Re: Affordable 10 string mandolin/mandola?
Originally Posted by
Jim Garber
IMHO the main problem with 10 string instruments is determining the proper scale length. If you use a standard the mandolin scale the lower C course is too loose. If you use a longer scale the upper E course is too tight and you break strings. Some luthiers have used multiple scale lengths with slanted frets and that seems to work. Unlikely that you will will find a bargain 10 string tho. Custom shops make them but I don't know of any factories that do.
I had a ten-string mandolin/dola built for me by Bernie Lehmann here in Rochester; "fanned" frets and fairly extremely slanted nut and bridge. Scale lengths range from 14 inches on the E string to 16.5 inches on the C string. A beautiful instrument, and I use it quite a lot, but definitely is a "compromise" in terms of the voices of a mandolin vs. a mandola.
By the way, cost me about $4K, plus a Cedar Creek case.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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