I'm currently playing my first set of Thomastiks on my first high end A model mando. I, quite honestly, struggle a bit with hearing the difference string choice makes simply because of the time between hearing one string set to the next string set. Having said that, I'm pleased with the sound from the Thomastiks on this mando, though I wouldn't choose it for acoustic jamming in a noisy environment (for me, often the case). For that I like my F models with J75's for the bark and volume. I think it's very interesting to try different sets on different mandos to discover the instruments character. I've been playing F models a long time and generally like the J75's on most of them. However, liked the 74's on this A model better. On the other hand, the Thomastiks I just put on have a clarity with some punch on this mando that I like very much. Next step is to try the D'Addario FW's ... The journey continues.
I apologize ahead of time for a post that has been discussed ad nauseum ... my hope is that it is framed in a somewhat unique fashion.
My question concerns string gauges, though I threw in FW vs round wound for flavor.
My question for the astute members of the cafe is whether others have found that they like lighter gauges on A models vs F's?
Another possibility is that this A model (it's a Dudenbostel), very likely has the most artfully carved top of any mandolin I own. Is it possible that it doesn't need the larger string gauge to drive it? So ... have others found they prefer lighter gauge strings on "high end" instruments? Or perhaps this particular "Dude" is such a delicate flower that it sounds better with lighter gauges?
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