We had been without a supply of JD13 JazzDola strings for about two months, but now that's in the rearview mirror. Good supply; ready to warm up your CGDA! Thanks to the many folks who've been patiently waiting for this shipment. We had no idea how popular they've become. (You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.)

So what is the story behind these strings? They say necessity is the mother of invention, and certainly that's the scoop on the development of the JazzMando JD13 "JazzDola" mandola strings. Those who know the warm, silky sound of the Thomastik flatwound strings understand that even though the initial price tag is high, they pay for themselves many times over in longevity. Flatwound steel strings should last 4-5 times as long as phosphor bronze, so if you like the sound, price is no excuse; these are value.

A good share of you who liked the TI 164M Dola strings have encounter frustration in the length of the playing area. The signature silk wrapping that makes string changing a breeze often crosses over the nut, and we knew that going into development of the JD13. We added two inches to accommodate 95% of the 16 and 17" mandolas. Problem solved. We should also mention that wrapping prevents use on longer scale instruments (OMs & Zouks) even though the strings are long enough, the playing area of the string won't accommodate anything greater than 17" scale. (We're working on that, though...)

What else makes JazzMando Family Strings special: You already knew strings will wear from playing. Skin oils, picking, and longterm vibration cause the string to decay and lose tone over time. What you may not be aware is oxidation in the package has the same residual effect! Other brands of strings hanging on a store shelf can be purchased new, but suffer the hidden effects of months, if not years of deteriorating right in the package. Labella's proprietary four-step process, including "Tarnish Proof Technology" means your strings are delivered factory-sealed, freshness second to none. JazzMando ordering protocol takes this a step farther, ordering in smaller case quantities to assure maximum string vitality.

$59.50 for two (you always want a spare, right?), or $32.50 each. Give them a try if you haven't already.

Purchase: JD13 JazzDola strings

Posted by Ted at April 10, 2009 1:54 PM