Intonation

[alisterhrae]

A general enquiry! Just how precise are you all when it comes to intonating your mandolins? I have found that I notice very quickly if the bridge placement is out, even by the smallest amount. I recently received a new MT2 Collings, It seemed ok at first, but as soon as I changed the strings (to the same size and brand) it was out! Had to knock the bass end away from fretboard and move the treble towards the fingerboard, It now looks 'wrong' but sonds in tune. Do I have a hearing problem? Most players I have met here in Scotland, dont seem to bother too much.

Regards.

[fiddler]

I had the same thing happen on my Rigel Gypsy Q, but without any string change. It just started sounding "off" and kept getting "harder" sounding until I realized that the intonation had drifted 'way off. After adjustment, my bridge was in the same position as yours, "wrong" end forward.

I recently put on a new set of strings (same type - TI mittels), expecting to have to adjust again. Not so, the bridge is still bass end back and the intonation is spot on.

All that said, The Rigel, while broken in for the most part, is still changing and this may have caused the shift.