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Thread: mandolin 1940 which strings?

  1. #1

    Default mandolin 1940 which strings?

    Hello,

    I bought a German bowl back mandolin from 1940. But which strings should I use for it?
    I am concerned about the tension.

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    Extra light. GHS makes a set which many people use; others swear by the Dogal Calace strings, but they're much pricier.
    Allen Hopkins
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  3. #3
    Registered User Rodney Riley's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    Use a “light” set. Most brands list as light, medium and heavy.

    Or “extra light” as Allen says

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    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    A German mandolin might like Thomastik flatwound strings 154W -- those are the Light gauge. Very pricey tho. Maybe best to start with GHS A-240 ultralights as allenhopkins links to above. Then try the other strings. Personally, I am a fan of the Dogal Calace RW92b for vintage bowlbacks but I like the bright sound. The Thomastiks would be a lot more mellower.
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    Registered User Martin Jonas's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    A German mandolin might like Thomastik flatwound strings 154W -- those are the Light gauge. Very pricey tho. Maybe best to start with GHS A-240 ultralights as allenhopkins links to above. Then try the other strings. Personally, I am a fan of the Dogal Calace RW92b for vintage bowlbacks but I like the bright sound. The Thomastiks would be a lot more mellower.
    I wouldn't put Thomastiks on an old German bowlback -- the association of flatwounds with German bowlbacks is a much more recent thing, 1970s onwards. An instrument from c. 1940 would be fairly similar to a Catania trade instrument and should take bronze roundwounds. The GHS ultralights would be fine. If the OP is in Germany, other options such as Fisoma or Optima may also be within easy reach.

    Martin

  8. #6
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    I agree with Martin that TI strings may not be historically appropriate but that never really stops many players from even putting them on old Italian bowlbacks. Personally, I don’t like them either, just that some folks do.
    Jim

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  9. #7

    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    Thank you. Do you think D'Addario J 62 .10 - .34 are also suitable?

  10. #8
    Registered User Rodney Riley's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin 1940 which strings?

    Quote Originally Posted by TapTap View Post
    Thank you. Do you think D'Addario J 62 .10 - .34 are also suitable?
    That would be as heavy as I would use. GHS makes the classical extra lights, .009-.032
    Or LaBella has silver coated .009-.036. Little heavier on the wound strings.

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