Mandolin Setup

[Pen]

I change my strings less than some ppl change wives. After playing for about 3 years my strings had been changed once (when I had my mando professionally setup about a year ago I guess). So, it was overdue last night! -)

Well, my Kentucky mando has an unattached bridge and it never occured to me to keep it in place. Now - I can't get it back where it should be. Having big problems with the G string staying in tune as I play notes higher on the neck. I've been messing with it this morning and can't seem to get it right.

Is there a certain distance I should measure the bridge from the nut possibly? I'm sorta frustrated but don't want to have to take it into a shop again for something this trivial.

Thanks!

[grandmainger]

Have a look here maybe:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/8ppmandobridge/

[grsnovi]

2x the distance of the nut to the 12th fret should get you in the ballpark. From there, you could need to tweak the G side of the bridge slightly differently from the E side of the bridge. The note fretted at the 12th fret should be the same note as the 12th fret harmonic. If the fretted note is flat, you need to move the bridge slightly closer to the nut.

[Lee]

Yes, what Grsnovi said. But you'll need to loosen the strings enough to be able to adjust the bridge. Up to tension there's gonna be way too much downbearing to allow you to slide the bridge around. I usually leave one of each set of strings really loose and then check the bridge position with the remaining four strings. When you're tightening everything back up be sure the bridge doesn't start to lean towards the nut.

[Pen]

Thank you all - I can play again!

[mysticfaery]

I also have a Kentucky and I'm having an on & off again problem that is coming from the bridge- the ist sting is giving off an annoying vibratory tone that is driving me nutsthe type of sound one would get when touching a pick to a vibrating string to get that buzzy sound. the other e string in the pair is fine-just the one at the very edge of the fretboard. Suggestions?