C-tuned strings on a g-tuned mandocello

[tuomasjar]

Don't know if this is the right section to ask, but tight on budget and want to buy a mandocello. Thomann has quite cheap g-tuned one for sale, but I want a c-tuned. Could I get that and then get c-strings on it? Would it work?

[themandocello]

Several of my students that are learning to play the mandocello are using octave mandolins tuned down to C, quite successfully.

[gweetarpicker]

In my experience, the scale length of most mandocellos (C tuning) is in the 22 1/2" to 25 3/4" range while most octave mandolas/octave mandolins (G tuning) are in the 17 1/4" to 23 1/2" range. The longer scale octave mandolins can be tuned like mandocellos no problem if you are careful with the strings. Tonewise, of course it would depend on the instrument.

www.vintagefrettedinstruments.com

[tuomasjar]

There are no octave mandocellos for sale in Thomann. All are I unison and there is only one c-tuned one. If someone knows other good places to buy in Europe, it would be appreciated.

There seems to be about 5 cm (2 inches) difference in scale length.

https://m.thomann.de/gb/thomann_mand...rch=1507172704
vs
https://m.thomann.de/gb/thomann_mand...rch=1507172704

[gweetarpicker]

I'm guessing there are lots of places to buy a mandocello (C tuning) in Europe. "The Acoustic Music Company" in Brighton and "Palm Guitars" in Amsterdam come to mind, but I'm sure there are many others.

I see that the Thomann mandocello tuned C is larger and more expensive than their instrument tuned to G. However, the scale length of their G tuned instrument is listed at 610 mm which is plenty long enough for C tuning. I have never played this brand and cannot comment on the quality, tone and playability.


www.vintagefrettedinstruments.com

[tuomasjar]

I looked at those. Palm guitars didn't have any and in the other one they were thousands of euros each.