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Thread: Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

  1. #1
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

    Hi All,

    I went to the EJ-72 D'Adderio Mandola string set. No problems - like them just fine! Now, I'm wondering about the Thomastik's. Anybody have a recommendation on Thomastik's that are both long enough and favorable gauges? I see some that could work, but can't confirm the lengths. They are called European mandola, or something like that?

    f-d
    ˇpapá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  2. #2
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

    T-I web page says scale length is 17-3/4". That would be too short for your Eastman with 21" scale, I would think. You might write to them to find actual string length.
    Jim

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  3. #3

    Default Re: Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

    Hi Fatt-dad - I'm afraid I can't help you with the Thomastik question, but I have a question for you!

    Just wondering what difference using D'addario 72 Mandola strings made to your OM, rather than using EJ80 Octave strings? Beefier sound? I'm assuming it adds more tension - is it a lot harder to play?

    thanks

    John

  4. #4
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

    they are a bit heavier gauge and sound good. I'm too new to the OM to know anything refined; however. I just read somebody else tried them and gave it a go.

    During COVID, I'm taken to playing my OM and enjoying it a lot! Retooling grips from mandolin to the longer scale. Slowing down a fair bit to keep some groove. Stuff like that! Just entertainment!

    f-d
    ˇpapá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

    '20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A

  5. #5

    Default Re: Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

    Thanks F-D!

    Yeah, I bought a cheaper flat-topped OM last year, used. Been playing it a lot more this year, but it needs new strings, hence the question. Will give the Mandola strings a shot.

    And, yes, I play my OM much differently to my normal mandolin. A lot more open and drone strings, half chords, double stops, etc.

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  7. #6
    Registered User meow-n-dolin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Thomastik's for MDO-305 Eastman Octave

    Quote Originally Posted by Johnny60 View Post
    Hi Fatt-dad - I'm afraid I can't help you with the Thomastik question, but I have a question for you!

    Just wondering what difference using D'addario 72 Mandola strings made to your OM, rather than using EJ80 Octave strings? Beefier sound? I'm assuming it adds more tension - is it a lot harder to play?

    thanks

    John
    I have used both on my Eastman OM -- both work well. The heavier strings sound a little "fuller." I am still deciding which set I like better.

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