Octave strings

[mmukav]

Does anyone use octave strings on the lower 2 courses of their octave mandos instead of the usual unison? I have a Weber Sage #1, and love the sound of the regular strings, but put on octaves on the lower two to see what it would sound like. I liked the brighter sound. Is that a taboo, or do other people do it also?
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[Bob DeVellis]

It's certainly not taboo. If you prefer it, I see no reason not to string the instrument that way.

[mandroid]

some tecnique alteration needed; Tremolo/triplet is a bit different with a light and a heavier string, instead of 2 similar tension.

[Hoyt]

mmukav,

I've done the same thing and really liked it (use to have a Sage I, by the way, and also liked it).

I have also put an octave string on only the third pair (D string). That was really cool because I could play and sound like a traditional octave mandolin, but hit that octave for some nice droning sounds when I felt the urge.

Thanks for reminding me how much fun octave strings are. It's been a while since I played with the octave strings, but I'm puting some on today.

Hoyt

[mmukav]

Sure Hoyt, I really do like the brightness of the octave strings!