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Thread: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

  1. #26
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I haven't tested these strings but I agree with Ausodert that having a lighter tension option would be good because a lot of people are tempted by nylon strings precisely because they find the tension of regular strings too hard on their hands, or because they have hand problems, arthritis, etc. I've just started making a mandolin precisely for nylon strings and will be trying these next year when it's ready. It's nice to have another option available.
    Dean

  2. #27
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Quote Originally Posted by mimmo View Post
    Thanks Bob,
    this is a very good and honest report
    At this point I have another test, i would like to replace the 3rd D with a wound string.

    The three upper strings are made with nylgut charged with very thin iron powder to increase the density: this is why the performances are so close to the traditional metal strings.

    There is space for another test: I would like to increase the iron quantity in the 1st & 2nd and use two wound strings for the D & G strings. At the same time I can increase the whole tension to reach the tension of a tipical metal string set.
    What do you think Bob? and what about you, guys?
    How you can see, there is space to introduce some more changes.

    My final goal is to verify if it is possible to have a set very close to the traditional with metal strings.
    Is it a crazy idea?
    thanks guys
    Mimmo
    Hi Mimmo,

    I am glad you liked my report.

    I agree with the idea of trying wound D strings. If they are like the G strings, that will be great.

    While I understand your desire to make these more like metal, I hope you will not go too far in that direction. The lower tension and unique feel of nylon are what makes it desirable to many of us. I agree with those who have made the point that even if you do make a higher tension, more metal-like version, please bring these lower tension strings to the market as well. I think they will have appeal for a number of us mandlin players.

    I wish you success in your endeavors and I appreciate your willingness to experiment with different string types in this way. I am willing to continue to test strings for you, if you think that would be helpful.

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  4. #28
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Ok thanks
    This set will be definitive probably with a wound D
    i will test the other version - more powder and more tension- just to see which is the feel.
    Dear Bob... are you ready for that?
    Ciao
    Mimmo

  5. #29
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Quote Originally Posted by mimmo View Post
    Ok thanks
    This set will be definitive probably with a wound D
    i will test the other version - more powder and more tension- just to see which is the feel.
    Dear Bob... are you ready for that?
    Ciao
    Mimmo
    I sure am, Mimmo. This set, I will try on an arch-top (Weber Vintage A) however, due to the increased tension. I look forwrd to it!

    Bob

  6. #30
    fishing with my mando darrylicshon's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I got my strings a few days ago but i was out of town i just got back i am planning on trying them tomorrow will post review soon
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  7. #31
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    hello guys,
    please do you have any report on the samples i sent you?
    I had just a few feedbacks.
    Thanks
    Mimmo

  8. #32
    Market Man Barry Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Take my money already lol
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  9. #33
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Hi Mimmo:
    I did receive my strings but I haven't yet figured out what mandolin to put them on. I think I will try them on my 23 Gibson A2. I will try to put the strings on this week and get back to you.
    Jim

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  10. #34
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    thanks!
    always nice to hear by you guys
    Mimmo

  11. #35
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I just picked up a Gold Tone micro bass with the Aquila strings. My regular bass was killing me. I can play this thing for hours with no fatigue. I mentioned to my music store about these mandolin strings and they were going to contact for more info.

    can't wait to see a video review from one of the guys here
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  12. #36
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I am very interested in these strings and cannot wait to try them out. Is there any idea when they will be available for purchase?
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  13. #37
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Just wondering if there was any news or feedback on these strings as I'm in the process of building a nylon-string mandolin and am wondering whether to brace it for regular nylon strings or these higher tension ones?

  14. #38
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I'm in the process of replacing what I had on my banjo Uke ..
    [Replaced the tuners First ... Gotoh compact 4:1 planetary geared Uke tuners are super !]

