I measure action, which is the height of the strings off of the frets, at the twelfth fret, with the string fretted at the first fret. The top of your bridge sits on those wheels, which move up or down when you turn them, raising or lowering the action. If you were wondering what the little wheels under your bridge top do, this is it. Neck ReliefĪdjusting bridge height using thumb wheelsĪll set? Good. ![]() Strings are cheap, so experiment until you find what you like. The measured difference between the lightest and heaviest string sets seems small, but on a double course instrument with high string tension, it makes a big difference. String gauge will have a huge effect on the feel and playability of your mandolin, with lighter gauge strings being easier to fret than heavier gauge strings. The easiest way to affect the playability of your mandolin is with your strings. Keep in mind that this is not a step-by-step lesson in how to do your own setup, but should serve as an overview to help you learn how the different adjustments can make your mando play great. We’ll go through each, and have a look at how they are interrelated. ![]() A setup is a very personal thing, but no matter how you like your action, there are several important points to consider when setting up a mando: string gauge, neck relief, bridge radius, action height, intonation and string height at the nut. With double course high-tension strings, a proper mandolin setup is critical to the accuracy and enjoyment of playing. Not surprising if your mandolin is setup poorly, and most that I see are. So you've been woodshedding for weeks, trying to cop your favorite Grisman lines, and all you have to show for it is a sore left hand. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 51 or email us at you’re looking to take your mandolin game further, we sell new, used, and vintage mandolins, instructional books as well as mandolin accessories and gear. Stop By and See Us at Elderly Instruments Complete the same process for each string and you’ll successfully tune your mandolin! If your mandolin’s strings feel too loose to play or too tight to keep turning, try going in the other direction to get to your desired note. If your low string is playing an E you will want to tighten it until you get to G, and if it is playing an A, try loosening it to get down to a G. Keep in mind that the notes sit on a scale that looks like this: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and then starting at A again. Most often, turning your tuning head counterclockwise will result in a higher note, but whoever strung your mandolin may have set it otherwise. You can begin by gently turning the tuning head and then plucking the note to see if the tuner has noticed a change in either direction. Remember: the tuning head is what allows you to change the note of your string. Remember that your two low strings are G notes, so you’ll want to tune both of those to G. Now that you’re ready to tune your mandolin, you can pluck the lowest string (the one closest to you when you are holding your instrument on your lap) and see what note registers on your tuner. ![]() If you’re missing any of these parts, check out our tuning devices or contact us at and we’ll find you everything you need to start playing your mandolin. We recommend a clip-on tuning device for ease and accuracy, though smartphone app tuners may work, too. Before you start tuning, make sure your instrument has all 8 strings attached to all 8 tuning heads.
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