Mandola 5 string

[dburtnett]

Hi gang,

Great mandola discussions here recently, which really have my juices going. #I'm primarily a tenor guitar player (in GDAE/GDAD), but recently picked up a Flatiron 2M mandola (17" scale) to try a different niche in the groups I play with. #I've mostly been backing, but lately adding some melody to the mix... harmony when I get brave.

I'm tempted to set the flatiron up in DAED or DAEB to make the transition from GDAE easier, especially for fiddle tunes. #Being accustomed to single course, I wonder if anybody has tried to set up a Mandola as a 5 string, single course, in CGDAD? The string spacing would be tight, I know. I'm thinking that a new nut and a Red Henry bridge would be a modest investment for the experiment.

thanks,
Daryl

[trevor]

Daryl,
There have been several threads along similar lines recently if you do a search. There is lots of info on (double course) mandolas, CGDAE,on my website, 10 string/cittern pages.

[dburtnett]

Hi Trevor,
Yes, I have followed the threads carefully and got a lot out of them, including the references on your site. It's what got me thinking, in fact.

My question is mostly about trying a single course apporoach by modifying my Flatiron. #There is plentiful discussion of single course in electric mando threads, just curioius if anybody had tried this on an acoustic mandola.

best,
Daryl

[trevor]

It should be straightforward with nut and bridge slot adjustments but I don't know of anybody who has tried it. There must be somebody out there who has...

[thistle3585]

FWIW,Joel Glassman tuned his electric mandola GDAEB. I just sold one that is going to be tuned CGDAA. Since they are electrics, I can't say how it would work acoustically.