Strings for gold tone mandocello?

[Baron Collins-Hill]

Hi everyone,

I recently picked up a goldtone mandocello and was wondering if anyone has suggestions for what strings to put on it. I don’t understand why the gold tone strings are phosphor bronze with a magnetic pick up on the instrument. Also the 25.5 inch scale length makes it longer than most mandocellos and makes the string tension quite high for stock mandocello sets. What have people been using in finding to work well?

Thanks
Baron

[onswah]

I'm not familiar with the Gold Tone instrument, but it looks like it takes ball end strings which means you have a lot of options. I've had really good luck with Stringjoy strings for acoustic strings, plus you can order single strings and create whatever set you'd like. If you email support@stringjoy.com, they can give you their recommendation for gauges that will fit the 25.5" scale. My octave mandolin is 23.5" and I use .012 - .020w - .030 - .044 if that is any help. I'd imagine for the mandocello I'd want something beefier for the C string-- .056 would be a little flabby given the scale length, though it would depend on the instrument.

If I was playing a lot of electric with a traditional pickup, I'd look at getting some flatwounds. I haven't used Emando.com, but I'd definitely be interested in trying them out first.

[Jacob]

Gold Tone Mandocello String Set ?
A set of D'Addario Mandocello strings, designed for use with our Mandocello.

[CES]

Well, there ya go!

[Baron Collins-Hill]

I saw that set, and I assume that’s what’s on it right now, but I don’t love the D string 34, as is up around 35 lbs of tension compared to about 25 for the other three courses. Also the phosphor bronze doesn’t conduct to the magnetic pickup as strongly as nickel does. I’ve gone with 70 46 30 19 nickels (all wound) singles from my local shop and will report back.

Thanks!
Baron

[Mandobart]

I really love the sound and playability of these Curt Mangan light mandocello strings. I've tried many brands of strings and the Mangan's are the best I've found for tone, sustain and volume. I use these on my 26" 10 string F4 mandocello. My Allen tailpiece takes loop or ball end. I add a pair of .011 E's.

[Frolicks]

Hello Baron, so what do you think about your string choice now, with a few months gone by? I‘m thinking about string alternatives for the Gold Tone MC, too, and I‘m curious to hear about other folks‘ experiences.

[Securb]

Can anyone suggest a good ball end set that are not the Gold Tone strings?

[tmsweeney]

the packages I have don't say mastertone but its the same set 20w,34w, 44w, 70w

to each his own but i think they are fine.
i suppose flat wounds might be less "growly".

[Mandobart]

Can anyone suggest a good ball end set that are not the Gold Tone strings?

Cafe member Martin can help you at emando.

[Securb]

Cafe member Martin can help you at emando.

Thank you I just ordered a set