Mandolin to Mandola equvilent

[FadeOutAgain]

I have heard that you can tune a mandolin (GDAE) to a mandola tuning (CGDA). If this is the case than can you tune an Octave mandolin or Irish Bouzouki to a Mandocello tuning?

[mrmando]

I have heard that you can tune a mandolin (GDAE) to a mandola tuning (CGDA).

You heard wrong.

If this is the case than can you tune an Octave mandolin or Irish Bouzouki to a Mandocello tuning?

I wouldn't try it.

[trevor]

You can't tune mandolin to mandola without changing strings. This is possible but the result isn't good. Standard mandolin scale length is too short to get a good C, you need at least 15".

Octave/bouzouki to 'cello is possible if the scale length is long enough, over 23.5", but again a change of strings would be needed and widening of saddle and nut slots. The result may be good or not.

[Ben Milne]

Gibson made a 15" scale hybrid called a mezzo mandolin a few years back, it could be strung either way I believe.

I would check string tension calculations with a competent luthier if wanting to string an instrument in a way contrary to it's intended purpose.

[Jimdalf]

Not what you are asking, but Tim Allan tunes his Octave up to mandola tuning (apparently) and it sounds fantastic, though also with octave-pairs on the bass courses I think.

[trevor]

There are some 10 string mandolin/mandolas about. It was an obsession of mine for a few years. The problem is which scale length to choose.. or where in between. Lawrence Smart's 10 string fan fret solves this. You can see one on my website.

Octave to mandola isn't a problem with the right scale length and string gauges.

[Tim2723]

You can basically tune anything any way with the right strings, just don't lose track of the tensions you're applying or bad things could happen. Whether the result will be what you want is another story. The low C string might get pretty wonky. I know that when you re-string a tenor banjo for 'Irish' tuning the low G is right at the very limit for the instrument and gets awfully weak sometimes.

[Mandobart]

There are some 10 string mandolin/mandolas about...

I have one I love. The E strings are tricky; they can only take a few de-tune/re-tune cycles (I broke two while setting intonation). The combination of the full range on mandola plus mandolin on a slightly larger, deeper body is irresistible. Made me go out and get a 16.5" five string fiddle.

Speaking of fiddles, there are octave strings you can get to make a regular fiddle play an octave lower. Since the box is too small to really resonate at those frequencies, the volume suffers but it is a cool sound. I strung up a bright fiddle with them and really like the result; puts it in the cello range. Since I have pickups on this fiddle it sounds pretty cool amplified, and really gets a double take from the audience.

I'm sure one could do a similar thing on a mandolin to get a lower register; but like an octave fiddle, the air chamber isn't really made to work in a fifth or more lower range.

[rico mando]

I put jazz mandola strings on my F-9 once . had to tune up to D just to begin to get the tension right to sound ok . guess if you wanted to play in E this would probably work fine