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Thread: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

  1. #1
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    I ran across this book on Amazon:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    So I figured "Why not?"

    I ordered the special strings, Aquila AQ-30, and an inexpensive soprano ukulele from Amazon.

    The E string is REALLY slim, and according to some people on the internet is very prone to snapping. I tuned everything two whole steps low, let the strings settle for a while, then brought them up a whole step, let them settle, then brought them to tune.

    I played for a while last night, and it was fun. Fingering is very similar. I think this is going to be my "downstairs" mandolin, so I can noodle while in the living room watching TV.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  2. #2
    Registered User Mando Esq's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    What’s the string tension like?
    Eastman MD515 mandolin
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    Eastman MDO305E-SB octave mandolin
    Eastman E20om guitar
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  3. #3
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Not that dissimilar to my new old mandolinetto, Dan. 4 strings vs. 8 (and yeah, steel v. nylon). I have ghs ultralight 9-13-20-32 installed. It's super fun to play.
    "To be obsessed with the destination is to remove the focus from where you are." Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen Guitar

  4. #4
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Mando Esq View Post
    What’s the string tension like?
    Like regular ukulele strings.

    Aquila makes the AQ-30 strings specifically for tuning a soprano ukulele in 5ths. That's why the E string is so thin.

    I mostly use it for practicing scales, tunes, and chord changes & fingerings. It's not a replacement instrument in any way. I just like it because it allows me to practice mandolin in the same room with my wife while we're both watching TV.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  5. #5
    Pataphysician Joe Bartl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Important to note (for some): the music in MacKillop's book is only in TAB. I wrote to him asking if this was available in standard notation: NOT.

  6. #6
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Sue Rieter View Post
    Not that dissimilar to my new old mandolinetto, Dan. 4 strings vs. 8 (and yeah, steel v. nylon). I have ghs ultralight 9-13-20-32 installed. It's super fun to play.
    The Aquila AQ-30s are 17-26-35-28w and are specifically made for tuning a soprano ukulele in 5ths G-D-A-E like a mandolin. Aquila has another set, the AQ-31s, for tuning a tenor/concert ukulele in 5ths like a like a mandola, CGDA.
    Eastman MD-514 (F body, Sitka & maple, oval hole)
    Klos Carbon Fiber (on order)

    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    I went with the concert (15” scale) and the Aquilas. It’s mandola/viola, but I don’t care since I’m just noodling. Less problem with a too-fragile top string, and amazingly, nice solid sound on the C. Very pleasant thing, almost like a good guitar somehow miniaturized. Haven’t broken a string yet, and am using picks or fingers. Soft and quiet with fingers, more definitive with a pick.
    Lately, streaming TV, I turn the captions on so I can play without missing dialog…

  8. #8
    Lurkist dhergert's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    For 5ths tuning mandolin players, or those that want to be, I think this is a great idea. Kudos to Aquila for making the strings available! Not the same feel as 8 strings, but a really pleasant, gentle way to casually play, or learn to play mandolin. Most of the joy but much less pain.

    (Aquila is also making great strides with their double bass strings, for those who might be interested.)
    -- Don

    "Music: A minor auditory irritation occasionally characterized as pleasant."
    "It is a lot more fun to make music than it is to argue about it."


    2002 Gibson F-9
    2016 MK LFSTB
    1975 Suzuki taterbug (plus many other noisemakers)
    [About how I tune my mandolins]
    [Our recent arrival]

  9. #9
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Nice. I tuned a ukulele as a Balalaika, as I sold my Balalaika beacause I couldn't reach with my thumb in the 1. on the upside and my (any) finger in the 5. band on the underside.
    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
    Hora M1088 Mandola.....
    Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
    Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
    Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
    3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
    1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
    Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
    Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909

  10. #10
    Registered User DRugerH's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    You know, I have often thought of purchasing an 8-string tenor ukulele, and tuning it like a mandolin. Might be interesting.

    Dan

  11. #11
    Registered User Cary Fagan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    I have a little sopranino uke that I bought for 20 bucks on ebay with those strings. It's plinky sounding but when I can't bring a mando with me, I can slip it into my backpack or suitcase and at least have something to play. I have them on a soprano uke, too.
    Cary Fagan

  12. #12
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DRugerH View Post
    You know, I have often thought of purchasing an 8-string tenor ukulele, and tuning it like a mandolin. Might be interesting.

    Dan
    That sounds like a mandolinetto :-)Click image for larger version. 

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    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
    Hora M1088 Mandola.....
    Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
    Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
    Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
    3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
    1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
    Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
    Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909

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  14. #13
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ukulele tuned like a mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Cary Fagan View Post
    I have a little sopranino uke that I bought for 20 bucks on ebay with those strings. It's plinky sounding but when I can't bring a mando with me, I can slip it into my backpack or suitcase and at least have something to play. I have them on a soprano uke, too.
    You could always bring a pocket mandolin

    Click image for larger version. 

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Size:	477.5 KB 
ID:	204376
    Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
    Hora M1088 Mandola.....
    Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
    Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
    Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
    3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
    1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
    Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
    Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909

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