converting this sweet Tomo from Uke to Mando... what strings?

[vwfye]

Just switched out the strings for some .09 super slinkies... This thing is just a blast to play and I get tons of questions about it after every service.
If you are wanting a quality 4 string electric, the Tomo is worth the $450 shipped! I know the scale is too long to be a mandolin and too short to be a tenor guitar, but it still tunes to GDAE and the intonation is easy to set up.
I'm running through my Univox U45b and a super fuzz pedal on most of the songs and it is great.

[vwfye]

Once my green LP emando arrives, I'm thinking of setting this Strat up as a short scale octave. My question to the experts is, "What gauge strings should I use with a 17" scale to get down and octave and have a decent sound?"

[mandroid]

Deja Vu... Didn't this whole thing get sorted on page 1?

so I repeat 17" scale is right for a Mandola tuning C,G,D,A. Ie Viola Pitch.

[vwfye]

I didn't go with the octave before, as I really didn't want to go that route at the time. Now that I have another one coming, I'm noodling with the octave idea. I am not wanting to do mandola tuning. So, I guess I can stick wiht the same strings and see if they will keep a reasonable tone and octave down...

[Alyx Hanson]

Have you thought about emailing Martin at Emando.com for advice on this? I've not worked with him, but have heard only good things. (Alternatively, I know folks have used D'Addario J76 or FT76 strings on the Eastwood Airline Mandola to get octave tuning, and that has an 18" scale...)

[vwfye]

THank you for the reference!

[vwfye]

I've been playing both Tomos for quite some time now and my strings have worked well. The .09 E string was the way to go.

[buchrob]

Roll your own since this is not an off-the-shelf item.

http://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_string.htm

Calculator: punch in the scale length, the desired tension and target note and it will give you the equivalent string gauge. From the photo you posted, it looks like there's no truss rod adjustment, so I would go on the lighter side for strings.

To establish your scale length, measure from where the string exits the nut towards to first fret to the end of the 12th fret (the double-dotted one) and multiply by 2.

The calculator will give you the correct math BUT if you are too far out of bounds, the instrument will not be what you expect. For example, try stringing a mandolin as a bass guitar and the strings end up being over 1/8 thick, but the caluclator will warn you if strings are not commercially available.

[vwfye]

Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for the link!

I've got strings sorted, not a question... again: If a string is just sharp at the octave, do I lengthen the string or shorten it at the bridge? Thanks!

[vwfye]

I am going to try a 13 for my next E string to see if I get a bit more action from it.

[vwfye]

I messed with the pickup distance to strings yesterday... They are now only 1/8" away instead of the 1/4" that they came set up at and WOW!!! Me likeymuymucho!!!!!