Thanks for the Tip

[GRW3]

They're just so many good ideas in the Cafe. The latest for which I am thankful was the suggestion to use a capo to hold the string in place while restringing so you don't have to worry about that loop slipping off. Thank you very much for this suggestion. I didn't take much effort but it sure eased the process. It did save the time resetting (and resetting) the loop on the peg. I have the simple hook Eastman tailpieces so I can only imagine how much stress this would relieve with the more complex designs.

This is just the latest of many good ideas but it made me want to express my gratitude in general. Thank you everybody who posts a good idea.

[pickloser]

Hi George,
I had an Eastman, and I got that same tip from Mike E. Sure did save me lots of time and trouble. I still had a hard time getting the string loops around the pegs on the mando's tailpiece. I found that if I got some dental floss and threaded it thru the string loop, I could control the string loop by keeping it taut (with the capo holding the string) and using the floss to slip the string loop onto the tailpiece peg. You might try that.

But apart from the specifics any particular kind of question, I too find this group to be outstandingly helpful. My progress on the mando would certainly be proceeding much more slowly without it.

So thanks to the Cafe from me too.

[GRW3]

Pickloser,

Sounds like you're trying to feed the string from the bridge side of the tailpiece. I just feed the sting in from the bottom and the loop goes right over the peg. I do use a small pair of pliers to slightly presqueeze the loop so it will fit correctly.

[James P]

I'm still using Steve's tip of very slightly pre-bending the loop up so it catches the ramp and then flipping it over to help it stay on the post. I think he also mentioned doing two strings at a time, which is a trick I still use.

Too much good stuff to keep track of here.

[pickloser]

No George, I don't feed the strings backward. I put the string thru the tailpiece, over the bridge and up to peghead. If you use the floss, if the string happens to feed thru accidentally, you can pull it back. Using the dental floss means I no longer have to shape or bend the loop end of the string. I just use the floss to guide the loop onto the tailpiece loop holder thingy and string tension puts it into the right shape. Works great on an Orrico tail piece too. Before, I was having to use pliers to narrow the loop and then a pencil to shape the end of the string loop such that it grabbed the tailpiece peg more easily. I still found myself shredding thumbnails trying to push the loop into place. With the floss, I just pull downwards when the loop is positioned over the peg. I then remove the floss and wind that string on. Give it a try. Won't cost much, and you'll immediately see the advantages.

[desaljs]

There are a lot of good tips floating aroung the Cafe. I learn something with every visit.

And....I am proud to say that changing strings on my mandolin in no longer something I fear.

So, thanks to all from me too!

[GRW3]

OK I'm back with a another big THANK YOU! This time for the suggestion to use a flat bladed screw driver to release tension on the bridge adjustment screw to adjust the action. I just changed from light to medium strings on the 515 and the action was perceptively higher and I wanted to get it down. I really wanted to avoid the loosen-adjust-tighten-repeat approach so I tried the screw driver. Worked like a charm! It took about a minute to do both sides and that includes getting the screwdriver.

Thanks again for the hints...

[Newman Ray]

This forum is so helpful! Thanks to everyone for all of the advice on everything from action, to recording, to instructional DVDs. I feel very blessed to have found this site!

[Jason Kessler]

Another vote for the capo-while-restringing idea as the greatest thing since sliced bread, and another thanks to the Cafe for this and so many other great ideas.