I just finished building a 5 string Mandola - calling it that because of the 16.927" scale. She is pretty and has great tone (demarzio hum and lace sensor single coil). I am using a blend pot 500K tone and volume pots with a .47mf cap. Works perfect. She has Schaller mini's and a hardtail bridge. She is neck through mahogony with flame maple top, and is a solid body. Here's my trouble. I have broken 5 E strings trying to get her to tune. I have tried .008 - .009 - .10 - and .13 electric guitar strings and all will tune to D but keep going and she starts to stretch and then break. I finally tuned top to D and started at the bottom with A but the C in the middle means I have to learn all new fingerings for each key. Would really like to have the C at the bottom. I even changed the E tuner thinking there was a burr of something. I need your ideas. Thanks - Joe
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