Accessories for Mandola, Octave Mandolin, Bouzouki and Mandocello

Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:54:26 -0700
Subject: Re: mandola strings for a righty convereted to a lefty Trinity
mandola

Hi, I just ordered your beginner instruction DVD and music book for the mandola but I forgot to get some strings for a beginner. I bought a new Trinity mandola but the strigs are in need of replacing. What would you reccomend for a beginner to buy for strings and a shoulder strap? Also did I order the right at home learning instructions that you provide?

Thank you very much,
Jo Ann G.

Glad to help Jo Ann,

The shoulder strap, you'll want to purchase for your mandola, would be at:
https://www.mysticwestproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=MS-A

For strings, I highly recommend the GHS Mandola ones. I do have some in stock, but they're not on my online store. Hence, if you order the A-Style Strap from me, the store automatically adds 5.00 for shipping costs - I'll then just throw in the Mandola strings for free since we'll be shipping the items together.

These attach to the end pin of your mandola and over to the strap button on the heel of the neck. If your mandola doesn't have a strap button, you can tie it onto the peghead with the included tie.

Yes, you did order the correct DVD for mandola ...

Keep in mind, when changing strings, make sure to perform this one at a time ... or the bridge will move. If the bridge moves, you'll have to have the intonation readjusted. You could always pencil in a line behind the feet of the bridge to ensure you could place it back into its exact position if necessary.

All my best,

Mickey Cochran

Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.folkofthewood.com

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

Subject: Octave Mandolin
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2004 21:59:26 -0500

Greetings Dennis,

I am considering purchasing the Johnson Octave Mandolin MA-550. I normally
play standing up.
(1) What strap would you normally use with this instrument, and how is it
attached?

You can use a semi-wide strap...or a guitar strap your choice...my suggestion would be to use a guitar strap if you play for hours at a time...we would install the strap button on the end pin upon request...this ensures that the strap lays flat against the chest...be sure to check out our strap selection for a wide variety of straps to choose from...since the MA-550 is heavier than a mandolin, I wouldn't recommend a thin mandolin strap...

(2) What strings do you recommend for this instrument?

I highly recommend the GHS Octave strings...with the wound A strings...MA-550s come with unwound A strings...of which we change out right away to ensure a much better overall tonal range. The unwound A's sound horrible...the GHS Octaves sound wonderful...I use these very same strings on my Weber Big Sky Octave...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Thanks.

Dennis Purves