Bouzouki Strings, 5ths Tuning

[arturo7]

Hello,

I recently was given a bouzouki, I'd like to tune it in 5ths like a mandocello or octave mandolin. Any suggestions on which strings to use?

thanks

[Mandobart]

What is the scale length? Do you want to use octave pairs?

[arturo7]

Length is 26.5", no octave pairs.

[Mandobart]

On my 26" 10 string this is what I use:
C1 .074 C2 .037
G1 .048 G2 .024
D1 .034 D2 .017
A .022
E .011 or maybe .010

So if you want to string like a 'cello I'd suggest:
C .060 (you really don't need as big as .074, and they are so big they don't fit all tailpieces).
G .045
D .032
A .020

If you want OM use:
G .045
D .032
A .020
E .011 or maybe .010

[arturo7]

Thank you, Man dobart!

Any brand and/or type of string you'd pick over another?

[Mandobart]

Does your 'zouk take loop or ball end strings? Most of my instruments have Allen tail pieces that take either so I just buy single guitar strings (d'addario) to make up custom sets.

[arturo7]

Loop ends.

I went to the music shop with my list of gauges. They suggested a that I try an Irish tuning set from D'Addario, (40, 28, 16, 11) and tune the high string up a to E instead of D.

It seems to be OK, but the bridge and nut are cut for octave pairs. Any suggestions on where to get a bridge and a nut?

[Tim N]

That'll be the J81s. It's what I always use, as recomended by my luthier. I'm really not sure it makes any difference qualitatively whether you tune GDAE or GDAD - it's just a differernt sound, and slightly different chord shapes.I believe one is better than the other for picking tunes, but I only play chords, and I've gone between both, settling mainly for a high E.
How nice to be given a bouzouki!