Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 26 to 46 of 46

Thread: Lighter strings for beginners?

  1. #26
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Here's a Zero Glide nut:Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Mandolin nut.jpg 
Views:	78 
Size:	309.6 KB 
ID:	204563

  2. #27
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Well Lighter strings could allow for lower action but string buzz can also be caused by if the bridge collapsed. Electric Mandolins have Magnetic Pickups which allow for lighter strings & lower action because the magnets limit their movement.

  3. #28
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    If the magnets limit the strings movement they are pulling the string out of tune. Magnetic pickups allow for lighter strings because you don't have to drive the top or play hard for volume, you simply turn the volume up.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  4. The following members say thank you to pops1 for this post:


  5. #29
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2022
    Location
    Fayettnam, NC (unfortunately)
    Posts
    177

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    As a relatively new player myself, in just three months my preferences for string weight and height have changed already. Despite prefering low action and light strings on my guitars forever, I'm having a new nut cut for my newest mando to actually raise the action, and I'm surprised surprised that I prefer. 11s over .10s in string guage.

    No substitute for trial and error to find your own sweet spot.
    ________________________________________________
    Starving to death in the public safety sector

  6. #30
    Registered User Twistofer56's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2022
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    18

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    FWIW -- I'm just starting out, but upgraded my Mandolin from a Troublesome Creek Honeybee to a Northfield A5 Special. (Yeah, I took a leap of faith). I just did a cleaning and string change to Ernie Ball Earthwood Mediums. I found that they have a great sound and a bit easier to play than the D'Addario's J74 which came with the mandolin. I like a bit more mellow sound. I also found that the thinner pick can "brighten" the sound somewhat IMHO.

  7. The following members say thank you to Twistofer56 for this post:


  8. #31
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    I've since switched to Thomastik Precision Strings which have roughly half as much tension because they're designed in such a way

  9. #32
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    I actually converted the Headstock from a Solid to a Slotted Headstock & I cranked its angle down to 90 degrees (like a lute) which puts the strings at a sharper angle over the nut so I was able to get away w/ lighter strings & lower action.

    - - - Updated - - -

    The scale length of a Mandolin is usually 13 inches but it varies from model to model. A longer scale length allows for lighter strings because it compensates for the reduced volume by pulling them a bit tighter than normally.

  10. #33
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Jake Wildwood has come across some Resonator Mandolins which have a Metal (or wooden) Body & a metal cone. These resonator Mandolins are rather loud because instead of using heavier gauge strings, they've stuck to lighter gauge strings but extended the scale length by 2 inches from 13 inches to 15 inches, so yeah a longer scale length does allow for lighter strings. The 15 in. scale however, if this was made by the specs of bowlback mandolins in the early 1900s, would've meant it's technically a small mandola. Because of the longer scale length, Jake Wildwood recommends tuning this Mandolin down a couple of steps from GDAE Tuning so Click image for larger version. 

Name:	vx1gdbz3pcmsankxjeer.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	34.2 KB 
ID:	207397 for example he tuned down a Minor Third to EBF#C# aka Yank Rachel Tuning.

  11. #34
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Upstate New York
    Posts
    24,807
    Blog Entries
    56

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by DaveGinNJ View Post
    Is there a consensus that lighter strings are better for beginners?
    I think it better to use the gage of strings best for the instrument at hand and the sound you want, and get your hand used to it. No concessions for the beginner


    I have a Stiver two pointer and my understanding is that it is designed around D'Addario J75. So thats it. Also I have J75 on my resonator. Other than those two I use J74 as a standard go to, lacking any information to the contrary.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  12. #35
    Registered User Charlie Bernstein's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Augusta, Maine, USA
    Posts
    1,814

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by JeffD View Post
    I think it better to use the gage of strings best for the instrument at hand and the sound you want, and get your hand used to it. No concessions for the beginner . . . .
    October 2019 post. Looks like Dave had what he wanted by post 11.

    Dave, any revelations to update us with?
    Gibson A-Junior snakehead (Keep on pluckin'!)

  13. #36
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    Dublin
    Posts
    20

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    In my opinion here are a few mandolins for beginners from McNeela Music:

    McNeela Irish Mandolin: This mandolin is a great choice for beginners because it is affordable and easy to play. It has a clear, bright tone that is perfect for playing traditional Irish music.

    McNeela Premium A-Style Mandolin with F-holes: This mandolin is a step up from the McNeela Irish Mandolin and offers a wider range of tones. It is perfect for players who want to explore different styles of music.


    McNeela Premium F-Style Mandolin: This mandolin is the most advanced model from McNeela Music and offers the best possible sound quality. It is perfect for experienced players who want the best possible instrument.

    All of these mandolins come with a free gig bag and a set of strings, so you have everything you need to start playing right away.

