Optima/Maxima strings

**margora** · Jan-04-2011, 4:49pm

A PMO member wishes to get Optima (formerly, Maxima?) strings for mandolin, preferably from a US source. I forget (at my age, I forget a lot) how to do this or if it is even possible. Anyone?

**Martin Jonas** · Jan-04-2011, 6:00pm

I don't know any US source, but I get mine from saitenkatalog.de who do fairly reasonable deals on overseas shipping provided you order enough. If you're outside the EU, you don't have to pay the 19% German sales tax ("Mehrwertsteuer", or "MWSt") and that by and large covers the shipping cost. I have used Optima Goldin strings on my Embergher for some years now and have been very happy with them.

Martin

**brunello97** · Jan-04-2011, 6:50pm

Martin, it may be of some use to quote you here from another thread on the Optima strings:

"I've just had a look for Optima Goldin strings, which I hadn't come across before. There are two online sources in Germany at a reasonable price ......, so maybe I'll try them sometime soon. ....... The gauges are listed as 10-13-23-36, which is also a bit heavier than the Lenzners. As the Embergher is a much sturdier instrument than my Vinaccia or Ceccherini, I guess that may not be a problem."

and a link to that discussion:

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&client=safari

I would love to have a 36 G string on my bowls but have been playing it safe with lighter strings. My Vega/Ditson has a Louisville Slugger neck so I wonder if these might be worth a try.

Mick

BTW How does one create an alias for a long http link such as I pasted in above? I would enjoy learning how to do that......

**Jim Garber** · Jan-04-2011, 9:59pm

alias for Mick

[once you copy in the URL, just start typing in the alias and it will replace the URL]

I also ordered 8 sets from Germany. I actually had it shipped to my friend's father's house in Germany and she brought the box over when she visited. I think I saved $30-40 (or more) in shipping to the US.

**brunello97** · Jan-04-2011, 10:33pm

Ahhhh. I'm still doing something wrong. Cut and paste from the browser? Then edit? That leaves me high and dry.

Mick

**Plamen Ivanov** · Jan-05-2011, 2:18am

Yes, Optima are the former Maxima strings. I'm also very happy with them. Let me check if there is one set left at home before you order. If this is the case, i will send them to you (or to this member of PMO).

**Plamen Ivanov** · Jan-05-2011, 2:37am

Nope, sorry, no Optima left, but i have a set of Troubadour strings and a set of Hannabach (Thomastik) strings. Can send one set for free, if your colleague is interested.

Best,
Plamen

**Jim Garber** · Jun-22-2012, 2:59pm

I just was browsing the classifieds on the CMSA site and found this:

OPTIMA Mandolin Strings
Ad #: 171 Seller: satoshi.mukaida@att.net Date: 3/2/2012
Price: $16 & $17 Selling Condition: none Accept As Payment: CHECK, MONEY ORDER, PAYPAL
We are pleased to offer mandolin and mandolin family strings from Optima Musiksaiten of Germany. Though not widely known in the U.S., Optima has a longstanding reputation for quality strings in the worldwide market.
As an authorized dealer, Optima Strings USA is happy to now introduce Optima mandolin strings to the American market.
www.optimastringsusa.com

Looks like you can buy them on their website.

**Rick Schneider** · Jun-22-2012, 6:12pm

You can buy Optimas from Satoshi on his website www.optimastringsusa.com or you can get some from Elderly strings.

**Acquavella** · Jun-23-2012, 2:11pm

Hello,

Bob, have the orchestra member contact Satoshi. He is a very nice guy and the price is very, very reasonable. (the last I checked). Good luck.

Chris...