Strings

[astra-fergie]

ive got a vintage 1920s mandolin looking for strings in the uk very limited choice, ive found some martin and co m400 80/20 bronze mandolin strings and also some ghs mandolin strings lights a250
which would be best suited ?

the martin strings are 10-14-24w-34w

the ghs strings are 10-15-24-36

any help would be great

andy

[Michael Gowell]

Try 'em all. #Can you order online from the US, or are taxes/duties unreasonable? #Even paying a premium for imported strings may not be significant given the pleasures to be derived from sampling broadly.

[astra-fergie]

im just concerned about damaging my mandolin if i put somthign on with too much tension

[f5loar]

I'd want to know what brand 20's you got. The 20's Gibsons are pretty tough and can handle today's medium sets while a 20's Martin or L&H, Bacon or Vega would need more lighter strings.

[Acquavella]

Hi Andy,

For UK sales, I recommend the following places. I do not recommend ordering from the USA because most sites have a 35 pound shipping fee plus a minimum order amount. The Martin & GHS strings are fairly common. You can purchase them from Hobgoblin stores as well as online. I recommend you try these UK based sites.

http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/
http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/
http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/
http://www.hobgoblin.com/

That should give you a few good starting points. I think the Martin strings are pretty good. There are a couple of different options out there. The best thing to do is try one of everything and eventually you will find what works best for you and your music. Best wishes.

Chris

[Dave Hanson]

You can get Newtones either direct from Malcolm Newton or Eagle music in Huddersfield, Redwing from the Music Room in Cleckheaton [ both do good mail order ] D'Addarios from most good music shops including Hobgoblin, who also do mail order.

Dave H