String tension

[cooper4205]

which strings would have less tension, medium silk-core stings (silk & steel or bronze), or light gauge phos. bronze?

also do the ghs bright bronze stings have the same tension lb.'s as the silk and steel, or are they rated higher?

[sunburst]

You got me thinking, so I googled and found this:
String tension?

It comes down to the diameter of the core with in the wound strings. You could measure, with a caliper, the core wire where it isn't wound at the ends of the strings and see what the diameters are. Bigger is tighter, of coarse.

[cooper4205]

thanks john. you might know the answer to this. would .11-.40 guage silk & steel or silk & bronze be ok for an old F2?

[mythicfish]

".11-.40 guage silk & steel or silk & bronze be ok for an old F2? "

I'm not John, but the answer is yes ... but not for a NEW F2.

[sunburst]

thanks john. you might know the answer to this. would .11-.40 guage silk & steel or silk & bronze be ok for an old F2?

That's what I have on my F4.
Most of the old Gibson oval holes are plenty strong for .011-.040 strings, but it comes down to the individual mandolin, it's condition, and whether or not it is one of the ones I've seen referred to as a 'pillow top'. Some of them were carved pretty thin and aren't as strong.