Which strings for an electric mandolin

[Mike Shipman]

I’ve played acoustic mandolins for some years but recently purchased a Fender electric mandolin. It has one single coil pick up. Any recommendations for string type / brand?
I use D ‘Addarrio bronze strings on my Eastman MD 814 and National RM1 but these I recall some info that these wouldn’t be picked up by the single coil, is that the case?
Thank you for any info / suggestions.
Mike Shipman, Cornwall UK.

[Billy Packard]

Magnetic pickups require steel strings to function properly. I have used Mapes strings for many years. Check out their web site.

https://www.mapesstrings.com

Billy

[Randy Mallory]

Also check out http://www.emando.com. You can build your own set if you like.

[Crazyquilt]

Probably the easiest to get would be nickel strings, as all string manufacturers make them. You can also use monel or D'Addario's nickel bronze, but they aren't quite as magnetically sensitive as nickel or steel. Flatwounds will work, too, as they're always nickel and/or steel, if you want to go that way. It's helpful to know what's on the instrument now, so you know what gauge to get, the number of strings, and ball vs. loop end depending on what's there.