  14. #37
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Upstate New York
    Posts
    24,807
    Blog Entries
    56

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein View Post
    October 2019 post. Looks like Dave had what he wanted by post 11.

    Dave, any revelations to update us with?
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  15. #38
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Lighter Gauge strings are easier for the left hand but you need to increase the break angle (by getting an Allen Terminator Tailpiece) to get more volume.
    Last edited by s11141827; Jul-10-2023 at 9:15am. Reason: Fine tuning needed

  16. #39
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    I have light strings (10-36) on two of my mandolins, it's still loud with no changes to the instrument. I think it depends on the instrument.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  17. #40
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    New Jersey, USA
    Posts
    589

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein View Post
    October 2019 post. Looks like Dave had what he wanted by post 11.

    Dave, any revelations to update us with?
    Shortly after my original post I bought a mando in the classified section here that had been properly set up. I did not realize how bad the set up was on my first instrument. Stuck with medium gauge strings. It was the high action that was my issue

  18. #41
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    South of Cleburne, North of Hillsboro, Texas
    Posts
    5,089

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by DaveGinNJ View Post
    Shortly after my original post I bought a mando in the classified section here that had been properly set up. I did not realize how bad the set up was on my first instrument. Stuck with medium gauge strings. It was the high action that was my issue
    That makes all the sense in the world, Dave, it had been mentioned early on that your setup probably needed attention. I think it’s difficult for a newbie to grasp what a truly low action actually is. And no, it is not only budget instruments that benefit from a good setup! “Good” factory or retailer setups are seldom low enough for my liking. Once the bridge is set, if the string traveling from the nut to the first fret is significantly greater than the same string traveling from first fret to second fret, I’m unhappy with the action at the nut.

    Thanks for updating your thread.
    WWW.THEAMATEURMANDOLINIST.COM
    ----------------------------------
    "Life is short. Play hard." - AlanN

    ----------------------------------
    HEY! The Cafe has Social Groups, check 'em out. I'm in these groups:
    Newbies Social Group | The Song-A-Week Social
    The Woodshed Study Group | Blues Mando
    - Advice For Mandolin Beginners
    - YouTube Stuff

  19. The following members say thank you to Mark Gunter for this post:


  20. #42

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    I have several top quality mandolins, mostly USA made, the first thing I do with a new instrument is to make sure it's set up properly.

    Dave H
    Eastman 615 mandola
    2011 Weber Bitteroot A5
    2012 Weber Bitteroot F5
    Eastman MD 915V
    Gibson F9
    2016 Capek ' Bob ' standard scale tenor banjo
    Ibanez Artist 5 string
    2001 Paul Shippey oval hole

  21. The following members say thank you to Dave Hanson for this post:


  22. #43
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    I modified one of my mandolins to sound good w/ ultra-light strings (110R 7.5-28 Gauge) because I actually shaved the soundboard down. I had to cut off the soundboard, shave the braces down, reglue it, & put on the 110R ultra-light strings.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Snakum View Post
    As a relatively new player myself, in just three months my preferences for string weight and height have changed already. Despite prefering low action and light strings on my guitars forever, I'm having a new nut cut for my newest mando to actually raise the action, and I'm surprised surprised that I prefer. 11s over .10s in string guage.

    No substitute for trial and error to find your own sweet spot.
    Lighter gauge strings are easier to play but you have to cut the braces down to compensate for their reduced tension.

  23. #44
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    2486 Govoners Drive South
    Posts
    433

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    My mandolin used to be built for heavy gauge strings but I've converted it to work w/ really light gauge strings by shaving the braces down to only 3/32 of an inch. Instead of using heavy gauge strings, why not use really light gauge strings but shave the braces down by ungluing the top, shaving the braces down, regluing it, & restringing w/ the ultra-light strings?

  24. #45
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Forest Grove, Oregon
    Posts
    2,775

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by s11141827 View Post
    My mandolin used to be built for heavy gauge strings but I've converted it to work w/ really light gauge strings by shaving the braces down to only 3/32 of an inch. Instead of using heavy gauge strings, why not use really light gauge strings but shave the braces down by ungluing the top, shaving the braces down, regluing it, & restringing w/ the ultra-light strings?
    Taking the top off and carving braces is such a simple task I’m surprised folks don’t do all the time
    Not all the clams are at the beach

    Arrow Manouche
    Arrow Jazzbo
    Arrow G
    Clark 2 point
    Gibson F5L
    Gibson A-4
    Ratliff CountryBoy A

  25. #46
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Auburn, Washington
    Posts
    1,553

    Default Re: Lighter strings for beginners?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill McCall View Post
    Taking the top off and carving braces is such a simple task I’m surprised folks don’t do all the time
    Haha! I know! Requires zero skill

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •