What gauge strings for fylde octavius

[TallMikeM]

have just bought a 2003 flyde octavius from a friend and it probably would benefit from new strings, so was wondering what gauge I should go for? I will also be contacting fylde to get their advice.

[Steve L]

You might do better to post this in the CBOM section.

Here's recommended gauges from Fylde.

http://www.fyldeguitars.com/qi-strings.html

[Dave Hanson]

I always used J74s or equivalent guages when I had my Fylde, the only instrument I ever regretted selling.

Dave H

[Bertram Henze]

You might do better to post this in the CBOM section.

Here's recommended gauges from Fylde.

http://www.fyldeguitars.com/qi-strings.html

Be aware that Fylde list the recommended OM gauges under "Mandola": 52w, 36w, 24w, 13p. I had good results with those gauges, but replaced 13 with 14.

It's a good idea to not look for a ready set, but to buy single guitar strings with those gauges.

[TallMikeM]

Just an FYI, the octavius is not an octave mandolin, despite the name. It's actually a slighter shorter scale mandolin.

[Ray(T)]

I always used J74s or equivalent guages when I had my Fylde, the only instrument I ever regretted selling.

The gauges quoted by Fylde (for mandolin) are equivalent to J74s but, personally I'd only take Fylde's recommendations as a guide.

As it happens, I picked up a Fylde mandolin at auction last week - I reckon it's nearly ten years old and still had the original strings - and I put a set of J74s on it. They feel too heavy. The gauge of strings to use is dependent upon scale length and, given that their mandolin has one longer than most mandolins, it's not surprising that they feel heavy.

Compare the scale length of the Octavius with whatever you're used to playing and work from there.

[TallMikeM]

Well, I've gone from a no brand starter mando to this, but I'd say the strings on there feel almost too light, especially the E's. I am tempted to maybe try 12's there and standard E74 gauge for the rest.

[Ray(T)]

What's the scale length? You say it's a "shorter scale mandolin" - short in comparison to their Touchstone or those by other makers? If the former, J74s should do. If the latter you might try J75s. Ultimately, its down to how you like it to feel.

[Bertram Henze]

Just an FYI, the octavius is not an octave mandolin, despite the name. It's actually a slighter shorter scale mandolin.

Apparently, there were several sizes called Octavius. The first Fylde I had in my hands was an Octavius Bouzouki, later I played a Octavius OM in a shop. I did not know that there were even mandolins in that class, and the OP didn't say it was a mandolin.

[TallMikeM]

duly noted, TBH I didn't realise it came as different sizes.