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Thread: Shall I use these OM strings?

  1. #1
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    Default Shall I use these OM strings?

    I have accidentally ordered an unusual set of strings for my octave mando - 14-14, 20-09, 30-14, 42-19. Apparently designed for a 58cm scale length, mine is 55.5.
    I’ve always played unison pairs but I’ve been thinking about a bouzouki lately to suit the minor scales of a new group I’m jamming with. IS THIS A SIGN FROM ABOVE??
    I’m only hesitant because once they are on, I like to get my money’s worth.

  2. #2
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shall I use these OM strings?

    55 cm is about 21-1/2", which is close to my octave mandolin's scale. I use octave pairs on mine and love the sound. I put the heavier (normal gage) string on top - that is it's the first string I'll pick on a downstroke. Mine are:

    G1 .048 G2 .024
    D1 .040 D2 .020
    A1 .024 A2 .012
    Both E's .014

    Those 'zouk strings should work fine.

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    Default Re: Shall I use these OM strings?

    Cool. Got any videos of it?

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    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shall I use these OM strings?

    Quote Originally Posted by rumpystumpy View Post
    Cool. Got any videos of it?
    I can only find two...

    Here's a Joe Pug song


    And here's a fingerstyle slack key tune:

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    Default Re: Shall I use these OM strings?

    Sounds great.
    Really stupid question now - do you put the lower octave stings closer to your chin or the floor?
    (There are some trad instruments where it goes either way)

  6. #6
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Shall I use these OM strings?

    Quote Originally Posted by rumpystumpy View Post
    Sounds great.
    Really stupid question now - do you put the lower octave stings closer to your chin or the floor?
    (There are some trad instruments where it goes either way)
    As I said earlier "I put the heavier (normal gage) string on top - that is it's the first string I'll pick on a downstroke." so that's chin.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Shall I use these OM strings?

    Just to resolve this thread for anyone with a similar enquiry.

    https://youtu.be/9gKH80RiiXs
    (English tune in Em)

    I’ve had the bouzouki strings on for a week or 2. It really suits:
    Minor keys
    Drone strings
    Olde/medieval /European stuff.
    So something like a hornpipe in D or G minor with the open string droning away sounds awesome
    Feel like unisons had a bit more versatility and a bit more power. I also wasn’t a fan of the octaves on the G string so I put unison back on there for some big bass notes. Therefore I’m currently strung with unisons on the G and E, octaves on D and A.

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