Mandolin Strings

The mandolin has felt like the secret weapon of pop music for a long time. Though you'd be right to think of it as country and folk music instrument, you may be surprised to learn that artists from Rod Stewart to Primal Scream have made use of the mandolin on some of their most popular singles. The mandolin remains a sought after instrument because of its unique and captivating sound, and with the right set of mandolin strings, you can capture that sound for your next jam or studio session. The first thing to note when purchasing mandolin strings is how many strings come in the package you're looking at. If you have an eight string mandolin, a pack of six strings will not do you much good. Having the right number of strings is crucial when you're tuning up your instrument. Once you know how many strings you need, your options become more about personal preference. There are no "good" strings or "bad" strings, just different types that produce different sounds. In the end, the strings you choose will be the ones that sound best to your ears. If you're looking for a bright sounding string, you'll want to check out something like the D'Addario J74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings, whereas if you want a heavier bass sound, you'd want to try the Elixir Medium Nanoweb Mandolin Strings. Different strings complement different styles of play, so if you're actively gigging or doing session work, it may be wise to have a few different types of strings on hand. Much like material, the gauge of your strings will also play an important role in the overall sound they produce. Lighter strings, such as the D'Addario J73 Phosphor Bronze Light Mandolin Strings, are very flexible, but heavier strings like the John Pearse 2200H Heavy Gauge Strings offer greater sustain. Finding the balance that works best for you is a must when searching for new strings. With such a wide variety of options available that you'll have no problem finding the mandolin strings that are right for you. Once you find the exact sound you're looking for, you'll be strumming away on everything from Maggie May to Copperhead Road in no time.