Strings and setup

[Bill Baldridge]

If I change from J74 to75s, how will it effect the setup?

[lenf12]

I found the J-75s were tougher on my left hand, with sore fingertips and finger cramping after a bit of playing, and that's with fairly low action. I like the Flat Tops better for more comfortable playing. btw - I've been playing for a long time so I don't want to toughen up to a "manly" grip, thank you.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[onassis]

No direct experience with 74's and 75's in quite a few years, but I've been switching back and forth between Mangan mediums (BG series, 11.5 to 41) and lights (10 to 36) for the last several months, and I haven't noticed any real difference in the action. I've adjusted the bridge up and down a couple of times, but I attribute that more to seasonal changes than string gauges. One thing to look out for when going to a heavier gauge would be nut slot tightness, since it might have been originally cut with mediums in mind.

[Tom Haywood]

If I change from J74 to75s, how will it effect the setup?

It depends on the mandolin and how it is set up currently. There may be no noticeable effect. I don't know what you are playing, but I suggest the odds are very small that you will notice a setup difference with those strings. If the mandolin is at all buzzy right now in the dead of winter, then it might be more noticeable. Put them on and try it. Cut the ends off a little long in case you want to take them off and keep them for later use.

[John Adrihan]

You may experience some binding in the nut. Also the action at the nut could be a little higher if they don't fit in the slots.