Need help with Epi MM-50

[Nicholas]

Hello board I've been a member for some time but I hardly ever post - I just lurk http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif.

Anyway I've been playing a beater (Rover) for many months and I just can't put it down. So, I decided the mando is right for me and traded in a guitar for an Epiphone MM50. It wasn't much but I don't have much money. Anyway I'm proud to have it and I can't put it down.

Would you folks recommend some improvements I could make to this mando to help out with the sound/tone etc? I don't know much about mandos other than I'm absolutley eaten up with playing them.

Thanks!

Nicholas

[Bandersnatch Reverb]

Well, lets see. You can't put down the Rover. You can't put down the Epiphone.

I'd say for a starter to improve tone, try freeing up on hand, and devote both to the Epiphone!!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Try some different strings for a starter. You might want to check the bridge placement for intonation, but moreso, for contact with the top. If its not fit to the top as well as it ought to be, that'll kill yer tone sure as shootin'.

[Doug Edwards]

I've had an MM50 for a couple of years. I found changing to an ebony bridge and using GHS silk and bronze/steel made the best improvement. I also have a Weber universal tailpiece and wood nymph. The volume is not as loud as I would like it, but the tone did come around. The D'Adarrio FT74's also sound good with a little more volume, but I prefer the tone from the GHS. When used with the group through the sound system it really sounds nice.

[odeman]

I've had an Epi like yours for a couple of years and, like you, I can't put it down either - it almost plays itself and the ease that I could play an even tremulo surprised me. The three thinks you can do to improve the sound : 1. get the best strings you can afford 2. raise the action slightly 3. take off the pick guard

[johnwalser]

I might recommend a somewhat different tact.
1. Lower the action.
2. Put on TI strings (yeah, they are expensive, but they really are good).
3. Pick and listen to every stroke you pick and listen to it's tone.
4. Practice every gosh dorn day and really listen to what you're doing.
It's not the instrument as much as it is your playing the instrument.

[Nicholas]

Hey thanks yall.

Which ebony bridge specifically? Is it the $45 dollar one from Elderly? Could yall give me a model number for the bridge?

As far as the 'nymph' goes I looked it up to see what it does. I pretty much rest the back of my plam and wrist agains the strings behind the bridge. Do I still need the nymph?

Keep 'em comin...

EDIT: hey thanks for the extra info. I practice from the time I get home to the wife makes me quit. If I could I'd quit work and play. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mmukav]

Replace the bridge with ebony. The $45 one is fine. That's the one I got. Make sure it's fitted well to the top. Take off the pickguard. Dress the fingerboard. Very fine steel wool to the frets and board, oil it well. Make sure the tuners are lubed and that the screws aren't too tight. So they turn smoothly. If you can replace the tuners, do it. Put on good strings. Any of the ones mentioned are great. I use Gibson Bill Monroes. I don't know if I agree with raising the bridge, it would be a tiny bit louder but IMO lowering it as much as you can before buzz sets in makes these mandos play much nicer. I loved mine, but I could never coax enough low end out of it. But do those things and you'll be much happier with it.

[London Al]

Congratulations on buying an Epiphone mandolin Nicholas!
I bought my MM30 in 1991 when I didn't have much money. I still dont have much money but the mandolin keeps getting better. I think the fact its been played so much has a lot to do with all of this.
sincerely, Al