I really like the idea of being able to get custom gauge coated strings. Has anyone ever used Mapes strings?
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I really like the idea of being able to get custom gauge coated strings. Has anyone ever used Mapes strings?
Yes. I haven’t ordered custom gauges or been too concerned with the coating, but I currently have their 80/20’s on my oval hole and I have PB Octacores on my F hole. No complaints. They’re good strings!
Agreed. I've used them in the past. Good strings, good prices, fast shipping.
I have used them on mando and guitar, and like them a lot. Good tone (comparable to or better tha D’Addario), and long lasting. I like being able to order custom gauges, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by nick delmore
Plus, they’re cured in moonshine! I’m sure that’s what makes them special.
Just put a set on about a week ago. Good tone and stay-in tune-ness.
an often overlooked part of the process.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Mullins
Chances are you have used their strings, they
Make the core for wound string and the unwound strings
for a lot if not all string manufacturers. I use them and love them
On all my mandolins. Don’t have to buy .016 gauge for my second
Mapes Rule!! I second all the above and add they are REALLY nice people too.
Mapes are all I buy and have used (except for an experiment or two) for years and years.
Their pricing is excellent especially if you buy several sets at once.
I have been raving about Mapes here on the Cafe for years!
Billy
After reading good reviews I ordered a few sets. They were on a mandolin for a short time before I sold it, so don't know how long they will last? Otherwise seem like good strings and sounded very good. For the price they seem hard to beat. I have been using Curt Mangan Monel strings and have really liked them, sound great and last a long time.
I use Mapes strings on my octave mandolin and love them. They seem a bit more resistant to whatever it is in my fingers that make other strings tarnish quickly. And they are the same length (36") as John Pearse octave mandolin strings which I had been using....
I always had a feeling that a handful, if not a single company made most of the strings in the USA. I know Pyramid and Thomastik are made in Europe. And, the strings that come on cheapo beginners guitars, I assume, are made in Asia. (doubtful anyone would want to claim credit, IMHO)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mandoplumb
There was a company in Ohio called Stay-in-tune strings (SIT) that was popular a few years ago and always got good press. My friend knew the owner and he said, "oh yeah, we just buy them from so and so and put them in our packaging....." Like that was a normal business model....
Also, in the late 70's as vacuum tube use was declining, the USA was down to just one company making everybody's tubes, until they closed. Right around that time, the Soviet tubes and amps became popular and omnipresent....(at least among guitar players)
Thanks everyone. Think I'll give them a try. The strings I used for years were discontinued so I'm on the hunt.
FYI, Mapes has been mainly making piano strings since 1912. They sell wire to various other companies as well as the US military!
I'm not certain when Mapes branched out into other instrument strings but I have been buying from them for 15 years or so.
As you probably know, you can only get Mapes directly from them as they don't sell to distributors or retailers.
Can you tell I'm a total fan! That's because they make a superior product at a good price that performs excellently. Plus they are nice people that answer the phone when you call!
Billy
I've tried most of the string brands out there on my mandolin-family instruments and my guitars (though I've never tried Thomastik). I've not yet tried Mapes on a mandolin.
Last year I bought a 3-pack of Mapes 13's for guitar. Sounded fine on my Martin HD-28, but nowhere near as good as Curt Mangan phosphor bronze.
I first stumbled across Mangan's on a set for my A4 mandola. I was blown away with the volume, sustain and tone. I tried a set on my F4 octave mandolin, F4 mandocello and F5 mandolin. Same incredible results. I had been using DR Rare on my F5 prior to this. I have my hybrid F4 currently strung with Mangan monel's.
When I tried Curt Mangan phosphor bronze strings on my Martin HD-28 I figured they were the strings for that guitar. I put a set of Mapes on next change and they didn't sound as good to me. I have a set of Mapes on my Gold Tone Paul Beard round neck resonator guitar and they sound fine there.
Has anyone AB'ed Mangan and Mapes on any mandolin-family instruments? I still may try them on a mando or two.....
I haver a set on the way for my mandola. Will report back when I give em a try!
Males were making guitar strings as well as piano strings 50 years ago, I don’t know about mandolin strings, I’ve used them for several years