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Thread: .017" A strings?

  1. #1

    Default .017" A strings?

    I'm a big fan of the EJ75 set (the Nickel Bronze version, to be specific), but if you look at the tensions of the strings, .017" for the A strings would be (on paper) a better fit.

    Have any 11.5-41 users tried beefing up the A course?

  2. #2

    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/news/pu...s_001640.shtml

    An interesting takeaway from this research for me was the 10-12% greater string tension on the outside courses due to the way the pressure is distributed with a two-post bridge. You get pretty close to that ratio with the standard EJ75 set.

    Personally, I like the hybrid set of 11.5 - 16 - 26 - 40, so I'm afraid I can't offer advice in regards to your question.

  3. #3

    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    Thanks for the article, interesting read for sure.

    Quote Originally Posted by bradeasley View Post
    Personally, I like the hybrid set of 11.5 - 16 - 26 - 40
    Despite my constant obsession with heavier strings, I think I agree with you. I like the little extra bit of punch from a 41 G, but the 40 certainly makes chop chords much easier.
    Soliver arm rested and Tone-Garded Northfield Model M with D’Addario NB 11.5-41, picked with a Wegen Bluegrass 1.4

  4. #4
    Registered User Hendrik Ahrend's Avatar
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    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    I never understood the concept of low-tension (15) a-strings and higher tension (11) e-strings. I prefer 16 and 11.

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  6. #5
    Registered User Eldon Dennis's Avatar
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    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    Siminoff "Straight Up Strings" Heavy has 0.017 A strings. I tried them on my Weber Fern A Model and they were just too "stiff" for my taste.

    https://straightupstrings.com/collec...ant=4290637957
    1992 Flatiron F5 Master model
    2009 Weber A model Fern
    2011 Collings MT mandola
    1985 Flatiron 2M

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  8. #6
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    From jedennis - " ..... and they were just too "stiff" for my taste.". Thanks for that info. I more or less said the same thing in another thread re. .017" A strings. I said that if the "A" strings got too thick,they'd 'plink' instead of having a proper 'tone',
    Ivan
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
    Stelling Bellflower BANJO
    Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
    Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.

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  10. #7

    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    Quote Originally Posted by jedennis View Post
    Siminoff "Straight Up Strings" Heavy has 0.017 A strings. I tried them on my Weber Fern A Model and they were just too "stiff" for my taste.

    https://straightupstrings.com/collec...ant=4290637957
    Are you speaking of just the 17 A, or the entire set?
    Soliver arm rested and Tone-Garded Northfield Model M with D’Addario NB 11.5-41, picked with a Wegen Bluegrass 1.4

  11. #8
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    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    It's also been my experience that 0.016 is stout enough. i s'pect that 17 will be over the top stiff and give some intonation trouble. But you could try some 0.017 plain guitar strings and crush the ball ends with pliers. There may be reasons why such a heavy set isn't offered.

  12. #9
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    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    .017 hurts my index finger to think about.

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  14. #10

    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    The tension on a 17 A would be closer to the rest of the strings in the EJ75 set.
    Soliver arm rested and Tone-Garded Northfield Model M with D’Addario NB 11.5-41, picked with a Wegen Bluegrass 1.4

  15. #11
    Registered User Eldon Dennis's Avatar
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    Default Re: .017" A strings?

    In reply to Chris B.

    Just the heavy A strings. I replaced the 0.017 with a 0.016 and liked the set just fine. I also liked their medium set on my Flatiron F5.
    1992 Flatiron F5 Master model
    2009 Weber A model Fern
    2011 Collings MT mandola
    1985 Flatiron 2M

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