Do I need a pick up?

[MaggieMae]

My mandolin came with a pick up that was supposed to be installed, but it came loose in shipping. I have it in at the luthier this week for some set up/buzzing correction issues, and I asked him if he could fix the pick up. He said probably so, but that Eastman might do it for free (but I would need to pay shipping to/fro and have the mando out of hand for a while, and no guarantee it wouldn't happen again in transit).

It got me thinking though. I am a dreadful player, so I will not be playing in front of people for years to come, if ever. So, I was wondering if I need a pick up? Perhaps I should ask him to remove it?

Also, hold my hand. I had to leave my baby with someone else, for up to an entire week. What will I do? I will have to practice on my Ibanez, which is in fierce need of a set up and is really difficult to play.

[Brandon Flynn]

My guess is that your luthier could fix it quite cheaply if it's just loose in some way, it would save you the hassle of being without it. If it's some other issue though, Eastman should do it for free. Do you know what kind of pick up it is?

I usually prefer mics over pickup, unless I need a ton of volume and am playing with a large band. Even if you won't be playing in front of anyone anytime soon I'd get it sorted out now.

Also, if you have the cash a basic setup on the Ibanez would be worthwhile, either to make it playable for you or for whoever you might sell it to.

[Jim]

Other than playing in loud environments there is no need for a p/u except personal desire, however the dealer should not send you a broken Mandolin. I do feel you should confront your dealer regarding this. perhaps you could get some money back to put towards repair or setup of that Ibanez.

[MaggieMae]

Oh, that's tricky, as the mandolin was a prize, so I wouldn't feel right saying anything.

I do intend to get the Ibanez set up after I get this Eastman sorted. My husband enjoys playing it a lot.

[Jim]

I would still let Eastman know about problem, nothing to lose.

[mandolinlee]

Hi MaggieMae -
I see you are in Florida. If the instrument was shipped from up North somewhere, the severe cold we are experiencing could have caused the adhesive to let go and the pick-up to rattle around in the body. Especially if it was in an unheated delivery van for a day or so.
Contact the people who shipped it and see if they will make corrections. The Company that shipped it, plus contact the shipper carrier.
Good luck.
Lee

[mandolinlee]

MaggieMae -
Hi, again.
Want to share the details of the Eastman being a prize?
Lee

[MaggieMae]

Oh sure, I won the Mandolin Cafe/Eastman give-away at Christmas. It was the best Christmas present ever!

[mandolinlee]

Hi MaggieMae -
Congratulations! I guess I knew you were the winner, but the old brain is more forgetful everyday.

If memory serves, that pickup is a Shertler, isn't it? Well worth getting it put back in place CORRECTLY.

Good luck and thanks,
Lee

[UsuallyPickin]

Spend a few bucks on the PU remounting. It may not be needed now. But when you do need it , it will be ready ......... R/

[Paul Busman]

Think of the nice callouses you'll develop playing the Ibanez for a week

[roysboy]

Fix the PU . It will keep the price of the mandolin up when you sell it or trade it .