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Thread: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

  1. #26
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by dan in va View Post
    Well, this morning i made the pilgrimage to Richmond VA and played the O18T. i was surprised by the amazing tone -- very Martin guitar-like and and balanced. Also the neck is 1/16" narrower than the standard 1 1/4", and has a deep profile that suits the left hand. It followed me home and there's a HSC on order.

    Thanks to all for the encouragement as i'll surely enjoy it immensely.
    Congratulations! Please post some pics when you have time. Enjoy it!
    c.1965 Harmony Monterey H410 Mandolin
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  2. #27
    Registered User mikeyes's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    My Blueridge (very early, no truss rod) did not sound good with GDAE strings, but my Regal did and my Herb Taylor #173 is a cannon as it was specifically made for the Irish tuning. Like banjos, each instrument is little different and will respond differently. You will have to experiment with gauge and string material to see what works best for you. Pick style may make a difference too. I found that I did best with a 35 BC but others differ in their picks when they play the same instrument.

  3. #28

    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    I have my Dobro Tenortrope Tenor Guitar tuned GDAE and I love the tone.
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  4. #29

    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    This is tuned GDAE



    Having a normal size guitar body helps...

    nigel

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  6. #30
    RedKnucklesUnclesCousin GKWilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    The original question of stringing Tenor as Octave.
    Here ya go:

    Jason built my Tenor when he was at Breedlove.
    He's a great guy and brings his instruments to
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  7. #31
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    I've used GDAE Octave Mandolin Tuning on the Tenor Guitar for Jazz. I added a Pickup & plugged it into the amp to get a nice Jazz tone:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG9L1AcYwlo

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    fox 

  9. #32
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    You have certainly got guitarist hands.

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  11. #33
    Registered User hubrad's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    |When I used to work in The (now sadly defunct) Music Room here in UK, I used to restring the tenor guitars and tenor banjos on a regular basis.
    Every Chinese made TG and TB seems to come with strings ok for CGDA, and at least in the UK and Ireland we far more commonly want the Irish Tenor tuning so GDAE, i.e. the same as octave mandolin.
    With suitable choice of gauges, GDAE is no problem, likewise uke tunings including re-entrant if wished.
    I'd guess at a .013 E on a shorter scale TG to a .011 E on a longer scale. YMMV.
    Hope this helps.
    www.stevetilston.com (double bass duties)

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  13. #34
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    GDAE Tuning on a Tenor Guitar does mellow out the sound a bit & produces a more "Guitar-ey" sound.
    Last edited by s11141827; Aug-14-2023 at 8:04pm. Reason: fine tuning needed

  14. #35
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    I just finished my tenor harp guitar and am considering octave mandolin tuning on the main strings. I want to go really light on the 23 inch scale. Any suggestions?Click image for larger version. 

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    Dave Schneider

  15. #36
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    Lots of tenor banjo string sets to choose from most are very light.

  16. #37
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by fox View Post
    Lots of tenor banjo string sets to choose from most are very light.
    Wouldn’t they be loop end.
    Dave Schneider

  17. #38
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    Available in nickel, bronze, ball end loop end but if it is easier for you just buy single guitar strings.
    Standard strings for a 23” tenor would be 12p 20w 30w 45w so super light would be 9p 16p 22w 32w
    Personally I dont like plain a A string so perhaps you could try 10p 16w 26w 38w.

  18. #39
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: tenor guitars strung as octave mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by fox View Post
    Available in nickel, bronze, ball end loop end but if it is easier for you just buy single guitar strings.
    Standard strings for a 23” tenor would be 12p 20w 30w 45w so super light would be 9p 16p 22w 32w
    Personally I dont like plain a A string so perhaps you could try 10p 16w 26w 38w.
    Sorted through my drawer of strings and found what seems to work. .010, .016, .025 and .035 then I turned the sub basses to G C D and E for the tonic, sub-dominant, dominant and relative minor in the key of G.
    Dave Schneider

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