Need String Suggestions

[Loren Bailey]

I recently purchased a neat little 25 year old hand made (Ken Miller) mando, like an old martin bent top. Mahogony sides and back and a cedar top, oval hole. I recently restrung with D'addario J62s and they are way, way too bright. I need something that is warm and woody and gives off that old time vibe. In addition I need something fairly light as the neck is pretty slender and no truss rod. I am thinking Thomastik Infield lights???

Any further suggestions or commenst on the TIs???

Thanks in advance

Loren Bailey

[fatt-dad]

You can try the ghs silk and steel strings. They do not add up to much string tension, but the diameter is larger than you would expect (i.e., compared to standard metal strings). That said, you may feel that the action feels high, depending on the way the nut and saddle are cut. I have never reslotted one of mandolins when I've used them, but I do notice it.

good luck.

fatt-dad

[Gail Hester]

Try a set of Martin M400 10-34. They are Bronze but not Phospher-Bronze and work well for vintage mandolins.

[Loren Bailey]

Fatt Dad, Gail,

Thanks, I appreciate your responses and will check out both these sets.

Loren

[John Flynn]

The most woody-sounding strings for that kind of mando, IMHO, would be the Thomasticks. They are expensive, but worth it, for the right applications. Also, they are not loud, so they are not good for jamming or loud acoustic situations. But for just a warm, mellow sound they can't be beat. Also, they are very easy on the fingers. You might start with the light gauge set on an old mando like that. No financial interest here, but the best deal on them is at Dietz Music @ 800-793-2524. Ask for the jazzmando.com deal. I think they are $21 and change delivered.

I also like the GHS Silk and Steel when I need a little more brightness and volume, but they are not nearly as woody and mellow as the Thomastiks.