installation of mcclung armrest

[Andrew DeMarco]

Hardly deserving of the term "installation." This thing is beautiful and seems EXTREMELY easy to affix to my Collings MT.

I just want to make sure I'm doing it right:

1. should the bottom of the armrest overlap the tailpiece (top) of the instrument?

2. Should the leather protection and felt covered cork (???) padding on the top and bottom clamps be perfectly parallel to the binding/edge of the instrument, or is it okay if they slide a little bit closer to the center of the instrument (ie closer toward the center of the top plate --> toward the bridge).

3. how tight should I tighten the armrest???

Thanks,
Andrew

[Paddydukes]

You probably have it on there by now...but as far as tightness is concerned...not too tight, but i can promise it will come off sometime during heavy playing and you will be a little less bashful to really clamp it on.

and as far over the tailpeice, mine comes close to the top edge of the tailpeice, but doesn't actually go over it... can't really go wrong with one of these! enjoy.

[mandroid]

the mounting bracket turnbuckle sleeve should determine how far it moves toward the center.

In retrospect, I would slide a bit of card-stock like a business card between the side of the
instrument , and the bracket , to keep tool end from scratching the side of the mandolin,
while you turn it, then remove the card..
over the tailpiece [if not ordered to do so] ?
consider the cover style of that tailpiece and whether locating it will interfere in your string changes.

[Andrew DeMarco]

Alright, I feel a little less hesitant to be aggressive I guess...

Thanks for the responses:)

[Doug Edwards]

Andrew,

I like them to be tight enough as to not slide around, if that helps any. The nice thing about the tool that comes with them, if it bends you may be a little tight. If you want more or less clearance of the barrels against the side of the mandolin, you can unscrew the barrels and back out or tighten the screws a turn or two from the armrest. I lke the base of the armrest to sit on the edge of the binding. I hope that helps.

[Paddydukes]

well there you have it, advice doesn't get any better than that! By the way Doug thanks for the armrest...love it

[Barbara Shultz]

I love my McClung armrest, but I do have some minor issues with the way it fits on my Collings MT2 O. I wish I were closer to Doug, so I could take it and my mando there, for some 'custom' fitting! Since the edge of my mando flares up a little (or the mando dips down a little from the edge) my armrest doesn't want to really stay put where I'd like it. I've put the cork & the felt between the armrest & the mando, but they don't stay put, either! I did cut a couple of little pieces of leather and slipped them between the mando and the barrels, as I don't want them touching, either! But, even with the 'problems', and the fact I have to adjust it periodically, I LOVE it!

Barb

[Doug Edwards]

Barbara,

You can remove the screws, protect the long threads with tubing, then put them in a vise to bend the angle of the screws. This will allow you to adjust to the curvature of the mandolin.

Sometimes the top is not level and you need to sand the bottom of the armrest to conform to the top. Just like fitting a bridge. It does not happen often, but it happens.

Call me next time you go to Austin.

I have another Amboyna Burl armrest in progress. Drop dead georgous!

[Barbara Shultz]

Doug, I'm in the Houston area now, will probably be in Austin Wed, Thurs & Friday (July 8, 9 &10). Send me a PM with your phone number...

[GRW3]

I placed my McClungs so that they center up on my arm when I am playing. A friend has one of those swoopy Weber armrest/tailpiece combos. It looks good but the 'rest' part is too small and sits in the wrong place for me.

[Andrew DeMarco]

Doug,

Thank you very very much. Advice don't get no better...

Really improves my wrist position...as I have heard from everyone else;)

Love the color.

Again, thanks!

[man dough nollij]

How do they work with a Tonegard?

[Doug Edwards]

No problem with a Tone-gard, best combination for unabated tone/volume.

[man dough nollij]

So the chinrest clamps go below the main rim of the ToneGard?

[Mike Bunting]

So the chinrest clamps go below the main rim of the ToneGard?

You gonna rest your chin on it?

[Barbara Shultz]

So the chinrest clamps go below the main rim of the ToneGard?

Yes, you put your armrest on first, then your tonegard!

[man dough nollij]

You gonna rest your chin on it?

Of course. Isn't that how everybody plays?

[Mike Bunting]

Of course. Isn't that how everybody plays?
:grin:
Especially, as in that other thead, after we got the buzz on!

[Barbara Shultz]

or, to take a cue from the regular message board...

Man Dough Nollij is
at the bottom of the world
Knows not what to do!

:grin: :grin:

[man dough nollij]

True, that. Maybe being upside-down for months has caused the blood to rush to my head...