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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Correct strings and tunings for an 8 string Banjo Mandolin


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/378941

paulbav - Posted - 11/07/2021:  02:55:58


I have strung this now with mandolin strings but fear this is wrong as the wound strings seem too thick
Can somebody advise which strings to use and also..
Should this be set up and tuned as a mandolin banjo or ukulele?
Whats the tuning of each of the (8) strings?



 

R Buck - Posted - 11/07/2021:  05:13:15


I like 4 strings to keep the noise down. Perhaps some lighter mandolin strings would be best.
N250 SETS - PURE NICKEL MANDOLIN - Pure Nickel, Med Light
10 1/2-39 L10 1/2 (2) L16 (2) LN25 (2) LN39 (2)

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 11/07/2021:  11:09:18


I would use lighter gauge strings than suggested above. AQ banjo-mandolin responds differently than a regular mandolin, and needs lighter strings. GHS makes two sets specifically for banjo-mandolins. .008, .010, .018 wound, and .024 wound (two of each string) the other set is the same except for a low string pair at .026 wound.



Lighter strings also help take some stress off a banjo-mandolin's neck, which tends to be weak.



Tuning for these instruments would be the same as a regular mandolin: GG,CC,AA,EE.


Edited by - G Edward Porgie on 11/07/2021 11:11:27

paulbav - Posted - 11/07/2021:  11:15:12


Thanks guys

JohnTN - Posted - 11/07/2021:  11:38:05


Pretty sure regular mandolin tuning is G-D-A-E, in pairs of course.

Dan Gellert - Posted - 11/07/2021:  20:36:18


I agree with George. A mando-banjo needs strings MUCH lighter than those you'd put on any modern (carved-top) mandolin.

paulbav - Posted - 11/08/2021:  02:22:41


@GEdwardPorgie
I can't find these strings online- do you have the product name and number perhaps?

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 11/08/2021:  05:18:47


quote:

Originally posted by paulbav

@GEdwardPorgie

I can't find these strings online- do you have the product name and number perhaps?




These sets are listed in my Elderly Instruments catalog as CMB GHS phosphor Bronze x-light, and CMBS GHS stainless steel.



I'll admit my catalog is several years old, and they may no longer be listed. However, it's really the gauges that are important, not the maker. Elderly (and some others--I believe JustStrings is one) sell individual strings, so these gauges can still be ordered.


Edited by - G Edward Porgie on 11/08/2021 05:19:27

WVDreamin - Posted - 11/08/2021:  07:47:40


Definitely tuned GDAE.

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 11/08/2021:  09:27:10


Just noticed I said tuning was GCAE. I must have been tired when I typed "C" instead of the correct "D."



Sorry about that.

paulbav - Posted - 11/08/2021:  09:50:03


No problem George
Thanks

paulbav - Posted - 11/10/2021:  01:26:47


A quick Thank you to you all. I got the instrument back to working order thanks to you guys and actually managed a few tunes.
It was the young guy in the photos 60th yesterday and we showed him the picture of him with his Dad back in the day then surprised him with the banjo mando to keep in the family. He was over the moon.


uncleburninluv - Posted - 12/09/2021:  19:26:57


Here's a light set from Ebay ebay.com.au/itm/294434630303?s...749.l2649

uncleburninluv - Posted - 12/09/2021:  19:30:07


Oh..and easy way to remember tuning is upside down last 4 strings on guitar, i.e G, D, A,  E


Edited by - uncleburninluv on 12/09/2021 19:30:27

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