Since 2005, the world of ukulele makers has been able to take advantage of the emergence of Nylgut, which offers better performance than traditional black nylon, along with low cost and easy availability.

 

Around 2007-2008, the first fluorocarbon strings began to be used by some manufacturers and on high-level ukuleles. This material produces a brighter sound but poses challenges due to its high cost and increased working tensions.

However, the cost of fluorocarbon strings seems to have recently decreased to levels that are competitive with Nylgut strings, which remain the primary choice for entry-level ukuleles today.

Many still prefer black-colored strings, as was the tradition before the introduction of white Nylgut.

Why doesn’t Aquila manufacture its own fluorocarbon?

Our company has never wanted to manufacture its own fluorocarbon strings (although, out of curiosity, we did).

The reasons are simple: the material is always oil-derived (nowadays, there is a very high demand for 'green' materials, even in strings); it contains fluorine in its molecule; consequently, it is not environmentally friendly at all; it is not recyclable; and it is not suitable for potential blends with other recycled plastics.

Ultimately, we would have become one of the many producers of this type of string (in a word: zero innovation) that would have faced higher tariffs than Nylgut anyway.

B - Blacks Strings

The B -Blacks are our innovative answer.

The name reflects the nature of the product: 'B' signifies that the plastic material comes from renewable sources; its performance is exactly like that of the (not environmentally friendly) fluorocarbon (in fact, it is far better, as you can assess for yourself with the samples we will send you). The ending 'Blacks' also refers to the color of these strings, which is black.

We decided to return to the tradition of the past by distinguishing the product from Nylgut.

Moisture absorption is very low, comparable to that of fluorocarbon.

Working tensions are slightly lower than those of fluorocarbon. We believe that fluorocarbon strings have exaggerated tensions, even if they are currently in fashion, so we increased the tensions from Nylgut, but not to the extent of fluorocarbon.

And what about the rates for bulk strings? The rates will surprise you: we intend to make them competitive with those of the cheaper fluorocarbon currently in use.

So, what are the advantages of using the B -Blacks?

1) Competitive rates compared to fluorocarbon

2) Better performance (you will feel the difference)

3) It is a 'green' product, while fluorocarbon is not.

4) Easy availability of the product in bulk

5) Optimal balancing of diameters and tensions (fluorocarbon strings often have very unbalanced tensions between the four strings)

6) Packaged strings will be available

In a word: it is the innovation you have been waiting for.