Flatwound strings for Octave Mandolin

[mandobassman]

Does anyone know of a source for flatwound strings for a 23 3/4" scale octave mandolin? The only thing I have found so far has been on emando.com. They have a 5-string flatwound set. I could use the bottom 4 strings, which would match the gauge of what I have on currently. But I would be buying and wasting 2 strings AND I would have to buy two sets for a standard 8-string set. I am hoping someone has info on a complete set of OM flatwounds.

[mrmando]

I hear tell that Emando.com guy is pretty accommodating about putting together custom string sets and stuff, if someone asks him...

[DerTiefster]

So, wassamatta? Your mandolin isn't -worth- two string sets?

In addition to emando.com and "that guy," the Just Strings folks sell individual strings and might be willing to assemble a custom set for you. Just guessin', but they -seemed- accommodating when I've communicated with them, if I'm remembering the right conversations. I suspect you have multiple other options.

My dad used to use 'lectric GIT-tar strangs (well, he really grew up in the Northeast, so he didn't -quite- say it like that, but all my high school friends did) on his acoustic instruments when he didn't want to hear the string slide noise. It's an option.

[Tavy]

I believe folks have made up sets from single D'Addario Chromes for that purpose (they're the basically same as the strings used for the FW74 set).

[mandobassman]

Thanks for the replies. I'm familiar with the options for assembling custom sets from singles. I use the FW74 set on my mandolin and know all about the Chromes. I probably will go with emand.com. I just wanted to find out if any makers were selling flatwound sets for OM.

[Narayan Kersak]

Have you used flatwounds on your octave before? I got a new octave recently, and it was shipped with flatwounds, and it was pretty weak. It may just be I like to cut through on melody and have the rhythm heard, but I quickly swapped them off for round wounds.

[mandobassman]

I use flatwound strings on pretty much everything I can. I haven't used them on the OM yet. I've only had one set on it since I converted it from a guitar. But I have always hated the tone from roundwound strings and the scraping from string windings makes me a little crazy. I have already contacted Martin from emando.com about a custom set. So far, I haven't used it onstage, only at home.

[Connor]

I have put together sets for my somewhat shorter octave mando (19" scale) using Galli jazz guitar flat wound strings. Yes, I ended up using some of the strings and tossing some, but it worked OK. However, for my new double-neck mandolin I tried the Thomastik Mandola set. It turns out that what they call "mandola" is actually octave mandolin. The strings worked perfectly. They play beautifully and sound sweet. I don't know how they would play out on a longer instrument, but I'm guessing it would be fine.

[mandobassman]

However, for my new double-neck mandolin I tried the Thomastik Mandola set. It turns out that what they call "mandola" is actually octave mandolin. The strings worked perfectly. They play beautifully and sound sweet. I don't know how they would play out on a longer instrument, but I'm guessing it would be fine.

I had contacted a Thomastik dealer when I first built the OM. I was told that the "mandola" is actually a European octave mandolin, but when I gave them my scale length (23.75") they said that the silk winding at the peghead end of the string would be in the playing area. I need 28" of string clearance before the silk winding. Unfortunately, the TI mandola set starts the silk winding at around 27.25".
It worked out good for me, though. Martin at emando.com set me up with a nice set of flatwounds that sound great. I finally got a chance to use it live at a wedding last week. It was just me on the OM and another musician on rhythm guitar. It took place on a beach near Cape May, NJ with a fair amount of wind, surf noise and other people on the beach. It was able to be heard pretty well. It certainly is quieter than when I had the roundwound strings on, but it was heard and I love the tone and feel.

[Bob Clark]

I have put together sets for my somewhat shorter octave mando (19" scale) using Galli jazz guitar flat wound strings. Yes, I ended up using some of the strings and tossing some, but it worked OK. However, for my new double-neck mandolin I tried the Thomastik Mandola set. It turns out that what they call "mandola" is actually octave mandolin. The strings worked perfectly. They play beautifully and sound sweet. I don't know how they would play out on a longer instrument, but I'm guessing it would be fine.

Hi Connor,

My experience is similar to yours. My dealer suggested I try the Thomastik mandola strings on my 18.5" GDAE 'mandola.' In fact, he said I should go with the light gauge because my scale length is longer than the 17.5" they are designed for. The package actually states that they are for a 17.5" mandola tuned GDAE (something of a revelation for me).

My dealer was right (as he always has been on anything I have asked). The Thomastiks are fantastic on this instrument. I love the sound and the feel. They really seem to be the match for this instrument. I'll stick with them.

Best wishes,

Bob

[Ted Eschliman]

We've measured the playing area of the strings on the Thomastik 174W. Understand that the 1-1/2" of winding on the loop end is included in the specs:
1st string 29" (plus 6" of yellow silk winding)
2nd string 29" (plus 6" of yellow silk winding)
3rd string 27" (plus 8-1/2" of yellow silk winding)
4th string 27" (plus 8-1/2" of yellow silk winding)



Works on longer scale mandolas, and mandolas with Weber style tailpieces, too.

[Bob Clark]

Hi Ted,

How about the JazzMando mandola strings? Are they suited for a slightly long-scale mandola (say 17.5-19.5 inches) tuned GDAE?

I love JazzMandos on my mandolin, but how about on these European-type mandolas?

Bob

[Connor]

... Martin at emando.com set me up with a nice set of flatwounds that sound great...

...I love the tone and feel.

... The Thomastiks are fantastic on this instrument. I love the sound and the feel. They really seem to be the match for this instrument. I'll stick with them.

I, too like how the Thomastik strings feel and sound. On a 19" scale I can tune to the octave tuning with only the slightest bit of flabbiness to the g strings. I wish they weren't quite so expensive, but since they last a long time, I'm willing to spend the bucks.

So, Larry, what kind of strings did you end up with?

[Ted Eschliman]

Bob, the JazzDolas are too short. Also, I've had so many problems with D strings that I've taken them off the market.

[mandobassman]

We've measured the playing area of the strings on the Thomastik 174W. Understand that the 1-1/2" of winding on the loop end is included in the specs:
1st string 29" (plus 6" of yellow silk winding)
2nd string 29" (plus 6" of yellow silk winding)
3rd string 27" (plus 8-1/2" of yellow silk winding)
4th string 27" (plus 8-1/2" of yellow silk winding)

That's exactly why I can't use them. I re-checked my measurements and the distance from my highest e string tailpiece hook to the nut is 29-1/4", so unfortunately, these won't work for me.

[mandobassman]

So, Larry, what kind of strings did you end up with?

I honestly don't know what they are. Martin, from emando.com, put together a set for me that are extra light gauge. All that I know is that they are flatwound stainless steel. The G, D, and A strings are flatwound and the E is plain steel. They worked out real well and sound great. If you need a set that is hard to get or you are looking for unusual gauges, Martin can help you out. He is great to work with.

Next time I order, I might try a little heavier set.

[Connor]

... Martin, from emando.com ... is great to work with.

Good to know. I've tried to come up with restrung oddities over the years and it would be good to have someone knowledgeable to help out.