Bridge height?

[birdman98]

First time poster here.

I just picked up a gently used Eastman 515. I like it...but am hoping that it will open up more and sound even better within the next few months. The D and A strings are slipping out of tune a bit more frequently than I'd like. I'm hoping this will even out as the instrument adjusts to its new environment.

The previous owner had the bridge at full height...so the strings are as high off the board as possible. I know this helps with projection and volume, but there is a sacrifice in playability. (Am i right on this?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?)

I was wondering at what height do most of you keep your bridges. Do you go for volume or low-action playability?

Fact is, I'd love to have it professionally adjusted but the purchase itself has me completely cash-strapped for now. Any advice on how I could tweak it at home without getting over my head would be much appreciated.

THANKS!

[mandroid]

If there are no other issues, like fingerboard , and thus frets not flat,
with an adjustable bridge try loosening the string tension, first, to make it easier , start at what is lowest, string will touch 2nd fret or 3rd when you press down on the first. with tension off, then you can turn the thumb wheel up till it stops buzzing , play string if it buzzes when played strongly , , tweak it up a bit more..
my thick pick stays trapped under strings at the 12th fret when I put it there ..
like a 1.5 to 2mm feeler guage. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[JEStanek]

Welcome to the Cafe!

Use Frets.com (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/pagelist.html) as a good resource. I like a lower action but volume isn't a high priority for me. FWIW, my Eastman's bridge is pretty high up (seems a common thing on the Eastmans). If you should lower it a good bit you may have to adjust the position of your bridge for good intonation up the neck.

If the D and A strings slip check the screws on the tuners too.
Jamie

[birdman98]

Thanks for the advice!

[manicmando]

i like the action high on my Eastman as i do on my Guild and my Les Paul i feel its easier to grab the strings when taking lead breaks but just my opinion

[Tim2723]

I like a moderately high action, but every player will have their own preferences. I do think that adjusting bridge height and placement is something that should be mastered by every player, as the need arises often enough that a tech shouldn't be called in on every occasion.