01-28-11Changed strings on Trinity College TM 275 Mandola. D'Addario J76 phos bronze - .015p, .025w .035w .052w, same strings as used on the TC325 Octave Mandolin. Tuned down 1 whole step from standard, or a minor 3rd up from the octave mandolin- Bb, F, C, G. Actually sounds better this way; less nasal and more full than in standard tuning with the John Pearce strings I was previously using. So far no problems with string tension or action; no neck adjustment needed. This tuning should allow me to play flat-key English Country Dance tunes in the same keys I use when playing them on guitar with a capo on the 3rd fret: Bb=G, F=D, C=A, etc. Can also capo at 2nd fret to play in standard mandola tuning C G D A.
