Some mandolins questions from a "newbie"....

[Fstpicker]

I just purchased a great sounding used Kentucky 380S from off of this forum, and love it, although I am still adjusting to the narrow neck.

My question(s):

1) It has had a "scooped" fretboard done on it. What is this for? Why was this done and what is the advantage of having the fretboard done this way? I don't play anywhere near that far up the neck, so I am curious as to what this is for.

2) What is normal action height for a mandolin in inches? It plays pretty easy, but I am not sure whether or not the action could/should be lowered just a tad. Being a veteran acoustic guitar player, I know what height is considered "good" action on a guitar, so I'd be curious to know what the same is for a mandolin.

Thank you for your help with these questions!

Jeff Mayer

[Pete Braccio]

Hi Jeff,

1) The scooped fretboard is to cut down on pick click when playing in vicinity of the fretboard extension.

2) Action is up to your own tastes. I like mine low. Actual numbers can be found at this thread (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=36500;hl=action) and at this one (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=7;t=35363;hl=action).

Pete

[JEStanek]

Some mandolins don't have the extension (the "Florida" as it is sometimes called). Removing the material prevents you from hitting it as you pick (i.e., pick click). Many people feel the shape and look of the extension is important as it was on the Loar mandolins and feel the design is key but hitting the wood is not... Thus the scalloped extension.

Jamie

[Frank Russell]

If you want a good low-tech way to measure action, I like to adjust mine down to where a Dawg pick or Golden Gate heavy pick will stick at the 12th fret when slid under the E or G strings. If there's no fretboard issues, that height usually leaves me enough string clearance for buzz-free playing, but low enough so I don't feel like I'm playing a dobro. And ditto on the scooped extension. I've gotten where I prefer that the mandolin came without one, even though I think they look cool. Frank

[Fstpicker]

Thanks guys for all of your helpful responses!

I measured at the 12th on the G string and it is 5/64". Curiously, the E string is 6/64", which I thought was supposed to be lower than the G string. I may do some adjusting when I change my strings this weekend.

Jeff

[cooper4205]

jeff,

glad you like the mandolin, sorry about the action i got that new saddle put on and i kind of just eye-balled it to make sure it sounded O.K., you should be able to take it lower with no problem, the neck is in good shape.