Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Steel strings for GDAE, Tenor Uke

  1. #1
    Mediocre but OK with that Paul Busman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Frederick,MD
    Posts
    2,304

    Default Steel strings for GDAE, Tenor Uke

    I know this is a mandolin forum, but I figured builders could help me. TIA
    I like to noodle on my mandolin or tenor banjo while I watch the news at night, but heraring both(understandably) drives my wife nuts. I want an instrument quiet enough that I can noodle to my heart's content and yet not disturb my wife in another room. I'm thinking of getting this little Telecaster clone tenor ukulele. Being a solid body it won't make much noise at all unplugged;

    https://www.americanmusical.com/vors...OR-FTLUK3-LIST

    How cute it that?
    I'd like to string it to GDAE, but have no idea what strings I'd need. Scale length is 17".
    Any advice welcomed.
    For wooden musical fun that doesn't involve strumming, check out:
    www.busmanwhistles.com
    Handcrafted pennywhistles in exotic hardwoods.

  2. #2
    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Peace and Love
    Posts
    2,416

    Default Re: Steel strings for GDAE, Tenor Uke

    Could try the ADBe strings from a guitar?

  3. #3

    Default Re: Steel strings for GDAE, Tenor Uke

    The highest-pitched and thinnest string of an electric guitar is typically tuned to E4. A mandolin's highest-pitched course is tuned to E5, an octave above that.

    A normal plain steel string, regardless of gauge/size, will break at a guitar's 25.5" scale length as it approaches the pitch of G#4.

    And a mandolin's thinnest course/string, tuned to E5, will generally break when longer than 15".

    That 17" scale length will be problematic.

    An electric concert ukulele with a 15" scale length will work for GDAE tuning. 17" scale length, not so much, but will work for CGDA mandola.
    ----

    Playing a funky oval-hole scroll-body mandolin, several mandolins retuned to CGDA, three CGDA-tuned Flatiron mandolas, two Flatiron mandolas tuned as octave mandolins,and a six-course 25.5" scale CGDAEB-tuned Ovation Mandophone.

    Love mandola?
    Join the Mandola Social Group!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •