nofrets - Posted - 01/03/2011:  16:49:22

Hi All,

Just starting to pickup my mandolin more these days. I have a starter Kentucky model, and since it's a Chinese instrument, do you suggest changing the strings right away? If the answer is yes, then what strings do you recommend?

Thanks in advance,
Larry

mandoteacher - Posted - 01/03/2011:  18:20:37

I'd say no. But if you want to, I recommend D'Addario strings. You should probably put lights on your Kentucky.

Muscle Tone - Posted - 01/03/2011:  18:32:20

I agree with mandoteacher. But again if you want to put strings on it put light strings. I honestly recommend Martin Phospor Bronze strings. I put those on my new Johnson MA-100, and it really helped open up the sound.

hisgracecase - Posted - 01/03/2011:  19:47:51

Actually I usually replace any new instrument's
strings as soon as I can. Try the Martin bluegrass
mando strings. Pretty good sound and playability
for the price. Keep pickin'

dmiller - Posted - 01/03/2011:  21:23:33

The local store here had some John Pearse strings (in a medium gauge - - which I prefer), so I gave them a try.
It's a good string with both volume and tone to it. I've stuck with John Pearse, ever since.

MitchellB - Posted - 01/04/2011:  05:42:53

I've been a GHS string fan for many years, but most name brand strings today are pretty good quality choices. I think the most verity in playability and tone will come from gauge and material composition selection.

fairportmando - Posted - 01/04/2011:  07:13:18

I would recommend D'Addario J74. I use them on all three of my mandolins and think they bring out the best tone I can achieve on that particular instrument.

PD Kirby - Posted - 02/06/2011:  03:09:14

"I would recommend D'Addario J74"

+1

Mandolin Ant - Posted - 02/07/2011:  10:09:46

quote:

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Originally posted by PD Kirby

"I would recommend D'Addario J74"

+1

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