Strings
Changing the strings on a ukulele can genuinely transform how it sounds, and it’s one of the cheapest upgrades you can make.
Nylon strings give a softer, warmer, more traditional sound. Comfortable under the fingers and what you’ll find on most standard ukuleles.
Fluorocarbon strings are brighter, more projecting, and have better intonation. Many players find they give the ukulele a more “professional,” defined sound.
Popular string choices
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Aquila Nylgut ~£5–£8 / $6–$9
The most popular ukulele string brand in the world. A synthetic material designed to mimic the feel and tone of traditional gut strings. Bright, clear, and widely beloved. Many ukuleles (including most Kala models) come fitted with Aquilas straight out of the box.
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D’Addario Pro-Arte Fluorocarbon ~£10–£15 / $15–$20
A step up in clarity and intonation. Excellent choice for players wanting more projection and definition. Jake Shimabukuro is a D’Addario artist and has spoken about the importance of quality strings to his sound.
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Worth Brown / Clear Fluorocarbon ~£12–£20 / $17–$25
Particularly popular with fingerstyle players for their warm, balanced response.
The tuning-in period: New nylon strings take time to settle and hold their tuning. This is completely normal. Just keep tuning for the first few days of playing and they’ll settle down beautifully.
Tuner
Non-negotiable. Get one. A clip-on tuner attaches to the headstock and detects pitch through vibration, meaning you can tune accurately even in a noisy room.
Options to consider
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My free online tuner Free
Works right here in your browser: open the ukulele tuner, click the microphone and pluck a string. Perfect at home in a quiet room.
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GuitarTuna App Free
Available on iOS and Android, this is an excellent tuner for home use. Accurate, easy to read, and costs nothing.
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Snark SN5X ~£10–£14 / $12–$15
A simple, popular clip-on tuner. Reliable and fast, a great first purchase.
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KLIQ UberTuner ~£18–£22 / $20–$25
A step up from the Snark, with a larger display, quicker response, and a more robust build. Well worth the small extra investment.
Capo
A capo clamps across all strings at a given fret, raising the pitch of your ukulele. It’s a really useful tool for playing songs in different keys without having to transpose your chord shapes.
Important: Make sure you buy a capo specifically sized for ukulele. A guitar capo won’t fit properly on a uke’s narrower neck.
Options to consider
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Donner DC-2 Ukulele Capo ~£7–£9 / $8–$10
A solid, no-frills budget option. Zinc alloy construction with silicone padding to protect the fretboard. Does the job cleanly for the price.
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Kyser Quick-Change Ukulele Capo ~£18–£22 / $20–$25
The Kyser is a favourite among gigging players. The spring mechanism is strong and intuitive. You can put it on and take it off with one hand, which is a real advantage on stage.
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D’Addario NS Ukulele Capo Pro ~£20–£26 / $22–$28
Widely regarded as the best all-round ukulele capo on the market. Made from aircraft-grade aluminium, with a micrometer tension adjustment that lets you dial in the exact pressure needed for buzz-free, in-tune performance. Lightweight and low-profile.
Case or gig bag
Protecting your instrument is important, especially if you’re taking it out and about. Here’s how the main options break down.
Gig bags are lightweight, padded soft cases. Perfect for taking your ukulele to lessons, jam sessions, or a friend’s house. Not ideal if you’re travelling by plane or need heavy-duty protection.
Hard cases offer much better protection: rigid shell construction that can survive real bumps and knocks. Heavier, bulkier, and more expensive, but well worth it for a valuable instrument or regular travel.
Options to consider
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Kala UB-S Eco Gig Bag ~£20–£28 / $22–$30
A well-made, affordable entry-level gig bag. Available in soprano, concert, and tenor sizes. Good basic padding and a front pocket for accessories. A solid starting point.
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Gator 4G Series Gig Bag ~£40–£50 / $50–$70
A step up in padding (20mm GFLEX foam) and durability. Features backpack straps for hands-free carrying and reinforced areas around the headstock and bridge. A favourite among players who commute with their instruments regularly.
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Kala ABS Hardshell Case ~£75–£90 / $100–$120
Kala’s moulded ABS plastic hard case offers serious protection with a plush interior and a removable shoulder strap. Available in soprano, concert, and tenor sizes. This is the one to choose if you’re flying or need reliable all-weather protection.
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Crossrock CRDG300BUBK Deluxe Gig Bag ~£60–£85 / $70–$95
A premium hybrid bag that bridges the gap between gig bag and hard case. Features high-density foam padding, reinforced rigid plastic sidewalls, and high-quality 1680D twill polyester on the outside. Excellent for players who want portability and protection in equal measure.
Strap
A strap can make a real difference to your posture and comfort, especially during longer practice sessions or when playing standing up. Most ukuleles don’t come with strap buttons fitted, so you have a few options: clip-on straps that attach to the soundhole (no drilling required), or traditional straps that use strap buttons.
Options to consider
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Lohanu Clip-On Ukulele Strap ~£9–£12 / $10–$14
A popular, versatile clip-on strap that hooks into the soundhole and either ties around the headstock or wraps around the strumming arm. No drilling, no fuss. Works with soprano, concert, and tenor ukes. A great, affordable first strap.
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D’Addario Woven Ukulele Strap ~£20–£25 / $25–$35
D’Addario’s woven straps are comfortable, durable, and come in a wide variety of colours and designs. Leather ends, adjustable length, and a width of 1.5 inches for comfortable shoulder support. A reliable mid-range choice.
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Neotech Ukulele Strap ~£25–£30 / $35–$45
The Neotech is a favourite among players who spend a long time on their feet. The neoprene padding provides real comfort on the shoulder, and the quick-disconnect system lets you attach and remove the strap quickly without fiddling around.
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Levy’s Leathers Jacquard Strap ~£30–£40 / $40–$50
If you want something that looks as good as it plays, Levy’s are the go-to choice. Their Jacquard-woven straps come in beautiful patterns, with soft leather ends, and are built to last for years. A lovely upgrade once you know you’re a committed uke player.
Humidifier
Especially important for solid wood ukuleles in dry environments or during winter (central heating is the enemy of fine wooden instruments). A simple soundhole humidifier costs just a few pounds and can prevent cracking.
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D’Addario Small Instrument Humidifier ~£10–£14 / $12–$15
Sits inside the soundhole and releases moisture gradually. Simple, effective, and highly recommended for any solid wood ukulele.