new Aquila mandolin strings ready for tests

[morgan]

I used the "old" white set of Aquila mando strings on a mando banjo and liked them, so when i saw the new reds available I ordered two sets. I put the first set on my favilla bowlback and really liked the sound, although I thought the e was a tad pinched sounding compared to the other strings. So a few days later I put the second set on a 20's flatback with a ~13.5" scale. Both e strings broke within the first few hours. They broke in the middle, not at the nut or tailpiece, so it was not a friction thing. Reading through this thread, I see that I should perhaps I also should have let them sit or a day rather than bringing them up to pitch repeatedly on the first night- although there is nothing in the packaging indicating that one should let them sit for a day. Tonight I sat down to play the bowlback, 4 or 5 days after strings installed, and one of the e strings snapped.


It's a pity, because they sounded very good on both instruments, and perhaps if I had tuned them "correctly" this would not have happened. My intention is to buy some e string steel singles and see how they sound as a mixed set.

They feel different from "normal" strings, and the D is pretty fat - some may like the feel, some not. I was playing with a beat-up ring finger and the softness of the strings was appreciated

[Jim Garber]

I have used those on uke (both white and red) and they do take quite a long time to finish stretching, like multiple days.

[mandroid]

I found the "G" to be on the thin side to get a good tone, but perhaps
that is a concession to the space for a pair,

When all 8 are used.. (I'm just using 4)

[shiloh]

I'm following this thread. Does anyone know who sells the Aquila Nylgut for mandolin? I'm guessing due to breakage they quit making them? I can't find them anywhere.
Thanks,
Jill

[Jim Garber]

I thought that Elderly had them but they only have the fifth-tuned ones for uke which are not really the same tho you could try two sets and see how they work. I have a feeling for standard carved top mandolins they would have much less tension than metal strings.

[morgan]

Jill -

If you are still interested they are still available at ~$5/set at Strings and Beyond. NFI (nor a recommendation to purchase!) on my part.

[mandroid]

Got a new nut made, now the 'G' doesn't buzz ,
but next time Ill experiment with a mix of Classical guitar & uke strings.

Maybe the above company can make up some sets.. from individual strings , even Aquila ?


I'm using them on a Spruce topped Banjo Uke , with a mandolin scale fingerboard.

a hybrid, for sure..

[shiloh]

Thanks Morgan! I just ordered some.

Jill

[David Colpitts]

I am late to this thread, but have used the Aquila Red Mandolin strings (save the high E, which I replaced after two breaks with the E, from the regular Nylgut Soprano 5ths Uke set) and am very happy. I have them (only four) on a lovely 1923 "The Gibson" trapdoor mandolin banjo, and everybody likes the sound. I like the feel, and the easy tremolo/triplets, and really, most everything about them. I actually ran some teflon plumber's tape under the strings at nut and bridge, and as always, used about three inches of stripped wire insulation at the knot end of the E string. Months in, now, and all is good.

Thanks for great strings!

Regards,

David

[Piraterose]

I notice that Aquila states these are not for "country mandolin". Does anyone know what they mean by this?

[Jim Garber]

I am guessing that they don’t recommend them for carved top mandolins.