Hi Mindfly
Welcome to the forum.
I had a Pono Nui. Liked it a lot. It didn’t suit my needs so went back after a week.
Over the last three years I’ve been re-stringing a bunch of instruments to irregular tunings.
Yes you can achieve GCEA tuning on a 23” scale Nui.
This isn’t a primary reason for broken strings. Pono is actually correct in having the string contact the fret side edge of the nut to ensure accurate string length to each fret.
Yes, trying to tune the D3 G3 B4 E4 strings up to G3 C4 E4 A5 will over stretch them to the breakage point.
Using strings that are too thick will stress the soundboard before the strings can get up to tune. Please loosen them before be they cause damage.
Solutions:
A. Contact these folks by email or phone asking about custom 23” scale GCEA sets. Be sure to mention 23” scale.
The place to select and buy Living Water Strings. You can select from my 8 regular sets as well as the the most popular custom sets. Made in Heaven, by angels.
www.kenmiddleton.co.uk
www.stringsbymail.com
Bytown Instruments is a Canadian distributor for Mainland Ukes and Romero Creations ukuleles. I also manufacture the Novice 26 harp and have the rights ...
www.bytowninstruments.com
B. Meanwhile, here is my home brew approach:
- Notice that the G3, C4/B4, E4 strings (mentioned above) are the same for DGBE and GCEA
- This means you can start with a DGBE set from your local music store (see notes below)
- Remove the D string from slot 4; it won’t be used.
- Move the G string from slot 3 to slot 4, move the B string to slot 3 and tune it to C, move the E to slot 2.
- Buy a string for the A in slot 1. To complete a fluorocarbon string set a good gauge would be approx 0.50mm or 0.020” more or less as available. This is about the same as the skinny string for soprano or concert. My understanding is that 0.52mm, 0.47mm, 0.023”, 0.021” are typically sizes offered by string set companies for ukuleles and classical guitars. Perhaps start on the thinner side if availabile, switch to thicker if more tension is needed.
- Later if you decide to continue with partial DGBE sets look into getting a $15 25yard spool of approx 0.50mm fluorocarbon fishing leader line at the fishing tackle store to make A strings. Depending on specs it will be strength rated 25lb or 30lb - the important thing is the gauge not the strength. (I have no experience with nylon/Nylgut gauges or feasibility but follow the same principles).
- Note1: For DGBE sets I’d begin with sets using thinner gauges. Companies use approx the same specs 1.05mm, 0.91mm, 0.74mm, 0.62mm.
- Note2: My NUI came with a DGBE Nylgut set with two wound strings that felt good at 23”. I have no suggestions about Nylgut or nylon because all my playing has been fluorocarbon.
- Note3: A set of DGBE Living Waters all fluorocarbon played well. Felt a stiff at first but okay after a few minutes.
- Note4: I’d absolutely disregard any advise about using the four skinny strings from a classical guitar set for 23” GCEA. It may be workable for a 20” scale baritone ukulele but will be too tight for a 23” NUI.
Best regards.