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Thread: Insane mandolin tuning

  1. #1
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    Default Insane mandolin tuning

    I'm bored, and I like exploring odd instrument tunings -- a lethal combination. I've read of old cittern tunings, say AGDE like a stepped pentatonic scale played across the neck. I'm considering shifting strings on a neglected Rogue RM-100 so each course is in octaves, not unisons. It'll emerge as aA-gG-Dd-Ee. Has anyone here tried this? Is it stupid?

    For a bit more sanity, I like a combined Celtic and Yank Rachell tuning (EBF#B) on a cheap funky Russian mando for playing blues in E. But I should really use heavier strings.

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    Middle-Aged Old-Timer Tobin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Have you experimented with Get Up John tuning? F#A-DD-AA-AD
    Keep that skillet good and greasy all the time!

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Quote Originally Posted by Tobin View Post
    Have you experimented with Get Up John tuning? F#A-DD-AA-AD
    I am now. Sounds great! Thanks. All suggestions are welcomed. That Rogue has nothing else to live for.

  5. #4

    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Quote Originally Posted by Hypoxia View Post
    I am now. Sounds great! Thanks. All suggestions are welcomed. That Rogue has nothing else to live for.
    Well, be mindful of the amount of tension that you are putting on the top with your experimental tunings. You may need to adjust string gauge.

    Otherwise, your rogue will have nothing to live for because of its damaged top, broken bridge, etc. wont happen in an instant, mind you, but over time too much tension is very bad.

    Get up john isnt a worry, but your tuning above a g d e could be depending if youre tuning up instead of down.

  6. #5
    Registered User DavidKOS's Avatar
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Quote Originally Posted by Hypoxia View Post
    I'm bored, and I like exploring odd instrument tunings -- a lethal combination. I've read of old cittern tunings, say AGDE like a stepped pentatonic scale played across the neck. I'm considering shifting strings on a neglected Rogue RM-100 so each course is in octaves, not unisons. It'll emerge as aA-gG-Dd-Ee. Has anyone here tried this? Is it stupid?
    Ive seen instruments tuned like this for a long time.

  7. #6

    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Radim Zenkl did an album called "Galactic Mandolin", with each tune in a different tuning. I can't remember exactly, but I think that one was tuned in seconds, one in thirds, etc. Some pieces sounded pretty experimental, but Radim can make music out of anything.

  8. #7
    Lurkist dhergert's Avatar
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Taropatch-C mandolin tuning: GGCCEEgg

    For best tone, may need .015 gauge for 1 & 2, .017 for 3 & 4.
    -- Don

    "Music: A minor auditory irritation occasionally characterized as pleasant."
    "It is a lot more fun to make music than it is to argue about it."


    2002 Gibson F-9
    2016 MK LFSTB
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    [About how I tune my mandolins]
    [Our recent arrival]

  9. #8
    Registered User SincereCorgi's Avatar
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Quote Originally Posted by David L View Post
    Radim Zenkl did an album called "Galactic Mandolin", with each tune in a different tuning. I can't remember exactly, but I think that one was tuned in seconds, one in thirds, etc. Some pieces sounded pretty experimental, but Radim can make music out of anything.
    That's a crazy album- does the real CD have the tunings in the liner notes? I didn't realize it wasn't in standard the first time I heard it and it felt like my brain was melting.

  10. #9
    Registered User Tom C's Avatar
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Quote Originally Posted by SincereCorgi View Post
    That's a crazy album- does the real CD have the tunings in the liner notes? I didn't realize it wasn't in standard the first time I heard it and it felt like my brain was melting.
    Yes.

  11. #10
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Insane mandolin tuning

    Quote Originally Posted by Hypoxia View Post
    That Rogue has nothing else to live for.
    Excellent idea. I keep a mandolin in dead man's tuning (DDAD).

    Hey its also a justification for MAS.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

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