Need a recommendation for octave mandolin strings with ball ends

[Shaneh]

It is hard time these and even to know the octaves trings have the ball ends on most string sites. I would prefer PB. Also will loop end work on a pin bridge? I could see how it might but seems like it could also cause stress on the loop and have it snap.

Thanks for any pointers

[Rudy4]

Last time I bought strings for my octave I purchased the bulk phosphor bronze ball end wound strings and ball end plain strings. Since each string came in 12 packs that provided me with strings for 6 complete changes. That worked out to something like 4 dollars for each complete set of octave strings.

I used .011 plain, .022 plain, .034w, and .044w strings.

Loop ends will not work on a pin bridge.

[Shaneh]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Last time I bought strings for my octave I purchased the bulk phosphor bronze ball end wound strings and ball end plain strings. Since each string came in 12 packs that provided me with strings for 6 complete changes. That worked out to something like 4 dollars for each complete set of octave strings.

I used .011 plain, .022 plain, .034w, and .044w strings.

Loop ends will not work on a pin bridge.

What brand and where did you get them. Thanks

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Shaneh

What brand and where did you get them. Thanks

They came from Musician's Friend, although they may not still be available from them. Some of the other on line string suppliers sell in bulk, though.

Musician's Friend purchased their bulk strings from a factory but didn't specify a brand. They weren't any different than some other name brand phosphor bronse guitar strings I have used in the past.

[Mandobart]

My 21.5" octave mandolin has a cast Allen tailpiece that takes ball ends. I also use octave pairs on the G, D and A courses. I order single ball end guitar strings from Curt Mangan to make up my own sets. I find his "fusion matched" phosphor bronze strings give me the best tone, volume and sustain.

You can also try emando.com. I've been buying string sets from Martin there for quite a while.

[bkepler]

Ko’olau (Pono) used to make a set for use with their flattops but they seem to be sold out everywhere and aren’t listed on their site anymore.

https://www.elderly.com/products/pon...g-d-a-e-tuning

[Shuksan]

Here's another vote for http://emando.com/.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Shuksan

Here's another vote for http://emando.com/.

Yes, Martin has my entire "Convert A Mini-Strat To Electric Octave Mandolin" article posted on his website.

[Shuksan]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Yes, Martin has my entire "Convert A Mini-Strat To Electric Octave Mandolin" article posted on his website.

I would like to read your article, but I couldn't find it on the emando site. Do you have a link to it that you could post?

[Shaneh]

Originally Posted by bkepler

Ko’olau (Pono) used to make a set for use with their flattops but they seem to be sold out everywhere and aren’t listed on their site anymore.

https://www.elderly.com/products/pon...g-d-a-e-tuning

Yes that is actually the one I have. Pono octave rosewood

[kudama]

The pono octave strings have become the Mandolindo strings:
https://www.mandolindo.com/store/octolindo-string-set

That's the link for octave strings, they also sell sets for the mandolindo (4 string flattop mandolin)

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Shuksan

I would like to read your article, but I couldn't find it on the emando site. Do you have a link to it that you could post?

I have been asked by mods to not post any links to other forums, but I suppose it's OK to post a link for Martin's eMando website, since it's not a forum.

Mini-Strat To Electric Octave Mandolin Conversion