Pinging Sound

[wag1943]

I just Replaced The tail piece On A mandolin mk200s re strung it and ive got a pinging noise on the lowest A string when its picked open everything is fine when its fretted all other strings are ok ????????

[MikeEdgerton]

Try this to determine what the problem is. Take a piece of tissue and fold it a few times then put it between the strings with the problem below the bridge and above the tailpiece. You might have to dampen the strings on both sides of them as well. Does the sound go away?

[G7MOF]

Have you changed the string guage, Is so the bridge may need sone work?

[wag1943]

No The Strings Are the Same gauge

[wag1943]

i tried that but i didnt put anything under the tail piece i wonder if i slackened the strings and slipped a piece of something soft under there would it help ??????

[MikeEdgerton]

Did it stop the sound when you damped those strings? What kind of tailpiece is it?

[wag1943]

no there was no difference...... its a tail piece i got from stu mac donald

[Ben Milne]

Is the tailpiece cover on?
Does it ping without it?

[robster]

The key is that you said it pings when played open, and not when fretted. The problem is at the nut or (significantly less likely) at the tuning peg. Most likely, when you replaced the strings you didn't put a dab of lube (petroleum jelly or one of the many other products availabe) in the nut slot when you replaced the strings. This can cause the string to bind in the nut slot and create odd overtones.

When you tune the string sharper, does it stay on pitch for a while, then squeak and jump up in pitch? If so, your nut slots are too tight and the string is binding. Get out your automotive feeler gauges (best buy around for doing occasional set up work), pull one (or two) that matches the string gauge, cut a couple of notches on the edge of the feeler gauge(s) and use it (them) to widen the slot a little. Make sure to angle the nut slot down towards the tuning peg to assure a clean break at the front of the nut slot - this makes for more accurate intonation.

If you want to do a complete job, file down the exposed top of the nut so that the top half of the string is exposed. This will prevent unwanted buzzing and off tones as well. Use the feeler gauges to measure the clearance of the strings at the first fret. This is a great time to adjust your action.

If this doesn't solve the problem, check how you wound the new strings you just put on. Are they wound over each other, or otherwise constricted/brushing each other at the peg? This could cause your pinging as well. Less likely, but possible.

Let us know how it works out!

Rob
Free copy of my eBook "How to Set Up a Mandolin" for mandolincafe.com members. Email me at rob.meldrum@gmail.com to request your copy.

[wag1943]

I made sure The Nut slot was clean , added some graphite and Alll seems well Now x fingers .. thanks so Much For the Advice guys

[Bill Bradshaw]

I'll take this chance to thank Rob for making his book available. I don't expect to become an expert, but will certainly learn from it.

Bill