I set up my KM-150S...

[Phantoj]

I decided to do a bit of setup work on my new KM-150S acqusition. I had received it with action that was just a tad on the high side, even with the bridge lowered all the way.

So I:

1. Took off the bridge.
2. Ground the tops of the bridge adjusting screws (not the thumbwheels!) so that the saddle part of the bridge could be adjusted down all the way.
3. Sanded the underside of the saddle so that it could be lowered farther. Sanded also in the area where the saddle sets on the thumbwheels to make it sit lower.
4. Cleaned the instrument throughly. Ran Micromesh down the frets to brighten 'em.
5. Re-installed the bridge, checking intonation. (I used the slide show at http://www.folkofthewood.com to help get the intonation right).
6. Tightened the truss rod (about 1/8-1/4 turn or so on the 5mm (I think) allen head under the truss rod cover).

Now my action is nice and low and I play in tune all the way up and down the neck.

This thing is starting to seem like a real musical instrument!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Phantoj]

P.S. I tightened the truss rod because the neck seemed to have a bit too much relief (forward bow)...

[Phantoj]

P.P.S. - I also did the little "sand the bridge feet to mate up with the top perfectly" trick by sticking a piece of sandpaper on the top and moving the bridge back-and-forth on it.

[ShaneJ]

A good set up and bridge fitting makes a world of difference, even on entry level mandos. Now, if you (& I) can figure out how to get the scroll add-on done....

[Wando]

I have a KM140 for backup - I had the nut lowered as well and man, it plays as good as anything out there. Best mando-per-dollar deal around!