Hi Guys, newbie here with a real stupid question...

[suandtim]

Hi Folks, I'm a couple of months into my first mandolin, a J Bovier lovely thing, and I've just come to change the strings for the first time. I managed to get the old strings off, and detached them from the silver plate at the bottom of the instrument, which I then expected to be able to lever to 90 degrees to allow me to attach the new strings at their base. This has turned out not to be the case, I think, and I don't want to force it and break it if that's not the way to do it. Apologies for the real stupid question, but can anyone help with where I attach the loops at the base of the strings in the proper way to make sure I don't make a bad mistake and break something on this wonderful instrument?

Many thanks for any assistance anyone can provide!

Cheers

Tim

[Greg H.]

The top of the tailpiece slides off. It could be stiff (using some gloves if that helps) and push it off towards the bottom. For futher information you can look at Frank Ford in here:http://www.frets.com/FRETSpages/Musician/Mandolin/MandoString/mandostring1.html

[suandtim]

The top of the tailpiece slides off. It could be stiff (using some gloves if that helps) and push it off towards the bottom. For futher information you can look at Frank Ford in here:http://www.frets.com/FRETSpages/Musician/Mandolin/MandoString/mandostring1.html

Got it! Thanks for the advice Greg, and apologies for the daft question!

Very grateful, all the best

Tim

[kristallyn]

well if that was a stupid question I thank you for having the nerve to ask it haha..you just helped me a lot because i have been thinking about that strange shiny thing on my mandolin a lot hoping to find out how to re-string before I need to do actually do it
LOL

[mandozilla]

No dumb questions asked. BTW, usually strings are changed one at a time to maintain correct bridge position and string tension. :grin:

~o) :mandosmiley:

[suandtim]

No dumb questions asked. BTW, usually strings are changed one at a time to maintain correct bridge position and string tension. :grin:

~o) :mandosmiley:

Good point, and thanks! I'm getting there.....and kristallyn, glad I helped out! I'd much rather ask questions than damage a beautiful instrument, rather I looked a fool than it got damaged by my stupidity!

Thanks for the responses folks....

Tim

[hank]

Tim that's what this place is all about. A place where new players even those considering playing a mandolin along with seasoned musicians can go and get answers to their questions, get input on new ideas and thoughts. A place to share accomplishments and revelations in our love of music and the wood and wire that manifest it. Welcome to our world. :mandosmiley:

[Hal Loflin]

Hey Guys...You might want to include specific instructions on bridge placement if he indeed took off all the strings and the bridge has moved. I would take a stab at it but when I made this mistake a couple of years ago I learned to take off two strings at a time in order to keep my bridge located in the correct place.

[D C Blood]

I take off one string of each pair. Then put on the new G, take off the second G. Put on the second new G. Put on the first new D, take off the old D, put on the second new D, and so forth. maintains even pressure on the bridge, as well as maintaining position.