new mandola on its way - suggestions for string gauge needed

[James1223]

I've just bought an F-style mandola that should be here by the end of the month. I was going to order some strings but I'm unsure as to what gauges to get. The mandola has an 18" scale which is longer than Gibson's mandola but shorter than an OM. Should I get a couple of sets for mandola and a couple for OM and see which I like best? Thanks

James

[Eddie Sheehy]

FT76, J76, TI174, TI 164, J72... take your pick... check out the CBOM section...l

[Pete Braccio]

For an 18" scale length, I'd stay away from those heavier strings sets at first and try a set of J80s (D'Addario Octave Mandolin strings) and tune them to CGDA

Pete

[James1223]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I just ordered 2 sets each of D'Addario J72, GHS PF280 and GHS PF285. This should get me going for a bit. I'm going to try both CGDA and OM tunings.

[bro.craig]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I just ordered 2 sets each of D'Addario J72, GHS PF280 and GHS PF285. This should get me going for a bit. I'm going to try both CGDA and OM tunings.

The GHS PF280 will not fit! They are too short even for my 17" scale mandola. Maybe it's not too late to change your order?

[James1223]

The GHS PF280 will not fit! They are too short even for my 17" scale mandola. Maybe it's not too late to change your order?

crap, I just got the email that they shipped. It's a good thing they're not expensive.

[mandroid]

PF285 8va seem OK ,and they're P-Bronze wound, the 280 is brass wound, Aka Bright Bronze..