Bowl back strings suggestions?

[Chip Gulbro]

I have a bowlback stamped Lynwood on the back of the peghead and inside. # I was wondering what type of strings most folks use on these tiny Neopolitan style instruments. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Jim Garber]

Here's my bowlback string FAQ (I have posted it a few times... maybe SDcott can put it in the official one?):

The cheapo strings to use for bowlback are GHS A240s which are even lighter than the Martins. I get them at juststrings,com:
http://www.juststrings.com/ghs-a240.html

They are fine for trying out an instrument but lose sound after awhile whereas the others last much longer.

.032, .020, .013, .009

Highly recommended for a brighter sweeter sound are either Calace or Lenzner Consort

The source in the US for Dogal mandolin strings is:
Classic Bows, Inc., PO Box 81655, San Diego, CA 92138
Phone: 1-888-402-5277
email: classicbows@nethere.com
Talk to Greg Gohde who specializes in mandolins

http://www.dogalstrings.it/pages/mandolino.htm

http://www.dogalstrings.it/pages/mandolin_tab.htm

RW92B Soft Tension (dolce) for vintage instruments
RW92 Regular Tension (medio) for new more robust ones

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The source for Lenzner mandolin strinmgs in the US is:

Steve Miklas (steve@acousticmusicworks.com)
Acoustic Music Works, LLC
2142 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-0710
http://www.acousticmusicworks.com

The only other one I know of to recommend are the Thomastik light gauge (flatwound). These are best for that German sound: more mellow and more classical guitar-like.

Jim

[Chip Gulbro]

Thanks so much JIm. #By the way, with all the poorly made cheap bowl backs available, do you know of any particular brand or place to look for one with at least above average quality. #Maybe that's #impossible.

#I'd rather not pay more than perhaps 700 bucks for something that I wont play too often. # I am used to playing my Givens Legacy which is sheer delight. # I have only played maybe 6 bowl backs, and all were #### except Carlo Aonzo's Pandini. #Unfortunately he charges around 3,000 euros. #Well i just realized you cant say #### here.
When I was looking around a couple of years ago it seems there was a huge gap price wise. #There are the cheap ones found on ebay for between 200 and 500. #Then there were the handmades from 2,000 and up.

[Jim Garber]

I have a Pandini and at that price range there are some choices, it is true. Knorrs cost even more, for instance.

I think you can get the basic Calace bowlback new from them for approximately $700. Victor (vkioulaphides) has one and that is his main playing instrument. Delivery is within 30-60 days of ordering. Theyu require 1/2 payment up front and the remainder on delivery. Shipment by insured air parcel post --I am not sure how much that costs but i would imagine would add maybe 50-100 to the price.

Here is the 2004 price list:
---------- MANDOLINS ---------
type n. 24 Euro 600,00
" " 26 " 650,00
" " 13 " 940,00
" " 15 " 1.000,00
" " 16 Bis " 1.500,00
" Classico D " 1.800,00
" Classico C " 1.400,00
" Classico B " 1.000,00
" Classico A " 2.350,00
Hard-case x mandolin 65,00
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Of course, you can search (as I did) for vintage ones but you may end up as I did -- with over 20 now.

In fact, I can look thru mine -- some only need bridges to be playable -- and see what I can de-access.

Jim