Mandocello Tuning How to Tune

Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 09:56:29 -0700
Subject: low-end tunings

Hello,

Greetings Glenn,

Glad to assist:

I've been looking for a mandocello or similar instrument that can be tuned to CGDA.

These are quite fun to play...and offer a full round sound...not achieved with any other mandolin family instrument.

Unfortunately, I can't afford instruments like the Webers,

Yes, they're very expensive...we do have a Weber Tamarack #1, the least expensive Weber Mandocello, in stock now:
Tamarack #1 Mandocello $2,000.00 $1,600.00

We happen to have one of these in stock now...if interested, call James @ ...

and the only instruments I see in my general price range are the mandolas, which I presume are voiced an octave above the mandocello. On the other hand, I see bouzoukis like those made by Trinity College or Morgan Monroe that seem to have scale lengths similar to mandocellos. Is it possible to string these to CGDA instead of GDAE without a great deal of fret buzz?

Yes, these can be tuned down to the CGDA...only, you'll want to use heavier gauge strings than what it comes with...such as mandocello strings offered by D'Addario...now, because of the design of the neck, and the fact that these were not designed for mandocello playing, expect some rattling...and maybe some bridge and nut issues...considering that the strings are a heavier gauge...therefore, the Trinity College would have to be set up for this specific purpose by a luthier or a repair technician...

Are these instruments much more lightly braced than a mandocello?

Yes...most definitely...

I'm not necessarily looking for huge volume--I'd be playing in small ensembles only. Am I better off looking at other instruments such as a cittern?

Maybe...you'll have to research this yourself to determine if it's something that fits you...

Or should I just get a mandola? (I play cello and am looking for a fret scale that would feel a little more familiar than the shorter-scale mandola).

Well, the mandola is tuned CGDA...you'll only have to become accustomed to the narrow fingerboard and fret spacing...nonetheless, it will be a language most any cellist will understand. One nice benefit is the intervals require no stretch as compared to the cello.

Hope this helps, Mickey

Any advice you could give is appreciated.

Thanks! Glenn