18.5" Scale length Mandola strings

[Bob Clark]

Over the years, I have posted about my 18.5" scale length instrument strung and tuned as an OM (GDAE). This is a custom Weber based on the Absaroka model, but with mandola top and back carved arched plates, and OM sides giving it a body volume between mandola and OM, coresponding to its scale length.

A couple of us have had exchanges about how it would work as a mandola (CGDA) and I said I would give it a try. I have finally gotten around to doing that. Here's what I did.

I used D'Addario's String Tension Pro found here: http://stringtensionpro.com/ to determine what the string tension of a more conventional mandola would be. This is a really useful tool in which I found one little quirk, but otherwise it works great.

I hope the following tables format OK on your computer. If not, I may make them up as images and repost. Please let me know if you can't sort them out.

I found that at 15.875" scale length, standard gauges and tensoins would be as follows:

15.875" scale length
Gauge Tension
C 0.052 23.66
G 0.035 24.77
D 0.025 28.55
A 0.015 25.21

From that, I figured that I'd want (as expected) something near 25 lbs tension/ string. I used String Tension Pro to calculate the following gauges and tensions for 18.5" scale length:

18.5" Scale Length
Gauge Tension
C 0.045 24.39
G 0.030 25.04
D 0.021 27.09 (approx)
A 0.013 25.71

In both cases, C,G and D are wound Phosphor Bronze, A is plain steel. I orded D'Addario singles in these gauges from Just Strings (Cafe Sponsor) and gave it a try.

I have been playing it this way for about a week now. Initially it was a bit on the bright side but as expected, the strings settled in nicely. Its tone is rich and complex. The tension feels about right under my fingers. I was able to lower the action with no ill effects. I am thrilled with it.

If you are considering doing something similar with an instrument of about this scale length, I recommend you try it. It has really worked well in this case.

Best wishes,

Bob