guage of strings for Weymann Mandolute?

[Dave Richard]

Can anyone recommend a good string gauge for an old flat(well, 'domed') top Weymann? Are they like bowl backs, needing light gauge strings?

[Jim Garber]

I would err on the side of light gauge. As long as it is in good shape structurally, I would not say that you need to use ultra-lights.

[Bob DeVellis]

I use Thomastik-Infield lights. Forget the exact gauges and TI's descriptions don't correspond to the descriptions of similarly-gauged strings from other brands, as I recall. They may be labeled as "mediums" but they're closer to what we think of as "lights." The TIs take some of the harshness of the mandolin, which can sound a bit shrill with strings that tend toward a brighter tone. These are generally sturdily-built instruments and the domed top confers additional strength. But I see no reason to press your luck by going above lights.

[mandobassman]

I have a late 1800's Weymann bowlback and I have a set of Jazz Mando JM11's on it. They are a medium gauge and have been on the mandolin for 3 years now. They're relatively light tension for a medium gauge string and the bowlback has had no issues with them. Your flat-top should easily be able to handle them and those strings sound really nice on those old oval hole instruments.

[Jake Wildwood]

I'd say 34w-24w-14-10 or lighter. I have 32w-20w-13-09 on one in the shop right now and it sounds fantastic with them and the feel is great.

[Dave Richard]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. Mandobassman, what do you use on your breedlove OF(I have one, and have been experimenting with different strings, including, at this time D'Dadario flatwounds)?

[mandobassman]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. Mandobassman, what do you use on your breedlove OF(I have one, and have been experimenting with different strings, including, at this time D'Dadario flatwounds)?

That's exactly what I'm using now. I used Thomastik flatwounds before that and switched to the FW-74's in August. I still have the first set on and they still sound great. I'm somewhat biased, though, because I only use flatwound strings. I have for almost 15 years now. The Breedlove OF I have had D'Addario EXP 74's on it when I bought it and I thought it was way too bright for my tastes. The Thomastik strings were starting to sound a little dull and the FW-74's strike a nice balance for me. They are brighter without being too bright and have the nice feel and lower noise that flatwounds provide.