6 best mandolin strings

Mandolin strings are an essential component of the mandolin, a stringed musical instrument from the folk and world music tradition. These strings play a crucial role in producing the sound and tone of the instrument. Here's what you should know about mandolin strings:

  1. String Types: Mandolin strings come in various types, but the most common are steel and phosphor bronze. Steel strings are known for their bright and clear tone, while phosphor bronze strings produce a warmer and mellower sound.

  2. String Gauges: Mandolin strings are available in different gauges or thicknesses. Lighter gauges are easier to play and produce a brighter tone, while heavier gauges provide more volume and a fuller sound. The choice of gauge depends on the player's preference and playing style.

  3. String Configuration: Mandolins typically have eight strings, arranged in four pairs known as courses. Each course consists of two strings tuned to the same pitch. The most common tuning for mandolins is G-D-A-E, with the G string being the highest in pitch.

  4. String Materials: The materials used for mandolin strings can vary. Steel strings are often used for their durability and bright tone, while phosphor bronze strings are favored for their warm and rich sound. Some players may prefer strings made from other materials like silk and steel or nickel.

  5. Coated Strings: Coated mandolin strings have a protective layer that helps extend their lifespan and maintain their tone for a longer period. Coated strings are less prone to corrosion from sweat and finger oils.

  6. String Manufacturers: Numerous manufacturers produce mandolin strings, each offering a range of options in terms of materials, gauges, and coatings. Popular brands include D'Addario, Martin, Ernie Ball, Elixir, and more.

  7. String Maintenance: Proper maintenance of mandolin strings is essential for preserving their tone and longevity.Wiping down the strings after playing, using a string lubricant, and changing strings regularly are some common practices.

  8. String Tension: The tension of mandolin strings can affect playability and tone. Higher tension strings may be preferred for their responsiveness and volume, while lower tension strings can be gentler on the fingers.

  9. Tone and Style: The choice of mandolin strings can greatly influence the instrument's overall tone and character. Players often experiment with different string types and gauges to achieve their desired sound for specific musical styles, such as bluegrass, folk, classical, or Celtic music.

In summary, mandolin strings are a critical component of the instrument's sound and playability. The choice of string type, gauge, and material can significantly impact the tone produced by the mandolin, allowing players to tailor their sound to their musical preferences and styles.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best mandolin strings on the market
  

Elixir Strings Mandolin Strings w NANOWEB Coating, Light (.010-.034)

Based on 690 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Prolong your tone with the same premium mandolin strings that experienced players worldwide trust to keep their incredible tone longer than any other string available. Unlike other string brands, Elixir Strings coats the whole string. This protects not only the outer string surface but also the gaps between the windings where common tone-deadening gunk typically builds up in other brands’ coated and uncoated mandolin strings. Who wouldn’t love more quality playing time between the hassle and cost of string changes? Crafted to last, these mandolin strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire boast a bright, bell-like tone while the NANOWEB Coating allows a traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel. Elixir Strings: Great tone. Long life.

  • Mandolin strings constructed with 80/20 (80% copper, 20% zinc) bronze wrap wire
  • Played for a bright, bell-like tone
  • Ultra-thin NANOWEB Coating provides a traditionally textured, “uncoated” feel
  • Our patented coating technology protects against common corrosion, extending tone life longer than any other brand’s coated or uncoated strings (Elixir Strings player survey)
  • Light gauge: .010 .014 .024 .034

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a set of 4 or 8 strings
Answer: They are loops, mandolin strings have loops,guitar strings have the ball on the end.
Question: Cuantas cuerdas vienen en el set
Answer: 8 strings. You'll find four envelopes in the box, each one has two strings in it.
Question: Are these loop or ball end
Answer: It should work mine is a mid 2010 model. But you wanna double check by looking under your laptop. It tells you the model number and you just match it with a description of this battery see if it matches and if it doesn’t it should work.
Question: Are these a set of 4 or 8 strings
Answer: It worked for several days, then quit. Am returning. Will stick with "Apple" products.

Product features

Elixir Mandolin Strings
GREAT TONE THAT LASTS

Elixir Strings has the longest lasting tone compared to any string, coated or uncoated. Sounds great gig after gig. Session after session.

CORROSION RESISTANCE

With featherweight coatings and anti-rust plating, our strings are protected against tone-dampening debris and stand up to sweaty hands and humidity.

GREATER TUNING STABILITY

Players report Elixir Strings stay in tune for longer, eliminating endless tunings that keep your guitars from consistently sounding their best.

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE

Elixir Strings can withstand wildly fluctuating temperatures, and even the worst of humidity. Our strings deliver consistent performance no matter the environment.

