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Thread: Octave mandolin strings

  1. #1
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Octave mandolin strings

    I just finished building an octave mandolin with 21.75 scale. Would like octave strings on the G D. Any thoughts?
    Dave Schneider

  2. #2
    Registered User zoukboy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave mandolin strings

    Archtop? Flattop? You could use the D'Addario octave mandolin set but the .012s for the E are too light in my experience. If you think the instrument will handle a comparable amount of tension as a Gibson mando or mandola you could try these gauges:

    E4 329.63 Hz 21.75" 0.0140"ø PL 0.00004342 lb/in 23.10 lb
    E4 329.63 Hz 21.75" 0.0140"ø PL 0.00004342 lb/in 23.10 lb
    A3 220.00 Hz 21.75" 0.0220"ø PB 0.00009876 lb/in 23.41 lb
    A3 220.00 Hz 21.75" 0.0220"ø PB 0.00009876 lb/in 23.41 lb
    D3 146.83 Hz 21.75" 0.0320"ø PB 0.00021018 lb/in 22.19 lb
    D3 146.83 Hz 21.75" 0.0320"ø PB 0.00021018 lb/in 22.19 lb
    G2 98.00 Hz 21.75" 0.0460"ø PB 0.00043520 lb/in 20.47 lb
    G2 98.00 Hz 21.75" 0.0460"ø PB 0.00043520 lb/in 20.47 lb
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------178.34 lb

  3. #3
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave mandolin strings

    Thanks. It is a flat top. I have discovered that I may have braced the top a little on the light side. I put a set of GHS octave mandolin strings on (.044 - .013) and the top sank about .080” and it started to buzz a lot up the neck. Went back to the super light set I had on it ( .040 - .012 ).

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    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave mandolin strings

    From this recent thread (same exact question by same OP in the builders and repair forum). Just cross-referencing for future searches.

    I have a 21.5" octave mandolin. I use octave pairs on the G, D and A courses. Since the Allen tailpiece on this one only takes ball ends I buy single strings from Curt Mangan's website.

    G1 .048 G2 .024
    D1 .040 D2 .020
    A1 .024 A2 .012
    Both E's .013

    Of course if that lighter GHS set is sinking your top you don't want to use even heavier strings. Octave pairs are easy - use half the diameter of the standard string.

  5. #5
    Registered User DougC's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave mandolin strings

    The recent thread sent my comments to Builders forum.

    So here's a copy.
    I have a 21 1/2" guitar shaped octave mandolin Pono MD - 30 Best for me are flat wound strings;
    G - .54
    D- .35
    EMando.com is great because he has made complete sets made from years of experience. I'd ask him about 'octave course pairs'.
    Decipit exemplar vitiis imitabile

  6. #6
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave mandolin strings

    When I make a set for octave pairs on the lower courses, I generally just include 2 strings in the same gauges I use for the A and E strings. So if the set is listed as 40/28/16/11, and the customer asks for octave pairs, they get one 40, one 28, three 16s and three 11s. But if they specify other gauges for their octave pairs I can usually provide what they want.
    Emando.com: More than you wanted to know about electric mandolins.

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