TI Strings on an Octave Mandolin

[Richard Russell]

Just got a used Garrison OM, model OM-4, from the classifieds and it has TI strings on it. The owner had just put them on before I bought it. Very nice to play and nice warm tone, however, this is my first OM and I wondered how the TIs compare to standard phospher bronze strings like J80s or the GHS strings in general. Any comments appreciated.

[mandolooter]

Rich...I have a Parker OM scale length of 19.5"...I tried the T.I.'s on it and thought it lost some of its voice with them so I took them off, especially the chord stuff, after just a few hours and went back to the Phosphor Bronze strings. The thing with TI's tho is they seem to last forever and I do prefer them on a few of my mandolins, mostly the flat-topped ones. Ya can always try out the others and if not pleased just restring with the TI's...$8.00 or so and the wondering will be over. BTW my Parker is a flat top too with what I believe to be cedar back and sides...never seen another and couldn't find any builder info anywhere. The tag inside says it was made in New Hampshire, its a weird beast but has a great sound and LOTS of volume. Maybe i still have the pic around...

[mandolooter]

the beast...

[Richard Russell]

Thanks Mandolooter, I'm guessing that the TI's seem to give a warm and mellow tone. This thinking is based on comments from the mandolin players. I like the sound, but, in time I will switch to phosphor bronze and see how they compare. I know that these TI's are expensive and VERY EASY on the hands, so, I will enjoy them for awhile before changing them out! By the way, that Parker looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!