I need to send an Eastman MD315 from Japan back to the US for a setup. Any recommendations on luthiers? Have found luthiers in Tokyo, but the language barrier is an issue.
I need to send an Eastman MD315 from Japan back to the US for a setup. Any recommendations on luthiers? Have found luthiers in Tokyo, but the language barrier is an issue.
I heard those Folkmusician guys are pretty good.
When I saw your previous thread, it didn't dawn on me that you may be able to use Military mail. That should make it quite a bit more affordable to get back and forth to the USA.
Robert Fear
http://www.folkmusician.com
"Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
" - Pete Seeger
Robert,
What address should I ship the mandolin to?
Can't go wrong there, Gunny!
Mr. Fear will take care of ya,
Doc
1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed
"Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
"If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
"I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
"Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel
Ditto to DataNivk's comments. If you want to know what a real set-up is, Robert's website gives a stellar description.
...Steve
Current Stable: Two Tenor Guitars (Martin 515, Blueridge BR-40T), a Tenor Banjo (Deering GoodTime 17-Fret), a Mandolin (Burgess #7). two Banjo-Ukes and five Ukuleles..
The inventory is always in some flux, but that's part of the fun.
Thanks Doc. No luck with mandolin experts here on island. Not too confident in my skills on doing the setup and would rather have it done professionally. Also having problems finding strings. One music store did have D'addario J67 nickel strings. Any thoughts on those?
Appreciate all of the advice. Since I am new to the mandolin just want to make sure I am starting off on the right foot. Think I have found a solid instrument in the MD315 and want to make sure it is setup properly.
Might as well grab a bunch from Folk Musician if you are already going to ship it out there.
Gunny,
I use J75s on alll my mandos; if you want to maximize volume and low-end response, I don't think you can do any better...
Doc
1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed
"Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
"If you wanna get soul Baby, you gots to get the scroll..."
"I would rather play music anyday for the beggar, the thief, and the fool!"
"Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel
+1 on j75's, I use them on my 315.....however since the OP is a beginner I would probably stick with 74's or equivalent for comfort until you get them caliuses built up some. Would help make it that much easier IMO.
George Youngblood - contact him through Acoustic Music in Guilford, CT www.acousticmusic.org
I should add that this is not meant to detract from the folks at folkmusician.com.
It's just that George is the one who set up my 315 and I thought he did a very nice job.
CeeCee, Self-appointed Supreme Arbiter of All that is Good, Just, and True
1 Spousal Unit, 4 cats
1919 Gibson A1, Girouard custom F5, Collings MF, Northfield F5-S, Eastman 815, Eastman 514, Eastman 315, JBovier ELS-VC electric mando
The difference between theory and practice is smaller in theory than it is in practice. anon
Robert Fear
http://www.folkmusician.com
"Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
" - Pete Seeger
That will be one fine playing mando once Robert gets done with it. I second the thought of the j74's, maybe Robert can pack some sets in the case when he sends it. It would be great to get your thoughts on how it plays when you get it back!
Kentucky KM 140 (Sold)
Weber-Made The Loar
Eastwood Mandocaster (Sold)
Kala SMHC Concert Uke (Sold)
1910 Gibson A-1
The Loar LM 700
Washburn B8K Banjo
Recording King RA 998-E resonator
1923 Gibson F-4 with double stamped FON
As soon as it makes it back to Japan, I will let everyone know how she sounds. Thanks everyone for the help and advice given to this newbie!!!!
OK, the 315 is on its way back to Gunny!
The fret ends were protruding and sharp. Filed these down.
Bridge foot wasn't fit well and was leaning forward. Refit this.
Some fret issues. Nothing too bad, just not perfectly level. Leveled and dressed these.
The nut was a bit high on a couple of strings. Brought these down and cleaned up the top.
End pin was loose. Fixed this, it now has a really snug fit.
There was too much relief in the neck and the truss rod nut felt tight. The nut was slightly digging in to the washer. Pulled the nut, sanded/polished up the back side and edges, lubed the threads and now it is working much better. It was able to pull the neck flat. I didn't test to see if it would go into a back bow.
Finished all of the basic adjustments, set the action relief and intonated pretty close.
Put on a fresh set of J74s and fine tuned the action and intonation and it is playing great.
Robert Fear
http://www.folkmusician.com
"Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
" - Pete Seeger
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