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Thread: Which gauge strings do you use?

  1. #1

    Default Which gauge strings do you use?

    Which gauge strings do you find play and sound the best?

  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    Depend on the mandolin. Mostly mediums if the mandolin will take the tension. I use NBs by D'Addario for the most part. On vintage bowlbacks I use very light gauge strings.
    Jim

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  3. #3

    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    I mostly play a '04 Gibson F5. Played ph. bronze mediums(J74) for a lot of years on it and various F5s.

    When I tried Daddario models on that mandolin, it was a game-changer for me. I'm all-in on Monel strings.

    Put a set of Curt Mangan Monel custom mediums(11.5 16 26 40)on that,I think, are the best set so far on this Mando. Very playable, sustain like crazy, and should last a good while(months).

    Daddario dose not make a set in that gauge configuration.

  4. #4
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question On a What ?

    I use light 10-38 on a couple mandolins The D'jangolin niclel wound, the 22 A bronze, wound

    I don't need loud ..

    I have other Mandolins that I use different strings on..
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  5. #5

    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    My "go to" is GHS LSB250, the Doyle Lawson signature set. Haven't found anything that I consistently like better.

    (11/16/26/40)
    Last edited by Buck; Apr-10-2020 at 8:31pm.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    GHS N270 and GHS N250 I like the pure nickel strings for sound and how long they last without sound degradation. I also use GHS lighter strings on my Martin and a couple cant topped mandolins.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  7. #7

    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    Thanks to all. You've saved me quite a bit of time. I'll gather up a collection of your recommendations and have them handy when needed.

  8. #8

    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    Before you buy, you might want to post the mandolin that you'll be using them on and what kind of music you'll be playing.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Parriott View Post
    Before you buy, you might want to post the mandolin that you'll be using them on and what kind of music you'll be playing.
    I have an Eastman MD805/V. I’m new to the instrument. Interests are jig, reels, folk and jazz.

  10. #10
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question popularity or sound color?

    Next heavier is 11 - 40 brands are more what you can find , bronze wound is popular.. [Cu+Sn]
    Nickel better over a magnetic pickup.. a monel alloy " primarily composed of nickel (from 52 to 67%) and copper,
    with small amounts of iron, manganese, carbon, and silicon.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monel
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  11. #11
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Which gauge strings do you use?

    J74
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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