Mandolin Strings 3 Full Sets Stainless Steel Core Bronze Wound & 1PC 3 in 1 Restringing Tool including String Winder String Cutter Pin Puller & 1PC Capo & 10PCS Picks

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Packing list: 3 full sets of mandolin strings(with 4pcs strings for each set) & 1pc 3 in 1 re-stringing tool & 1pc capo & 10pcs guitar picks



Specification of mandolin strings:

E-1st

MATERIALS: stainless steel core COLOR: silvery DIAMETER: 0.010inch (0.25mm)

A-2nd:

MATERIALS: stainless steel core COLOR: silvery DIAMETER: 0.014inch (0.36mm)

D-3rd:

MATERIALS: stainless steel core bronze wound COLOR: golden DIAMETER: 0.024inch (0.61mm)

G-4th:

MATERIALS: stainless steel core bronze wound COLOR: golden DIAMETER: 0.034inch (0.86mm)



Capo:

1. Suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin.

2.Made of aircraft-quality aluminum, with silicone pads, spring-action grip.

3.Capo tight on strings and no more fret buzz, stainless steel spring with internal memory to provide strength, it puts just enough pressure on the Instrument.

4.With silicone pads, it can protect your precious mandolin from any scratches or damage.

5.Quickly and easily releases and re-positions with one hand without disturbing tuning, the strong spring action clamps it firmly in place.

6.Dimension: 3.1 x 3.0 x 0.7in (78 x 75 x 17 mm)

7.Weight: 1.65oz（47g）



Guitar Re-stringing kit:

1. Guitar cutter & guitar winder & guitar pin puller are built in, with ergonomic and high-quality design, it makes string replacements quicker and easier, it can be used for Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin etc.

2. Materials: ABS and stainless steel, durable and comfortable.

3. Size: 4.5 x 2.0 x 0.9in(115 x5 0 x 22mm)

4. Weight:1.05oz(30g)



Guitar picks:

Thickness: 0.028in(0.7mm) Materials: ABS

Application: Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.

  • 【GREAT VALUE MANDOLIN STRINGS KIT:】Come with 3 full sets of mandolin strings(with 4pcs strings for each set) & 1pc 3 in 1 re-stringing tool including string winder, string cutter, pin puller & 1pc capo & 10pcs picks. It is a good choice for your mandolin string replacement and playing.
  • 【HIGH QUALITY STRNGS:】Mandolin strings are made of high-grade stainless steel, with bronze wound and special silver plating processing, so that the strings sound bright, crisp, with rich harmonic, they are durable for playing.
  • 【3 IN 1 GUITAR RE-STRING KIT:】Guitar cutter & guitar winder & guitar pin puller are built in, with ergonomic design and high-quality materials, it makes string replacements quicker and easier, it can be used for Guitar, Bass, Violin, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, etc.
  • 【EASILY USED CAPO:】Quickly and easily released and re-positioned with one hand without disturbing tuning, the strong spring action clamps it firmly in place, suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.
  • 【BONUS WITH 10 PCS GUITAR PICKS:】10 thick guitar picks are as a gift, the color will be sent randomly, the color of picks may be different from the picture, but the quality is same with various color, suitable for Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, etc.

User questions & answers

Question: What gauge are the strings
Answer: the strings are loop ended

Martin Guitar Mandolin Strings M465, 80/20 Bronze, Medium-Gauge Mandolin Strings

Based on 78 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Martin's Acoustic Mandolin Strings provide a dynamic response, high-quality construction, and an excellent projected tone. Made from professional-grade 80/20 bronze, these strings provide smooth consistency and superior tonal qualities. Designed to produce rich, warm bass notes and clear, bright treble tones, these medium-gauge strings provide excellent tuning stability and playability, so your mandolin can stand up to rigorous practice and performance schedules. This pack of professional-grade strings will last through long sing-alongs, late-night jam sessions, and plenty of picking. It's an ultra-reliable set of strings that you can take on tour or keep in the studio. Whether you're a beginner or professional musician, this set of mandolin strings will help you play to your potential. With these strings, you'll be able to play to your heart's content.



With this pack, you'll receive 8 medium-gauge mandolin strings designed for optimal playing performance. The E (1, 2) strings measure 0.011", the A (3, 4) strings measure 0.015", the D (5, 6) strings measure 0.026", and the G (7, 8) strings measure 0.040". This total set of mandolin strings features a tension of 186.9, making it easy to get a full-bodied tone with an ultra-dynamic feel.



Martin Guitar has been producing high-quality, musician-choice instruments and accessories since 1833. The Martin Mandolin Strings are the real deal—not an imitation. Discover your instrument's true voice with this professional-grade string pack.

  • CLEAR, BRIGHT TONE: Martin's M465 Mandolin Strings deliver a strong tone for rich, warm bass notes and clear, brilliant treble tones. Our mandolin strings offer excellent playability and consistent tone, so you can get the most out of your mandolin instrument.
  • BLUEGRASS PERSONIFIED: Designed for optimal performance, these strings will help people pick on their front porch, in their backyard, or on the stage. Add these strings to your studio or touring gear today. Whether you're a professional mandolin player or a hobby musician, this string set will help you play to your potential.
  • STRING SOUNDS: This pack of musical strings delivers long-lasting trebles and a serious punch, so you can dance across the fretboard with speed and fluidity. They make it easy to play bluegrass, folk, country, and other types of music.
  • MEDIUM-GAUGE STRING: These are high-quality acoustic mandolin strings that brighten the natural tuning of your instrument, including tenor, mid-tones, and bass. They feature a tension of 186.9.
  • MARTIN STRINGS: With Martin's Medium-Gauge Bronze Mandolin Strings, you get a total set of strings designed for performance and playability. Martin instruments and accessories remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone.

