Tenor Tuning/String Gauge Question

[29er]

So I love my Eastman octave mandolin and have been toying with the idea of getting a tenor guitar and basically use it as a 4 string octave mandolin. So, I need some advise on both a decent entry level (under 1k) tenor guitar and what string gauge I should use for a good octo mando playing result. TIA!

[29er]

Forgot to include that I'll still be using the GDAE tuning with the tenor guitar.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by 29er

...I need some advice on both a decent entry level (under 1K) tenor guitar and what string gauge I should use for a good octo mando playing result...

In order:

• Here's a few that should fill the bill - BTW there's a local player who has the BR-60 and BR-70 (both of which she keeps in CGDA), and I can vouch for their construction and tone :
  https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldt...truments/tg-18
  https://maurysmusic.com/inc/sdetail/...r_guitar/89209
  https://maurysmusic.com/inc/sdetail/..._guitar/100171
  https://maurysmusic.com/inc/sdetail/..._guitar/103170
• Start with 12 - 18p - 28w - 44w for a balanced low-tension (~83 lb. on a 23" scale) GDAE set, and work up/down from there...

[29er]

Thank you, Steve! You are a fountain of knowledge and assistance. Looking forward to heading into the tenor realm at some point.

[neilca]

For a cheap electric tenor I suggest

https://www.ebay.com/itm/31417415187...e64a%7Ciid%3A1

I have one and like it a lot. I keep it tuned CGDA. I like the sound better than GDAE.