maximizing tone

[drewgrass]

ok i bought a 95 blacked out gibson f5-l bruce weber signed with cream binding (looks like a les paul black beauty) it was owned by a lady and i dont think its been touched in years. its mint besides some nice looking age induced finish checking. it has crusty old strings and is in dire need of a setup but man it sounds good. i think with some tlc it could be a monster. beside a setup. im thinking of putting on a allen tailpiece(the gibson tailpeice cover is broke so i have to spend money on the tailpiece anyway) a tone guard. and maybe an armrest ( and possibly a bridge but i dont know the loar bridge is proven and has been around awhile). this thing has wood but i want more any suggestions on these upgrades. ( and i know tone comes from my hands etc.) i change between exp strings and sam bush monels all help is appreciated.

[pjlama]

Got any pics? Sounds unusual. Try a bunch of strings to see what works, I personally like J74 or 75s or Dunlop's new string. The tone guard should help as will a good tail piece. Can't say much about an arm rest as I have never tried one. If the stock bridge isn't sagging I'd leave it but if you do change go Cumberland Acoustic. Also check the nut and overall set-up, sound like a fun one, congrats!

[sunburst]

( and i know tone comes from my hands etc.)

Yep, get a good set up... and practice! :)

[JeffD]

You might try out various picks. Cheap way to affect the tone.

[allenhopkins]

I'd do it piecemeal, starting with new strings and set-up. Don't know what you paid for the F-5L, but you're contemplating significant additional $$$ for all the retrofits and add-ons. See what you've got before "improving" it to the nth degree.

[Doug Hoople]

Do each change one at a time. Strangely small changes are capable of big changes in the sound of your instrument.

So change one thing, give it time to settle and play it in really well.

Then go ahead and change the next thing.

[drewgrass]

yeah the setups first for sure. as far as picks go ive used the same pick for almost two years (but i have been without a mandolin since march my divorce ate my 2004 doyle lawson) a red bear medium pick i like the dark tone it gives and its curved to my thumb and im working on breaking in another. im with you on the one change at a time. sounds like the sensible think to do thanks to all your replys

[Denny Gies]

Listen to John Hamlett, get a good set-up done by someone who is experienced in mandolin work. You will be amazed.