Gibson Mandola String Gauges

[wdrysd]

What string gauges were used on Gibson H1 mandolas originally? #I am interested in avoiding sinkage, increased relief and the early (at 80 years) demise of this instrument. #

The commonly availble D'Addarrio J76 mandola seem heavy (.052 - .015) and tight. The tuning is correct, and it is not hard to fret. #C and G string slots in the nut are smaller than strings, but not easily measured.

Anyone familiar with using other stings on this instrument or an H2?


Thanks -
Wilson Drysdale

[mandroid]

I have a Mandola made in the style of an H5.
I bought, after feeling the #sets labeled as for mandola were too heavy, a set of GHS PF285 for octave mandolins.
[.012's; and Phosphor bronze wound pairs, .022;.032;.044,]
sound is just fine, a lot easier to play, and lower tension #on the instrument.
I then used the remaining set of heavier ones tuned #to C G D A on my 14" 4 string electric, on it, those do fine .
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Fretbear]

Mandroid's gauges sound good, I use similar sizes on bouzouki .014;.020w; .032w;.042w.