4 or 8 strings?

[Steven]

Hey all I'm new around here. I've been playing mandolin for a few months now and i love it. I'm thinking of doing a CBM build.

My question is 4 or 8 strings? If i go with 4 strings would the CB Gitty Uke necks and tuners be OK to use with mandolin stings? Or am I better off getting a full neck and a full 8 string tuner, doing a neck through design?

I'm wanting to put either a piezo  with tone knob or single coil Delta bucker pick up with tone nob.  I have basic carpentry skills, and decent hand tools to work with so i'm not afraid of the work, ill be taking my time with the build.

So what do you all think? Abbreviated mandolin with 4 strings, or full mandolin with 8 strings? Piezo style pick up or delta bucker pick up?

[Mark Bliss]

Choice is yours of course.

Things to consider- string tension/build complexity- 4 strings would make it far easier to build.

A web search for Ukulele to mandolin conversion will take you to a bunch of info on the topic. IMO a four string mando conversion is fun and easy to play.

https://www.elderly.com/catalogsearch/result?q=ANS5&x=10&y=6