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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings (11-40)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your mandolin with the D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings (11-40). A staple in the world of mandolin strings, these have become the go-to choice for both professionals and enthusiasts looking for a well-balanced combination of tone and playability. With a legacy endorsed by mandolin legends like David Grisman and Ricky Skaggs, the EJ74 strings promise a warm and bright phosphor bronze tone that projects effortlessly across any stage or jam session.

These strings feature a loopend construction, ensuring a universal fit across various mandolin models, so you can easily string up and get back to playing. The medium gauge (11-40) provides the perfect blend of tension, offering a comfortable playability while maintaining a robust sound that cuts through any mix. Crafted in the USA, D'Addario ensures each set of strings upholds their long-standing tradition of quality and performance, backed by over 300 years of string-making expertise.

Whether you're strumming rhythm or picking out intricate melodies, the EJ74 strings deliver consistent, reliable performance, making them an indispensable part of your musical toolkit.

Key Features:

  • Medium Gauge: .011/.011, .015/.015, .026/.026, .040/.040
  • Phosphor Bronze material for warm, bright tone
  • Loopend construction for universal fit
  • Trusted by industry professionals for natural acoustic tone
  • Made in the U.S.A. ensuring high quality
  • Environmentally friendly, corrosion-resistant packaging

Product specs

Number of Strings 8
String Material Steel
Gauges .011/.011, .015/.015, .026/.026, .040/.040
Winding Material Phosphor Bronze
End Type Loop

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings?

D'Addario EJ74 strings are known for their warm, bright, and balanced tone. The phosphor bronze winding contributes to a rich harmonic content and long-lasting sustain, making them ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

Are D'Addario EJ74 strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, D'Addario EJ74 strings are suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Their medium gauge provides a good balance between playability and tone, offering enough tension for clear projection while still being comfortable for finger placement.

How do D'Addario EJ74 strings compare to light gauge mandolin strings?

D'Addario EJ74 medium gauge strings have a slightly higher tension than light gauge strings, providing a fuller sound with more volume and sustain. This can be beneficial for players seeking a robust tone, though they may require more finger strength and precision.

How often should I change D'Addario EJ74 mandolin strings?

The frequency of changing strings depends on your playing style and frequency. Generally, it's recommended to change them every 1-3 months for regular players to maintain optimal tone and playability, though signs like dullness or difficulty staying in tune can indicate it's time for a change.

Do D'Addario EJ74 strings have a loop end, and why is this important?

Yes, D'Addario EJ74 strings have a loop end, which is important for compatibility with traditional mandolin tailpieces. Loop ends provide a secure fit and stable tuning, essential for consistent performance.

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D'addario Mandolin String Shootout!

Video thumbnail for D'addario Mandolin String Shootout! by Ralph Carr mandolin

D'addario Mandolin String Shootout!

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Ralph Carr mandolin

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings (11-40).

Use cases and applications

  • Thick strings like D'Addario EJ74 are recommended for inexpensive, all-laminated mandolins to achieve a heavier, ringing tone.

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  • Armrests are highlighted for enhancing comfort during long gigs and improving right-hand technique by relaxing the player's arm.

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  • For Irish traditional music, the choice of pick (e.g., 1mm Wegan) significantly affects tone and volume more than string selection.

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Features and functionality

  • The Tone-Gard accessory, though expensive at around $90, is considered by some users to increase mandolin volume when attached.

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  • Dunlop Primetone 1.5 Large Triangle picks are recommended for mandolins due to their stiffer design, which suits mandolin playing styles better than guitar picks.

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  • The D'Addario NS Micro tuner is favored for its compact design and convenience, allowing it to remain clipped to the mandolin headstock permanently.

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  • Some players prefer the feel of D'Addario XS strings for their smooth, coated surface, which offers a 'slidy' playing experience.

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User experience

  • Some players find mandolin capos unnecessary and often a subject of ridicule among other mandolinists, suggesting their utility is limited.

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  • Beginners transitioning from violin to mandolin find D’Addario 80/20 Bronze light strings similar in diameter to violin strings, providing a familiar feel.

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  • Players with sweaty or oily hands find coated strings, like D'Addario XS, beneficial for extending string life.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Mandolin-specific string winders are smaller and closer together than guitar winders, making them difficult to source and often costly, around $40.

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  • A user suggests that properly fitting the bridge can drastically improve the sound quality of a budget mandolin.

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  • Users find that D'Addario EJ74 phosphor bronze strings may lose brightness within a week compared to longer-lasting Thomastik strings, which maintain tone for up to two months.

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  • One user found that light gauge D'Addario EJ73 strings are preferable for reduced tension and easier playability compared to medium gauge EJ74.

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Comparisons

  • D'Addario custom medium XT strings reportedly enhance tone, even on low-end mandolins, significantly improving sound quality.

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  • Users experimenting with Stringjoy Foxwoods report a punchier sound than D'Addario XS, with the former being a preferred choice for those seeking a bolder tone.

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  • Thomastik strings are praised for longevity and sustain, while D’Addario EJ74's are noted for a brighter tone, especially preferred by those who enjoy round wound bronze strings.

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Artist usage

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See how Steve Earle uses D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings (11-40)

Steve Earle

Singer, Guitarist

Steve Earle and Sheryl Crow

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Verified via Daddario

Per D'Addario website Steve Earle uses these mandolin strings.

See how David Grisman uses D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings (11-40)

David Grisman

Composer

Old & In the Way

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

"I helped design that set around 40 years ago, and they still work the best for me." David said when he's asked about his D’Addario’s EJ74 set.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings (11-40), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Neumann KM 84
Neumann KM 84 Condenser Microphones
1

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