Emando string spacing

[Matt Hutchinson]

Hi all

Just got a quick question. Is the spacing on most 4 string emandos the same as for the 8 string equivalents? I guess what I mean is, could I buy an 8 string and take 4 strings off if I wanted and still have a playable instrument?

Cheers
Matt

[thistle3585]

Yes, but the slots for the nut and bridge will be off center.

[Matt Hutchinson]

Cheers Andrew, OK so with a new nut & bridge I'd be good to go? I've seen a dirt cheap electric 8 string & wondered about converting it as an inexpensive way of dipping a toe into the emando water & seeing how I get on - don't really want an 8 string

[Cliff D]

There was a mandobird IV in Macari's for about £150.00 - I do not know if it was the only one in stock, or if it is still there, though.....

[Tosh Marshall]

Matt, you might like it with eight strings! I guess you want to bend a few notes! I will get a Shippey Electric in the future but at the moment I'm having trouble taming the beast !!!!!! May be worth your while taking a trip to Macari's to check out that Mandobird.....at least you should be able to try it.....

[Jim Bevan]

I bought a Mandobird when they first came out. The string spacing is like a guitar's (they've since changed this feature), and it's pretty much impossible to play chords on it.

(I never play it, and I should probably just change the strings to D G B E and give it to a 10-year old kid as a starter electric guitar.)

[hotclub]

I've got several mandos that I've converted to 4 string simply by taking half the strings off. Not only are strings 2 sets for the price of one, but you can get amazing fret life by wearing them (the frets) out in one set of nut slots and then wearing them out in the other set of slots, THEN, if you have a nut file, file a slot BETWEEN the existing slots and go again. Which slots you use in the bridge hardly matters.

[Matt Hutchinson]

Thanks for all the info guys. Tosh - if I did buy an 8 string I'd definitely try it that way before taking the others off (never know do you!). Basically I don't really have a budget for an electric but thought I might give it a go if I can get something cheap that I can sell on if I decide it's not for me/get the bug & want something better further down the line

Matt

[Tosh Marshall]

I know what you are saying Matt, there is no point in buying something decent if it's not going to work out. I do like the idea of effects though, such as wah wah and flangers and octavers! That's just the 70's rocker in me!!!! I would go down to Macari's and try one out. You don't have to buy it, but you will get some idea from handling it as to whether it is the right step to take. Next time I'm down the West End I'll take a look myself......but I'm not buying one!!!!!! Famous last words......but no, I have enough to deal with right now....