Why are most electric mandolins only 4-strings?
Why are most electric mandolins only 4-strings?
Because then you can bend strings, use a wider variety of pedals for electric guitars.
I have an 8 string electric and while I enjoy it, it's not that much different than my acoustic mandolin with a pickup. Less feedback prone, somewhat different tone ... but I am looking for a 4 or 5 stringer to open up all those pedals.
Personally, I'm also aiming at a longer than mandolin scale length - when I've heard what are often called `baritone' electrics at 17-18" I really like the lower range and the tone a lot.
Yes, I could just get a 6 string electric guitar, but as I adore 5ths tuning I'm looking to stay with the mandolin family tuning, chord forms, and scale patterns. Do you browse emando.com? They seem to have a nice range of electric mando family instruments - looking there regularly has opened my mind to longer scale lengths and has me debating pickups.
Collings MT2
Breedlove OF
Ellie eMando
Schmergl Devastator
Solid, to foil feedback.
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Summit Artist V mandolin #384 (2011)
R.L. Givens A5 mandolin #151 (1978)
Jerman electric mandolin 4 string
Pisgah custom banjo #888 (2017)
Martin 000-18 guitar #218946 (1967)
parlor guitar, ice cream cone heel, unlabeled
Sebastien Kloz fiddle (1734, authenticated)
Sorry about the double uploads. I don’t know what I’m doing.
Summit Artist V mandolin #384 (2011)
R.L. Givens A5 mandolin #151 (1978)
Jerman electric mandolin 4 string
Pisgah custom banjo #888 (2017)
Martin 000-18 guitar #218946 (1967)
parlor guitar, ice cream cone heel, unlabeled
Sebastien Kloz fiddle (1734, authenticated)
The double string course on an acoustic mandolin is (or perhaps 'was' now because the state of the art of lutherie is much improved in 125 years) necessary to create enough power to hear the mandolin above other instruments.
When you use electricity to amplify the mandolin, the doubled course isn't necessary. That, and I think Fender decided a four string bridge was easier to bring to market than an 8 string bridge.
And really, if you're going to go with 4 strings, you should add a fifth for the sake of the additional range.
Daniel
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