Restringing aid

[Strabo]

When restringing a mandolin, I find it helpful to have a way to hold the instrument steady so I can use both hands to guide and wind the strings onto the posts correctly. I have tried different approaches and finally came up with a support that is inexpensive and works well.

I cut off a 6" piece of a swimming noodle and then carved a groove across it. The mandolin neck fits into the groove and holds the headstock slightly elevated to allow easy access to the posts and tuner buttons. With the instrument in a secure and convenient position, restringing is easy and quick.

Total cost: $0.00 (I already had the swimming noodle).
Total time: 10 minutes (plus 3 years thinking about it).

[George R. Lane]

That is a great ides. I will have to make one. Thanks

[FredK]

I have always restrung guitars and my mandolin with it in my lap. I've been considering using a work table instead for a couple of age-related reasons. This looks like a good idea to keep the headstock elevated and the instrument stable. Will have to give this one a try.

[Mark Wilson]

That is a good idea.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I use a door 'draught excluder' placed on our bed = SOFT !!!,
Ivan

[UsuallyPickin]

Good idea..... several years ago I visited Gruhn's in Nashville and saw a shooters rest on an inspection table. I purchased one the following week. A lap works as I used mine for years too but a bench at the right height is much more comforTABLE hahahaha ….. R/

[Zach Wilson]

Got any other good ideas 'rolling' around in you head? 😂

Alright, I'll go back to my corner now.

[sblock]

I love it! Now, when you're not noodling on your mandolin, you are mandolining on your noodle.

[John Kelly]

Another possiblility is the foam tubing that is used for pipe insulation. I have a couple of neck rests I use in my workshop and they have this material on them. The diameter I use is about 3 inches, but there are various diameters for different sizes of pipe.

[RodCH]

I restring on my bed. Even so, this looks like a great idea.