Need help with tuning

[Al1938]

I am a beginner and bought a used mandolin and moved the bridge while putting on new strings (before I realized how critical the positioning of the bridge). I also built a mandolin kit from Stewart MacDonald and haven't been able to tune it as well. I use an electronic tuner and go thru the process and when I think I have it, it is already out of tune.

I live in Whitney, TX and need someone who knows how to place the bridge properly so I can use the instruments. I may need someone to check my stringing job as well.

Thanks Jim A

[Bill Snyder]

Here is a diagram showing how to wind the strings at the posts. They can slip if not done well.

[Paul Hostetter]

Check for friction in incorrectly cut nut slots.

[Bill Snyder]

BTW, take a look at THIS PAGE for some information on positioning the bridge.

[walt33]

Sounds like the strings might be slipping on the tuner posts.

As far as placing the bridge goes, the center of the feet should line up with the inside points of the f holes. You'll know if it's in the right place when you get an open string in tune and the note at the 12th fret is also in tune but an octave higher.

Locating the bridge can be tricky until you get the hang of it. Moving it under tension is difficult, so you might want to take the tension off all but the two outside strings until you get it located correctly. When both strings (outside E and G) are in tune as described above, the bridge is where it belongs and you can bring the other strings up to pitch. Make sure that the feet are well seated on the top and that the bridge is not tipped.

Walt

[Philphool]

Also realize that when you're tuning, as you increase the tension on one string, you're actually slightly pulling up on the neck and thereby decreasing the tension to a slight degree on the other strings. So some back & forth is necessary to get the tuning correct on all strings. (Then the humidity changes or the strings stretch, or ..... and you start all over. )

[bigbike]

Most instruments that have a moveable bridge need to have it periodically checked. Mandolin is no different. I am one of those "dreaded" banjo players for several decades now. so playing around with moveable bridges is nothing new to me. The "trick" that most banjo players use- is to LIGHTLY mark where the bridge is (after spending an hour or so, tuning, trying at the 12th fret, then moving the bridge, retuning checking again and then checking again at the 12 fret etc). See no reason why if you were to take a lead pencil and put a small line on each side of the feet or the bridge AFTER you have it correctly positioned. That way the next time you change strings you will have a great starting place. And it should not be off more than a hair.

Of course humidity, different brand, thickness of strings etc will all affect it to a certain degree.

[Al1938]

Does anyone know someone near Whitney, TX that could give me some hands-on help with making sure I have the strings on correctly and positioning of the bridge so I can tune the thing?