Taishokoto using guitar strings

Ever wondered if you can use guitar strings on a taishokoto? Yes, yes you can. I did, and so should you. Free your mind and overthrow the oppressor or something like that.

[@EnjoyTaishokoto]

I think your attempt is interesting. In Japan, some taishokoto players use mandolin strings.

[@zecchouband]

Fantastic! Thanks for that information. I'm sure that can prove very useful. I may have to give it a try myself!

[@bleepmusic]

After I had a look at the bridge I came down to the comment section to ask if he had tried just that. Thanks!

[@fouellet1701]

Mandolin strings are usually with loop ends! Bonus.

[@fouellet1701]

If you do not have loop-end strings you can remove the little balls from the guitar strings to make them like a loop end. Or, with the plain strings, cut the end, then make a loop. For a G tuning you can use mandolin E strings for the G4, mandolin D string for the G3, for the G2 you will need something like .028 and you can find them in sets for instruments like the Irish bouzouki. You can also order individual strings from many online shops. I use loop-end strings around .009 or .010 for the G4, 0.20 (wound) for G3, and .028 for the C3 bass. That is what my Suzuki came with.

[@MichaelA-pi4nm]

Post is much appreciated. Recently acquired one and needed to know about changing strings. Learned a lot here. Should be able to use banjo strings because they mostly have loop-ends.

[@ItsDoctorAmatic]

Had that question about regular guitar strings in my mind for a long time - thanks for clearing that up! Thankfully many of the Taishokotos I had had additional new string sets in their case, so that should keep me away from going alternative ways at least for a while.

[@ChristineGries]

I am an avid mountain dulcimer player and have just purchased an acoustic and electric Taishokoto because I fell in love after seeing them. Anyway, it appears I could probably use dulcimer strings which are typically Double melody strings: .012 Middle string: .014. Bass string: .024 (typically the mountain dulcimer is tuned DAD) dulcimer stings come with loops on the ends

[@zecchouband]

Glad to have a wide berth of viewpoints. Thanks for the info!

[@ChristineGries]

@@zecchouband I liked this video alot and I have a bunch of strings laying around from a dulcimer, mandolin, and guitar - yes I love instruments and tend to collect them

[@niander1071]

Thanks a million for answering my question. Great content as always

[@cuttingedge1987]

Thank you for your video !! It helped alot !!!

[@micksherlock4083]

Hi...I broke a string on my Alto. I tried (by just eyeballing) to match the gage. I found that the new string didn't have the same intonation up the neck(?) as the old ones that were still on ...do you think that might be due to it being a slightly different thickness?

[@zecchouband]

In general this will vary based on the string since there are so many string types. It can be due to the say a tinning over the steel string, or a different alloy wrapping aka bronze wrap. To clarify though, do you mean that the intonation varies across frets, or just in general?

[@Chillanderer]

Just bought one and want to know if I can use bass strings and if so what gauge? If not, what alternatives do you recommend?

[@zecchouband]

Depends on the model and condition of the tuning pegs. Older models may not hold the tension well. That said, I've used up to 50 gauge on a soprano, so you are probably fine using the smaller two strings of a bass pack. I don't want to lead you astray, so make sure to judge as you go.

[@wot_taker5818]

Hi if I want to change the bass strings. Should I use the E 6 strings or A 5 strings?

[@ciscokr]

hi, nice video, thanks for the info about the correct use also of the electric guitar strings....but which is the correct tuning about basso, tenor and soprano, (because if i understood correctly till now all the strings are G (SOL)?

[@ciscokr]

i mean: for every type of strings (basso, tenor or soprano) can i use different size of strings?

[@zecchouband]

@@ciscokr The unfortunate answer is it depends. Any taishokoto can take any string generally, but some strings will be too short for some taishokoto, or some strings will have too much tension for the tuning pegs. The strength of the pegs depends on the model you have, as does the length of string you need. These are very non standard instruments. I think the takaway should be don't if it fits, call it good, but you should be careful with thick strings on soprano and take the tuning slowly.

[@ciscokr]

​@@zecchouband really thanks for your prompt and useful reply, but i need to ask you still a couple of question if i can: A. all the strings of this instrument, by default, are all G, correct? ... B. in which octave i need to tune it? i suppose basso in lower G, tenor (1 octave up the basso), soprano (2 octave up, the basso): correct or there is some other way to do it? thanks again

[@zecchouband]

@@ciscokr that is all correct, but think of it as standard tuning for a guitar. There is no only way, just the general way. The open string is to get the 1 key to be c just like piano keys, but you could alter than for sure. As for octaves, you're correct, but I certainly don't adhere to that always.

[@sog6289]

Is it possible to put bass strings on it? I don’t have one but I think it cool idea haha

[@zecchouband]

A couple potential issues. The tuner pegs may not take the string thickness, the string thickness wouldn't hold when jammed under the 弦かけ aka the metal plate, and the metal of the keys isn't made for that stiffness, so intonation would be rough. Using a bass Taishokoto with bass guitar strings is another story.

[@wot_taker5818]

Hi i have a question can i use a regular guitar strings for taishogoto?

[@zecchouband]

Yes, there is no issue of neck strain. As long as you can pull the string under the metal bridge you will be fine. As was pointed out by another comment, you might also consider mandolin strings.