Looking for the best low G tenor ukulele strings? These four sets offer two useful approaches: D’Addario’s all-fluorocarbon EJ99TLG and three Aquila sets with a wound low G. The choice affects the feel of the fourth string as well as the voice of the instrument.
Low G extends the ukulele’s range downward and puts G–C–E–A in ascending pitch order. Choose a set intended for a tenor scale, then compare material, surface feel and winding. The D’Addario set is the overall pick for players who want fluorocarbon across all four strings; the Aquilas offer different synthetic formulations with a slimmer wound bass string.
The 4 Best Sets of Low G Tenor Ukulele Strings
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| D'Addario EJ99TLG Pro-Arté Carbon (Editor's Choice) | Check Price |
 | Aquila New Nylgut AQ-15 | Check Price |
 | Aquila Red Series AQ-88 | Check Price |
 | Aquila Super Nylgut AQ-107 | Check Price |
D’Addario EJ99TLG Pro-Arté Carbon (Editor’s Choice)
D’Addario EJ99TLG is the clear first choice if an unwound low G is important. All four strings use Pro-Arté Carbon fluorocarbon material, so there is no metal-wound fourth string to change the surface feel under the fingers. The set is specifically designed for tenor ukuleles in low-G tuning.
D’Addario describes the tone as bright and modern, with projection and a responsive attack as design priorities. The low G is a substantial .0413-inch monofilament, which is the practical trade-off for getting the lower pitch without a metal winding. It can feel thicker than the wound fourth string in the Aquila sets.
The all-fluorocarbon construction and clearly specified tenor tuning earn it the overall choice. These are tie-end strings, so secure knots and a suitable nut slot matter. A high-G nut may need professional attention to accommodate the larger fourth string; do not force it into a tight slot or assume it will settle into correct intonation without setup.
Pros
- All-fluorocarbon set with an unwound low G.
- Designed specifically for tenor low-G tuning.
- Bright, projecting design brief.
Cons
- Thick .0413-inch low G may need a suitable nut slot.
- Tie-end installation requires secure knots.
Aquila New Nylgut AQ-15
The Aquila AQ-15, or 15U, is the conventional New Nylgut route to a lower fourth string. It pairs synthetic New Nylgut trebles with a wound low G, supplying a complete tenor set rather than a single replacement bass string. The wound construction gets the lower pitch without requiring a very thick plain fourth string.
The cream-colored trebles give the set a familiar synthetic-gut appearance, while the low G has a different surface under the fingers. That distinction matters for players moving between strummed chords and fingerpicked bass notes. It is a sensible starting point for exploring low-G tuning with Aquila’s established material family.
New Nylgut needs time to settle, and Aquila specifically warns that sharp nut or bridge edges can cut it. Smooth contact points and careful installation are more useful than a blanket promise of exceptional durability. Choose the AQ-15 for a straightforward synthetic set with a wound bass, accepting the change in texture on that fourth string.
Pros
- Complete tenor low-G set.
- New Nylgut trebles with a wound bass string.
- Winding keeps the low G relatively slim.
Cons
- Wound low G feels different from the plain trebles.
- New Nylgut is sensitive to sharp contact edges.
Aquila Red Series AQ-88
The Aquila Red Series AQ-88, also identified as 88U, is aimed at players who prefer a bright, direct response. Aquila adjusts the density of the synthetic material with metal powder, reducing the need to obtain lower pitches simply by making the strings much thicker. The strings need not share an identical diameter for that approach to be useful.
The tenor low-G set currently specified by Aquila includes a varnished red-copper-wound fourth string. It therefore combines the Red Series synthetic trebles with a wound bass. Its distinctive color comes from the material formulation, and Aquila notes that different shades within a set are normal.
This is the interesting choice for trying Aquila’s denser synthetic formulation and brighter design brief. Gentle stretching is important during installation, and the wound bass still has a different texture from the trebles. It is not the set to choose specifically for an unwound low G; D’Addario’s all-carbon option fills that role here.
Pros
- Density-adjusted Red Series synthetic trebles.
- Designed around a bright, responsive sound.
- Current 88U includes a red-copper-wound low G.
Cons
- Wound bass does not give an all-plain-string feel.
- Needs gentle stretching during initial settling.
Aquila Super Nylgut AQ-107
The Aquila Super Nylgut AQ-107, or 107U, puts playing feel near the top of the list. Its pearl-colored synthetic trebles have a smooth surface, and Aquila describes the formulation as softer-feeling with less stretch than standard Nylgut. That makes it an appealing alternative for players who value a smooth touch and quicker initial settling.
The tenor low-G version includes a wound fourth string, so the full set does not feel identical across all four positions. The formulation’s reduced stretch is intended to improve early tuning stability, while the wound bass provides the additional mass needed for the lower G. It remains a complete set for G3–C4–E4–A4.
Choose the AQ-107 for its smooth synthetic trebles and tuning-stability design priority. Aquila also describes improved resistance to damage from contact edges, but that is not a reason to leave a sharp nut or bridge untreated. Normal settling and secure installation are still part of getting a reliable result.
Pros
- Smooth, pearl-colored Super Nylgut trebles.
- Manufacturer specifies less stretch than standard Nylgut.
- Complete tenor low-G set with a wound fourth string.
Cons
- Wound bass has a different texture from the trebles.
- Reduced stretch does not eliminate initial retuning.
How to Tune Low G Ukulele Strings
For standard tenor low-G tuning, the fourth through first strings are G3, C4, E4 and A4. The G3 is about 196Hz, one octave below the roughly 392Hz G4 used in high-G tuning. Low G gives a rising sequence across the strings; high G is re-entrant because its fourth string sits above the C.
Use a string designed for the lower pitch. Loosening an ordinary high G by an octave usually leaves too little useful tension, while tightening a low-G string up to G4 can overstress it. A chromatic tuner that displays the octave is more dependable than judging pitch from how tight the string feels.
Fit the set for the instrument’s scale length and bridge system. Low-G construction can differ substantially: the D’Addario set uses a thick plain fluorocarbon fourth string, while the three Aquila tenor sets here use a wound bass. Check nut-slot clearance and have tight or sharp slots assessed before changing material or gauge.
Allow new strings to settle, tune in small steps and follow the maker’s stretching guidance. In particular, Aquila calls for gentle stretching with the Red Series. Persistent tuning trouble can also come from slipping knots, nut friction or the instrument’s setup.
So, Which Are the Best Low G Strings for Tenor Ukulele?
The D’Addario EJ99TLG is the overall choice for an all-fluorocarbon set and an unwound low G. Aquila New Nylgut AQ-15 is the conventional synthetic-gut option, Red Series AQ-88 offers the density-adjusted formulation, and Super Nylgut AQ-107 emphasizes a smooth feel and reduced initial stretch.
Both Aquila and D’Addario offer other sizes and tunings, so select these exact tenor low-G sets. Choose the construction that suits your fingers and instrument, then give careful fitting as much attention as the brand name.