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I recently acquired a Koa top Martin from 1981. Really beautiful warm tone, I am wondering what strings are recommended. Seems like light strings are on it. Can I go to a medium string since it is a modern instrument? What strings other than Martin m400 would you use on this mandolin?
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It is the same construction as a 20's Martin and should have light strings. It really doesn't need heavy strings and will sound fine with lighter strings. It will also thank you for less stress and stay in playable shape much longer too.
Congrats on the acquisition!
I have several Martins and use GHS A250 on them. It’s a light gauge phosphor bronze string. 10-15-24-36
I like the feel and they have a nice balance of tone.
I've tried & enjoyed several koa Martins, but that is the nicest looking. FWIW, the Martin scale is 13" rather than the more common 13 7/8", but that is NOT a suggestion to use heavier strings!
Yeah what ever you go with make sure to use a 10-15-24-36 set. Enjoy that pretty baby. R/
agree 10-36, probably bronze wound .. I am not string brand focused..
I wrote to Martin asking which strings to use on my BK and the M400 was recommended. I sometimes use a set from D’Addario of the same gauge and composition. I have wondered what strings would have been on my mandolin in the 1920’s and have wanted to try a variety of metals , but with the same diameter.
Vernier Caliper can measure to nearest thousandth .. now digital ones do the job for less.. to know what the string thickness is..
Wow, that is a beautiful instrument. I don't see a truss rod cover in the headstock, so I think you should stick with lighter strings. I wonder how nickel would sound... What genres are you playing?