GHS Strings PF250 Bright Bronze Mandolin Strings, Medium Light (.011-.038)

GHS Strings

Based on 105 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Breathe life into an overly mellow mandolin! The unique core-to-cover ratio combines with the copper/zinc alloy helps retain the richness of bronze and add a crisp sparkle to the finish.

Introducing our brand new NitroPack singles! Each single string is sealed in a nitrogen environment, eliminating all oxygen, in a tear-resistant package. Whether you use one string or the whole set, the NitroPack guarantees straight from the factory freshness!

ABOUT GHS STRINGS

GHS Strings are manufactured in a state-of-the-art, climate controlled facility using precision equipment and only the purest of materials. When you buy GHS strings you get quality, consistency, lasting intonation and superbly harmonious sound!

GHS Strings - The String Specialists since 1964.

PF250 Set: LM11 - LM16 - MN24 - MN38

  • Model: PF250
  • Featuring NitroPack singles, guaranteed fresh from the factory!
  • Breathe life into an overly mellow mandolin!
  • 80/20 Copper-Zinc Alloy for a Bright Tone with Loop Ends
  • Medium Light Gauge: 011 - 016 - 024 - 038

User questions & answers

Question: are these strings long enough to fit an octave mandolin
Answer: No! there is no ball at the end of the strings, only a loop. Good strings Nancy Brown
Question: Is it ball end strings
Answer: I don’t know. I bought them for someone else. They came coiled in a flat envelope package

D'Addario EJ70 Phosphor Bronze Mandolin Strings, Ball End, Medium/Light, 11-38

D'Addario

Based on 168 reviews Check latest price

Product description

D'Addario EJ70 strings are designed for mandolins requiring ball end strings. Each string has a ball end instead of a loop end. The plain strings are plain steel and the wound strings are Phosphor Bronze, known for it's wam and bright acoustic tone.

From the Manufacturer

EJ70, D'Addario's mandolin set featuring ball ends rather than standard loop ends are ideal for all mandolins requiring ball ends. EJ70's contain the E and A strings from a medium gauge mandolin set with the slightly lighter D and G strings from a light gauge set. Phosphor Bronze construction provides an ideal balance of warmth, brightness and overall balanced tone.

D'Addario mandolin strings are trusted by legends like David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Ronnie McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Rhonda Vincent, Mike Marshall, Adam Steffey, and more, for their natural acoustic tone and reliable performance. They are made from the highest quality plain steel, stainless steel, nickel plated steel and phosphor bronze and are available in a wide variety of gauges.

D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known as The Players Choice with a reputation for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario's innovative packaging reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.

  • For use on all mandolins requiring ball end, rather than loop end strings
  • Light-medium gauge
  • Corrosion resistant packaging for strings that are always fresh
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • String gauges: Plain Steel .011/.011, .015,.015, Phosphor Bronze Wound .024/.024, .038/.038

User questions & answers

Question: What about the product
Answer: Yes, my mandolin is acoustic-electric and they work fine
Question: Can these be used in an electric mandolín
Answer: Yes. Anytime you buy as a set, all 8 strings are included.

D'Addario EJ62 80/20 Bronze Mandolin Strings, Light, 10-34

D'Addario

Based on 502 reviews Check latest price

Product description

EJ62 light gauge mandolin strings are wound with 80/20 Bronze for a crisp, bright tone on all 4 wound strings; perfect for recording. 80/20 Bronze, commonly referred to as brass, is the original acoustic string alloy selected by John D'Addario Sr. and John D'Angelico in the 1930s. 80/20 Bronze strings are popular for recording due to their crisp, deep and projecting tone and appeal to many traditionalists and vintage enthusiasts for their historical significance. All D'Addario acoustic strings are wound on a hexagonally shaped, high carbon steel core, resulting in long lasting, bright sounding tone with excellent intonation.

  • 80/20 Bronze mandolin strings
  • Loop end construction for universal fit
  • Bright, crisp tone
  • Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance
  • String Gauges: .010/.010, .014/.014, .024/.024, .034/.034
  • 80/20 Bronze mandolin strings^Loop end construction for universal fit^Bright, crisp tone^Made in the U.S.A. for the highest quality and performance^String Gauges: .010/.010, .014/.014, .024/.024, .034/.034

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with all eight strings
Answer: It does fit my baritone ukulele (1-9/16 nut width) but does not fit my bass ukulele (1-13/16 nut width) so be aware it may not fit all larger size ukuleles.

Product features

D'Addario EJ62 Bronze Mandolin Strings

IT is a set of light gauge 80/20 bronze strings for mandolin. 80/20 Bronze, the original acoustic alloy introduced by John D'Addario Sr. and John D'Angelico in the 1930s is a popular alloy for recording due to their crisp, deep and projecting tone and appeal to many traditionalists and vintage enthusiasts for their historical significance.

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