Tuning question

[Loki]

Is there a way to correct tuning that tends to go flat as you work up the neck?

Can it be corrected via different strings? or raising/lowering the bridge?

New player/Old mando

Thanks

[Jim Broyles]

Assuming that the strings are not dead, the fretted note at the 12th fret must be the same as the 12th fret harmonic. Check it with a tuner. If they are different, the mandolin will play out of tune as you go up the neck. Sharp fretted note means the bridge has to move toward the tail piece, flat, toward the tuners. You say it goes flat, which makes me think you have to move the bridge toward the tuning head a little bit.

[Capt. E]

It's called intonation. Setting the intonation is part of a good set-up. In your case, the bridge needs to be moved towards the fretboard. You have to loosen the strings to do this. It can be checked with strings tuned to a lower pitch, rather than tune it back all the way. You must set the action first; make sure the bridge is vertical, and the 1st and 4th strings are running perfectly parallel the the edges of the fingerboard, equadistant from the edges. All in all, you can do it yourself, but an experienced repair tech would be better. A good set-up shouldn't cost more than $50.

[Loki]

Hmm, thanks. Heres a newbie question....how does one know if the strings are dead? The mando is 1936, and I know the strings are more recent than that, but no idea how old. I have had the instrument for a year now, and it has never occurred to me that the strings might be old. The going flat is not extreme. I initially thought it was my finger placement. But as I get better, I think its more than that.

How often do people replace strings?

[Jim Broyles]

If the same strings have been on for at least a year, I'd change them. In non-professional use mine last me 3 months or more, but changing them much more often that that - every three weeks or so - has been recommended here on the Cafe.