New prototype JM string in the pipeline, and we've recently had the chance to test them in the JazzMando lab. The JM10B will be a ball-end string, same construction as the loop JM-11, so they will accommodate a wide variety of electric mandolins and acoustic/electric that require the ball for anchoring to the tailpiece (or bridge in the case of the Ovation).

So far, the strings performed magnificently on the Epiphone Mandobird; you can click the link below to view a video demo. Because the strings feature a silk wrapping on the headstock end of the string to lock into place more effectively, we're still zeroing in on length for maximum playing area for a wider selection of instruments. (The initial D string prototypes were too short to fit our electric Jonathan Mann model) With some tweaks, we hope to see these ready for market in march. Pricing will be similar to the JM11.

Specs: 10, 14, 24w, 35, polished flatwound steel, packaged and sealed in Labella's exclusive "Tarnish Proof Technology," available in 8-string. (4-string players get two sets in the same package!)

View video: Mandobird demo.

Posted by Ted at February 17, 2008 5:58 AM