Ideal scale length for an FCDGA 5-string eDola

[Jim MacDaniel]

It seems it's a balancing act to create a 5-course mandolin that doesn't have a sloppy C string, and yet doesn't snap E strings due to too high a tension. Without going with a Novax fretboard, it appears a slightly longer scale (~14.5") is favored by many builders for a 5-course mandolin.

Do the laws of physics permit a 5-string eDola tuned FCGDA? If so, what are you thoughts on its optimum scale length?

[mandroid]

My Pentaula, a 15" scale with a multi-plane headstock, (strings at an angle back from nut, but still a fenderish look,
lowest string a much lower angle than the others)
with an .056" , I have an octave down G . DAEB..
My H scale Mandola is a 400mm scale.. Lighter .048" for the C is good..

a balancing act .. length of scale vs gage of strings..

[mrmando]

A scale length of about 19" seems to be the standard for the GDAEB "baritone" instruments built by Jonathan Mann and Ron Oats. That's just a whole step above the tuning you have in mind.