Mandolin: scale length around 330mm (classical) - 350mm (bluegrass)

   Tuning:  Accepted tuning for mandolins is the same as violins, GDAE from low to high, with unison strings, that is, with pairs of strings in the same octave. 

• fourth (lowest tone) course: G2 (196.00 Hz)
• third course: D3 (293.66 Hz)
• second course: A3 (440.00 Hz; A above middle C)
• first (highest tone) course: E4 (659.25 Hz)

Other tunings exist, including "cross-tunings" in which the usually doubled string-runs are tuned to discrete pitches. This is often used in the "cross-picking" style of playing. Additionally, guitarists may sometimes tune a mandolin to mimic a portion of the intervals on a standard guitar tuning to achieve familiar fretting patterns.... apparently.

Older instruments need lighter strings, as they tend to be built very lightly, particularly the old bowl-backs. D'Addario provides the best information on tension, but if you are interested in calculating string tensions, then a variety of online calculators will be found on the links page.

There is also some discussion about whether or not the second string should be wound or not. This is the string that seems to present most problems with intonation. The down-side of a wound second though, is that the core is very thin, and breakages tend to be more frequent. Also, not many manufacturers produce these.

String Manufacturer:

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

GHS A 240 Ultra Light

Phosphor Bronze, loop end

009"

013"

020"

032"

GHS A 250 Light

Phosphor Bronze, loop end

010"

015"

024"

036"

GHS A 270 Medium 

Phosphor Bronze, loop end

011"

016"

026"

040"

Ernie Ball 2065 

Earthwood Bronze

010"

014"

024"

036"

Ernie Ball 2067 Light

Earthwood Bronze

090"

013"

022"

030"

D'Addario light

D'Addario medium

D'Addario heavy bluegrass set

Note: these D'Addario tensions do not specify for what scale length they are appropriate. For a short scale length, e.g. Neapolitan, the tension will be much higher than that stated and dangerous for the instrument!!