View Full Version : Stew-Mac Campfire Kit Question
I built a SM Campfire mando kit a couple years ago. The intonation has been eating my lunch ever since. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me anything about the scale length and the exact measurement of where the bridge should be. I have it close but I'm still off a bit. I also need to take down the bridge a bit and maybe alter the nut some. I've got a good bit of work to do on the set-up and want to make sure the bridge is right.
Thanks for any help from those in-the-know.
~o)
toddjoles
Apr-12-2010, 10:28pm
My first build was a campfire and the neckangle, bridge height, intonation thing was an issue for me too. The higher the action the more the strings stretch out of tune when you fret causing intonation problems. First take the bottom of the bridge down and fit it to the top. On mine, I had very little left of the feet when finished. Next adjust your nut. Once that's done take and loosen all but 1 outside E string and 1 outside G string. Now use the tuner to set the E string by checking the open string and the octave at the 12th fret and moving that side of the bridge until its perfect then do the G string the same way. If that doesn't do it, you may have to make a custom bridge. I'm pretty sure you can find details on how to do this type of set up work at frets.com in the mandolin section. You can do it Caleb!
Todd, thanks for the tips. I'll try that. Nice job on your campfire mandolin, by the way!