Mandolin Strings

Mandolin Instrument Strings

If you're looking for mandolin strings, you've come to the right place. We have the highest quality strings from well-respected brands such as D'Addario, Thomastik-Infeld, GHS, Dunlop, Elixir and John Pearse. With the right strings, you’ll sound better and be able to play for longer periods. We offer different materials and gauges for everything from traditional folk and Celtic music to classic rock.

Mandolin String FAQs

What Are the Mandolin Strings?

A standard mandolin has four pairs of strings tuned G-D-A-E like a violin. You can buy full sets of strings or purchase the individual strings of a mandolin if there are some you wear out faster than others. Most mandolins come standard with light-gauge strings, but you can change to medium and heavy strings if you want a warmer, more stable tone. Visit the Strings and Beyond blog for more information about mandolin strings, mandolin tuning and more.

Our D'Addario strings include their Phosphor Bronze series with loop ends in different gauges and coated 80/20 or phosphor bronze varieties that last longer. Thomastik-Infeld mandolin strings are precision flat-wound strings that produce a truer sound and make it easier to use tremolo picking or fast-fingering techniques. We also carry the Dunlop, Dean Markley and GHS brands of phosphor bronze strings. Other mandolin string types include stainless steel strings to resist oxidation, nickel-plated steel strings for electric mandolins, Monel nickel-copper strings to reduce twang and chrome steel strings for a clear tone.

The musicians at Strings and Beyond can assist anyone shopping for mandolin strings - just call us at (877) 830-0722. We have free U.S. shipping on orders over $35 including to APO and FPO addresses.

How many strings does a mandolin have?

A typical mandolin has four courses (pairs) of strings for eight total. Each string course is tuned in unison with a standard tuning of G3-D4-A4-E5. There are variations, though, including the Brescian four-string mandolin and the Lombard six-string mandolin.

How to change mandolin strings?

The basic process of replacing mandolin strings is like changing guitar strings apart from the tailpiece. Once you have loosened the old string from the tuning peg, remove the end loop from the tailpiece hook, then attach the new string and pull to keep it taut while you tighten it.

Why do mandolins have double strings?

Having string pairs makes it easier to use tremolo picking, which is when you rapidly pick a string or pair of strings. Since mandolin notes fade out faster than on guitars, double strings let you play more sustained notes and chords.

How to choose mandolin strings?

This is based on the type of sound you want and your experience level. Heavier strings produce a richer tone and more sustain. Light-gauge strings are brighter and easier to play. Round-wound strings are brighter, while flat-wound strings are warmer with less finger squeaking.

What type of strings are best for mandolin?

Phosphor bronze strings offer excellent tonal balance, while 80/20 bronze strings are brighter and last longer. Nickel-plated steel strings are good electric mandolin strings. Stainless steel and coated strings offer the most durability, while nickel-copper strings have less twang.

Can I use guitar strings on a mandolin?

If the guitar strings have a loop end like some classical guitar and gypsy guitar strings, you can. However, most steel strings have ball ends, which cannot be attached to the tailpiece hooks without great difficulty.

Mandolin Instrument Strings

If you're looking for mandolin strings, you've come to the right place. We have the highest quality strings from well-respected brands such as D'Addario, Thomastik-Infeld, GHS, Dunlop, Elixir and John Pearse. With the right strings, you’ll sound better and be able to play for longer periods. We offer different materials and gauges for everything from traditional folk and Celtic music to classic rock.

Mandolin String FAQs

What Are the Mandolin Strings?

A standard mandolin has four pairs of strings tuned G-D-A-E like a violin. You can buy full sets of strings or purchase the individual strings of a mandolin if there are some you wear out faster than others. Most mandolins come standard with light-gauge strings, but you can change to medium and heavy strings if you want a warmer, more stable tone. Visit the Strings and Beyond blog for more information about mandolin strings, mandolin tuning and more.

Our D'Addario strings include their Phosphor Bronze series with loop ends in different gauges and coated 80/20 or phosphor bronze varieties that last longer. Thomastik-Infeld mandolin strings are precision flat-wound strings that produce a truer sound and make it easier to use tremolo picking or fast-fingering techniques. We also carry the Dunlop, Dean Markley and GHS brands of phosphor bronze strings. Other mandolin string types include stainless steel strings to resist oxidation, nickel-plated steel strings for electric mandolins, Monel nickel-copper strings to reduce twang and chrome steel strings for a clear tone.

The musicians at Strings and Beyond can assist anyone shopping for mandolin strings - just call us at (877) 830-0722. We have free U.S. shipping on orders over $35 including to APO and FPO addresses.

How many strings does a mandolin have?

A typical mandolin has four courses (pairs) of strings for eight total. Each string course is tuned in unison with a standard tuning of G3-D4-A4-E5. There are variations, though, including the Brescian four-string mandolin and the Lombard six-string mandolin.

How to change mandolin strings?

The basic process of replacing mandolin strings is like changing guitar strings apart from the tailpiece. Once you have loosened the old string from the tuning peg, remove the end loop from the tailpiece hook, then attach the new string and pull to keep it taut while you tighten it.

Why do mandolins have double strings?

Having string pairs makes it easier to use tremolo picking, which is when you rapidly pick a string or pair of strings. Since mandolin notes fade out faster than on guitars, double strings let you play more sustained notes and chords.

How to choose mandolin strings?

This is based on the type of sound you want and your experience level. Heavier strings produce a richer tone and more sustain. Light-gauge strings are brighter and easier to play. Round-wound strings are brighter, while flat-wound strings are warmer with less finger squeaking.

What type of strings are best for mandolin?

Phosphor bronze strings offer excellent tonal balance, while 80/20 bronze strings are brighter and last longer. Nickel-plated steel strings are good electric mandolin strings. Stainless steel and coated strings offer the most durability, while nickel-copper strings have less twang.

Can I use guitar strings on a mandolin?

If the guitar strings have a loop end like some classical guitar and gypsy guitar strings, you can. However, most steel strings have ball ends, which cannot be attached to the tailpiece hooks without great difficulty.