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Thread: Strings for Octave Mandolin

  1. #1
    Registered User j4music's Avatar
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    Default Strings for Octave Mandolin

    I've picked up an arch top octave with a 20 1/4" scale length. It has ball end strings. The strings sound fine, but when it comes to getting new ones, I'm finding they're a bit scarce. Most are loop ends. If anyone has any suggestions for ball end octave strings, that would be much appreciated. Comments on string sizes would be welcome too.
    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    One option available is to buy single strings for acoustic guitar. These can be found in phosphor bronze and in almost every gauge you could want. I buy single strings when I need to replace just one due to breakage or age. I use 12, 22, 32, 46 on my octave mandolin (medium gauge). Most music stores sell single ball end strings.

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  4. #3
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Question Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    GHS Makes a set.. PF 285 {12/22/32/44 } 12 plain steel, rest bronze wound.. loop type.
    a dab of glue will hold the ball in place , tension , as you tune it up, will close the loop around the ball ..

    ..
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    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    I have some mando-family instruments that take ball-end strings (Sobell, Lehmann, Regal Octofone), and I buy individual guitar strings. Measure the gauges on your current strings and use those measurements as a starting point for picking up a set; see if you like the sound and feel, and experiment with different gauges on the different string courses.
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    Newtone. I’ve never used anything else on my Clark GBOM.

    Pick your end, pick your length, pick your material, pick your core, pick your gauge and they’ll put your set together for you. https://newtonestrings.com/shop/cust...-configurator/ And there’s no need to bother looking for individual strings.

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  8. #6
    Likes quaint instruments poul hansen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Ray(T) View Post
    Newtone. I’ve never used anything else on my Clark GBOM.

    Pick your end, pick your length, pick your material, pick your core, pick your gauge and they’ll put your set together for you. https://newtonestrings.com/shop/cust...-configurator/ And there’s no need to bother looking for individual strings.
    Fantastic link, thank you.
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  9. #7
    Tired & Cranky Monte Barnett's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    Go here: http://emando.com/shop/strings_zouk.htm Lots of choices, and the service is excellent. As noted on the page, the default is ball-end; you have to choose loop-end.
    Monte

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  11. #8
    Registered User j4music's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    Great link. I just ordered a set of mediums and a set of lights. $8 each, awesome. $16 shipping, not so much. No worries. We'll see how they work out. Then we'll check out the custom sets. Muchas gracias for all the responses.

  12. #9
    Registered User gspiess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    I've got the same issue with a Pono octave. Here's a link that I've had luck with: https://www.stringsbymail.com/la-bel...-44-21099.html
    Being right is overrated. Doing right is what matters.

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  13. #10

    Default Re: Strings for Octave Mandolin

    I get mine at Just Strings. Here’s my last order. (In blue)
    .048PB x2
    .032Pb x2
    .022PB x2
    .014P X2
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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