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Thread: Strings with no loop & no ball

  1. #1

    Default Strings with no loop & no ball

    Hello, I made the mistake of buying some strings with no loop and no ball, for a mandolin requiring loops.

    I could take the loss I guess, but I would like to find a way to install the strings anyway since they are silver plated nylon strings.

    Yes, I did search youtube, not sure what I saw for classical guitars would work on a mandolin, but I guess I have that option to try and see if it fails.

    Any tips appreciated.

  2. #2
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    Silver plated nylon strings? Never heard of that for mandolin. But if that's what you wanted ...

    Are these guitar strings? And if so, are they long enough to serve as a pair of mandolin strings? That is, to go from one tuning post, around one of the string hooks in the tailpiece, and then back up to the other tuning post in that course? Not an optimal solution, but still one.

    Other wise, perhaps someone with knot-tying experience - a sailor or fly fisher - could advise you on how to tie a knot with a loop that will stay stable under tension.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

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  3. #3

    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    Quote Originally Posted by journeybear View Post
    Silver plated nylon strings? Never heard of that for mandolin. But if that's what you wanted ...
    Are these guitar strings?
    On a 10 string mandolin, the C course is usually guitar strings, I just wanted something less harsh sounding this time around, didn't know about the lack of loop or ball.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    You could tie a bowline, it would give you a loop that won't slip.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  5. #5

    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    These strings are for classical guitars. This video shows a good demonstration of how to do it.


    No reason why you couldn't tie them on to the hooks for a mandolin tailpiece, and just leave the tailpiece cover off.

    Probably won't work well or sound great, but that's a different discussion about tension, pitch, core construction, and scale length. If you want to get into that, we can help you estimate strings specs that will accomplish what you're after.

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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    So these loops aren't even knots; they're held in place by tension. Live and learn!

    Of course, without a block, this won't work on a mandolin. You'll need to tie a knot with a loop.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  8. #7
    Pataphysician Joe Bartl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    In January of this year I had this issue with strings for a Vinaccia. You can see that thread here. In short, I've learned to tie tidy and tiny bowline knots. Good luck!

    Joe

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    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    The technique for classical is similar to a clove hitch. The bind on the string/rope keeps is from slipping. The more tension the more pressure to keep it from slipping.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  10. #9
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    Aquilla has strings you Tie on .. I made a knot ignoring that the tail piece is called 'No Knot'..
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  11. #10

    Default Re: Strings with no loop & no ball

    Thanks for all the answers, I guess I have to learn a bit of knitting . . .

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