How to Restring a Ukulele
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To restring a ukulele, remove the old strings, fit a new set at the bridge, thread each string through its tuning peg, wind it to pitch, and stretch and retune until the pitch holds. Match the set to the ukulele size: soprano, concert or tenor. The string sets below cover those sizes, with nylon, fluorocarbon and carbon options.
Loosen and remove the old strings
Turn each tuning peg to loosen its string until it is slack, then unwind the string from the peg and lift the other end off the bridge. Work through the strings in turn so the bridge and pegs stay clear. Set the old strings aside.
Fit the new string at the bridge
Take a string from the new set and fix its end at the bridge, following the bridge on the ukulele. Pull the string snug so it sits firmly in place before you run it up to the peg. Check that the string sits in its slot at the bridge and at the nut.
Thread the string through the tuning peg
Run the free end of the string through the hole in the tuning peg and pull the slack through, leaving a short length to wind. Hold the string taut with one hand while you turn the peg with the other, so the coils wind neatly side by side. Keep the winding tight against the peg so the string does not slip.
Wind the string and bring it to pitch
Turn the peg to wind the string on, then bring the string up to pitch. The Martin set is made to hold tune-to-pitch tension with little elongation, so wind steadily and check the pitch as you go. Move to the next string only after the one you wound holds its pitch.
Stretch, retune and trim the ends
New strings stretch, so pull each string gently away from the body, retune, and repeat until the pitch holds. Wipe the strings and the body with a soft dry cloth when you finish. Trim the loose ends at the pegs, leaving enough to hold the winding.
What you need
Martin Ukulele Strings
A fluorocarbon 4-string set for soprano or concert ukulele, made to hold tune-to-pitch tension with little string elongation.
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Size: soprano
YOLOPLUS+ Ukulele Strings
Five sets of nylon strings with numbered strings and 10 picks, sized for soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles.
- Sets in pack: 5
- Material: Nylon
- Size: soprano
D'Addario Ukulele Strings Fluorocarbon Tenor EJ99TLG Low-G
A fluorocarbon tenor set tuned to low G, with Pro-Arté Carbon trebles and a bright, modern tone.
- Size: tenor
D'Addario Ukulele Strings Nyltech Concert EJ88C
A Nyltech concert set with standard GCEA tuning, warm yet punchy tone and tuning stability.
- Material: Nylon
- Size: concert
These come from our ranked list Best Ukulele Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
When should I change my ukulele strings?
Change them when they look discolored or feel rough, or when they no longer hold tune. How much and where you play affects how soon those signs show.
What size strings fit my ukulele?
Match the set to the ukulele size. The sets below cover soprano, concert and tenor sizes, and the YOLOPLUS pack lists strings for all three.
Do new ukulele strings go out of tune?
New strings stretch after fitting, so the pitch drops until they settle. Retune after stretching and repeat until the pitch holds.
Ranked ukulele strings lists
More how-to guides
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