mandolin question

Subject: mandolin question
From: GUEST,goodbar
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 02:16 AM

i just got my first mandolin in the mail today (cheap $130 one :) )

i noticed the bridge height isn't even. the bridge is adjustable and has thumb screws. should i just adjust them myself so they're both even? or is this something a professional should take care of? i just don't want to screw it up or something.

also, a string broke when i was first tuning it. could this have anything to do with the bridge? i think it was just 'cause i was trying to tune it an octave too high 'cause i'm a retard and don't know how loose/tight the tension should be, but i don't know.


thanks.

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: jonm
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 02:22 AM

Mandolins tune GDAE low to high, both strings tuned the same in each pair. If you have a guitar for reference, the high E is the same as the note at the twelfth fret on the high E string of the guitar.

The bridge is adjustable to let you set the action (distance between strings and frets, usually measured at the 12th fret) how you like it. People who just bash out chords tend to go for a higher action and less likelihood of string buzz; fast tune players tend to go for a low action for clean and easy fretting.

It's OK for you to adjust it, but I'd always detune all the strings a bit (say the equivalent of four frets) beforehand, then tune back up.

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: Charmion
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 10:14 AM

May I suggest that you sit down at least once with an experienced mandolin player and ask his or her advice? You could also consider acquiring that great Mel Bay classic "How To Play The Mandolin".

At least until you play well enough to change things on purpose, you should tune your mandolin just like a fiddle, with A at 440. Don't mess with the bridge at all unless you have to; you know you have to if the strings buzz and rattle, or if the action is so high you have to press very hard with your fretting hand. Again, until you know your instrument well, I suggest you get an expert to help you. Even a $130 instrument deserves careful handling.

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 10:52 AM

And even a $130 instrument should be sold in a playable condition - Didnt the vendor offer ANY kind of set up ??

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: mooman
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:04 AM

As a mandolin family player too (as well as a repairer) may I recommend the excellent advice for owners on all manner of basic instrument setup and care at:

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: mooman
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:07 AM

As per usual, the interesting bit got lost! Here goes again:

As a mandolin family player too (as well as a repairer) may I recommend the excellent advice for owners on all manner of basic instrument setup and care at:

A href="http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/pagelist.html#Musician">Frets.Com.

Of course, feel free to come back here for more advice at any time too!

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: mooman
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:08 AM

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: mooman
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:09 AM

Soryy blicky not working today (or my brain more likely!)

moo

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: mooman
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:10 AM

That's doubled my number of posts for the last month!

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: Brakn
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:32 AM

Frets.com

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: mooman
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 11:37 AM

Thanks Brakn!

moo

Subject: RE: mandolin question
From: Mooh
Date: 15 Jul 05 - 01:05 PM

How'd I miss this one? I've looked in twice today (escaping the heat).

Excellent advice above. One man's set-up is another man's let-down. Be very specific about your likes and dislikes with whoever does the work for you. If you do it yourself, take your time, use your brains, do not force anything, and be prepared to do it several times before you get it right. 1/64" doesn't sound like very much, but it can be easily felt by most players, so the string height should be tinkered with until you are satisfied.

I do a general tweaking every time I restring my own instruments, and a major overhaul/inspection about annually. For customer's instruments I usually do more than they ask because they generally don't see everything that will give them trouble later.

That I get paid for this stuff is like a schoolboy getting paid to play hooky. Frank Ford is like God to this schoolboy. Pay attention to frets.com

Peace, Mooh.