tarazedgirl - Posted - 10/18/2015:  17:39:36

Hello from northwest Arkansas! In an adventure to reclaim some things in my life now that kids are nearly grown, I knew I wanted to pick up a stringed instrument. I've opted to begin with the mandolin. Will pursue slow medieval ballads, Celtic, and blues, over time. Complete newb and will take any and all advice. Picked up a secondhand beginner instrument and will take it off to get new strings this week. Would love recs on what type of strings may be good for a beginners mind and tender fingertips. 

Texasbanjo - Posted - 10/19/2015:  04:51:55

I use medium strings on mine.  If you have sore fingers, you're probably trying to press down too hard on the frets.  Try to get your fingers as close to the fret as possible so you don't have to push down so hard. 

Might I recommend you find a teacher and take lessons.  If you've never played a stringed instrument before, lessons will definitely get you started correctly and keep you from being so frustrated and befuddled (from one who was there at one time).

Good luck, have fun, enjoy!

TI_USER - Posted - 11/08/2015:  07:52:04

Sore fingers are pretty normal for a beginner on mandolin.  The string tension is very and takes a bit of getting used to and building the calluses on your fingertips.  It will get better.  There are a couple of things to consider, though.  What kind of mandolin are u you using and how is the setup.  What I mean by that is many beginner mandolins that are in the inexpensive category come to the stores as they left the factory and are usually in need of adjustments, which ranges from setting the bridge height and nut height to get the strings as low as possible to the frets so you don't have to push the strings as hard to get a clean note.  If you can find a good mandolin repair person to check it out, a good setup can make all the difference in how easy the mandolin is to play.  Lots of beginners quit because their mandolin was never setup properly and it was just too hard to play.  It might cost $50 or $75 to have it done, but it is well worth it.  Another thing to consider is using flatwound strings.  Flatwound strings use a flat steel ribbon for the windings instead of the round bronze windings.  They are significantly easier on the fingers and, in my opinion, they sound much sweeter as well.  They would be especially good for the music you intend to play.  I have been using flatwound strings for nearly twenty years and would never consider anything else.  Not everyone likes them, but they are worth a try.  They also have much less string tension, which is part of the reason why they feel so much better to the fingers.

Here is a link to where you can buy a set.  They are a little bit more expensive then bronze strings, but they will last an eternity in comparison.  I usually keep mine on for more that a year with regular playing.

juststrings.com/dad-fw74.html

phiddlepicker - Posted - 11/27/2015:  05:34:56

Welcome. Your fingers will be sore no matter what, but that will pass.

I use heavies (on guitar and fiddle as well), because I like the sound and feel. Your mileage may vary.