    (By the way An 8" spruce disc is the top

    It wasn't braced, but the rim the top was glued to ,was curved a bit
    under the string tension the spring-summer grain in growth rings settled out the arch.
    which may have sagged anyhow , so curve compensated for that )

    really unsure other than the thin Brown One as the 1st string what the colored spots om the envelopes mean

    red the 1st

    green dot as the 4th would not stop stretching maybe the white dot the only wound one is to be the 4th

    leaving the blue dot and green dot as mysteries for which is 2nd and which is 3rd..
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  16. #39
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Standard string order is highest to lowest. So std tuning for mandolin would be 1E 2A 3D 4G.

  17. #40
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Give that again in envelope color coding... that is all I have to go by

    blue, red , white and green. stick on dots and no position numbers

    Emailed Mimmo @aquilacorde.com but got no reply..

    describe measured diameters..

    the 3rd green vs 2nd and blue dot on clear bags... this right?
    Last edited by mandroid; Jan-04-2016 at 6:33pm.
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  18. #41

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    Quote Originally Posted by mimmo View Post
    Hello everybody
    just a few answers:
    . . .
    2) the strings are thicket than metal strings. The 1st is around .50 mm, i e .196 inches
    . . .
    Mi9lle grazie!
    Mimmo
    Just a minor point in the interest of accuracy: .50 mm is actually .0196 inch, not .196. Still, since the 1st E string on most steel mando sets is .011 inch (.28 mm), most instruments would require modification of the nut and bridge to properly fit these strings. I haven't seen if you have posted the size of the other strings.

    And on behalf of my fellow US citizens, I apologize for continuing to inflict our archaic inch system on the rest of the civilized world.

    Ed

  19. #42
    Mediocre but OK with that Paul Busman's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Bumping the thread back up...has anyone actually tried these yet?
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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Busman View Post
    Bumping the thread back up...has anyone actually tried these yet?
    I assume you mean other than me, right?
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  21. #44
    Mediocre but OK with that Paul Busman's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Yes, Bob. Your review was helpful, just curious if anyone has different thoughts.
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  23. #45
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I havent finished the change Main thing was My sample was Un labeled

    there are no Loops so you have to tie Knots..
    Im using 4 strings Tying them around the tail Piece Pins. of a 'No Knot' Banjo tailpiece ..

    only taken the E string Up to D ..

    Banjo Uke, mandolin scale fingerboard , w spruce 'head' ..
    FCGD tuning, whole step Down ..
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  24. #46
    Registered User Londy's Avatar
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    I'd love to hear the side by side difference between the strings. Can someone post a video?
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  25. #47
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Any updates?
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  26. #48
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Elderly has them in stock now. I have some in my shopping cart. http://www.elderly.com/aquila-1m-mandolin-set.htm
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  27. #49
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Quote Originally Posted by mandroid View Post
    I havent finished the change Main thing was My sample was Un labeled

    there are no Loops so you have to tie Knots..
    Im using 4 strings Tying them around the tail Piece Pins. of a 'No Knot' Banjo tailpiece ..

    only taken the E string Up to D ..

    Banjo Uke, mandolin scale fingerboard , w spruce 'head' ..
    FCGD tuning, whole step Down ..
    I put the Aquila Nylgut Concert 5ths CGDA set on my Deering Goodtime banjo uke. I'm having a lot of fun with it and it's a lot easier on my hands than a mandola.
    Eric

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  29. #50
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    Default Re: new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

    Hi all, I've tried my first set of Aquila Nylgut on a antique Stridente mandolin, I've posted a video on youtube so anyone interested in how it sounds follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYKUUjX6pz8

    It's a bit tricky to put them on as they do not have hooks (it takes much longer for strings to settle as well). As for playability it's a lot softer under fingers than metal strings so definitely worth trying for those who don't like hard strings, it is also possible to play with fingers. Another benefit of using these strings is low tension and less stress on neck on antique mandolins so I will try it on few other ones for comparison. I'll try to post some more videos when finished.

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