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Thread: Extra long mandolin strings

  1. #1

    Default Extra long mandolin strings

    I have heard that some makers of mandolin strings will fit the longer scale of a mandola 16.5"
    Does anyone know which string maker are extra long?

    Thanks

    Robert VanLane

  2. #2
    Registered User Dave Weiss's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    John Pearse strings are 32".

    >>>===> Dave

  3. #3
    Horton River NWT Rob Gerety's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    Curt Mangan strings are quite long - not sure they fit a mandola but I bet they do. Might want to check. Nice strings.
    Rob G.
    Vermont

  4. #4
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    I've been using GHS PF-258.. their OM set, on my Mandola ... P-Bronze 12 22w 32w 44w ... feel .. nice and light on my H scale..
    writing about music
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  5. #5

    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    Quote Originally Posted by mandroid View Post
    I've been using GHS PF-258.. their OM set, on my Mandola ... P-Bronze 12 22w 32w 44w ... feel .. nice and light on my H scale..
    Isn't that really heavy on the 22w looks to be 13kg tension

    Thanks

    Robert VanLane

  6. #6
    Chief Moderator/Shepherd Ted Eschliman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    As a developer of mandola strings, I can tell you the problem isn't always the scale. I tried to design a set that would fit 16-17" mandolas, but the length is as much affected by the tailpiece placement. If the loops of the strings go all the way to the end of the top of the instrument, that can add 1-1/2" to 2" of string "need."



    The Labella JD13 JazzDola strings and the Thomastik 164 have silk wrappings that can also fall into the playing area. (JD13 won't work on above picture.) That can be pretty discouraging to someone who paid a pretty penny for them, only to find out the don't fit. (Especially if you start wit the plain strings first. You also have to take into account the extra length of the inside G and D courses.

    I actually like the gauging on the GHS PF285 (12 22 32 44) octave mandolin strings. Plenty of length if you prefer phosphor bronze to flatwound, and they work great on a mandola.
    Ted Eschliman

    Author, Getting Into Jazz Mandolin

  7. #7
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    a 22w has a fairly thin core wire , that is wound around to come in at .022'' total it's still D pitched,
    to go lighter.. a plain string would be the next step..

    Maybe get out the pliers on guitar strings to take out the ball, a custom set made of singles ..
    writing about music
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  8. #8
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    I've fitted D'Addario mandolin strings on a 17" scale mandola before now, and there was lots of length to spair.

    The ultimate for long strings goes to Newtone though - they use the same length stock strings for all instruments and they are really long: I can almost but not quite string up two bowlbacks from one set of strings (it's just the D strings that aren't quite long enough to string two instruments).

    John.

  9. #9
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    Individual loop end strings may all err towards length , too.

    those Pete Seeger banjo necks need rather long loop end strings
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    You could try Newtone Strings. I've played 'em for years on my guitars & like 'em on my mandos too. They make several trad-style strings in various guages.
    http://www.newtonestrings.com/traditional_page.htm

    Best

    Dave

  11. #11
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    Default Re: Extra long mandolin strings

    Originally Posted by mandroid
    I've been using GHS PF-258.. their OM set, on my Mandola ... P-Bronze 12 22w 32w 44w ... feel .. nice and light on my H scale..

    Isn't that really heavy on the 22w looks to be 13kg tension ?



    My mandola is a 17" scale and I currently use 13/23w/34w/47w.
    I can't answer your original question, but unless you can find the gauges you want, it won't be much help that the strings are made longer. If you can't find a good candidate, guitar strings are a solution. I use ball-end guitar strings, so that I have plenty of flexibility in available gauges, and break out the ball. I would use a bit lighter gauge D string, but .23 is the smallest easily available guitar string. The other guages work well for me.
    Jeff Rohrbough
    "Listen louder, play softer"

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