About done upgrading my MD315
After I decided I wasn't going to sell my MD315, even if and when I get an upgrade mandolin, I relaxed and evaluated what relativity cheap things would I do to the MD315 to maximize its potential.
First, I gave it a speed neck just because it was free (well, cheap anyway - sandpaper cost more than I would have guessed).
The next thing was the tuners. I've worked the original tuners a lot and they just weren't improving. I also wanted the internal K&K twin pickups. Local music stores quoted $150 and $100 to install the pickups. After watching a few YouTube videos, I decided to do it myself and ordered the pickups, along with Grover 309FVN tuners. Since both jobs required removing the strings, might as well do the two jobs at the same time.
Installation this evening was surprisingly easy! I did need to drill screw holes for the outside screws on each tuner plate, and that went smoothly. I used a 1/8 to 1/2 stepping drill bit to enlarge the end strap button hole and the hole in the tail piece and that went smoothly, too. (I tried using a hand reamer for the tail piece but that went too slowly. The stepping drill bit worked perfectly!)
So, I'm almost done upgrading. What is left? I'd like to try medium (for playability) gold EVO (for durability) frets, but for now I'll keep on wearing down the stock frets.
If it were a nicer mandolin, I would be more likely to pay a professional for these kinds of jobs, but doing it myself on the MD315 has given me a whole new level of affection for this little instrument!
Doug Brock
2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles
Bookmarks