Another String Question

[OneChordTrick]

My Ashbury Octave Mandola came, according to the website, with d'Addario 014/.022w/.036w/.048w strings. The closest set that I can find are EJ72's which are 014/.023w/.034w/.049w.

I know that I could build a custom set but will I notice any real difference if I got some EJ72's? Putting the numbers into a string tension calculator, if I've got it right, means at the same tension the sets are about a quarter tone apart

[Mandobart]

I have a couple of 10 stringers and an 8 string OM. I use octave pairs on all three instruments. All three have Allen tailpieces which take ball or loop ends. So I'm always making up custom sets out of single guitar strings. I can tell you from my experience doing this, and not always having the exact desired gage of string locally, that using the EJ72's as you describe with one or two mils difference on a few strings will not make any detectable difference.

[OneChordTrick]

Thanks!

[Ray(T)]

Just out of interest, what's the scale length?

Try the EJ72s and see what you think but it might be worth you having a word with Neil Silverman at Newtone strings. He will wind you sets with whatever gauges you want (and with whatever ends - my Clark needs ball ends) for not much more than you're likely to be able to get the d'Addarios; and certainly cheaper than trying to make up your own custom sets.

[OneChordTrick]

Ray, it's 518mm. Thanks for the tip, I'll checkout Newtone as well

[Mandobart]

I really like Newtones on my archtop guitar (formerly an Eastman mandocello).

Attachment 159397

[Ray(T)]

Ray, it's 518mm. Thanks for the tip, I'll checkout Newtone as well

That's just over 20.3 inches. Mine is 20.25 so there's no practical difference between the two. I string mine with 13/24/34/52; as Austin Clark recommended originally.