5 String Questions (feel free to add more Qs!)

[thistle3585]

Go here. I use the what Martin calls a light set. http://www.emando.com/shop/strings5.htm

[mando.player]

I just ordered a flatwound set (normal) from Martin yesterday. I'm looking forward to getting them on my Mann. I've been using D'Addario Chromes and have been having tuning issues. Not sure if it's the strings or not. Switching up should help with the diagnosis. I'll report back on them when they arrive.

Martin, please don't tell me these are Chrome singles

[John L]

I looked at the emando.com sets, but three choices... I wonder if Martin could weigh in on the difference between his sets, and the relative sales of the three choices he has available? The lights, being the middle size of the three, seem like a good starting point.

[John L]

BTW, I have a 5 string under construction, incorporating a lot of advice I have received in this thread. I have attached an early photo of the body, which is mahogany and koa. Can't wait until it is finished and will post some more photos when it is.

[John L]

And this is how I summarize the advice I have taken from this thread:

1. Is 14.5" a good scale length? Is 14.5" good compromise between keeping as close as possible to typical mandolin scale, while long enough to intonate properly on the C?

My mandolin will be 14-5/16" - mainly because there is a guitar fretboard template that can be used to make this scale length.

2. A lot of people sing the praises of a 5 string on this forum - anyone care to admit that wished they stuck to 4 strings? (I am going back and forth on 4 vs. 5)

I am taking the plunge, a 5 string it will be!

3. Why would one consider two pickups? (I am considering one humbucker, switchable to single coil)

I am going with a single humbucker with a series/parallel switch.

4. Why is a 5 string usually referred to as a 5 string mandolin? Isn't a 5 string just as much a mandola as a mandolin? (just wondering!)

I like the Tiny Moore explanation, so it a mandolin it is!

5. Any comments on choice of body and neck wood? (sound, playability, aesthetics, durability?)

Mine will be quarter sawn mahogany back and neck, with koa top - should be really nice

6. Radius or not? If yes, what radius?

I want to try a radiused neck, and I am going with 12" radius

7. Neck width?

1-1/4" - suggested by a few people and is the same width as my old Gibson A-1

8. String guages preferred on a 5 string?

Still like some advice here, but will probably set it up to play with emando.com lights

Thanks everyone for replies!

[thistle3585]

John,
Great minds must think alike. Are you doing a bolt on neck?

So, I think mine is a Venetian and yours would be a Florentine. Is that right?

Andrew

[John L]

The answer to all my questions is complete and will be picked up in the next few days at Frankinstein Guitar Works near Woodstock, Ontario. I will start a new thread with some photos. It is a 5 string, 14-5/16" scale, 12" radius neck, mahogany with koa top, rosewood fingerboard, Sperzel tuners, with a series/parallel switched humbucker.

[mrmando]

I looked at the emando.com sets, but three choices... I wonder if Martin could weigh in on the difference between his sets, and the relative sales of the three choices he has available? The lights, being the middle size of the three, seem like a good starting point.

Informally, I'd say the Lights are probably the most popular, but Normals are pretty close. Ultralights are a distant third. I do have some odd gauges and will put together any custom set you want. For a longer-scale instrument like 14.5", Lights would be my first choice.