Help with mandolin specs

Subject: Help with mandolin specs
From: axman664
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 11:59 AM

I can't believe I made this mistake, but when I went to buy my first mandolin, I did not bring a mandolinist with me. Now I have a mandolin that I feel is not a very good one...so I need to know from mandolinists, how much space is there supposed to be between a pair of strings (that is, between the two G strings)? I think there is too much space on mine, and when I play a four-fingered chord, my pinky splits the two strings instead of depressing them. And if indeed the distance is too large, can the problem be fixed?

Subject: RE: Help with mandolin specs
From: GUEST,jonesey
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 12:05 PM

Need a little more info. What's the make, model, etc? You may get better answers @ www.mandolincafe.com.

Subject: RE: Help with mandolin specs
From: axman664
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 12:11 PM

I bought a Flatiron Cadet (don't laugh), made in Bozeman (I hear they're made somewhere in Texas now?). The strings I measured to be 1/8' apart, but a mandolin I borrowed has the strings 1/16' apart.

Subject: RE: Help with mandolin specs
From: Gypsy
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 08:59 PM

My little tongue is hanging out in envy....Flatiron is a very good make indeed. And it is no big deal to fix your problem, get a piece of micarta, and make a new nut. You will probably need to redo the bridge as well, equally easy fix. There is a formula for placement of it, which i don't recall...yell real loud, and get'spaw to give the formula. Lucky you, nice mando, just needs to be set up properly. Any luthier could do it in a flash for you, but reallly is not difficult. Have set up all 3 of my mandos myself.

Subject: RE: Help with mandolin specs
From: Anahootz
Date: 09 Apr 02 - 10:02 PM

1/8" is standard between-string spacing