View Full Version : Intonation off
I bought my mandolin a few months ago. The intonation was fine before with the factory strings. I just put some light nanoweb elixirs on it and the notes at the 12th fret of every string are a bit sharp. Any ideas?
Herzen
May-25-2009, 6:59pm
Did you take all the strings off when you changes them? The bridge may have moved a little. If you're sharp at the 12th fret the bridge (I think...) needs to be moved back toward the tailpiece.
Jim Broyles
May-25-2009, 7:01pm
Yes, you have to move the bridge toward the tailpiece a little bit. You don't say what kind of mandolin it is, but changing string gauges always requires re-intonating a mandolin. Look here. (http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/MandolinBridges.htm) Scroll down to "Intonation."
It's an A style with a thumbscrew bridge. How do I move the bridge? It seems pretty much in place.
OldSausage
May-25-2009, 7:09pm
It's an A style with a thumbscrew bridge. How do I move the bridge? It seems pretty much in place.
It should move easily when the strings are loosened. If you remove the strings, it should fall off.
It should move easily when the strings are loosened. If you remove the strings, it should fall off.
I see. I didn't realize it moves. I was changing them two at a time.
jim_n_virginia
May-25-2009, 7:40pm
To get the intonation right move the bridge until the open string and the same string fretted at the 12th fret is the same on a electronic tuner.
Also make sure the bridge it standing up straight.
good luck
:mandosmiley:
Gerard Dick
May-25-2009, 7:55pm
If it's sharp at the 12th you have to move the bridge toward the tail piece to lengthen the working part of the strings. NOT MUCH. Put some masking tape on the body next to the bridge on the fingerboard side so you can see how far you've moved it.
Already got it fixed. Thanks guys.
Also..these elixirs are so nice. It feels like a new instrument.