Re: Octave C & G courses for mandola?
Well, you can use a 2nd (D) string to "octavize" your 4th (C) course, and a 1st (A) string to ditto the 3rd (G) course. The tension will be a bit slack, but you can experiment and see if you really like the sound.
You may well have to re-jigger the nut slots, or replace and re-cut the nut. to handle the thinner strings, and the advice above about mis-compensated bridge saddle is right on.
I have an Octofone that I've octave-strung on the lower courses, tuned GDAE as an octave mandolin. It produces a really full chordal sound, but it's a bit clumsy as a melody instrument. I like the "12-string guitar" sound of it for vocal accompaniment, though. It's bridge isn't compensated (remember, it cost $15 new back in the '30's), so I just put up with the "sour" octaves up the neck -- where I rarely play it.
Allen Hopkins
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