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Thread: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

  1. #1

    Default String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    I was wondering what strings types and gauges Collings MTO owners are currently using?
    I have only tried J74s. Any alternative suggestions for me to try? I mainly play Jazz, folk and, Celtic and Irish traditional on this mandolin.
    I recently took ownership of this Collings and find the sound of this one to be incredible!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    I use Curt Mangan Monel on my Girouard mandolin ! Love the sound and they last a LONG TIME .

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  4. #3

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Nice catch, I am an unabashed fan of the Collings ovals. My favorite on them is GHS Silk and Steel, second is Monels. I'm going to try Thomastiks on it again this week.
    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Choice of strings on any mandolin would make a difference on the sound you are after. Myself I would not like silk and steel on any mandolin or guitar. My preference would be to try many types and see what makes the mandolin sound the way I want to hear it. The string I have been preferring for a while now is GHS pure nickel. I have not had my mandolins sound so good and unlike phosphor bronze they don't go dead for months. Buy several sets of strings of various types and make notes on how you like the sound. I am not sure I would need notes, when I heard what I like I would stop the search, just mentioning it in case it takes you a while to decide.
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    You'll have to find your own and you will after you try alot of brands

  7. #6

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Thanks to all of you for chiming in. ColdBeer, I’d like to hear your thoughts on the Thomastiks once you have tried them out!

  8. #7
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    When I had my MT-O I really liked Curt Mangan Bluegrass mediums on it.
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  10. #8

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    I don't own a Collings MTO so this can be taken with several grains of salt. With my 1916 F-4 I have tried many types of strings including TI mittels and have settled on D'Addario EFW-74 flat wound strings that feel and sound quite similar to the TI's at about 25% of the cost. YMMV of course.

    Len B.
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  12. #9
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jill McAuley View Post
    When I had my MT-O I really liked Curt Mangan Bluegrass mediums on it.
    I use CM Bluegrass on my Girouard F4 and CM Monels on my Girouard A oval !

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  14. #10
    Registered User John Flynn's Avatar
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    I am partial to 80/20 bronze strings on ovals. I think they bring out that characteristic, chime-y, bell-like sound.

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  16. #11

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by Barry Canada View Post
    Thanks to all of you for chiming in. ColdBeer, I’d like to hear your thoughts on the Thomastiks once you have tried them out!
    They should be here Wednesday, Ill get them on ASAP. Don't listen to the noise on the Silk and Steel's, especially from people who haven't put them on an MTO (whose personality they fit perfectly, IMO) and especially from people who make broad declarations. I only use them on my ovals (AJr and MT2O) but I'm about to toss a set on a Pava or a Hamlett (both F-hole) in the next couple days to see what they sound like.
    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by ColdBeerGoCubs View Post
    They should be here Wednesday, Ill get them on ASAP. Don't listen to the noise on the Silk and Steel's, especially from people who haven't put them on an MTO (whose personality they fit perfectly, IMO) and especially from people who make broad declarations. I only use them on my ovals (AJr and MT2O) but I'm about to toss a set on a Pava or a Hamlett (both F-hole) in the next couple days to see what they sound like.
    ColdBeerGoCubs, With all those mandolins I can't believe you haven't added a Girouard yet !!

  18. #13

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    What is the longevity of the silk and steel string type?

  19. #14

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by yankees1 View Post
    ColdBeerGoCubs, With all those mandolins I can't believe you haven't added a Girouard yet !!

    lol, yanks. I was waiting for that. I actually spoke to Max about a custom about a year or so ago and I may do it one day, but really 3 is more than enough for me. Someone on here has a natural topped oval that really made it tough not to pull the trigger.
    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

  20. #15

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by Barry Canada View Post
    What is the longevity of the silk and steel string type?

    I get a little longer out of them than I do a phosphor bronze.
    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

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  22. #16
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by ColdBeerGoCubs View Post
    lol, yanks. I was waiting for that. I actually spoke to Max about a custom about a year or so ago and I may do it one day, but really 3 is more than enough for me. Someone on here has a natural topped oval that really made it tough not to pull the trigger.

  23. #17

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Has anyone tried the D'Addario nickel bronze on the MTO? I have a spare set but not quite time for a string change yet.
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  24. #18
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    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    On my Girouard ovals I prefer Curt Mangan Monel and Bluegrass strings !

  25. #19

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Leyda View Post
    Has anyone tried the D'Addario nickel bronze on the MTO? I have a spare set but not quite time for a string change yet.
    I have a set on mine now, I think. They mellow it similar to the Silk and Steel and Monels. I liked them but not quite as much as the ones I just listed.
    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

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  27. #20

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    +1 on monel strings.
    Currently using medium Martin monels. Have a set of medium Curt Mangan Monels on hand for next string change.
    Tried many different types of strings before settling on monel. Definitely the best sound and longevity on my Collings MTO
    I'm a big fan of the Collings MTO mandolins.

  28. #21

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    I'll look at the Monels.

    Right now I have Mangan bluegrass phosphor bronze on my MT2-0. I think they sound fine but I can't really tell the difference from the J74 phosphor bronze I had on before (which also sounded fine).
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  29. #22

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Leyda View Post
    I'll look at the Monels.

    Right now I have Mangan bluegrass phosphor bronze on my MT2-0. I think they sound fine but I can't really tell the difference from the J74 phosphor bronze I had on before (which also sounded fine).
    Moneys, silk and steel and nickel bronze have varying degrees of almost drastic change. I really don’t like the sound of the MT2O with PB now.
    Gunga......Gunga.....Gu-Lunga

  30. #23

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Anyone ever try Dogals on the MTO?

  31. #24

    Default Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Has anyone tried the D’addario Flat Tops?

  32. #25
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    Exclamation Re: String preferences for Collings MTO oval mandolins?

    Yea, I have but I don't own a Collings MTO either .. I did try them

    NB they have a wound A with a very thin core wire , so if you have a light touch they may not break that A.. in days

    Otherwise just put like .015 plain A s .. on they're half round wound bronze … round wound ground down to be that way ..



    basically buy some strings try them , then buy something else , try that next.




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