String Sets

[sglett]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question...
Why is the mandolin designed with 4 sets of strings instead of just 4 individual strings? Is it to increase the frequency of the tremelo with less effort?

[Bill Snyder]

Volume.
Also since you are new to this you might want to take a look at the information in the Mandolin Cafe Archives Frequently Asked Questions section. (http://www.mandolincafe.com/archives/faq.html) It does not address your question the "why" of the paired strings, but it does give lots of interesting information in a nice concise write up.

[Celtic Saguaro]

Also sustain. The vibration of each string of the pair tends to keep the other ringing longer.

[mandomiss]

Hooray tremolo! In my opinion that is the main reason for the paired strings as opposed to singles. I happen to have an electric with single strings and one with paired and I must say that the tremolo sound on the double strings is far superior to that of the single. Not nearly as plucky or thin sounding and much more smooth and connected.
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