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Thread: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

  1. #1
    Registered User Lucas's Avatar
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    Default Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    Hi Folks:

    I've been playing less than a year but I can comfortably hold my own in the Bluegrass jam that I attend. I am a long time guitar player, so I am not exactly a novice. I do have a bit of trouble playing tremolo on the G and D strings which are thicker in diameter and have a higher tension. I feel that the higher tension strings inhibit my up/down/up motion. I currently use medium phosphor bronze strings from J Pearse or Straight Up Strings. I have no problem playing tremolo on the A and E strings.

    Do you think that switching to light strings for the G and D, and keeping mediums on the A and E would help? Does anyone mix and match their string sets in this manner?

    Or is it my right hand technique that is the problem? I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    What kind of pick are you using?

    I find the heavier strings easier to tremolo because of the resistance. I use a round edge V Pick. Have used Dawgs and Golden Gates in the past.

    Practice, go for smoothness before volume. Up and down the courses.

    I don't think I would mix string gauges like that because it would create uneven tension on the top.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    Maybe your pick is too deep in the strings on your tremolo. A tiny adjustment there can make a big difference in how easy it is to tremolo.
    2010 Heiden A5, 2020 Pomeroy oval A, 2013 Kentucky KM1000 F5, 2012 Girouard A Mandola w ff holes, 2001 Old Wave A oval octave
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  4. #4
    Registered User Lucas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    I use a variety of picks of different thicknesses including Blue Chip, Wegens, Dawgs, all have rounded corners. You're probably right that I just need more practice and need refine my pick holding technique.

    Thanks guys. I appreciate the advice.
    Last edited by Lucas; Feb-18-2021 at 12:28pm.

  5. #5
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    I don't see why you shouldn't try mixing string sets. It's a pretty cheap experiment. If you still had the problem, then you could blame it on pick or technique.

    Mixing/matching different string sets is so common in the violin world, that your'e probably in the minority if you don't do it.
    Chris Cravens

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  6. #6

    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    You might try a set of these GHS strings -basically what you are asking for -

    https://www.juststrings.com/ghs-a260.html

  7. #7
    Registered User Lucas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    ccravens: thanks for the encouragement. It's a cheap experiment worth trying.

    NW Steve: great find! I'm going to try this string set.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    If you haven’t tried Mapes I would suggest them. You can order custom sets with each string the gauge you want. I have used their nickel wound for sometime, today I ordered a phosphorus bronze to try on s different mandolin

  9. #9
    Registered User Lucas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    Mandoplumb:

    I didnt know that Mapes sold their own brand of strings. I was aware that they supply the core steel wire to many of the string manufacturers. Thanks for the tip.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    Quote Originally Posted by Lucas View Post
    Mandoplumb:

    I didnt know that Mapes sold their own brand of strings. I was aware that they supply the core steel wire to many of the string manufacturers. Thanks for the tip.
    I use their website and order direct from Mape. Good string and reasonably priced even paying shipping. Several sets same shipping so I get about 4 sets at a time

  11. #11
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: Do You Mix & Match Your String Set?

    Only when I break one. R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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