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Thread: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

  1. #1
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    Default What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    This mando is from the twenties and in excellent condition Would greatly appreciate advice on what gauge strings to use .
    Thanks
    Brian

  2. #2
    Registered User fentonjames's Avatar
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    Default Re: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    light gauge.


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  3. #3
    Gibson F5L Gibson A5L
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    Default Re: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    .010 or .009 through .034 identified a light gauge as FJ stated ... R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  4. #4
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    Default Re: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    If it was mine I would err on the side of caution. Koa is delicate wood prone to cracking and the Martin necks have no truss rod. I would use GHS extra lights, 9-32.
    Don

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    Default Re: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    I think 10s are fine. I've had a Martin bent top for years (Not Koa) and use Martin mandolin strings on it and have had no issues. I think 9s on a 13" scale mandolin would be too light.
    Steve

  6. #6
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    Default Re: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    Disagree about them being too light Steve. This is the set commonly used on old bowlbacks and they all have 13 inch scales. I'm just saying that this would be the conservative choice to try and minimize the chances for damage. Koa, like I said, is notoriously easy to crack. Also, humidifing an all Koa instrument would be terribly important.

    You are right in that Martin most likely intended their own light gauge set for these. I just think given the age, construction, and materials more caution is needed. Of course YMMV.

    But we can all agree nothing heavier than lights, right?
    Don

    2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
    2011 Weber Bitterroot A
    1974 Martin Style A

  7. #7
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    Default Re: What gauge strings for Martin A Style in koa

    Yeah, I wouldn't dream of putting 11s on one of those.
    Steve

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