Mandolin setup and tuning

[Jasper]

I have an Olympia (made by Tacoma) F-style mandolin...solid woods and sounds pretty good, but I have never had it professionally set up or adjusted.

Is it worth the money, and about how much should I pay?

Thanks,

Jasper

[earthsave]

Unless you are frustrated with the setup, playability, and/or sound, I wouldnt worry about it... but a good one goes for about $75. Also, if you decide to go from say light gauge strings to heavy gauge strings, you might find you need a setup.

[John Flynn]

My experience with setups is that they have made a significant difference, even on mandolins that seem to be playing fine. Playability is the most noticeable improvement, but for whatever reason, tone seems to improve noticably also. I recommend cultivating a long-term professional relationship with a good mando luthier. Have him look your instruments over from time to time, and if he determines that you can benefit from a set, I would have it done. The price of $75 sounds about right, exclusive of new strings, new frets or other major surgery. You can also learn to do setups yourself. It is a lot of work, although getting some experience and the right tools helps. I have had good luck doing setups meyself on my less expensive instruments, but still take my good ones to a pro.