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Post by domfor on Jun 4, 2020 17:12:04 GMT
Hi, I have an old Fylde octavius bouzouki and I'm trying to work out what the best gauge strings would be for it?
I've had the John Pearse octave set on for a while now (http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=382891510650&category=182172&pm=1&ds=0&t=1591102982000&ver=0) which sound very nice, but I think may be a bit too heavy on the low strings. Can be quite hard to finger more delicate notes and lines.
Can anyone suggest an alternative, or ideally if they have a Fylde and tune it in octaves what do they use? I keep the instrument in an ADAD tuning for a nice modal drone.
Many thanks,
Dominic
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 4, 2020 22:20:43 GMT
I used to have one  I often used the JP octave sets too, though I had the octaves on the "wrong side" as I preferred it that way when playing tunes with lots of downstrokes. I found the gauges fine for me and didn't really use much else until I tuned it four frets down with much heavier strings on. Why? Because with a capo at fret 4 it gave noraml pitch but made a scale length more suitable (ie easier!) for playing tunes. Liked the idea a lot and so had an octave mandolin made for me (by davewhite)with the same scale length as the Fylde with capo at 4. Fab! Still get cravings for the longer zingier string length esp for strummage and mild excursions into fills and tunes though. None of which is really of much help with your question is it domfor? Maybe buy some single strings in different gauges and experiment? Keith |
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Post by domfor on Jun 5, 2020 7:31:26 GMT
Hi Keith, Interesting to read about you dropping the tuning and using a capo. I also find that shorter scales tend to make a pleasing difference, both playing-wise and sonically. Presumably you had to alter the nut to accommodate the heavier strings? Yes, I could maybe opt for a heavier gauge on the high strings and slightly lighter gauge on the low strings - that would probably make a difference. If you wouldn't mind can you share a picture of the octave mandolin that you mention? Just curious to see how it compares. No worries if it's a pain to do though  Dom |
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 5, 2020 8:54:19 GMT
domfor - Hi Dom, I can do better than that, in fact this may well be too much information! - acousticsoundboard.co.uk/thread/1011/defaoite-octave-mandolin-video-addedThe heavier strings on the Fylde weren't too much of a problem - a bit of "easing" for some of the "nut" slots was required, but nothing drastic. Keith EDIT: Soz! I'd forgotten that issues with Dave's website have wiped out the build pics, but if you skip to p7 and on you'll find some of my pics, albeit with Photobucket scawling all over them, and a vid. More vids on my Youtube channel (link in my signature below). Here are some songs and tunes so you can hear it in various styles - app.box.com/s/ijwj3477zr0jn21e6so268ilvejyx8x2
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Post by domfor on Jun 5, 2020 9:24:41 GMT
Fantastic - thank you! Sounds lovely.
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garynava
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My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jun 6, 2020 15:53:32 GMT
Clifford Essex do a good range of strings for 'zouks- they sell via their ebay shop.
Cheers Gary
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Post by domfor on Jun 8, 2020 13:23:44 GMT
Thanks Gary, will check them out
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Jo whoever he is.
