better on a tenor. Also, in all fairness I do not think they are really suited to my playing style. Regarding your student, I would think Martin Florocarbons or sticking with Aquilas would work well depending on the style of music she is moving toward. I really enjoy your string comparisons. Southern Ukulele Store is great with detailed analytical explanations of strings. Hawaii Music Supply is great for showing what different string sets sound like being played by world class musicians who could likely make beautiful music with phone charging chords LOL. However the teacher in you comes out in your comparisons. The pieces you play and the time you are willing to put into using the same instrument and changing the strings on it is very much appreciated. As always, keep up the great work.

[@NPOSK]

Nylon has more body, titanium pitch is higher but lacks something.

[@50mantravelling52]

Thanks for the review I was about to press the buy button for the Titanium but have decided to stick to Aquila. Really helpful.

[@TheWooTubes]

I'm listening on a mid-range phone and they sound quite different. Finger-picked, the Nylgut sounds sweeter and the Titanium more "focussed" so preference seems subjective. Strummed, there's a loud, percussive sound at the point of contact, which I don't like. I've noticed it on other videos and thought people had their mic too close. Perhaps it would sound better if you were further away than with the Aquilas. I think the claims made for the New Nylgut are relative to their previous formulation, rather than to competitors, so not a contradiction. I just bought a low-G string for an Enya Nova-U Mini on Alex's recommendation. The plastic frets can't take wound strings so I bought a Freemont Blackline. Delivery in the UK was as fast as our Post Office ever achieves.

[@drumsticknuggets5123]

Aquila hands down. I've done many string swaps and I certainly have some favs (Aquila reds for low G), but in general I think the default Aquila super/new nylguts are great over all strings - loud, warm and most of all - Soft to the touch. Easy for every style. After trying many strings - I tend to lean towards leaving the default Aquila strings. Oh - and I am jealous - I am saving for that Ukulele.

[@Aamnah]

I don't think the Titanium strings are properly broken in.. feel a bit out of tune.

[@stesantana7269]

Hi, thank you very much, your video help me a lot ^^ now, I know the difference.. I prefer like the Aquila strings. It sounds brighter and clear 😁

[@lourdesnillo3997]

at first i like the aquila...my two ukes have aquila strings...they’re good but titanium gives me a different sound that i want...something like quiet or soft sound that’s soothing effect while listening...anyway different people have different standards which one is good or not good for them...thanks for this review and for me as for the type of music that i want...d’addario titanium wins...

[@moramalbran5500]

I think is really important to have the chords in tone if you want to compare sound. Is not the same at all because of the frecuency of each sound.

[@razorthugs]

Hmm weirddddd so I wanted to switch to my titanium strings but now after hearing it it's kinda muted except for the finger pick songs you played! Really great video thank you so much! Most people wouldve only dont like one comparison vs your like ten😂

[@JodyM2]

Subtle Difference, The Ti's did not fit well in my Aquila Set up KA-C, went to Martin 600's, still looking... I changed the D'addario Rectified with Worth BL yesterday on my KA-SCG It was an Improvement I like the Feel of the Worths

[@mplsmark222]

An important step when comparing strings is having them stretched completely. No uke ever sounds good for a few days after new strings are put on. Since some of the samples sound a bit out of tune, my guess is the titanium’s had not fully settled in. Thanks for the effort and sharing your impressions. I work with violins, to buy a new set of strings can cost over $100.00, and basic strings are $40-50. These uke strings are so inexpensive in comparison, plus they last longer too. Makes it much more affordable to try lots of different strings on your uke, but you need to give them time to settle in between changes, and by then your memory of how the old string sounded and felt can be lost, so this can be a tricky and time consuming project.. The main thing is to play and have fun.

[@mr.keebler7927]

Aquila supernygut for the win!

[@Mocking1313]

I agree with everyone, the Aquila strings sound much fuller with a lot more sustain.

[@davidmolloy126]

Hiya, I agree with Elli, the Aq's for strumming which I don't do much of, so I'm going to give the Titanium's a try on my Tenor for finger style, which I really liked the sound of and I'll let you know.xx

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

Thanks. I’d love to hear what you think of them. 😊

[@faethe000]

I find that most of what musicians think they hear (regarding tone) is in their heads :p 10 musicians will listen to the same instrument with the same strings. 4 will say it's bright. 4 will say it's dark. The other 2 will say something seriously off the wall and nuts.

[@Kevin15047]

The D'Addarios sound really tinney to me. Didn't like them strummed at first, but the sound kind of grew on me as the video went on. I don't know how to put it besides this... If bugs Bunny play the ukulele, it would sound like that. They also soud really different fingerpicking. Not better or worse just different.

[@MariUSukulele]

interesting! I just put some Titaniums on a KoAloha tenor; they settled like super fast! Why in the wörld these strings are named after a metal, when monofilament is plastic, remains an utter riddle to me. Left the same comment w\ Alex from the SouthernUkuleleStore, btw.

[@stevesstrings5243]

To my ear, the Aquila strings sound both louder and brighter. I do like the results of the stained fretboard.

[@PanoramaUnion]

Aquila sounded much better, louder , more sustain, D'addario sounds very cheap. What mic are u using?

[@JT-py9lv]

Aquila Nylguts

[@lisam6200]

I thought they were very different and the D'Addario sounds muddy (thru headphones) perhaps better suited to a different uke.

[@lorigreen6666]

I like the Aquilas...

[@MarkWadsworthYPP]

Nylon ones sound much nicer

[@nicholascastillo5601]

I like the D Addario better.

