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Thread: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

  1. #1

    Default Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    I presently use the thomastiks heavy as recommended by the luthier. Does anyone recommend another type of string type to try out respecting the tension restrictions on the instrument?

  2. #2

    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    I don't know what Rolfe has listed as maximum combined string tension on that instrument, is it 170-180lb?
    If you want a cheaper flatwound set that is a little brighter sounding, try D'addario EFW74's (~180lb combined tension). If you want a more traditional tone, you could try EF73's or EF74's, I don't know how they would sound with that pickup, though.

    Basically you're used to a Rolls Royce and anything else is probably going to feel a little cheesy in comparison. :-)

  3. #3
    two t's and one hyphen fatt-dad's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    I think the Jazz is made for Mittels?

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  4. #4
    Registered User dcoventry's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    The Jazz is definitely made for Starks.

    When I purchased mine from a nice gent in Az, he had Mittels on it and complained he was not bonding with the instrument. I could see why. It really sounded pretty poor. Put the Starks on it and BAM, so beautiful.
    2005 Rigel G5 #2196
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  5. #5
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    EFW74 will work fine on the Phoenix Jazz. I had this very instrument when I was working with D'Addario to develop this string.
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  6. #6

    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    Are Starks simply a heavier gauge than the Mittels?
    I am quite impressed with this instrument!

  7. #7
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    Thomastik measures their strings more in tension than by thickness, but here's what they say:

    154 (mittle or medium) .010 = 17.42lbs. .015 = 15.43 .021 = 15.43 .033 = 15.43 Total tension = 63.71lbs. (127.42 w/sympathy strings)

    154ST (stark or hard) .011 = 21.83lbs. .016 = 18.74 .022 = 17.64 .034 = 17.64 Total tension = 75.85lbs. (151.7 w/sympathy strings)

    154K BALL END! for electric players
    .010 = 17.42lbs. .015 = 15.43 .021 = 15.43 .033 = 15.43
    Total tension = 63.71lbs. (127.42 w/sympathy strings)

    Rolfe will tell you this instrument was designed for the mediums or lighter.
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  8. #8

    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    Thanks for all the information feedback.
    The instrument was designed for the stark heavies!

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    When I had a Phoenix Jazz, I used it mainly as an electric, and I would use half a set (1 string per course, instead of doubled) of regular medium gauge mandolin strings (J74's or the like). Acoustically, I don't think the overall volume was any less than a full 8 strings of the light flat wound strings...

  10. #10
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    Yea Pick electric Loop end strings since there is a Magnetic Pickup..

    Round or flat wound , Is Up to You.
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  11. #11

    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    Quote Originally Posted by Ted Eschliman View Post
    EFW74 will work fine on the Phoenix Jazz. I had this very instrument when I was working with D'Addario to develop this string.
    Ted, if the EFW74s work fine on the Phoenix Jazz, how well does the Phoenix Jazz work with the EFW74s?

    Where I’m coming from: after using Thomastik-Infelds for any an all flat wound strings for mandolin, I recently tried of pair of EFW74 strings on a Collings MT2 and was utterly delighted. As I think you may have written in another posting, the EFW74s have a sound that’s closer to round wound yet with the smoothness of flat wound strings. Regardless if that’s your quote, I wholeheartedly agree.

    I’d love to put them on my Phoenix Jazz, but from Rolfe Gerhardt’s specifications, it would seem the gauge of the D’Addario strings are too heavy and the tension too high for the Jazz.

    What’s your take?

    Many thanks in advance for your reply,

    Tom

  12. #12
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Phoenix Jazz Mandolin string choices

    They are definitely not too heavy.
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

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