Conqueror Conversion

[Link]

I've been considering converting my Conqueror to a mandola. What would that entail? I'd probably need to have the nut slots widened... Anything else?

Also, where do you get strings for an eight-string electric mandola? Do you have to buy two sets of single strings for a five-string, excluding the E string?

[mandroid]

Not clear on what a Conqueror brand thing is, you assume a bit on that.

but you can substitute electric guitar strings ,
bought as singes.

Just need to have an Idea of what gage/diameter you want, Know the scale length?

for a short scale of a 4 string Electric mandolin I use a .049,.040. .026, .014.
but if the scale length is longer you want something different, lighter ..

Look at a Tenor banjo string set if it's a long scale .. for a model,
then get electric guitar strings in those gages ,
[ sets for tenor banjos often use nonmagnetic nickel windings ]

[John Rosett]

I think that your Conqueror has a 15" scale, right? You'll probably have to experiment with string guages for the C string to get something that will intonate well.

[igowing]

http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

I've used this to figure out appropriate tension for odd scales. Find an instrument you like the amount of string tension on, calculate it's tension according to it's scale, tuning, and string gauges. Then see what gauges you'll require for that tension with a 15" scale and mandola tuning.

It will at the very least give you a good starting point

[mrmando]

Speaking in only the most general terms, the same gauges used in an octave mandolin set should be pretty close to what you'd need for a 15" mandola set.

[seano]

I've got the same exact Conqueror, awsome instrument... I converted mine to 4 string mandola. After many different types of strings and guages, I have found the "Jazzdola" set from Jazz Mandolin works best for me. The only downside is they are loop-end, so you either have to knot them or raid an old set of guitar stings, get the "ball" out and insert the ball into the loop...

I had to have an entirely new nut and bridge installed (also had guitar frets installed)... It RAWKS!!!

myspace.com/theakashicmysteries

[mandroid]

Reasonable Gage set for Mandola , as a starting point, 48, 34, 24, wound, and a 12 for the A
GHS for their octave set uses slightly thinner 44, 32, 22,w, 12

single guitar strings , a good source, as most music stores stock a good variety of Guitar singles
often much better selection than loop end.

The ball Can be broken-up and removed if loop type is needed ..