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Thread: Question about scale lengths and tuning...

  1. #1
    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Question Question about scale lengths and tuning...

    Howdy folks!

    I'm interested in the idea of designing a 5 string electric octave mandolin which would be tuned either GDAEB or a step lower to FCGDA. I have a Paul Hathway octave mandolin tuned GDAE, and it has a 19" scale length.

    I have two questions for the cognoscenti among us...
    - Can I reasonably expect to get to B with a .009 or a .008 diameter string on a 19" scale length?
    - Assuming I can't catch B on the high end, but I can catch A, can I then reasonably expect to get down to F on a 19" scale length?

    Thanks!
    Daniel

  2. #2
    Registered User Mike Buesseler's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about scale lengths and tuning...

    Aren’t you overlooking CGDAE?

  3. #3
    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about scale lengths and tuning...

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Buesseler View Post
    Aren’t you overlooking CGDAE?
    Would that be a 5-string Mando-cello?

    Maybe that terminology falls apart with 5 string/course instruments
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

  4. #4

    Default Re: Question about scale lengths and tuning...

    On an electric, no physical low frequency issues, just enough m/l to stave off buzz.

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  6. #5

    Default Re: Question about scale lengths and tuning...

    Hi, Daniel -

    Yes, that B is definitely feasible at a 19" scale. My Apollonio mandola has a 19.5" scale, and it's tuned to DAEB. The B string is a .011.

    Pete

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  8. #6
    Mandol'Aisne Daniel Nestlerode's Avatar
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    Default Re: Question about scale lengths and tuning...

    Thanks guys. That's helpful. I'll probably be having a chat with my friend Etienne van Hove soon to discuss pricing and design issues.

    Mike, not overlooking CGDAE at all. I have an Arrow G5 5 string hollow body electric with 15" scale length in that tuning. I also have a Weber Alder #2 mandola with a 17" scale length tuned CGDA.


    Thanks again!
    Daniel

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