Concert uke stringset in GDAE mandolin tuning

[helios suner]

Hi
I'm using a concert uke in a mandolin tuning GDAE (same range as the mandolin)
I already use GDAE Aquila 30U stringsets for sopranos, but for concert ukes, the scale is longer, and the E string should be stretched too much and breaks

So I'm looking for an E (659Hz) string for a 14,84 inch scale to match my needs

Of course, if a GDAE set for concert is available, I'll go for it, but if not, I'm looking for this particular single E string

Any suggestions from your experience welcome
Cheers

 

[Wiggy]

... E (659Hz) string for a 148,40 inch scale...

A mandolin/violin-pitched "E" (E5) is not possible on a concert scale ukulele. <edit> Keep reading..
The thinnest nylon I've been able to find and try (.016") broke long before reaching E.

 

[helios suner]

A mandolin/violin-pitched E string is not possible on a concert scale.

Well, I'm using an Aquila charango string, and it works fine, but when I want to renew this string, I have to buy a whole charango set.
I'm sure there must be a single string go to way

 

[Wiggy]

I stand corrected.

I am curious about the diameter of the charango E string because if it works, I may want to try the same on a concert uke.

I see a LaBella set that uses a .019" E. I'll have to try one! This may be the one included in:

La Bella C80 Charango Strings .019-.033 10-string​

La Bella Rectified Nylon .019, Single String

Strings By Mail La Bella Rectified Nylon .019, Single String - La Bella Classical Guitar Strings - Lute Strings - Rectified NylonLa Bella Rectified Nylon Single String .019, Single String-approximately 45 long.019 / .482 mm

www.stringsbymail.com

 

[helios suner]

Which charango set is that? I am curious about the diameter of the E string because if it works, I may want to try the same on a concert uke.

The 1CH stringset

 

[Wiggy]

Unfortunately, Aquila does not post the diameter of their strings
The only clue is "New Nylgut." I'll keep looking...

Here is where to ask about purchase of 1CH singles:

contact | Aquila Strings www.AquilaUSA.com

contact page for AquilaUSA, Inc.

www.aquilausa.com

<edit> I ordered a set (Charango Strings Selene Model 10-CH) to put on a concert. I have hope.

 

[helios suner]

Unfortunately, Aquila does not post the diameter of their strings
The only clue is "New Nylgut." I'll keep looking...

Yes, they are not very detailed on the diameter and other techs about their strings.
When purchasing the 1CH strinsget, there are 2 high e strings, so if no other option is available, it's fine to have two spare strings to obtain this high E

 

[Wiggy]

Got the Selene Model 10-C set today. (Black, unknown material -> see reply #10.)

The .019" high #1 E sounds terrific on a concert (15") scale ukulele.
It's about 1/2" shorter scale than a Charango and that's good, as it will have a little less tension. (D & A are still quite tight.)

I put the .023" .028"on as #2 A, and the .033" on as #3 D.

My experimental concert already had a Fremont Blackline low G as #4, but it is a bit floppy - that's their nature.
Soundwise, string-to-string balance is good. I'll play it for a while before I decide to change the G.

It's a joy to be able to play mandolin 5ths on something besides a soprano!
Much more room and easier for slides, yet still easy to reach chords.

helios suner: Here's a big "Thank You!"

 

[helios suner]

Got the Selene Model 10-C set today. (Flat black, unknown material.)

The .019" high #1 E sounds terrific on a concert (15") scale ukulele.
It's about 1/2" shorter than a Charango but that's good as it has a little less tension.

I put the .023" on as #2 A, and the .033" on as #3 D.

My experimental concert already had a Fremont low G as #4, but it is too floppy.
I'll fix that later with a D'addario NYL028w as I don't mind a wound Low G.

It's so nice to be able to play mandolin 5ths on something besides a soprano!

helios suner: Here's a big "Thank You!"

Fine, Wiggy !
I should have a try to the Selene 10C, but I don't see any store in Europe to order them. Where did you got them ?

 

[Wiggy]

Fine, Wiggy !
I should have a try to the Selene 10C, but I don't see any store in Europe to order them. Where did you got them ?

I found them on Amazon for $9.99 US:
Charango Strings Selene Model 10-CH (Full Set), Cuerdas para Charango (Set Completo) (Black)

The .033" feels like an Aquila "copper-infused" string. The rest are smooth like Fremont blacks.
Here's what is in the set:
E 2x .019"
A 2x .028"
E 1 ea .020" + .033"
C 2x .024"
G 2x .030"

 

[Wiggy]

Violin/mandolin GDAE, initially on a Caramel CC102A to test.

I'm liking it... string tension and tonal balance are nice.
It actually sounds very good for a budget instrument.
Playing 5ths is easier than on soprano.
The additional fret "stretch" is not noticeable. (Think: going from a bit cramped to just right.)

<edit 6 Jan, 2023>
Strings on a Caramel CC102:
E .019" Selene Charango course #1* (E) High-er tension, but it doesn't break.
A .024" Selene Charango course #2 (A)
D .033" Selene Charango course #5 (C) Tuned up to D
G .026"w D'addario NYL026 (similar sound to .028W, but a little less tension)

*Requires a seed bead with a fig-8 knot tied through to keep it in the slotted bridge.

 

[Wiggy]

<Update 20 Mar, 2023>

(The Selene Charango strings were more aggressive than I liked, so this made it a bit mellower and better balanced.)

This has been a long quest involving a lot of experimentation... but I finally made it.
The tension is lower than typical, but the notes are still clear. Just the way I like it.

On an Ohana CK-50ME; these really blend well:
E .019" Charango #1* New: From LaBella C80 set (clear nylon)
A .0191" Martin #1 (A) New: From Martin M600 set (tuned as normal ukulele A)
D .0251" Martin #2 (E) New: From Martin M600 set (detuned 1 step from E)
G .026"w D'addario New: NYL026W

*Requires a seed bead with a fig-8 knot tied through to keep it in the slotted bridge.