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Thread: Tuning an "A" style Mandolin in G3 C4 E4 G4: String Suggestions?

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    Default Tuning an "A" style Mandolin in G3 C4 E4 G4: String Suggestions?

    Any suggestions for tuning a mandolin in open "C" (G3 C4 E4 G4)? I am curious if anyone has ever tried this and what gauge strings you used. Also does the mandolin resonate better at a higher or lower tuning or as a reentrant tuning? I know the ideal answer is to do a better job learning to play fifths, but relearning the fret board has been a challenge.

    Thanks in advance.

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    Registered User Tom Wright's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tuning an "A" style Mandolin in G3 C4 E4 G4: String Suggestio

    You could get precise wth Graham McDonald's calculator page: https://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

    But not hard to get really close. Starting with your favorite gauge for G3, say .038, up a fourth to C4 would be a slightly heavier string than a D4. I would try a .028. The E4 is a bit higher than the D4 so try a .022. For the G4, not quite an A4, try .018.

    I am then guessing this set:
    .038, .028, .022, .018

    Singles are available at various vendors. I buy my custom gauges from JustStrings.com
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    Default Re: Tuning an "A" style Mandolin in G3 C4 E4 G4: String Suggestio

    Tom: Thanks for the suggestions and thank you for sharing the string website. I will post the results if anyone is interested.

    By the way, why is the viola proof that man is not rational? Thanks again!

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    Registered User Tom Wright's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tuning an "A" style Mandolin in G3 C4 E4 G4: String Suggestio

    Quote Originally Posted by Slack_Key View Post
    By the way, why is the viola proof that man is not rational? Thanks again!
    The joke is because the viola doesn't work very well, but is appreciated anyway. I speak as a former violist.

    But the viola, in the other direction, proves that playability is more important than acoustically correct body size and scale length. A viola can be played with the same fingerings and technique as a violin. Mandolas try to be acoustically rational, with a long scale, but they give up playability.
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