I have a 9-string mandola (sort of) thing sitting around that I'm not using. I was thinking of putting on a new nut and bridge to allow it to have 4
doubled courses and one single drone string. All nylon strings. I own a pretty nice Turkish oud and a cumbus, but thought this might make an
interesting toy as I can stand up and play it with a strap. It has a 20" scale, approximately. It also has a flat back (no bowl).
Any thoughts or predictions as to how this will turn out?
Sabicas - 6-25-2010 at 10:36 AM
I suppose the silence means this is a bad idea?tudorrogoz - 6-26-2010 at 10:25 AM
Hello there, I don't know if that's a bad ideea or not, you should find out anyway I've installed on my 6 string banjo nylon strings and it sounds allright, much better than with steel strings ( I wanted to get the sound of a
cumbus).
Good luck !Marina - 6-27-2010 at 12:36 AM
It is nice experiment! Brian Prunka - 6-27-2010 at 02:22 PM
I doubt it will work very well with nylon strings, mandolas are designed to resonate properly at rather higher string tensions than nylon will
provide.
That said, it is an interesting experiment, unlikely to do any harm, and you won't know unless you try it.
spyros mesogeia - 6-28-2010 at 11:59 AM
I would prefer to make it with single strings and metal strings.
I also would do it fretless....
Where did you find this mandola?I am looking for something like that....
All the best
Spyrosrojaros - 6-28-2010 at 01:35 PM
Fretted Oud???
I think the essential part of the sound production of the oud is in the fact of beeing fretless
Of course you'll get another sound with nylon strings and that might be interesting in itself ... this you should of course find out for yourself.
But I don't think you'll come anywhere near to the sound and character of the oud
I would prefer to make it with single strings and metal strings.
I also would do it fretless....
Where did you find this mandola?I am looking for something like that....
All the best
Spyros
I found it used in a music store in Austin. It's called a "Mondo Mando" by Dean and goes for about $280 new. It's meant to be tuned like a guitar
EADGBE with three courses and three single strings. The build quality isn't bad but I don't find it's tone to be that great. I don't feel like I'm
risking much by converting it. At the very least, It could be a way to practice right-hand picking technique while standing up and walking around.
It's quite comfortable with a strap. francis - 6-28-2010 at 02:19 PM
I agree with Brian about the sound you'll obtain with low tension ( nylon strings ). Mandolin, mandola, mandocello, citterns are built to resonate
under high pression of metallic strings. Braces are very strong ( often crossed under the table ) and spruce top is thick. I already tried to do the
same with a greek bouzouk , after I shorted the neck: The result wasn't absolutely bad but the sound was poor and with no sustain or projection .
However bouzouk body is more close to the oud than mandola.
It can be rich with a banjo, because it's possible to have an action on the skin....
Just my experience ....
I've installed on my 6 string banjo nylon strings and it sounds allright, much better than with steel strings ( I wanted to get the sound of a
cumbus).
