Calculating String Tension

[Joey Anchors]

I'm trying to determine the gauge of flatwound strings to use on a flattop custom 5 string Terry of Crystal Forest Mandolins will be building me.

The mando will be standard scale length which will mean the low C course will most likely be floppy.

I'm planning on using Pyramid Gold guitar strings and know they are lower tension strings.

To combat the floppy low C I was thinking heavy gauge such as .013, .018, .026, .047, .056.


How does one calculate string tension?

[colorado_al]

http://stringtensionpro.com/

[Joey Anchors]

http://stringtensionpro.com/

Thanks Al! I guess the next question would be..

What's the thickest gauge strings I could use on a flattop?