Octave G string option

[mandowilli]

I am getting ready to change my Octave Mandolin strings using GHS PF- 28(44-32-22-12). I was thinking about spliting the G between a 44 and another thinner string. What guage would be appropriate? And what is the concensus on which one to change? The top one(on the outside)?

willi

[Patrick Gunning]

When I tuned my flatiron in bouzouki tuning (with octaved lower strings) I just bought 2 sets of the GHS strings and used one each of the top two courses as the octave G and octave D (.22 and .12 gauges I believe) and strung them as the topmost of each two-course set (i.e. gG-dD-aa-ee).

[seanh]

On my octave I use G 44, 22 D 32, 12 A 22, 09 E 12, 12
The 09 is a, gulp err umm b@ng* string, That works well for me. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[seanh]

Oh yeh for what it is worth I put the octave on the bottom maybe I'll try it the other way next time. I believe but could be wrong that 12 string guitars use the bottom

[Luthier]

Just a side note: #You may find by replacing an original string for an octave, (whether positioned on the top or bottom), the string slot on the nut may be wider than the new diameter string. #If indeed you do not get a clear, clean, crisp sound, you may need to change the nut. #The lighter gauge will have a tendency to not properly fit in the nut slot and will not seat itself correctly.

Don