A little early for a broadscale report on the new JD13 flatwound mandola strings, but so far feedback is very positive! These aren't for everybody, but if you want a string that blends well with an orchestra and oozes rich character when you play solo for your own enjoyment, these may well be what your looking for.

Our favorite aspect (besides the sound) is the comfort. These flatwound strings are far less fatiguing for most players, and to everyone's pleasure, yield significantly longer life. Pardon the shameless plug, but here are some preliminary comments:

"I've had the new Labella JazzDola JD 13's on my Rigel Comet mandola now for about a week and a half. They have gotten some serious playing including a recording session for the Dayton Mandolin Orchestra's soon to be released Christmas CD. Bottom line is that I really like them. I've tried T-I's, Salverez and D'Addario's and these are by far the best for what I want on the Rigel. They feel like the T-I's (very easy on the fingers) but are much louder. They give me a good mellow tone that blends well in the orchestra but also projects when needed. Yes, the price looks high but I expect them to last as long as the T-I's (six months, at least) and they give me the sound I want. What more could I ask?"
Dave in OH

"I put the JD13s on my used Mid Mo M14 replacing some strings of unknown origin. The JD13s really brightened it up. They sound lively and full. I also like the feel. They're very smooth and easy on the fingers. My Mid Mo has a flat rather than radiused fretboard which I find a little hard to play. The JD13s make it a lot easer to finger."
LaVonne in WI

"WOOW. What a sound. It is really dark."
Levi in NE

"I have a set of these on my Eastman Mandola, and I really like them too. If you have tried T-I's or the Labella's on your mandolins, you should like these Mandola strings! I think they really improved the sound and tone of my Eastman, they may be the only thing I put on this Mandola! I love the feel of the flatwounds, and I think they have Great volume! I'm not a jazz player, I play more singer/songwriter/folk/acoustic-grass, on my mandola, and these strings are really nice!!!!!"
Jeff in VA

This has been a rewarding project to tackle. The nights of snapping D strings (7 in less than 15 minutes!) and finally getting it right, we're just pleased as punch to finally have a winner, especially in a virtually ignored market of 'Dola enthusiasts.

Try them for yourself!

Purchase: JD13 JazzDola Strings

Posted by Ted at November 25, 2006 3:39 PM