Topic: Mandolin octave strings

[uncle bud]

Just FYI, I've added a tag for "octave strings" to this and a couple other threads. See tags at the bottom of the page.

edit: and merged two octave string threads.

[frailer24]

Thanks a ton, UB!

[mr mando]

I think we discussed octave strings in the "Grind So Fine" thread.

Just found the thread on the lyrics board: http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5133.msg39751#msg39751

[frailer24]

And a big thank you, Mr. Mando.

[iantonionni]

I believe Yank strung it like a twelve string with the thin string on the bass side of the course, but after about a year of that set up, I switched them as an experiment so that my pick hits the fat string first on a down stroke, which I prefer the timbre and feel of for some reason.

Didn't Yank Rachell play with upstrokes? This would mean he also hit the fat string first.

[Lastfirstface]

I have also read that Yank Played with upstrokes,  which is part of why I switched mine to suit my downstroke playing (mirroring his setup). My previous rambling post doesn't really get that across, but that was what I was going for.

[pete12string]

I'd like to try the octave string thing on my mandolin.  I've been using Light, 10-38 gauge.  What would be good octave gauges for the .038 and the .024?

Thanks,
Pete

[frankie]

just go a little heavier than what's being used for the 1st and 2nd courses. if the 1st course is a .010, use .011 or .012 as the octave on the 3rd course. if .015 is being used on the 2nd course, use a .016 or .017 as the octave on the 4th course.

no rules - go with whatever feels and sounds best and stays in tune (kind of).

[blues reveler]

What kind of strings would you use for octave stringing a mandolin banjo?

[frankie]

I'd use the same guidelines as for regular mandolins - whatever works for the A and E courses, just a little heavier.