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Thread: Stringing question, new to octave

  1. #1

    Default Stringing question, new to octave

    Hi, I have a new to me Trinity octave, I have only played mando.

    The g course strings seem loose or soft. They are a new set of ddarios ej80. I have to somewhat baby them so they won't slap. It's not fret buzz. I'm sure about the tuning.

    Is this common? Do you have to play that way? Would a lighter or heavier gauge be an option?

    Thanks much

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    Hi,
    In my own opinion (not being an octave player, but playing mandolin and having a lot of experience working on guitars) I’d say you want a slightly heavier gauge on there ... either that or the action on the G string(s) is too low. But I’m sure there are others on the forum that know more about octave mandolin string gauges than me.

    At a guess, if you want my 2 cents, I’d say you want something between a .42 and .52 depending on the scale length of your instrument.
    Reading up on the internet tells me this is a 20” scale so Again I’d guess that you want about a .47 on the low Gs. I haven’t seen the instrument and I’ll be the first to admit that what I said was slightly informed guesswork so I could be 100% wrong but I’m sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

    I really hope that helps at the very least.
    -Ross

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  4. #3

    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    Greetings,

    A friend of mine just bought a Northfield Archtop Octave, although a different build from yours and a longer scale at 22", their sets are a little bolder than the EJ80s.

    Archtop [Loop end] String Gauges: .052w .034w .022w .014

    Flat Top [Ball end] String Gauges: .050w .032w .022w .014

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  6. #4

    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    Thanks, good info. I will try moving up, the. 046s might just be too light. Have a good one....

  7. #5
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    Please report back I just bought an octave with unknown strings and EJ80 as backup

    What is your scale length?
    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
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  9. #6

    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    20 3/8 I think. Gonna try .048 from emando. I just don't want to be so shy about digging into the g course, but again I'm new. It could be me.

  10. #7
    Timothy Tim Logan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    My first OM was a Trinity and I had no string issues. You should not have to 'fight' with any string on this OM in my experience. I don't think that .46 will be too light at all. I hope you quickly find the remedy.

    “There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” ― Albert Schweitzer

    1925 Lyon & Healy Model A, #1674
    2015 Collings A (MT2-V)

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  12. #8
    Dave Sheets
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    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    I have used heavier strings (a mandola set) on a trinity octave mandolin. It worked a lot better for me.
    -Dave
    Flatiron A
    Way too many other instruments

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  14. #9

    Default Re: Stringing question, new to octave

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Sheets View Post
    I have used heavier strings (a mandola set) on a trinity octave mandolin. It worked a lot better for me.
    This is what I've ended up with as well, I think it runs 14, 23, 34, 49 (rather than 12 22 32 46) I like the way the G plays much better. The slop is gone.

    Thanks everyone for the help.

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