[@JodyM2]

The D'Addario package I have puts Ti in the middle of the range between Mellow & Bright, Nyltech is brighter by their old chart

[@nigeldavey1043]

You are quite right Jodi D'addario strings by and large tend to be thicker than Aquilas offerings. The higher tension was a problem for me as I started as a mature student ( for mature read vintage ). Unfortunately unlike a good cheese this has resulted in less strength. I find fluorocarbons give a good bright sound and with the Worth strings there is such a range that you can pick and choose what suits you best. Regarding this test , yes I was left confused and I listened a second time with headphones and then I listened with my TV sound system. Still confused and I don't believe there is a clear winner here apart from experience which of course is always a plus. Very informative as usual. Keep them coming.

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

Thanks, Nigel. From where in the UK are you? My husband was hoping you were a Spurs fan.

[@nigeldavey1043]

@@girlmeetsuke2980 hi Jodi I grew up just a mile down the road from what is arguably the most famous Rugby ground in England at Twickenham. So yes in the ballpark for Spurs although most of the kids at our school supported Brentford. I played Rugby at school and was a cross country runner but didn't get into football I'm afraid. We have several good teams in the west though. I have lived in rural England most of my adult life,here in the Cotswolds. I have lived here for over forty years in the Stroud area. I love it here as I have the countryside on my doorstep. Not a great walker anymore as for a few years now a spinal problem that I didn't know I'd had all my life has curtailed my mobility. I'm a retired civil servant. Where in the states are you based ?

[@girlmeetsuke2980]

Nigel Davey- I live in the southern part of Ohio. My favorite part about living here is experiencing all for seasons in their glory. 😊

[@nigeldavey1043]

@@girlmeetsuke2980 you should try England then. We have days where you can experience all four seasons in one day 😂.

[@nigeldavey1043]

@@girlmeetsuke2980 When I was a part of the Dolls House scene a few years back we had a club visit the UK for Miniatura and they came from Cleveland. They were all Ladies whereas here it tended to be both male and female. I used to make little furniture items bit gave it up about five years ago because my hands weren't steady enough anymore. After a while you get a fed up with sticking scalpels in your fingers 😂. Is Cleveland any where near your neck of the woods ? They said that where we live was not to different from home for them.

[@donnas7762]

quiet in sound/tone -- you might want to try the Aquila Black/Carbon

[@brucefrye2292]

Aquila is like saying kleenex, people are probably going to pick it no matter what, but titanium will work for me on my Kala baritone uke !

[@paulbateman81]

Ok I was set to get titanium’s but not now. Sound very brittle

[@bstring3967]

I’m not big on the sound of those titanium’s. I’m big on finger picking and those are too plucky, sharp, and hard on the attack. Plus strummed the titanium’s sound harsh and tinny. The nylguts are better but for me I like the Aquila reds and worth medium tensions the most from what I hear. I just tried the D’Addario black nylon and they are similar to titanium’s but dark sounding and have hard attack not good sustain. Now I know what they mean by punchy, which is at the expense of sustain.

[@chasebutler2665]

G String what size uke do you have the reds on? Do they break like everyone says? Because I want to try them.

[@bstring3967]

@@chasebutler2665 I have them on a Martin laminated soprano, which I just put a red low g on and I love it. I feel like those strings really bring great brightness and sustain to an instrument. the open E string on soprano is very bright, and the tension is on the lower end and the sustain is long. I can see why a lot of jazz style players love them. You can always get some very fine grit sandpaper and make sure there are no sharp edges on the nut and saddle of the uke so the red string isn’t pulled over that, I think I read that was one possible problem. Highly recommended, although if I was mainly just a strummer type it probably wouldn’t be my first choice, my other favorite now is oasis strings

[@ramjet0549]

To my old ears the TI had more low note sound coming through strumming otherwise pretty similar

[@steveharris2589]

Aquila Sound better all the way around!!

[@MarcusV741]

Aquila in every style of play.

[@raceface_m2579]

The Aquila complimented that particular ukulele and it’s woods more than the D’Addario. Just sounded louder and more balanced, and the overall tone was better. The D’Addario just sounded very ehh

[@bopa1053]

For this soprano I would go with the Aquilas... For bigger boxes I am thinking the Titaniums.

[@emilsonlim8240]

Aquila strings seems to be better for all around. I prefer it than d addario.

[@FenrirInFlowers]

The Aquila nylguts sound muddy to me. The Titaniums sound better to me across the board.

[@sandragriffith1965]

My conclusion after watching, listening, and reading the comments is that we all hear the same sound differently.

[@Phicxtion]

People fail to realize that the audio in videos on KZbin gets compressed. Therefore completely squashing all the dynamic. Truly impossible to get a real life comparison unless you try it for yourself.

[@gjmc927]

Aquila....yes.daddio No

[@wonderrob3225]

I fell madly in love with ukelele a couple months ago. I've been playing my fingers and thumb to shreds though. Could you suggest to me some softer easier to play strings? Thanks

[@kgcrowe5153]

Overall, I thought the aquila were superior to the d'addario

[@Wobbz9413]

Try anuenue blackwater strings. Youl never go back!

[@MrTvvister]

Мне кажется или гитара не строит ?

[@JagBetty]

Soprano bark😎👍🪕

[@lorigreen6666]

BTW...great video!

[@richardkelly1329]

No Titanium’s for me.

[@rhebabond7553]

Kind of like the Aquila strings better

[@sentragxe2001]

To me the Aquilas sound brighter. The D'Addario sound deeper & richer

[@MattyUkulele]

The D'Addario strings were much brighter than the Aquila strings.

[@lourdesnillo3997]

at first i like the aquila...my two ukes have aquila strings...they’re good but titanium gives me a different sound that i want...something like quiet or soft sound that has soothing effect while listening to it...anyway different people have different standards which one is good or not good for them...thanks for this review and for me as for the type of music that i want...d’addario titanium wins...