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Thread: Octave Mandolin strings on a mandocello?

  1. #1

    Default Octave Mandolin strings on a mandocello?

    I have an unused Wishnevsky mandocello that has a length of 24"-25". I was wondering if I could change out the strings and convert this into a usable Octave Mandolin? Any thoughts on this, and if so, what strings would you recommend?

    thanks!
    Mac

  2. #2
    Registered User James Rankine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin strings on a mandocello?

    Your in bouzouki scale length territory so most sets of Irish bouzouki strings would work (go medium/heavy gauge at that scale length). Tricky scale length for playing melody (though not impossible) so it would work better for accompaniment/counter melody GDAD bouzouki sort of thing - at least that's the way I would go.

  3. #3
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin strings on a mandocello?

    I tried this on my Eastman. First basic thing is your mandocello already has 3/4's of the strings of an OM. Remove the C's, move every string down to the next lowest course, then add a pair of .010 to .012 for the E's. At 24 - 25" scale a set of guitar E's will work just fine. Here is how it sounded on my Eastman:

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  5. #4

    Default Re: Octave Mandolin strings on a mandocello?

    Thanks, I'll give this a shot, Mandobart. I liked the way your Eastman sounds, too.

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