Tuning down for shipping?

[Phil1580]

Hi Cafe. Just sold my 1st mando to a lucky new owner. I have seen respected users here say that a mandolin must be tuned down before shipping to avoid damage. Is there a certain amount it should be tuned down? A few steps? Or lots of slack? I wouldn't think it would be a TON....

If this info is needed, it's a Kentucky 150 that will be shipped inside its HSC, which in turn will be inside a box with balled paper packing at either end of case to prevent shifting.

[mrmando]

Read Frank Ford's advice on packing instruments:

http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musi.../packing1.html

When I ship any instrument with a floating bridge, like a Kentucky KM150, I loosen the strings enough to remove the bridge. If the bridge is adjustable I put a rubber band or twist tie around it to hold the saddle in place. Then I wrap it up and put it in the case pocket.

[Jimdalf]

Along with the above advice, you might want to put something soft between the strings and the top of the instrument to prevent scratching.

[trevor]

I receive and send many mandolins. I can't think of many that arrive with the bridge off. Most are de-tuned. I de-tune to send but then some folks complain at that...!

BTW I met Frank last summer, it was fantastic to meet such a legend and incredibly nice guy.

[Folkmusician.com]

The last thing I do before handing the mandolin off for packing is to detune it. Roughly one rotation per tuner ends up being about right. This should still keep the bridge from moving and shipping damage is extremely rare. I did try shipping fully tuned mandolins for a while (many buyers expect the instrument to arrive in tune), but the amount of damage went from a fraction of a percent to unacceptable levels. Violins are one of the only things we ship fully tuned.

[Eddie Sheehy]

I slacken the strings but not enough to allow the bridge to move. It's just a precaution in case the instrument is damaged in shipping - you don't want any real tension on the neck in case of a mishap...