krkansas
May-16-2009, 2:22pm
howdy
just scooped the A style mando i've been after for years...been pounding on an old Washburn (80's Jethro model) for years so she'll have to rest for a while...anyways, a couple questions;
-the thread about strings is interesting regarding bowing the top in, i normally use medium guage so i put some fresh ones on and noticed the top pushes in ~ a couple mm. Is this too much ?
-also the floating bridge was un-installed when i received the mando in the mail, any tips on re-setting that back in (for proper inntonation etc) I've went to a couple web sites but you guys sound pretty knowlegable, so i'd appreciate any tips
thanks
krk
Bob DeVellis
May-16-2009, 6:33pm
Wouldn't be a bad idea to have a mandolin-savvy instrument tech look it over to be sure there are no hidden issues (like loose braces). A deflection of 2 mm doesn't sound too bad, but best to check. For bridge placement, you might start by looking on the top for a scar where the bridge was originally. If that doesn't work, measure the distance from the nut to the 12 fret and place the bridge an equal distance beyond the 12th fret. Either of these methods will just get you in the ballpark. Next, you should tune the instrument up (assuming you're confident that there are no structural issues) and, for each string, pluck it while barely touching the string just above the 12th fret; then push the string down to the 12th fret and pluck it again. The two notes should be the same (or very close). If the fretted note (string pushed all the way down to touch the 12th fret) is sharper than the other, move the bridge a little toward the tailpiece. If the fretted note is lower, move the bridge toward the fingerboard. Moving it will necessitate loosening the strings, repositioning the bridge, retuning, and checking the two pitches. You'll have to do this for all strings and find the position that's the best compromise.
Frankly, I'd go to a tech, have the innards checked as I recommended earlier, and have the tech position the bridge for you. An experienced tech will do it faster and more accurately than you probably can. Also, if there are any other issues (like a bad neck angle), they can alert you. It's worth what it will cost.
krkansas
May-16-2009, 8:44pm
thanks man
good to know i've been thinking along the same lines..
i knew the techniques but never had practised them...well now i have and still believe that your advice re the tech dude is the best...
i've got a couple guys (luthiers/tehcno cats) who'll look after me and me mando...
my wife just paid for my ol' washburn so i guess it won't be lonely after all...
sentimental value i reckon...
later
krk