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Mandolin strings – advice please

08 Aug 02 - 05:33 AM (#761776)
Subject: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Stu

Okay folks,

I'm just about to buy another set of mando strings and wondered if any other catters had any preferences?

I'm open to ideas.

Cheers,

stigWeard


08 Aug 02 - 10:17 AM (#761875)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,toribw who should be working

Hi stigweard, my hb. plays mandolin, and swears by Elixir strings. He says they last longer and sound better than any others he's tried. They're a little more costly, but worth it.


09 Aug 02 - 12:01 AM (#762305)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Gypsy

La Bella, silk and steel. They don't last as long, but sing sweetly, and don't hurt my fingers! o course i play a bowl back that needs soft strings..........


09 Aug 02 - 12:11 AM (#762308)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: X

My mandolin player uses 42, 28, 17 and 12 on his F-5.


09 Aug 02 - 12:58 AM (#762337)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Sorcha

I only own one, I don't play it. The frets keep getting in the way........


09 Aug 02 - 03:27 AM (#762401)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,mooman (down in South India)

I've been using Elixirs, which I like, but also can recommend Newtone strings which are handmade and of which I have just bought a few sets. I know that the 12th Fret sells them online and they are definitely worth a try. They do also several gauges.

mooman (far away but still 'Catting!)


09 Aug 02 - 05:17 AM (#762426)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Stu

Thanks folks!

I'd heard that D'aggio (pardon me spulling) are good, but like the sound of moomans Newtones.

Ta!

stigWeard


09 Aug 02 - 05:41 AM (#762444)
Subject: RE: BS: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,dewy

I have always been a big fan of GHS medium light strings on my mando however I did try elixer strings on a guitar and was amazed! I can't wait to try them on my washburn


08 Aug 11 - 10:14 PM (#3204332)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,Barbara

What should stings should I use for a Mid Mo M-4?


09 Aug 11 - 03:18 AM (#3204417)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Dave Hanson

The most popular mandolin set in the world is D'Addario J74s, used by The Dawg and Ricky Scaggs among others, very expensive in the UK so I use Newtones.

Dave H


09 Aug 11 - 05:05 AM (#3204445)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,Jon

I'm using Newtones on all my GDAE instruments.


09 Aug 11 - 12:21 PM (#3204669)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,Ray

I've never used Newtones; although I think I might have done once and they came off faster than they went on - but I suspect that they were made by a former incarnation of the company

Much as I hate to disagree with Dave H, I suggest that you check out the price of both for yourself. Yes, D'Addario can be expensive if you go into a music shop in the high street (are there any of those left!) but you can buy them on line for much the same as Newtone sell them direct (try Strings Direct).

If you're prepared to import them yourself, as I prefer, the price really tumbles - although you have to factor in shipping, duty and other iniquitous charges + you need to be ordering at least half a dozen sets at a time.


09 Aug 11 - 12:33 PM (#3204677)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: JohnInKansas

Lots of answers, but the question wasn't finished.

What kind of mandolin? D style, F style, or tater bug?
Is "projection" (loudness) or tone your main concern?
High action to play loud or low for tone and easy play?
Is how long a set lasts really important, or do you swap strings for each preformance?
Is price per set a big deal?

What things make you choose the ones you use?

Anybody want to change their answers now, or add some comment on which question their answer was for?

John


09 Aug 11 - 03:14 PM (#3204782)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Dave Hanson

At one time I used Redwing Strings from The Music Room, they used to be cheaper than Newtones, but The Music Room prices have gone outrageously high this year, I now get Newtones from Eagle Music in Huddersfield, cheaper than Redwing AND a good discount on five any sets.

Dave H


09 Aug 11 - 04:42 PM (#3204851)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,Jon

I'm using Eagle music too.


10 Aug 11 - 08:14 AM (#3205238)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Fortunato

Elixirs nano from Juststrings.com.


10 Aug 11 - 08:44 AM (#3205257)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: John Hardly

There's been such a spate of mandolin string theft lately, I've taken to locking mine on. It takes extra time, but it's worth it. And, no, I'm not giving out my combination.


10 Aug 11 - 09:51 AM (#3205302)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: Willie-O

Elixirs...or the D'addarios as mentioned. An older, delicate mandolin is best with lights, a sturdy bluegrass instrument or bluegrass-style player pretty much demands mediums.

Although I play mostly Celtic style, for which you're supposed to prefer a round-hole A-Style mando for the extra sustain, I played one for a number of years and concluded that a bluegrass instrument is more responsive to my aggressive playing style...so I now play an Eastman A-505 with the medium strings.

I hate changing them and mostly do it when they break, so I always end up with mismatched sets and my "spare" sets have E's and A's missing...is there a cure for this malady?

W-O


10 Aug 11 - 10:21 AM (#3205320)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: cooperman

Emando.com are very good for ball end strings


10 Aug 11 - 12:59 PM (#3205456)
Subject: RE: Mandolin strings – advice please
From: GUEST,Ray

W-O; how can you call an Eastman A-505 a "bluegrass instrument" - it doesn't have a scroll? You'll be telling us that you don't wear dungarees next!

I've never quite got my head round Elixirs on mandolin as only half the strings are wound. ... but its not quite as bad as Elixir's on banjo.

The simple answer for lacking As and Es is to economise whilst you're changing them. The wound strings always go dead first so, if you find you're taking off a half decent set just to liven up the wound sets, don't change the plain ones and you'll get yourself some spares. Alternatively, I think Strings Direct stock Newtones in singles at 70p apiece - go on, treat yourself!