Martin M Unlike many other stringed instruments, mandolins have eight strings in pairs of two. Mandolin strings are tuned like the violin, whose four strings are tuned to G-D-A-E. The only difference is that two strings on the mandolin are tuned the same as each string on the violin.
In composition, mandolin strings are nearly identical to acoustic guitar strings. Because the mandolin was a more specialized instrument, however, there used to be far fewer choices when it came to picking the best mandolin strings.
Luckily, many string manufacturers have enthusiastically embraced the mandolin market today, and a wealth of options are available to mandolinists everywhere. Lighter strings vibrate more quickly, exert less tension on the instrument, and have a brighter, more vibrant tone. If you have an older mandolin with no truss rod in the neck, you may also want to consider lighter strings, since they will put less pressure on the neck and could prevent serious damage to the instrument.
Medium gauge strings are the most popular variety, with a balance between a bright tone quality, strong playability, sustain, and volume. The heavier strings are, though, the harder it is to press them down against the frets and the more they will hurt your fingers. The payoff is a louder volume and better sustain, as well as a deeper, richer tone, if that suits your playing style.
The metal used in making mandolin strings is the most significant determining factor in their tone quality. The most popular alloy, or combination of metals, is phosphor bronze, a combination of copper, tin, and phosphorus that results in a bright timbre that has a long lifespan.
Standard bronze strings may result in a brighter timbre than phosphor bronze, but their lifespan suffers. Other metals like stainless steel, nickel, and copper have a darker tone as well as a richer bass sound. Nickel plated steel strings have a brighter tone than even bronze, making them a good choice if you play electric mandolin.
Just like stainless steel kitchenware, stainless steel strings have the advantage of being resistant to oxidization. For players whose fingers sweat a lot, this can make a big difference in increasing the lifespan of the strings.
With recent advances in technology, many mandolin string manufacturers have experimented with ways to extend the lifespan of their strings. The result is coated strings, in which a polymer coating is applied to the wound strings those that are most susceptible to corrosion. All wound mandolin strings share a core that will either be round or hexagonal. Some strings known as flatwound strings, however, are wrapped in a special kind of wire that results in a comparatively smooth and flat surface around the outside of the string.
Apr, pm 7. Re: Strings for a beginner A good set-up is first and foremost what will help your fingers. Whatever strings you use concentrate on noting just enough to seat the string on the fret.
You don't want to get into a habit of pressing harder on the string than is needed. Light strings may be easier if you play softer, but as said in other posts if you try to play very loud they will have to be higher so it's probably a wash. Three important things to make a mandolin play easy set-up, set-up, and set-up.
Apr, am 8. Re: Strings for a beginner The cheaper the mandolin, the worse the setup usually is. More beginners are thwarted by poor action than anything. Apr, am 9. Re: Strings for a beginner I'll just join the dogpile and say that you need a setup, first and foremost. And I agree that using light gauge strings to start off is not going to do much for you.
The mandolin is going to require building calluses, there's no getting around it. Going through the painful process of toughening those fingertips is just part of learning to play the mandolin, and trying to take the easy route can have negative consequences down the road. As you are building your calluses, you are also learning how to control finger movements and pressure. This will, over time, get locked in to your playing style.
If you're starting off with light strings, it will require readjustment later when you decide to move up to medium strings, and your playing will suffer for a while as you adjust. Plus, your fingertips will have to go through a second stage of toughening. Why not just learn from the get-go on the strings you will end up using later on? Light strings are not really going to save you from pain during the learning process anyway.
Apr, am Elixir is one of the best manufacturers of guitar, mandolins, and banjo strings out there so choosing one of their models will definitely be a step in the right direction. This set features NANOWEB coating which protects your strings and makes them more durable but at the same time, you do not get that textured feel like you get with a lot of other coated strings. This coating protects not only the outer surface of the string but also the inner core from any damage, dust, and sweat or anything that might come along your pass, increasing the lifespan of the strings.
This set also stays in tune longer than other models. You are a beginner with a minimum wage job at your college cafeteria that makes food of dubious quality, all you want to do is relax at the end of the day and practice a little on your mandolin.
Well, taking into account that the aforementioned job of yours is minimum wage and you have paid a buck or hundred on your college textbooks and mandolin, you do not want to spend a single more penny on anything. Alas, your strings broke so now you have to start looking for a new set.
Look no further because GHS has got you covered. This model is a great option for beginners not only because of that but also because they are cheap. Apart from that, if you are a newbie who wants mellower tones AND wants something at a good price that will last you awhile, you have stumbled on a gold mine. If you are a beginner looking for something affordable I would say Ernie Ball is always a way to go. These strings offer darker tone so they would be great for bluegrass music.
One main issue with this set of string would be that the loops come off a little too easily. Martin, being one of the most famous and best manufacturers of guitars, is not a disappointment when it comes to strings. Their M Mandolin Strings is great for beginners as well as experienced players. They are one of the cheapest options out there that also offers durability and good tone.
One issue with these strings is that they do not have coating so it might not last you as long as strings with coating but, to be honest, that is the case with any uncoated string sets.
You might be able to find strings that are of higher quality and last you longer but those will cost you probably three or four times more than this model. In the current market that always sells the best this and the best that, it is easy to follow the basic guides or lists and believe that something that is great for a lot of people will be great for you. I hope that some of the points that I have made here or the list of strings with their specifications will be of some use to you but in no way am I saying that this is the ultimate guide or you will definitely find something amazing only by looking at those factors.
Before clicking on the below resources, an important disclosure. Thomastik Infeld Mandolin Strings. These strings are flat wound on chrome steel and highly polished except the plain e-string of the Mandolin set, which is made of tin plated silver steel.
They have a steel core made of special alloy with high elasticity and durability. Read our privacy policy for more info. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. My name is Clarence from Australia.
I have just finished restoring a beautiful Juan Alvarez mandolin. I noticed that the tailpiece has larger loop end attachments than what is usually available. Can you suggest any larger loop end style of mandolin string light gauge manufacturer? Have you tried them? Also, I would love to see your restored mandolin. If you like, you can try theMandolinTuner forum, a new feature of the web site, and post some images there.
You can access the forum from the right top corner and you need to signup first, but this is simple. All the best. I recently purchased my first stringed instrument — a mandolin. Unfortunately the osteoarthritis in joints of my fingers has decreased my range of motion. I am unable to bend my middle and ring fingers to play on fingertips and fingers touch next string over.
I also bought a tenor ukelele, hoping to have better luck with my finger disability. This is just a hobby for myself and could deal with decreased sound from single string. My mandolin is both acoustic and electric. I would appreciate any suggestions. Hi Bethany, I am sorry to read about your osteoarthritis but I am also very happy to read that this issue has not stopped you from doing what you love!
Your story reminded me of Django Reinhardt, and his disability after a burn accident, that left him able to play only with his left index and middle fingers. Perhaps you can try something similar? Other than that, perhaps you should go for a pure electric mandolin, as these have lower action? Yes, add me to your mailing list.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Mandolin Strings: a complete guide. View Larger Image. This article covers the above, explaining the following subjects in below paragraphs: Strings thickness, gauge and tension Strings wrap materials Strings core materials Strings construction Strings maintenance cleaning Strings replacement when and how to change them.
Mandolin strings thickness or gauge and tension. How to select which construction to use? Mandolin strings materials.
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