While I was using my Kai Tonjes mandolin, I used Newtone ball-end strings. I was sold several sets by a music shop owner in Glasgow, so I never had to worry about breaking strings.
My new mandolin - a Rigel - uses loop-ends, and I find myself looking for strings. I'm going to be trying a few different makes out before settling, so I'm absolutely happy with my choice. I'd like to ask others here what kind of strings you use, and where do you get them?
Nigel
I have bought loop end Newtone strings online from Icon publicationsLtd in Kelso. I have also used Martin loop end strings and they have a nice feel.
All the best for the new year and 'Lang may your lum reek'
Duncan
How critical is the guage both in terms of sound produced and also stress on the mandolin (I presume the thicker the string the more tension it generates)? Also, what do folks think of Elixir strings? Only some web posts suggest that they last 4x longer than other makes, but may not sound as good.
Many thanks, Eric.
I've just changed strings - having tired of what came with the instrument a year earlier. Have now fitted "Pyramid" strngs (ball end) which are German and from SchneiderMusik (obtainable via website). I chose silver-plated strings, and I find the sound terrific on the G and D strings. (Why bother playing on the A and E?). The E strings are OK, but the A strings (while better than the old ones) are not great on the lower frets (They sweeten up from the D fret upwards.) This is a peculiarity of my instrument and maybe there's not much that can be done; but maybe I could change just the A strings and see if - eventually - something acceptable appears
Does anyone else have this problem - and does using a different make of A string make any difference?
(By the way, the Forum has "Threads" and "Posts" for our offerings. Probably that can't be altered; but it would be nice to change "Threads" to "Strings"!
I've recently put Elixir mediums on as a change from D'Darrio. They don't seem as bright when new as cheaper strings do, but they do say they last. Mind you they still sound and look as good as they did when I first put them on.
Can't say the same for my other mandolin. I put D'Darrios on at the the same time and I'm already thinking of changing them again - and they've not been played as much as the Elixirs.
PS folks - a great site for strings is
Stringmail based in Biggar. I've had brilliant service from them and their prices are pretty competitive. (Wish I could claim commission!)
Thanks for the Elixir info; fits in with what I thought. Also thanks for the string site - I wasn't aware of that and have bookmarked it.
Have a great Hogmanay. Eric.
Hello all
I recently acquired a set of light (?) D'addario flat-tops for my Freshwater mandolin and they sound pretty good. Bonus is that the G, D and A strings are wound and will, hopefully, last longer although they aren't true flat wound strings (as Thomastik-Ingfeld strings are).
My mandola runs with D'addario medium phosphor bronze, largely because that's what Scayles has...
Regards
Gareth
It depends on which mandolin I guess.
I use elixirs on my Moon which last well and sound bright for a lot longer.
I also have a Suzuki bowlback which is set up with Thomastik which are flatwound and give a mellower sound more suited to this style of mandolin.
I have decided to try D'Addario strings for a while, to see how I get on. I see this as an opportunity to try different makes, and then form an opinion, as I've never really done that before. I used Newtones before because that's what came with my Tonjes mandolin; I've no idea what was on my Rigel, so I'm starting from scratch.
I ordered D'Addario from Biggar yesterday late morning and they arrived by post this morning!
Plan to fit A strings only to begin with - and see what that produces. I see their thicker guage than the Pyramid ones just recently fitted