Trouble keeping new mandolin in tune

[Fred_Murtz]

I picked up a Breedlove Quartz OF Custom a couple weeks ago. #I love this instrument, however, I'm having a problem keeping the A and E strings in tune. #I can't get through a tune without one of the pairs being out of tune. #The mandolin has Schaller nickel machines so I would think they could hold the tuning longer than one song.

The strings on the mandolin are the ones that were on it when I bought it - I think they are coated strings - seem to have a lot of life left in them. #I'll probably switch to phospher bronze when these wear out.

Any suggestions?

[steadypluckinaway]

You might slap some new strings on that puppy. If you don't know how long they have been on the instrument, you might as well. Plus it is a great bonding experience with the new mando. Just don't do it early in the morning before coffee time, as you may and probably will get frustrated.:p

[John Flynn]

Pardon me if already know this, but you should tune the strings up to pitch, never down. If the string is flat, tune up. If sharp, tune it flat and then up. The strings will hold tune better.

Also, after you have tuned all the strings, go back and re-check and re-tune all the strings, following the same procedure. A major change in a couple of strings will cause the others to go out. Eventually, it will balance out and you will not have to tune as much. Ironically, the more you tune, the less you need to tune.

This is true of all stringed instruments, but it is exacerbated with the mandolin because of its high pitch. The wavelenths of the notes on high-pitched instruments are so short that any slight change in tension makes a big difference.

[mad dawg]

How strings are attached to the tuning pegs can influence whether or not they slip (especially lighter non-wound strings like your A & E strings). Check out the tutorial at frets.com (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Mandolin/MandoString/mandostring1.html) on changing strings; I find fastening the strings to the tuning peg in this manner holds them in place quite nicely.

[chris]

If the string going out of tune, is going sharp on you, it may be the string is binding in the nut slot. I had this happen to me.

[grsnovi]

Fred,

Are your strings on the post correctly? If there are a million wraps up there, as the string tightens into the wraps it will go flat. Is that what is happening?

I always try to get three full wraps NEVER over themselves.

[mikeomando]

It is also possible that the tuners need to be tightened with a screwdriver. Gently. If the strings keep going flat on you this is a possibility. I agree that the first thing you should do is put new strings on.

[Fred_Murtz]

Thanks everyone!

I put a new set of strings on yesterday and it is holding the tuning nicely.

Happy picking!