Echo

[eelenburg]

I have the most entry level of the Mandolin (Rogue) however it has served its purpose getting me going. I am now getting an echo and that echo just seems to continue long after stopping.
How do I stop this? Setup will cost more than the instrument.
Question #2 is what would anyone suggest in the way of
a good instrument to take me up a level? Kelly? Kentucky? Used? New?
What do I watch for? Funds will keep me in the 350-500
range. Thanks

[Yellowmandolin]

The echo could be continued ringing from the strings between the bridge and tailpiece. If you put a bit of Velcro back there or get some of the little grommets that are sold in the Classifieds, that may take care of it.

[bradeinhorn]

wrapping tape around them works well too.

[MikeEdgerton]

As does winding a folded up $100.00 bill through the strings between the tailpiece and the bridge.

[MandoBen]

The leather weave works good and I like to leave it out of the e strings, especially on a cheaper mandolin where the e string is usually the weakest link.
The first time I did this I noticed right away that the strings were ringing at the headstock, so if that bothers you too, just put another piece of leather behind the nut.

[MandoBen]

my favorite damping method for the common tailpiece is a leather strip under the strings and a piece of sticky felt on the underside of the TP cover. It's like a sandwich, really holds those strings and you never have to give it another thought when changing strings and stuff.

[bradeinhorn]

the underside of that tailpiece looks like the pringles guy.

[jmcgann]

As does winding a folded up $100.00 bill through the strings between the tailpiece and the bridge.


Every time I do the $100 bill trick, it's gone at the end of the gig. Is this to do with "spirit varnish", or does the banjo player's new clothes (a lot more lately) have something to do with it? I have to take twice as many gigs to keep getting hundred dollar bills, since they only pay $50, and it's catching up with me; so please write back fast and let me know if i am on the right track. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

PS: please don't suggest using a $1 bill, because we know good tone is worth it. Besides, I'm not that kind of girl.

[MandoBen]

I think the best tone comes from jamming my VISA Platinum card behind the bridge, plus I get buyer protection and insurance
if I am not happy with my tone or someone swipes my card. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[buddyellis]

Of course, with the falling of the value of the Dollar, everyone knows a 100 Euro bill is the way to go. You guys are behind on the 'cool' stuff.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[MikeEdgerton]

please don't suggest using a $1 bill, because we know good tone is worth it. Besides, I'm not that kind of girl.
Don't cheapen yourself using lesser denomination bills. People will think you're that kind of girl.