Fender Uke bass strings?

[jimok]

I recently bought a Fender Fullerton Ukulele bass, and while I love playing it, I hate the nickel wrapped nylon strings that came with it. Too much string noise when fretting and sliding. Have tried Fast fret with limited results. I see Kala offers flatwound Ubass strings but the disclaimer says they're only for Kala U-basses. They're pretty pricey, so wondered if anyone has thoughts on smoother strings for my Fender Uke bass. Won't do the "rubber" kind either. The Fender is 20.5 inch scale, which is same as the Kala flatwounds. And maybe the nut and saddle will only accept the 45-105 gauge strings that came with it? Would appreciate any thoughts from the uke bass players out there! Thanks!

 

[iiipopes]

The disclaimer about not using the strings on any other instrument is to prevent warranty claims and string returns. Remember Rickenbacker used to have a similar caveat. Yes, you should be able to use any strings designed for a U-Bass with this scale length. I prefer Aquila Silver Rumblers, but that is because I play my Kala U-Bass in a ukulele band, Uke66 (we are on Facebook), so the tone is complimentary to the other two ukulele players in the band. I would suggest the newer Aquila Thunder Blacks. They advertise the same working tension in a slightly lesser diameter. In any event, just like conventional electric bass players, it is absolutely necessary and beneficial to have the nut slots adjusted by a competent luthier to get the best tone out of your instrument. Find the strings for your preferred tension and tone, then adjust the nut as necessary. If you change make/model of strings, it doesn't matter if the slots are a few thou wide, due to them being anchored across the slot to the tuners, especially if the nut has the proper sharper leading edge, slot geometry to properly orient the strings, and proper back slope to the tuners to avoid any tendency to bind.

 

[jimok]

Thanks for the reply! I don't think I want to use the poly strings and really don't want to make any modifications to the nut, since this is mainly a practice, noodling around instrument for me. I see Galli makes flatwound uke bass strings, but they look to be a higher gauge, and I'm afraid they won't fit my tuning pegs.

 

[Bodeeni]

I had a Fender Uke and put the Kala Galli flats on it. I do not think there was much of an issue. I may have had to file the nut, but I may have had to do that anyway as part of the setup. I thought they sound and play a lot better than the rounds that came on it.

 

[jimok]

I had a Fender Uke and put the Kala Galli flats on it. I do not think there was much of an issue. I may have had to file the nut, but I may have had to do that anyway as part of the setup. I thought they sound and play a lot better than the rounds that came on it.

Thanks! I just really like the sound and feel of flatwounds. I'm also hoping the slightly heavier gauge will provide a little more tension, since I've noticed some fret buzz on the G string lower frets. Thanks again!

 

[SBassman]

Weird that Fender doesn't seem to sell stock replacement strings.

 

[jimok]

Weird that Fender doesn't seem to sell stock replacement strings.

Right? I don't much like the original strings anyway but am having a helluva time finding any strings that will work. Another TB member recommended Aquila Spiral flats that I ordered but haven't put them on yet. They better work for $60!! And last forever!!