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Thread: String tension on an OM vs a mando

  1. #1
    Lefty, for sure acruzn's Avatar
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    Default String tension on an OM vs a mando

    just to clarify: the string tension is lower on a octave mando than on a regular mandolin, correct?
    Angel Cruz
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    Registered User foldedpath's Avatar
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    Default Re: String tension on an OM vs a mando

    No, it's about the same tension, at least it is on my OM. I use a set of .012, .022, .032, .046 strings on my 22.5" scale Weber OM. That totals roughly 178 lbs. total tension.

    D'Addario J74's, which are probably the closest thing to a standard set of mandolin strings, is 181.6 lbs. So it's in the same ballpark.

    The finger feel is very different though. With the longer scale, it's a little more stretchy in the middle of the neck. It's more like the finger feel of a guitar string. I can do things on my OM like bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs that I don't try on mandolin because the short scale (at the same tension) feels more like a cheese slicer against my fingers.

  3. #3
    Lefty, for sure acruzn's Avatar
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    Default Re: String tension on an OM vs a mando

    that is interesting; your last paragraph says it all. who would have thunk... thx.
    Angel Cruz
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    Russ Morin Resonator Ukulele, Coqui Cuatro, RiveraIntruments Cuatro, Manuel Morgado Cuatro, '09 Gypsy Octave Mandolin #110909047, '09 Redline Traveler #36, '82 Flatiron 1N #82081665, Morgan Monroe MMR-2

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    but that's just me Bertram Henze's Avatar
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    Default Re: String tension on an OM vs a mando

    Some tension calculator on the web says my OM with 21" scale length and gauges 56, 39, 26, 15 adds up to 227 lbs.

    Slicing cheese is something I still have to try with that
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