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I imagine if I were not going to play the mandolin for a while it would be better to loosen the stings? I sometimes go a few days without playing but what about then? At what point should I think about loosening them? Days? Weeks? A month without playing? I am a total newbie and I am sure this question has been asked and answered but I couldn't find it. Thanks!
I only detune when changing strings or shipping an instrument.
If I let an instrument sit for a long period of time I may detune slightly, but usually simply look in on it every couple of months.
I would think not. Mandolins are designed to perform with the string tension in play (so to speak) and a well-constructed instrument should be just fine even when not being played. I am often astonished when I check the tuning before a gig and find it is still in tune after having been in the case for a few days or a week or even more. Of course, every instrument is different, so YMMV.
Generally - never; unless I was shipping it somewhere or possibly checking it in for a flight.