This mando is from the twenties and in excellent condition Would greatly appreciate advice on what gauge strings to use .
Thanks
Brian
This mando is from the twenties and in excellent condition Would greatly appreciate advice on what gauge strings to use .
Thanks
Brian
light gauge.
1935 Gibson A-1 Wide mandolin
Late 1800's Unbranded German fiddle
.010 or .009 through .034 identified a light gauge as FJ stated ... R/
I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...
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
2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
2011 Weber Bitterroot A
1974 Martin Style A
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
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
Yeah, I wouldn't dream of putting 11s on one of those.
Steve
Bookmarks